Both the plant and its dried flowers are toxic to cats. The ASPCA classifies lavender as toxic because of linalool and linalyl acetate, present in its essential oils, which can cause vomiting in cats and dogs when ingested; concentrates are the most potent. Contact your vet if your cat does become exposed.
The Reason Why Lavender and Cats Aren’t Great Companions
Many plant chemicals are poorly metabolized by cats; like essential oils some plant compounds are cleared via liver enzymes that cats have in limited number, leaving a higher toxic potential.
Is Lavender Safe for Cats?
No. According to the ASPCA, lavender (Lavandula spp.) to be toxic for cats on the basis of linalool and linalyl acetate which are claimed to be the toxic principles. Anticipated signs are vomiting and inappetence. The severity of reaction is dose and formulation dependent, with the highest risk from essential oils.
Why Essential Oils and Scented Candles – Can Be Dangerous
EOs easily penetrate the skin when applied, and are absorbed through the GI tract and lungs; highly concentrated EOs further potentiates their effects. Signs of intoxication may occur within minutes to hours, and may include vomiting, depression, hypersalivation, ataxia; seizures, hypothermia or organ damage can follow with severe poisoning. Dilute in a carrying oil before applying on pets.
On Diffusers
Veterinary and toxicology sources warn that aerosolized oils can be irritating to airways and, in some cases, lead to aspiration/“foreign-body” pneumonia. They do not recommend using diffusers around pets – let alone particularly if your cat has respiratory issues. If a diffuser is used at all, according to APCC it should be for brief periods of time in an area that a pet cannot access with ample ventilation.
Types of Lavender Exposure and Risks
Lavender essential oil (diffused or topical): Highest risk; amount on the skin or fur can cause GI and neurologic signs, ingestion during grooming could be toxic, may also result in respiratory irritation.
Lavender plant (fresh or dried): Ingestion can cause GI upset; keep plants and sachets out of reach.
Lavender-scented products (sprays, shampoos, potpourri): Oils can remain on an animal’s fur for months and be ingested during grooming; liquid potpourris can also damage mouth/skin.
Signs of Lavender (and Essential Oil) Poisoning in Cats
Vomiting/drooling, depression and inappetence are common clinical signs; incoordination is seen in dogs, while cats develop hyperemia (reddening of the skin) with pawing at the mouth. Coughing or wheezing, irritation of the skin/eye effects; tremors (rare), hypothermia/bradycardia; and organ damage may also occur if ingestion was large enough. Symptoms can begin minutes to hours after exposure.
If Your Cat Comes into Contact with Lavender
Get the source (plant, oil or diffuser) out of there and get your cat into fresh air.
Do not induce vomiting and do not administer home remedy (such as charcoal) unless instructed by a professional veterinarian.
Contact your veterinarian or a poison hotline quickly, have product information available and if possible the timing.
If oil comes into contact with fur/skin: shampoo immediately with dish washing liquid (like what Vets use for de-greasing).
Cat-Safe Alternatives to Lavender
Pheromone-based products (e.g., Feliway): The evidence for FFPA (F3 pheromone analogue) reducing some types of stress behaviours (scratching, clinic-visit stress) is mixed depending on the outcome.
Calming supplements (L-theanine and others): Open-label studies in cats suggest benefit, but such data are not placebo-controlled; use under your vet’s guidance.
Environmental enrichment: scratching posts, puzzle feeders, vertical space and predictable play; stress reducers that wouldn’t have to add fragrance (based on best-practice veterinary advice).
Fragrance-free odor control: Opt for unscented cleaners and activated-carbon/HEPA air purifiers over essential-oil-powered room deodorizers. (General poison-control advice is that scented oils should be kept away from pets.)
Expert Take: Why Cats Are Sensitive to Essential Oils
Cats have a limited capacity for glucuronidation in the liver, making them more susceptible to toxic components of essential oils. It is for this reason that oils such as the tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender are often associated with feline toxicoses.
How to Keep Cats Calm – Without Lavender!!
Lavender is toxic to cats, and essential oils are the most potent. Do not allow cats to come into contact with lavender plants, oils or oil-based products; if they do, consider it grounds for calling your vet or a poison hotline. To keep the peace (and the smell) turn to pheromone tools, enrichment and same scent techniques instead.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a lavender diffuser in another room?
It’s not a good idea if your cat is free-roaming or has respiratory disease. If used at all, this should only be short-term in a secure location away from your pet with good ventilation.
Q2: Will a brief sniff of lavender plant be bad for your cat?
Brief exposure to ambient odors is less risky than full body contact or ingestion, but some sensitive cats can still become irritated. Avoid leaving plants accessible for chewing/grooming.
Q3: Are dried lavender sachets safe to use?
No, eating can even still make your GI uncomfortable, and concentrated fragrance irritates one’s airways. Store securely away from pets.
Q4: What essential oils are okay for cats?
There’s no definitive list of “safe” essential oils for cats. Contraindicated to apply neat or expose skin directly to concentrated oils.
Q5: My cat licked lavender lotion off of my skin – what comes next?
Rub your pet’s mouth/fur with a wet cloth and call the vet or poison hotline for case-specific advice. Do not try to make the person vomit or give home remedies unless instructed.
Q6: What’s the best and safest way to deodorize my home with cats?
Opt for scent-free cleaners, improve ventilation and think about activated-carbon/HEPA filtration instead of scented oils, plug-ins or incense.
Dr. Johnson Coleman is a dedicated veterinary expert with over 10 years of hands-on experience in animal health and wellness. His mission is to help pets live longer, happier lives through compassionate care, practical guidance, and a genuine love for animals.
After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, Dr. Coleman spent a decade working in both private clinics and community shelters, where he gained deep expertise in preventive medicine, pet nutrition, and behavioral care.
He believes that pet owners deserve reliable, easy-to-understand information about their companions’ health. Through his writing, Dr. Coleman breaks down complex veterinary topics into friendly, actionable advice that helps readers make informed decisions for their pets.
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Coleman volunteers with local animal rescue groups and enjoys spending time outdoors with his two golden retrievers. His lifelong dedication to animal welfare continues to inspire his work and connect with pet lovers around the world.
