Don’t Let Your Cat Nibble Lavender—Here’s What Happens Fast!

Sat, 02 May 2026 22:14:42 +0000

Don’t Let Your Cat Nibble Lavender—Here’s What Happens Fast Cats and plants often make a captivating pairing, but not all indoor greens are safe for feline friends. One plant that deserves extra caution is lavender—while its gentle scent soothes humans, ingesting lavender can lead to fast and potentially serious effects in cats. If your curious kitty nibbles on lavender, here’s exactly what happens quickly—and why it’s best to keep this plant out of paw’s reach. Why Lavender Poses a Risk to Cats Lavender contains essential oils, including linalool and terpenes, which are generally safe for humans but can cause adverse reactions in cats. Cats lack certain liver enzymes needed to efficiently metabolize these compounds, making even small amounts toxic. Unlike dogs, cats are highly sensitive to essential oils, and their grooming habits mean even a tiny taste can introduce concentrated toxins into their system.