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Pet safety

Is Lemongrass toxic to cats?

Cymbopogon citratus

Toxic to cats

Yes — 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 lists Cymbopogon citratus as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils (citral and geraniol). Large amounts cause vomiting and depression; small culinary uses are tolerated.

What to do if your cat ate lemongrass

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

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

Is lemongrass toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lemongrass toxic to cats?

Yes — lemongrass is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Cymbopogon citratus as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils (citral and geraniol). Large amounts cause vomiting and depression; small culinary uses are tolerated.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lemongrass?

ASPCA lists Cymbopogon citratus as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils (citral and geraniol). Large amounts cause vomiting and depression; small culinary uses are tolerated. 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 lemongrass.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to 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 lemongrass pet-safety