The most common species is Lavendula angustifolia and it is the type most often used in making essential oils. Another alternative is peppermint but it is also not a safe way to get rid of fleas from your cat. Your veterinarian can recommend medications, both oral and topical, that will fix your cat's problems. The only insects that seem to have a tolerance for lavender are butterflies and honeybees, the two insects you actually want in your garden. Lavender contains a chemical called linalool that is only stronger in concentration in lavender essential oils. However, that’s not the case. Beyond those outward signs, cats may experience dizzy spells, nausea, a low heart rate or respiratory distress. Is Lavender Oil Safe For Cats? Lavender falls into the “a whole lot will cause an upset stomach” category. Join our mailing list to receive the latest recalls notices, news and other updates from our team. Is lavender oil safe for cats to breathe? According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the problem for felines is that their livers don’t have the enzyme necessary to metabolize the essential oil (humans do). Loves a good book (about animals) and playing the piano. My cats are usually satisfied with the lavender fragrance, and they have never shown any signs of poisoning. As stated above, every cat is unique and may react differently. However, if you use lavender essential oils, they aren’t safe for cats. Essential oils vaporize easily (this is also why we love using them in diffusers), which means they absorb quickly if ingested or rubbed on skin. Just some of them. This gorgeous plant with bright purple blossoms covers the south of France and smells like actual floral heaven, but is a big no-no for felines, especially in essential oil form. Are you sure you want to remove this item from your Recipe Box? If you’re holding your kitty and her breathing or heart rate feels erratic, she could be having lung trouble. The North American Essential Oil and Aromatherapy Experts has explored essential oils safe for cats, as well as many veterinarians and pet wellness explorers. Coconut Oil For Cats - Uses, Benefits And Risks, Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter? Under no circumstances should a cat be fed lavender essential oil nor should it be left where curious little tongues can lap at it. There are 47 separate species of the genus Lavendula. It might seem that lavender is safe for cats since it has a good smell. The real risk of lavender toxicity for cats comes from lavender essential oil. Find one that will suit both you and your cat. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Natural doesn't always mean safe, so consult with your veterinarian. And, if any droplets land on your cat, they can get sick from licking their paws later. However, it depends on the amount. Pets can safely inhale and ingest lavender however, you should make sure to start them on low doses to gauge their reaction. Frankincense is safe and lavender is not. Tea Tree Oil And Cats - Is It Safe For Them Or Toxic? But what makes the plant safe for cats and not the oil? Because lavender is so ubiquitous and has such a pleasing aroma, some pet parents might think it would be good for their cat. We mentioned bergamot earlier, but don’t forget to add tea tree oil, aloe, chamomile, cinnamon oil, chives, pine oil, peppermint oil, citrus oil, eucalyptus and St. John’s Wort to the list of plants toxic to cats. Animal adoption advocate. The general picture drawn from the Internet, as to whether lavender is safe for cats, is that it is unsafe but I don’t think the answer to the question is as black-and-white as people make out. This gorgeous plant with bright purple blossoms covers the south of France and smells like actual floral heaven, but is a big no-no for felines, especially in essential oil form. Overconsumption of the plant may not result in death, but Kitty may experience nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite. If you really want to try lavender oil as a flea repellent on your cat, at least use commercially produced products rather than anything homebrewed. Cats and Lavender: Is it Safe? Since ancient times, an infusion of lavender has been an important ingredient in soap making and scenting bath water. The safe thing to do is avoid using lavender essential oil in these diffusers if you have one. Overconsumption of the plant may not result in death, but Kitty may experience nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite. The simple answer here is concentration. The lesser-known alternative to catnip and silver vine, valerian also acts as a stimulant on cats. A tea made with lavender is sweet with citrus notes. In Disney's film adaptation of the beloved musical Into the Woods it is specifically lavender blossoms that the Big Bad Wolf persuades