Pet safety
Is English Lavendertoxic to cats & dogs?
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
Is english lavender safe for cats and dogs?
No — english lavender is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principles are linalool and linalyl acetate, with reported signs of nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and loss of appetite. Casual nibbling of the fresh plant usually causes only mild GI upset, but concentrated lavender essential oil is considerably more dangerous, especially to cats, which cannot efficiently metabolise these compounds.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats english lavender?
The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principles are linalool and linalyl acetate, with reported signs of nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and loss of appetite. Casual nibbling of the fresh plant usually causes only mild GI upset, but concentrated lavender essential oil is considerably more dangerous, especially to cats, which cannot efficiently metabolise these compounds. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to english lavender, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate english lavender
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move english lavender out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of english lavender to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to english lavender
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
English Lavender and pets — frequently asked questions
Is english lavender toxic to cats?
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principles are linalool and linalyl acetate, with reported signs of nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and loss of appetite. Casual nibbling of the fresh plant usually causes only mild GI upset, but concentrated lavender essential oil is considerably more dangerous, especially to cats, which cannot efficiently metabolise these compounds. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is english lavender toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like english lavender is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats english lavender?
The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principles are linalool and linalyl acetate, with reported signs of nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and loss of appetite. Casual nibbling of the fresh plant usually causes only mild GI upset, but concentrated lavender essential oil is considerably more dangerous, especially to cats, which cannot efficiently metabolise these compounds. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to english lavender, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate english lavender?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of english lavender to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to english lavender?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full english lavender care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete english lavender care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.