Do Cats Like Lavender

Lavender is a popular scent for humans, known for its calming and relaxing effects. But have you ever wondered how cats feel about lavender? While some cats may be indifferent to the smell, others might find it unpleasant or even irritating. Moreover, lavender, in certain forms, can be toxic to cats. In this article, we’ll explore whether cats like lavender, how they react to it, and whether it’s safe to use lavender products around your feline friend.

Do Cats Like Lavender?

Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and their reactions to scents can vary. Some cats may tolerate the smell of lavender, while others may find it overwhelming or unpleasant.

Cats’ Sensitivity to Smells

Cats' love of lavender may be linked to its unique aroma. The smell of lavender essential oil is thought to reassure and delight cats. The scent of lavender may have a similar appeal to cats, although it is not a ‘magic herb’ in the traditional cat sense. Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell and may be attracted to the unique aroma of lavender.

Individual Reactions

Like people, cats can have different preferences. Some cats may be indifferent to lavender, while others may react negatively by sneezing, avoiding the area, or showing signs of discomfort.

What are the Common Symptoms of Lavender Exposure in Cats?

Common reactions that may occur in cats after exposure to lavender include difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, depression and abnormal gait. Certain components contained in lavender, such as saphenol and saphenol acetate, may cause serious damage to a cat's liver and kidneys. In addition, cats have a very sensitive sense of smell and the scent of lavender may irritate their respiratory system, especially in younger, weaker cats. In actual cases, if cats accidentally ingest or are exposed to lavender for a long period of time, they may suffer from symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps, abnormal behaviour, etc., which may even lead to death in serious cases. Therefore, if there is a cat at home, lavender products should be avoided and make sure that the cat cannot come into contact with the lavender plant or essential oil. If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to lavender and is experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment. 

Also Read: Cat Breathing Heavy: Understanding the Causes and How to Help

The reason that exposure to lavender in cats may lead to liver and kidney damage is that cats have a different physiology and metabolic pathways than humans and other animals. The cat's liver lacks certain necessary enzymes that are essential for metabolising compounds found in certain plant extracts. When cats are exposed to lavender containing specific chemical components, these components may not be metabolised efficiently, thus accumulating in the body and causing toxic effects on the liver and kidneys, which may eventually lead to organ damage. In particular, the ketones in lavender are known to pose a potential risk of toxicity to cats. Therefore, in order to protect the health of cats, exposure of cats to lavender and its essential oil products should be avoided. 

What are the Main Aspects of Lavender Essential Oil Toxicity to Cats?

Lavender essential oil is toxic to cats in the following ways:

• Liver metabolism problems

Cats lack enzymes in their bodies that can properly metabolise the phenolic compounds in essential oils, which causes them to break down some of the components of the oils into toxic metabolites during metabolism, which may trigger liver failure. 

• Central Nervous System Effects

The toxins in lavender essential oil may cause central nervous system symptoms such as tremors and seizures in cats.

• Digestive System Reactions

Cats exposed to lavender essential oil may experience vomiting, diarrhoea and other adverse digestive reactions. 

• Respiratory problems

The strong aroma of lavender essential oil may irritate your cat's respiratory system, leading to breathing difficulties or other breathing-related problems. 

• Skin and mucous membrane irritation

Essential oils may irritate your cat's skin and mucous membranes, causing discomfort. 

• Cumulative toxicity

Even low doses of essential oils may accumulate in cats, and long-term exposure may increase the risk of liver and lung disease. 

Given the potential toxicity of lavender essential oil to cats, it is recommended to avoid using lavender essential oil in environments where cats are present and to ensure that cats do not have access to lavender products in any form. If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to lavender essential oil and is experiencing health problems, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

What To Do If Cat Eats Lavender By Mistake?

• Isolate the cat

Separate the poisoned cat from other pets to prevent them from licking each other or coming into contact with substances that could exacerbate the symptoms of poisoning. 

• Stop using lavender products

Ensure that lavender or its essential oils are no longer in the home to minimise the risk of further exposure to your cat.

• Do not induce vomiting

Do not attempt to induce vomiting in your cat on your own unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian, as this may cause additional harm. 

• Contact your vet urgently

Immediately contact your local veterinarian or emergency animal hospital with details of your cat's accidental ingestion of lavender and follow your veterinarian's instructions for next steps. 

• Prepare the cat for transport

Keep your cat calm while you wait for your veterinarian's instructions and prepare to transport him or her safely to the hospital.

• Carrying relevant information

If possible, carry the exact time your cat accidentally ingested lavender, the estimated amount ingested, and your cat's current symptoms; this information is critical to veterinary diagnosis and treatment. 

Remember, prompt professional treatment is the key to dealing with pet poisoning. Don't waste time trying home remedies, but act quickly to minimise the risk to your cat's health.

How to Apply Lavender Safely at Home?

