Can cats eat lavender? Everything you need to know about lavender toxicity.
The shrubby perennial plant with lovely purple flowers has made its way into our lives in the form of herbal remedies, oils, skincare products, and wellness treatments.Most households use lavender oil.
The scent of lavender can relieve stress and anxiety, but it can also be dangerous to cats.
There is a detailed guide to keeping your cat safe from lavender with information on types of lavender, poison prevention, and treatment options.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, lavender plants are toxic to cats and can cause nausea and vomiting.According to Dr. Rachel Barrack of New York City,Lavender and linalyl acetate are found in cats.
Barrack says lavender has the highest toxicity levels in its essential oil form.Oils are the most potent because they can be absorbed quickly through the skin, resulting in acute toxicity.
Cats are sensitive to essential oils and can experience a wide range of symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression, and even liver damage.
lavender plants are found in many households across the country.In the form of oils, sprays and diffusers, lavender is often used.All of these have different levels of toxicity to cats.
The lavender plant is not dangerous to cats unless they ingest it, according to Dr. Jamie Richardson, medical chief of staff of Small Door veterinary in New York City.She says that some cats seem to enjoy sitting near lavender plants.Most cats will not ingest lavender plants, however on the off chance they do, they can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Cats can become sick from licking a lavender plant if they don't fully eat it.This applies to the dried lavender spikes in the potpourri.
The most toxic form of lavender for cats is lavender essential oil.Richardson says that cats are more susceptible to essential oils than some other species as they are missing a specificidase in their liver that helps them metabolize certain drugs.Cats will often groom off foreign substances that have been applied to their coat, therefore, ingesting the oil.
Low levels of lavender can enter your cat's respiratory system.There are limited studies on the long term effects of essential oils for both humans and animals, but there is no clear evidence on a safe level of exposure.
She says that cats can be extremely sensitive to even passive, diffuse aerosolized products, leading to respiratory irritation in their lungs.
Cats can get lavender poisoning if they lick droplets from diffusers and sprays on their fur.Richardson warns that essential oils can fall onto a pet's fur coat, where they can be absorbed through the skin or eaten during grooming.
The symptoms of lavender toxicity in cats are not limited to:
Richardson says there is no established toxic dose for lavender oil.It depends on the cat's sensitivity and route of exposure.
Within the first three hours, your cat may experience gastrointestinal symptoms.Richardson states that blood tests can show damage to the kidneys in a few days.
According to Barrack, essential oils can cause aspiration pneumonia.Aspiration pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by foreign material.It is the most common symptom of lavender poisoning.
Richardson recommends bathing your pet if you notice that your cat has come into contact with a lavender product.She suggests calling the poison control hotline at any time of the day for further information.She says that they will be able to advise if it's safe to keep an eye on your cat at home or if you should go to the vet immediately.
Richardson suggests moving the cat to fresh air if it is showing respiratory changes like rapid breathing, coughing, and watery eyes after coming into contact with lavender oil.
Bring your cat to the vet for a thorough examination and treatment if you suspect lavender poisoning.A quick and through bath may suffice if a few drops come into contact with your cat.If you suspect aspiration, ingestion, or your cat is showing signs of lavender poisoning, contact your primary care veterinarians immediately.
Richardson says that a physical examination and possible admittance to the hospital for blood samples and IV fluids are necessary for cats that have been diagnosed with lavender toxicity.Depending on the exam findings, administration of medications can help calm the gastrointestinal upset.
It may not be the best choice for your cat if you use lavender to diffuse calming energy into your home.There are ways to protect your cat from lavender poisoning.
Keep lavender away from cats.Keep lavender out of the reach of your cats.Cat-friendly plants include catnip, oat grass, valerian, and Cat's Claw.
lavender oil and skin care products should be locked up.If you have a cat, keep lavender products in a locked cupboard.After applying lavender skin products, don't let your pet lick the sticks.
It's a good idea to avoid creams containing lavender.Richardson says that lavender essential oils should be avoided by cat parents.She says avoiding applying lavender to your pet is the best way to avoid toxicity.
lavender essential oils should not be used.Only use lavender-based sprays with extreme caution or not use them at all.Richardson says that he would recommend complete avoidance of essential oil sprays.
A writer by the name of Lavanya Sunkara is passionate about animal welfare.For the past decade, she has been producing stories about pet care, rescue, adoption, and inspiring individuals in the pet world.She loves travel, volunteering, and her two adorable dogs.
The Chief Medical Officer of PAWS Chicago is Dr. Emily Swiniarski.Her professional interests include infectious diseases, community cats, and whole health of animals in shelter environments.She has a husband, infant son, three-legged dog, and two cats at home.