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Is East Indian Lemongrass toxic to cats?

Cymbopogon flexuosus

Toxic to cats

Yes — east indian lemongrass 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-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.

What to do if your cat ate east indian lemongrass

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

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

Is east indian lemongrass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is east indian lemongrass toxic to cats?

Yes — east indian lemongrass is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats east indian lemongrass?

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. 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 east indian lemongrass.

What should I do if my cat ate east indian lemongrass?

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 east indian lemongrass toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: East Indian Lemongrass is toxic to dogs as well. See the full east indian lemongrass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to east indian lemongrass?

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 east indian lemongrass pet-safety