Pet emergency
My cat ate Munstead Lavender — what to do
Step by step
- Take munstead lavender away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- 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 munstead lavender — FAQ
Is munstead lavender poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead') as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with linalool and linalyl acetate as the toxic principles and signs including nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and inappetence. Brief nibbling of the plant typically causes only mild GI upset, but concentrated lavender essential oil poses a greater risk, particularly to cats.
How serious is it if my cat ate munstead lavender?
Munstead Lavender 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. The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with linalool and linalyl acetate as the toxic principles and signs including nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and inappetence. Brief nibbling of the plant typically causes only mild GI upset, but concentrated lavender essential oil poses a greater risk, particularly to cats. 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 munstead lavender well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is munstead lavender toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Munstead Lavender and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide