Are Lavender Air Fresheners Safe for Cats?

Published: 2024-11-13

Lavender is a famous plant known for its nice smell and calming effects on people, which might make you wonder if it is safe for cats. Sadly, lavender is not safe or good for cats. While it is unlikely to cause serious harm, being around lavender can lead to some unpleasant reactions in cats that may need a vet’s care. For some people trying to use fewer chemicals in their homes, lavender might seem like a great choice.

Lavender oil is often used in air fresheners made of plants because it is natural and smells good. As already mentioned, while these products do not contain synthetic fragrances and other chemicals that are found in regular air fresheners, they may not be safe for cars. Continue reading this blog to find out if lavender is safe for cats and know lavender air fresheners can affect them!

Is lavender bad for cats?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) warns that lavender plants are harmful to cats, horses and dogs. This toxicity is due to the presence of two natural compounds in lavender: linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats are unable to digest.

These compounds can leave the skin feeling irritated, stomach, mouth and eyes in cats. Not only this, but they can also cause liver damage. Therefore, if your cat consumes lavender plant parts, it is crucial to contact animal poison control or an emergency vet immediately.

Cats can be exposed to lavender by eating the plant, licking or inhaling the essential oil or touching products that contain lavender. Luckily, lavender exposure is unlikely to be fatal and usually causes only mild to moderate problems.

Linalool and linalyl acetate give lavender its pleasant fragrance and help protect the plant from insects. While people often use lavender for its scent, health benefits and calming effects, it is unsafe for cats.

All 40 types of lavender have similar chemical structures and toxic effects as these plants are from the genus Lavandula (with French and English lavender being the most common). As a result, you should avoid keeping any form of lavender near your cat.

Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil is a concentrated plant extract often used in diffusers to add a pleasant smell to a space. It is also found in perfumes, soaps, perfumes and personal care products. The strong concentration of lavender in lavender essential oil makes it the most dangerous type of lavender to use around cats.

Do you know what that means? It means even a small amount can make your cat sick, and direct contact with their skin can cause irritation. Inhaling lavender oil can lead to breathing problems, especially in cats with asthma. Moreover, no evidence proves that lavender oil has a calming effect on cats.

Are lavender scents and air fresheners safe for cats?

Scented products, such as air fresheners containing lavender oils, are less concentrated than pure essential oils. However, cats can still inhale the oil. No research and definitive studies indicate what amount of lavender oil in air fresheners is safe for cats.

What are the signs of toxicity in cats from lavender-scented oils and sprays?

How lavender affects cats can vary based on their sensitivity. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs in your cat:

Vomiting, diarrhea and other stomach problems
Tremors
Difficulty breathing
Drooling
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Wheezing and asthma

How to keep your cats safe?

You can keep your cat safe from lavender products by following these tips:

Avoid using lavender near their litter box, favorite spots and food.
Use lavender candles in spacious areas.
Restrict your cat’s access while using lavender products.
Try to explore alternative aromatherapy methods, such as adding lavender oil to bathwater or mixing it with carrier oil for personal use.

What are some alternatives to lavender air fresheners?

To protect your cat’s health, think about using lavender based air fresheners alternatives. You can still eliminate odors without lavender oil by opting for products made of plants. Elix provides three reliable options to make the air around fresh in your space without having to worry about any negative effects on your cat:

Conclusion

In summary, lavender is popular for its nice smell and calming effects on people, but it can be harmful to cats. Both the plant and lavender oil can cause health problems. Therefore, it is best to keep them away from your cats.

Look for safer options to freshen your home. Remember, if you think your cat has been around lavender or is showing any signs of trouble, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.

Suggested Read: Why Choose and Use an Air Freshener?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1- Is the lavender plant safe for cats?

Ans. The lavender plant can be toxic to cats if ingested, but it would take a significant amount for them to become seriously ill. Just brushing against the plant will not likely harm the cat.

Although some bites may not lead to severe issues, they could still cause an upset stomach. If you choose to have lavender plants in your house, you must keep them away from inquisitive cats.

Q2- Is dried lavender safe for cats?

Ans. Similar to the lavender plant, dried lavender can cause mild stomach irritation in cats if they eat a small quantity, and it can be toxic in larger amounts. For this reason, keeping dried lavender and lavender fragrance sachets used for freshening your home, out of your cat’s reach is important.

Q3- What should you do if your cat is exposed to lavender poisoning?

Ans. If your cat has gone anywhere close to lavender, immediately contact your vet. Try to remember the time and how much they ate, if you can. While exposure to lavender usually is not an emergency, your cat might require quick treatment to relieve any discomfort.

Never try to make your cat vomit at home, as this can be hard to do and may be dangerous for your cat.