Is Inhaling Lavender Oil Safe For Cats? What You Need To Know

Is it safe for cats to inhale lavender oil? Lavender oil diffused into the air can potentially enter your cat’s respiratory system. It’s important to note that there isn’t a well-established safe threshold for exposing cats to lavender oil mist. Cats have an acute sensitivity to various scents and aerosols, making them vulnerable to adverse effects. At a minimum, using a diffuser with lavender oil may lead to lung irritation, coughing, and possibly even respiratory difficulties, as of information available up to October 5, 2022. Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise caution when using lavender oil around feline companions to ensure their well-being.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advises that lavender plants can be harmful to cats, as well as dogs and horses. This is due to the fact that cats lack the necessary enzymes to properly digest two specific natural compounds found in lavender, namely linalool and linalyl acetate. As a result, if cats are exposed to the scent of lavender, it could potentially lead to adverse effects on their health. This information was last updated on August 3, 2023.