Is Lavender Safe for Cats? All You Need to Know

Lavender essential oil is a highly concentrated extract from the plant. This pleasantly scented oil has been  acknowledged to have calming and sedating effects as well as being effective in treating some infections, alleviating pain, and even promoting wound healing in humans. However, it is also unsafe for your fur baby.

Lavender essential oil  contains borneol, camphor, and eucalyptol, all of which are toxic to cats if ingested or inhaled.

Additionally, there have been reports of adverse effects like drooling, muscle tremors, hypothermia, and even depression in cats who ingested lavender products containing linalool. It is therefore essential to avoid applying lavender essential oils on your pet as it can penetrate your cat's skin and cause adverse effects. Likewise, if you enjoy lavender-scented sprays, then you will need to prevent your pet from accessing areas in which you use them to avoid inhalation and respiratory tract irritation.

Dried lavender is only mildly toxic to cats, as it has a lower concentration of harmful compounds when compared to the oil. While ingesting small amounts of dried lavender may cause only an upset stomach, it can be dangerous in large quantities.

Therefore, to keep your pet safe, you must keep dried lavender sachets or potpourri out of your cat's reach.

Now you know that while lavender may be beneficial for you, the same does not apply to your cat. So what are the  potential risks associated with lavender exposure through essential oils, dried flowers, or other products? We will discuss some effects of lavender poisoning below.

• Gastrointestinal problems: Ingesting lavender can cause gastrointestinal issues like appetite loss, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats.

• Neurological problems: Severe cases of lavender toxicity can also lead to uncoordinated movements, tremors, seizures, and even coma.

• Respiratory irritation: Inhaling lavender essential oil from scent diffusers can irritate your pet's respiratory tract, causing coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Furthermore, inhaling lavender oil can aggravate symptoms in cats with conditions like asthma or heart problems.

• Skin irritation : Direct application of lavender essential oils can cause signs of inflammation like skin redness, swelling, and blistering in cats.

• Behavioral changes: Lavender poisoning has also been shown to induce behavioral changes like increased vocalization and aggression.

• Other signs of lavender poisoning in cats include drooling, lethargy, and weakness.

• Prevent access to lavender plants : Keep your lavender pots out of your cat's reach. You can also avoid planting lavender in your garden or ensuring the garden is off-limits to your cat if you already have a lavender plant.

• Avoid lavender products : Never apply lavender essential oils directly on your cat as this can cause skin irritation. Likewise, lavender-scented air fresheners or soaps should also be used with caution. These products can get inhaled resulting in respiratory tract irritation, or settle on your cat's skin resulting in ingestion as your pet grooms itself. It's best to stick to veterinary-recommended alternatives, as these are safer and healthier for your pet.

• Store lavender products properly: If you must use lavender sachets, candles, essential oils, or air fresheners, it is essential to store them carefully in a cabinet or closet so that your cat cannot access them. Additionally, it is important to use them for yourself only in areas where your cat has no access.

• Observe your pet for symptoms: Consult your veterinarian if you suspect that your cat has ingested lavender or if it shows any abnormal symptoms like drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Lavender toxicity can occur if your cat ingests or inhales lavender. Symptoms of lavender toxicity include drooling, lethargy, gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and in severe cases, coma. To avoid lavender poisoning, keep lavender plants out of reach of cats and store your lavender products properly.