Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is French Lavender toxic to cats?

Lavandula dentata

Toxic to cats

Yes — french 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. The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to linalool and linalyl acetate, with signs of nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and loss of appetite. Lavandula dentata is the same aromatic genus and shares these compounds, so it is treated as toxic; nibbling the plant usually causes mild GI upset, while concentrated lavender essential oil is more hazardous, especially to cats.

What to do if your cat ate french lavender

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

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

Is french lavender toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is french lavender toxic to cats?

Yes — french 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 due to linalool and linalyl acetate, with signs of nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and loss of appetite. Lavandula dentata is the same aromatic genus and shares these compounds, so it is treated as toxic; nibbling the plant usually causes mild GI upset, while concentrated lavender essential oil is more hazardous, especially to cats.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats french lavender?

The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to linalool and linalyl acetate, with signs of nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and loss of appetite. Lavandula dentata is the same aromatic genus and shares these compounds, so it is treated as toxic; nibbling the plant usually causes mild GI upset, while concentrated lavender essential oil is more hazardous, especially to cats. 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 french lavender.

What should I do if my cat ate french 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 french lavender toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to french 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 french lavender pet-safety