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Is Citronella Grass toxic to cats?

Cymbopogon nardus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists citronella grass as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Cymbopogon nardus (citronella grass) as toxic to dogs and cats, noting it can cause symptoms including skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea), muscle weakness, and depression if ingested in significant quantities. The essential oils are the primary irritant. Keep pets away from the plant and especially away from concentrated citronella oil products.

What to do if your cat ate citronella grass

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move citronella grass 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 citronella grass to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is citronella grass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is citronella grass toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists citronella grass as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. The ASPCA lists Cymbopogon nardus (citronella grass) as toxic to dogs and cats, noting it can cause symptoms including skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea), muscle weakness, and depression if ingested in significant quantities. The essential oils are the primary irritant. Keep pets away from the plant and especially away from concentrated citronella oil products.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats citronella grass?

The ASPCA lists Cymbopogon nardus (citronella grass) as toxic to dogs and cats, noting it can cause symptoms including skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea), muscle weakness, and depression if ingested in significant quantities. The essential oils are the primary irritant. Keep pets away from the plant and especially away from concentrated citronella oil products. 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 citronella grass.

What should I do if my cat ate citronella grass?

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 citronella grass toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Citronella Grass is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full citronella grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to citronella grass?

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 citronella grass pet-safety