My Cat Ate Lavender Will He Get sick?

Many of us keep in different places around the house. Its scent is used to soothe our souls and calm our nerves. However, what happens if your cat finds the lander and eats it? Can lavender make your cat sick?

If your cat has eaten lavender and you’re worried the lavender may make him sick, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when our fur babies eat things they shouldn’t.

In this article, we’ll take a look at lavender and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!

What is Lavender?

Lavender is more than just a gorgeous shade of purple! The lavender we’re talking about is that extremely popular plant. Lavender is a member of the mint family and has a distinctive floral scent.

Lavender has been used for thousands of years to add a sweet scent to rooms, clothing, and more. It was even once considered a holy herb. Today, lavender is used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.

Lavender is thought to improve sleep, treat skin blemishes, may relieve some types of pain, reduce blood pressure, and much more. It’s also used to calm our nerves and minds by easing symptoms of stress.

While lavender seems to be safe for humans, is this plant safe for cats? Can lavender make a cat sick?

Lavender & Cats

The good news is the lavender plant is not toxic to cats. If your cat eats any part of the lavender plant, he may become nauseated, vomit, and have diarrhea.

The bad news is that if a cat ingests lavender essential oil, he can become very sick. This is because lavender essential oil is a highly concentrated form of lavender. Lavender essential oil can cause liver damage in cats. This is because their livers don’t contain the enzymes needed to break down the substances found in lavender essential oil.

Symptoms of Lavender Poisoning in Cats

You may notice these symptoms if your cat has ingested lavender (essential oil, potpourri, and more):

• Lack of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Difficulty breathing
• Uncoordinated walk
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Pawing at face/mouth
• Muscle tremors
• Redness/burns on lips, skin, gums, and tongue

If you notice these symptoms in your cat, then it’s time to call the vet. This may be an emergency, depending on how much lavender essential oil your cat has ingested.

Treatment of Lavender Poisoning in Cats

There is no antidote for lavender poisoning in cats, so the vet will provide supportive treatments. This may include IV fluids, treatment of skin burns, and even a feeding tube if your cat has burns in her mouth and throat.

In addition, the vet will treat your cat’s other symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, with medications. Your fur baby may also need pain medication if he’s in a lot of pain from burns, etc. The vet will also give your feline companion medication to protect his liver from damage.

The good news is that your cat should make a complete recovery if he receives prompt medical care. He’ll be back to his playful self in no time!