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Is Broad-Leaved Lavender toxic to cats?

Lavandula latifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — broad-leaved lavender is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Lavandula spp. as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles linalool and linalyl acetate cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate broad-leaved lavender

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move broad-leaved lavender out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of broad-leaved lavender to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten broad-leaved lavender, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is broad-leaved lavender toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is broad-leaved lavender toxic to cats?

Yes — broad-leaved lavender is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Lavandula spp. as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles linalool and linalyl acetate cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats broad-leaved lavender?

ASPCA lists Lavandula spp. as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles linalool and linalyl acetate cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite on ingestion. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to broad-leaved lavender.

What should I do if my cat ate broad-leaved lavender?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is broad-leaved lavender toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Broad-Leaved Lavender is toxic to dogs as well. See the full broad-leaved lavender pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to broad-leaved lavender?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full broad-leaved lavender pet-safety