While lavender essential oil can be toxic to cats, you can attract your cat while staying safe by using a dried lavender plant. The scent emitted by dried lavender is usually safe for cats and can be used as a natural repellent and calming agent. Here are some tips for safely using lavender to attract cats:

• Place dried lavender

Place dried lavender in an area where your cat spends a lot of time, such as a windowsill or near a cat tree. This can help create a pleasant environment while attracting your cat closer.

• Make lavender toys

You can fill cloth bags or cat toys with dried lavender to create a playmate that is both fun and fragrant.

• Use lavender sachets

Sew small scented sachets, fill them with dried lavender and place them in a wardrobe or drawer to help remove odours while allowing your cat to enjoy the lavender scent.

• Alternatives to Lavender for Calming Cats

If you’re looking for ways to help calm your cat, there are safer, more effective alternatives than lavender.

1.Cat-Safe Calming Products

Products designed specifically for cats, like calming sprays or chews, are made to help reduce anxiety without harmful side effects. These products often contain ingredients that are safe and soothing for cats.

2.Feliway Diffusers

Feliway diffusers release synthetic pheromones that mimic a cat’s natural facial pheromones, helping them feel safe and relaxed. Feliway is a popular, cat-safe option for managing stress in cats.

Make sure you don't use any products containing essential oils, especially undiluted ones, as these can be harmful to cats. Always monitor your cat's reaction to lavender to ensure that they show enjoyment rather than discomfort. If your cat reacts negatively to lavender, stop using it immediately and consult your veterinarian. With these methods, you can safely use lavender's natural charms to attract your cat!

Which Plant or Herbal Odours are Safe and Pleasurable for Cats?

Cats show special interest and react positively to the odour of certain plants. Below are some of the plants that are safe and pleasant for cats and their characteristics:

Nepeta cataria: Catnip is the best-known plant that attracts cats and contains thujaplicin, a chemical that stimulates the cat's olfactory receptors and causes excitable behaviours such as rolling and rubbing. A cat's reaction to catnip is usually temporary, lasting about 5-15 minutes, after which the cat loses interest. 

Nepeta citriodora: Similar to regular catnip, lemon catnip attracts cats, but it has a lemony aroma that may appeal to cats to varying degrees. 

Nepeta grandiflora: another catnip variety that also contains chemicals that attract cats. 

Cat grass: although cat grass is not a herb in the traditional sense, it is designed for cats to help them expel hair from their bodies and reduce hairball formation. Cat grass is usually made from barley, wheat, oat or rye seeds, which cats have a natural preference for. 

Related: Why Do Cats Eat Grass

Thymus vulgaris and Rosmarinus officinalis: These two herbs are not only good for human cooking but are also safe for cats, whose scent may arouse curiosity. 

When choosing plants, make sure they are safe for cats and avoid potentially toxic plants. Also, even if the plants are safe, the cat's reaction should be monitored to make sure they don't chew or ingest the plant material excessively.

FAQs

Is It Safe For Cats To Smell Lavender?

Lavender is not completely safe for cats to sniff. Certain ingredients contained in lavender, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, are toxic to cats and may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Although the scent of lavender may have a relaxing effect on humans, cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and may react negatively to the scent of lavender, such as difficulty in breathing and depression. In actual cases, if cats accidentally ingest or are exposed to lavender for a long period of time, they may suffer from symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps, abnormal behaviour, etc., and in severe cases, it may even lead to death. Therefore, for the health and safety of cats, lavender products should be avoided at home and make sure that cats do not have access to lavender plants or essential oils. If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to lavender and is experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment. 

Does Lavender Keep Cats Away?

Lavender can indeed be used to repel cats. According to the information searched, lavender gives off a strong scent that has a repellent effect on cats. Cats are usually uncomfortable with the smell of lavender, so they avoid going near the plant. Additionally, lavender is listed as one of the many plants that can repel cats, and these plants are effective in keeping cats at a distance through their particular odour and composition. However, it is important to note that while lavender can be used to repel cats, its effectiveness may vary depending on the individual cat, and it is important to ensure that there is no negative impact on your cat's health when using any plant or scent to repel them. 

What Smell Do Cats Hate Most?

Cats are very sensitive to certain odours and can show a distinct aversion to them. Based on the information searched, cats usually hate the following odours:

Citrus fruit odours: such as lemon, orange and grapefruit, which are irritating to cats and may cause discomfort.
Camphor and citronella odours: these are toxic to cats and may trigger acute camphor oil poisoning. 
Pungent odour of acetic acid: the sour smell of white vinegar is an unpleasant irritant for cats. 
Perfume odours: cats have a very sensitive sense of smell and the complex chemicals and strong odours in perfumes may cause discomfort. 

Conclusion

While lavender is a pleasant and calming scent for humans, it’s not the best choice for cats. Many cats find the smell overwhelming, and the essential oil can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. If you’re looking for ways to help your cat relax, consider cat-safe calming products like Feliway instead. Always prioritize your pet’s health by avoiding potential hazards like lavender and focusing on products designed specifically for feline well-being.