Is English Lavender toxic to cats?

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

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 — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to english 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.

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

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.