Little Red Riding Hood to gather in a bouquet for Granny. Lavender scents may or may not help your cat calm down. Studies have proven—through science—that lavender decreases anxiety in humans. Bummer, right? What Are The Dangers Of It? You don’t have to avoid flowers altogether! © 2010-2021 Wow Media Products, Inc doing business as PureWow. Finally, lots of sneezing or wheezing could be a sign she’s ingested lavender. This quick absorption applies to humans and animals. Lavender buds can flavor both sweet and savory dishes and pairs well with chocolate. The whorl shaped flowers grow on spikes and are generally the pale purple color that shares its name with the flower though some wild species are blue, yellow or blackish purple. Many essential oils — including lavender oil — are toxic to cats and should never be given to cats orally or applied topically, in my opinion. Based on my experience, I can say that they are safe for cats. If you plan to use it, observe your cat to see if he has unexpected reactions. Also, avoid cosmetics, sprays, perfumes, and any other product, including those for a topical application with lavender essential oil. Still, resist temptation to diffuse around your cat. Lavender essential oil (like all other essential oils) is concentrated which means the enzymes can be up to 2000 times stronger than those of the plants it is extracted from. Is Lavender Oil Safe For Cats? If you spilled a few drops onto her fur, bathe her gently in warm water with cat-friendly shampoo. We promise not to share your information. A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. The flower has a sweet, softly musky scent. Your mileage may vary. A. So, is lavender safe for cats? Fresh lavender is not toxic to felines, only the essential oils derived from the plants are. baby shampoo or better yet, shampoo specially formulated for cats. My three cuties like chamomile and sweet basil essential oils, too. Never created a password? You could create a scented garden, as some animals enjoy honeysuckle and … Using lavender scented products yourself may not harm your cat. Lavender contains a chemical called linalool that is only stronger in concentration in lavender essential oils. When using essential oils around cats, be sure to keep a scent-free room in your living environment for them to retreat to. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. Inhaling diffused lavender oil might not harm your cat, but keep the room ventilated and make sure she can leave the room should she find the smell unpleasant. Usually, mild irritation can be solved by separating the lavender and the cat for good. Are essential oils safe for felines? Is It A Safe Snack For…. In some cats, lavender can do just the opposite! Is it safe for my pet to ingest and inhale lavender essential oil? In the language of flowers, lavender symbolizes the girl becoming a woman as well as caution. Sign up for PureWow to get more ideas like these (It’s free!). If your cat has been showing signs of anxiety (inappropriate urination or scratching for example) extra playtime may be what she needs to calm down and burn off energy. A good rule of thumb is to check with a vet or reliable animal organization before introducing any new plant, herb or food into your cat's diet. Is lavender essential oil safe for cats? Considering the average cat sleeps between 16 to 20 hours a day, does she really need to be any more relaxed? Create one here. If you really want to use an herbal supplement, valerian or chamomile might be better choices. If she'll put up with a bath, try that. Since cats metabolize differently, the low doses should be spread further apart and monitored closely. Lavender is certainly not safe for ingestion. Moderation is the key and I think most cats are good at the moderation part on … Here’s a short video about essential oils and cats: Lavender oil is very unsafe for catsand any amount of it which have in your home must be kept somewhere that your cat cannot possibly access it. I AM the Universe!”. If you have lavender oil in a diffuser, put it where Kitty can't get to it. Please Stop Saying That My Child Looks Nothing Like Me, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Not so much for your cat. Some collars are infused with lavender and advertise as being good for calming cats. And don’t worry, the sleeping cat in the photo above is safe. Lola The Rescued Cat. This is a popular question and one that draws mixed views among cat parents. These oils can be dangerous for your cats or dogs whether they are applied directly to their skin, ingested, or diffused around them. Bummer, right? The essential oil in particular should be kept far away from your four footed friend. Because an essential oil is so concentrated, the natural enzymes in them can be anywhere from 500 to even 2000 times stronger