Lavender is a popular herbaceous plant praised for its aroma and calming properties in people, which may cause you to wonder if it's safe for cats. Unfortunately, lavender is neither safe nor beneficial for cats. Although it's unlikely to cause a life-threatening issue, lavender exposure can cause some unpleasant effects in cats that may require veterinary attention.

Here's what you need to know about lavender and cats and how to keep your cat safe around the plant.

Is Lavender Safe for Cats?

Lavender is considered toxic to cats according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center. This is primarily due to the presence of the chemical compounds linalool and linalyl acetate, which can irritate the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tracts of cats. In addition, these chemicals are metabolized in the liver and may cause liver damage.

Cats may be exposed to lavender by ingesting the plant (fresh or dried), inhaling or licking the essential oil, or coming into contact with products that contain lavender. Fortunately, lavender exposure is unlikely to be fatal and tends to cause only mild to moderate toxicity.

Linalool and linalyl acetate contribute to lavender's scent and actually work to defend the plant against insects. In fact, lavender is sometimes used as an ingredient in insect repellants. However, the plant is most commonly used as a fragrance, calming aid, and health supplement for people.

There are around 40 varieties of lavender, all with similar chemical structures and toxic potential. These plants belong to the genus Lavendula, and the most common forms are English and French lavender. The herbal plant can be grown in gardens and pots, dried and used in products, or made into an essential oil. However, it's not a good idea to keep any form of lavender around your cat.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is a concentrated plant extract often used in scent diffusers to introduce a pleasant aroma to an environment. It's also used as a fragrance in perfumes, candles, soaps, and various personal care products. Because it's highly concentrated, lavender essential oil is the most dangerous form of lavender to use around cats.

Ingesting just a small amount can make your cat sick, and direct contact with the skin may cause irritation. Even worse, inhaling lavender oil can lead to respiratory issues, especially in cats with asthma. And if you wonder about its calming potential, there's no evidence that lavender has this effect on cats. You'll have more success with alternatives, such as pheromone diffusers or supplements.

Lavender that has been added to products like soaps and lotions may be less toxic if your cat gets exposed, but be aware that these products can contain other dangerous ingredients. Never use human products on cats without a veterinary recommendation. It's best to stick with veterinary-approved products that are known to be safe for cats.

Lavender Plant

The lavender plant may be harmful to cats if ingested, but your cat would need to eat a large amount to get seriously sick. Brushing up against the plant should not cause any harm, but many cats like to explore the plants in their environment and will eventually nibble on them. While a few bites of lavender are unlikely to cause serious toxicity, it can still make your cat feel unwell. If you want to keep lavender plants in or around your home, it's best to keep them out of reach of curious kitties.

Dried Lavender

Like the plant, dried lavender can mildly irritate the GI tract if your cat eats a small amount and may be toxic if your cat eats a lot. Be sure to keep dried lavender out of your cat's reach, including fragrance sachets that you might use to freshen up your home. Some companies make toys for cats that contain dried lavender inside. While there is no evidence that these toys are harmful, breaking open the toy and eating the lavender could technically lead to GI upset.

Signs of Lavender Toxicity in Cats

Lavender exposure can affect cats differently depending on their sensitivity. Ingesting the plant or essential oil can lead to GI irritation and liver damage. Contact with the skin or eyes can cause inflammation and discomfort. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following in your cat:

• Lethargy
• Drooling or nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Skin redness and inflammation
• Sneezing and/or wheezing
• Eye discharge or excessive tearing

What To Do in Case of Lavender Poisoning

Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has eaten lavender. Make note of the time and amount ingested, if known. While lavender exposure is not likely to cause an emergency situation, your cat will need prompt treatment to address the uncomfortable effects.

Your vet may advise you to bring your cat in for an exam or to call a poison hotline such as ASPCA or PetPoisonHelpline. Never try to induce vomiting at home—this is difficult to accomplish and, more importantly, it can be dangerous to your cat.

Cat-Safe Alternatives to Lavender 

Many people choose scents like lavender to keep their homes smelling fresh, but it may be best to keep your home clean and aired out rather than add scents into your cat's environment. While not all aromas are harmful to cats, many are unpleasant to their sensitive noses. You can use a pet-safe odor-eliminator product such as Angry Orange to clean up pet smells and an air purifier to keep your home fresh.

If you're looking for a calming scent to relax your cat, there are safer and more effective options than lavender.

• Environmental enrichment is the best way to create a low-stress home for your cat. Kitties enjoy scratching posts, high perches, and plenty of playtime and exercise so they can act out their natural behaviors and engage all of their senses. By modifying your cat's environment, you can reduce stress without the need for aromatherapy.
• Pheromone products, such as Feliway, can reduce stress in some cats and can even help reduce some unwanted behaviors. These products are typically available as diffusers, sprays, and collars.
• Calming supplements made specifically for cats can be helpful when used under veterinary supervision. These products contain cat-safe ingredients that promote relaxation, such as L-theanine and thiamine.
• Catnip can actually reduce stress in some cats. They are often attracted to the scent and may experience euphoric effects followed by a satisfying nap.

If your cat seems to be experiencing significant stress, talk to your veterinarian about safe treatment options. Cats with severe anxiety may benefit from a prescription medication along with behavior modification to reduce stress. Your veterinarian can refer you to a certified animal behavior professional for help.