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If your cat ate east indian lemongrass — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

East Indian Lemongrass is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate East Indian Lemongrass — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take east indian lemongrass away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate east indian lemongrass — FAQ

Is east indian lemongrass poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists East Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) as toxic to cats. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon). Toxic principles are essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides. Dogs and cats typically show stomach upset and vomiting; horses can suffer more severe signs. Keep pets from grazing it and avoid concentrated lemongrass oil entirely.

How serious is it if my cat ate east indian lemongrass?

East Indian Lemongrass is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon). Toxic principles are essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides. Dogs and cats typically show stomach upset and vomiting; horses can suffer more severe signs. Keep pets from grazing it and avoid concentrated lemongrass oil entirely. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep east indian lemongrass well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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