than the original plant. Are lavender plants safe for cats? Lavender, while not the most toxic substance, is not really something your cat needs. Livers detoxify the body, and when a cat’s liver is invaded by something it can’t process, its systems go haywire. There are plenty of other natural options to explore. Some products that are designed to repel cats even contain lavender. If she lapped up a giant pool of lavender essential oil or chomped down on a bunch of lavender sprigs, it’s best to reach out to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center or your vet ASAP. A better choice might be to use lavender on flea infested carpets and furniture, spread thinly or tucked between cushions where your cat is unlikely to ingest it. Basically, in any form, lavender can make your kitty sick as heck. The safe thing to do is avoid using lavender essential oil in these diffusers if you have one. Lavender essential oil - Whether it will be safe or not for your cat, depends on the level of its sensitivity. Studies have proven—through science—that lavender decreases anxiety in humans. Sprinkle some on Kitty's bedding after washing it. Some people use lavender incense to aid in meditation, but cats really aren't into that. (“Never show weakness” might as well be their mantra). Is it safe to use lavender oil as a flea repellent? (You didn't use this as a method of punishment, did you?). The symptoms of lavender poisoning are pretty much in line with what you’d expect with any kind of toxin: vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea and refusal to eat. Check out this top 15 list of safe plants for catsthat they could freely nibble. A gentle way to soothe your pet’s skin—and maybe even help him or her take a little cat nap—lavender is actually a powerful, fast-acting agent against fleas. This pungent herb is known to transform lazy (read: chubby) cats into the feline equivalent of Richard Simmons. The good news is that it usually isn’t lethal and can be treated effectively. Your cat will let you know after one sniff what her opinion is. The ASPCA web site also lists common house plants and household items that are toxic or dangerous to your cats and dogs. Your cat will be happy to know that her favorite plant, catnip, can destroy flea eggs and larva. The leaves are simple, often covered in fine hairs. Lavender oil, which is found in some cat litter and cat toys, is also generally safe when added … Cats can also get sick from licking lavender essential oil diffuser sticks or licking your hand if you’ve just rubbed lavender essential oil on something. A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens... All rights reserved. For extreme cases of anxiety, you might want to ask your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication. People find the scent relaxing to almost tranquilizing making it popular with people who like a warm bath before bed. If you use lavender scented soaps, lotions, perfumes or shampoos they will not harm your cat, though if she dislikes the smell she'll let you know by avoiding you. Certified Content. In fact, lavender essential oil is perhaps even worse for a cat than the plain plant. Be sure to stick to essential oils made from plants that aren’t toxic to felines. Keep in mind, whatever goes on your cat's body may wind up in their mouth. Obviously, if your cat eats lavender, she can get sick. If you notice some sneezing or wobbling, make sure you don’t have any diffusers on or haven’t exposed kitty to lavender in some additional way. Here’s what you should know about any household lavender if you have a four-legged feline living with you. As Little Red learns that growing up means learning to be cautious, this is the perfect flower for her. The ASPCA suggests that \"nibbles\" are fine, but it's best your cat not eat too much lavender, or any herb for that matter. Essential Oils for Cats: Is It Safe? You'll cut down on fleas, but Kitty might be more reluctant than usual to leave her bed! Most cats don't care for lotions anyway. While some cats may be more sensitive to the scent of essential oils, as long as you don’t notice that your cat is having any adverse reactions I’d say that it is safe to continue use. ; The lavender plant breaks down and extracts the root elements of that plant, which give you oil. The answer to this question is unfortunately not a simple as a straight yes or no. Because they’re extremely concentrated and is 500-1000 times stronger than the actual plant. While many sources claim that catmint, also known as catmint, is a harmless plant for cats to interact with, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists catmint alongside garden mint in the list of plants that are toxic to cats. Don't use these products on your cat, however. (Again, not naming names, but it rhymes with “gasoline”.).