Lavender

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Liver Failure / Liver Damage Delayed (may take days to manifest as toxins build up). · Because cats cannot metabolize the compounds in lavender effectively, they can accumulate in the liver, leading to failure. This is a primary risk with concentrated essential oils.
2. 2
   Lethargy, weakness, ataxia (wobbly gait), muscle tremors, seizures, disorientation Immediate to Delayed (symptoms may progress over days). · Neurological signs like wobbliness and tremors are frequently associated with essential oil exposure (inhalation or absorption) rather than just eating the plant. Severe cases can lead to central nervous system depression.
3. 3
   Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea), Coughing, Sneezing, Wheezing Immediate (often triggered by inhalation of diffused oils). · Inhalation of essential oils from diffusers can irritate the respiratory tract, causing aspiration pneumonia risks if the cat vomits.
4. 4
   Changes in Heart Rate (Bradycardia or Tachycardia) Not explicitly specified, likely concurrent with systemic toxicity. · While less common than GI or neurological signs, abnormal heart rhythms and collapse are documented severe reactions.
5. 5
   Vomiting, Diarrhea, Nausea, Drooling (Hypersalivation), Inappetence (Loss of Appetite) Symptoms can be noticeable immediately or develop shortly after ingestion. · Drooling and "pawing at the mouth" are common early signs, especially if the cat has licked essential oil or liquid potpourri, which can cause chemical burns to the mouth, tongue, and lips.
6. 6
   Redness, Erosions (Chemical Burns), Contact Dermatitis Variable (upon contact). · Direct contact with concentrated oils can burn the skin, lips, and gums.

Important notes

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is mildly toxic to cats due to the essential oils concentrated in its flowers and foliage — primarily linalool and linalyl acetate. Cats lack the liver enzyme glucuronyl transferase needed to metabolise these terpenoid compounds effectively, so even small exposures from chewing flowers or inhaling concentrated diffuser oil can cause upset.

• Toxic compounds: linalool and linalyl acetate (monoterpenoid compounds); concentrated in flowers and essential oil
• Mechanism: cats cannot adequately glucuronidate terpenoids, allowing accumulation that irritates the GI tract and mildly stresses the liver
• Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy; essential oil diffusers can cause respiratory irritation and systemic exposure via inhalation
• A few leaves are unlikely to cause serious harm; essential oil products are far more concentrated and should be kept away from cats
• Contact your vet if your cat ingests lavender oil or essential oil products