Is Lavender Safe for Cats?

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by Eric La Fountaine, May 3, 2005.

  1. Eric La Fountaine

    Eric La Fountaine Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    The following was sent in via email:

    i as watching a show on animal planet and they where giving large cats lavender oil sprinkeled on paper and cloth and then letting the cats play with it. they loved the smell and rolled around in it. my question is is this safe for my house cats? my vet had know idea. thank you for your time.

    carolyn
     
  2. Newt

    Newt Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Hi Carolyn,

    This is a very handy site to hold on to as you can search for toxic plants by animal and other criteria.
    http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/index.html

    Happily, lavender is not listed as a concern for cats. :)
    Newt
     
  3. huon01

    huon01 Member

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    Thanks for the info that Lavender is not safe for cats.
    I think you were asking about oil though. Please be careful of any aromatherapy oils in relation to cats as they can cause terrible burning to the skin and also over a period of time damage to the liver.
    Please see http://www.thelavendercat.com/homepage.html for more info.
     
  4. lavender2011

    lavender2011 Member

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    The liver is most often the organ which is affected by essential oils. Cats' livers are simply not the same as humans' livers, and they lack the ability to properly metabolize the various compounds in essential oils. So lavender oil is not safe for cats.
     

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