At a glance
| Plant | Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic principle | linalool and linalyl acetate |
| Signs ASPCA lists | nausea; vomiting; not eating |
| ASPCA page | Lavender, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
ASPCA spells the plant “Lavendula angustifolia” on its page; the accepted spelling is Lavandula. Same plant.
This page covers the plant. For lavender oil and other products, ask your vet.
Look-alikes
- Rosemary: non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Another aromatic Mediterranean shrub from the mint family. Rosemary’s needle-like leaves are green on top and white and woolly underneath; lavender’s thin leaves are blue-green all over.
Care basics
Light: Full sun.
Soil and water: Perfectly drained soil on the dry side, neutral to alkaline. It dies out in heavy clay and hates wet roots.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Lavandula angustifolia.
If your pet ate some
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, as soon as you can. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.
Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
