Pet safety
Is Munstead Lavender toxic to cats?
Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'
Yes — munstead 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, with linalool and linalyl acetate as the toxic principles and signs including nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and inappetence. Brief nibbling of the plant typically causes only mild GI upset, but concentrated lavender essential oil poses a greater risk, particularly to cats.
What to do if your cat ate munstead lavender
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move munstead lavender out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of munstead lavender to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten munstead lavender, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is munstead lavender toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is munstead lavender toxic to cats?
Yes — munstead 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, with linalool and linalyl acetate as the toxic principles and signs including nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and inappetence. Brief nibbling of the plant typically causes only mild GI upset, but concentrated lavender essential oil poses a greater risk, particularly to cats.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats munstead lavender?
The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with linalool and linalyl acetate as the toxic principles and signs including nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and inappetence. Brief nibbling of the plant typically causes only mild GI upset, but concentrated lavender essential oil poses a greater risk, particularly 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 munstead lavender.
What should I do if my cat ate munstead 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 munstead lavender toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Munstead Lavender is toxic to dogs as well. See the full munstead lavender pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to munstead 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 munstead lavender pet-safety
- Is munstead lavender toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is munstead lavender toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate munstead lavender — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete munstead lavender care guide