Is lavender toxic to cats?

I bought a beautiful big lavender plant this afternoon for the window sill in my living room, but guess what happened?

Both my girls started chewing it immediately!!! Luna even got a bit mad when I told her it's a no-no.

I cannot find lavender on the toxic plant lists, but I wonder if it's really healthy for them to eat parts of the plant; after all, lavender contains essentials oils and many of them can cause allergic reactions in cats. So what about lavender oil?

Does anyone here have a cat that chewed lavender? And if so, is it harmless?

Kirsten

Well, I called my vet meanwhile and asked her about my concerns, and she said that lavender isn't toxic, and that a cat has to eat a lot of the plant before there might be an allergic reaction, so I figure there's nothing to worry about. But it's so weird that my cats like it so much.

Here's a picture:

http://www.tillyschanze.de/pix/lily136.jpg

Kirsten

Nope, its not toxic.

I keep lavendar in the enclosure with the cats because its pretty and they can safely eat it.

:)

Wow I didn't know that. this place is a fountain of information!

Kirsten I love the plant. It looks gorgeous in your window and that adorable little furry figurine next to it is just as cute as can be!! I think I want one of those!!http://petoftheday.com/talk/images/o...es/biggrin.gif

I'm relieved to hear that cats are allowed to eat it. Well, mine definitely like the smell! :)

Quote:

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I think I want one of those!!

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One of the plants or one of the little furry figurines? LOL ;)

Kirsten

Hmm maybe Lavendar relaxes kitties too? Isn't lavendar relaxing for humans? I'm glad it is not a toxic plant.

Oh and I too would like one of each:

One of the plants and one of the little furry figurines. ok maybe several of the latter :)