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Is Spanish Lavender toxic to cats?

Lavandula stoechas

Toxic to cats

Yes — spanish 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) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles are linalool and linalyl acetate; signs include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Keep plants and any lavender essential oil away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate spanish lavender

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

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

Is spanish lavender toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spanish lavender toxic to cats?

Yes — spanish 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) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles are linalool and linalyl acetate; signs include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Keep plants and any lavender essential oil away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spanish lavender?

The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles are linalool and linalyl acetate; signs include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Keep plants and any lavender essential oil away from pets. 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 spanish lavender.

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

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

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