If you are wondering is lemongrass toxic to cats, the short answer is yes. While this citrus-scented grass is a staple in my kitchen garden for teas and curries, it is not safe for your feline friends to snack on. The ASPCA classifies it as toxic to cats (Felis catus), primarily causing stomach upset due to its essential oil content.
As a gardener, I love Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass). It’s tough, smells great, and keeps mosquitoes at bay. But as a pet owner, I know that what works in the soil doesn’t always work in a cat’s stomach. Here is the dirt on why this plant causes trouble and how to manage it.
The Science: Why Lemongrass Upsets Cats
It isn’t the grass fibers that cause the main issue; it is the chemistry inside the leaf. Lemongrass is packed with essential oils, specifically volatile organic compounds that give it that signature lemon scent.
The primary chemical culprits are:
- Citronellal
- Geraniol
Humans can process these compounds easily. Cats cannot. Their livers lack sufficient quantities of a specific enzyme (glucuronyl transferase) needed to break down certain compounds, including many terpenes and phenols found in essential oils. When a cat ingests lemongrass, these compounds sit in the system and act as gastrointestinal irritants.
The Critical Difference: Plant vs. Oil
This distinction is vital.
- The Plant: If your cat takes a few nibbles of a fresh lemongrass stalk, they will likely suffer from vomiting or diarrhea. It is unpleasant, but rarely fatal.
- The Essential Oil: This is the danger zone. Concentrated lemongrass essential oil is potent. A few drops can be equivalent to pounds of raw plant material. Exposure to the concentrated oil-whether on the skin or ingested-can lead to severe liver damage, respiratory issues, and shock.
Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of Ingestion
If you grow lemongrass, you need to know what toxicity looks like. Symptoms usually appear within a few hours of ingestion.
Common Symptoms (Mild to Moderate)
Most cases involving the raw plant result in:
- Vomiting: This is the body’s way of ejecting the irritant.
- Diarrhea: Loose stools often containing undigested plant matter.
- Abdominal Pain: The cat may hunch over or growl when you touch their stomach.
- Loss of Appetite: They will refuse food they normally love.
Severe Symptoms (Rare, usually linked to Oils)
If your cat accessed concentrated oils or ate a massive amount of the plant, look for:
- Ataxia: This means a loss of coordination. The cat looks drunk, stumbles, or drags its legs.
- Extreme Lethargy: The cat won’t move or respond to toys.
- Drooling: Excessive saliva indicates severe nausea or burning in the mouth.
5-Step Action Plan: What to Do If Your Cat Eats Lemongrass
Do not panic, but do act quickly. Here is the protocol:
- Remove the Plant: Put the cat in a room with no plants. Take any plant matter out of their mouth if you can do so safely without getting bitten.
- Assess the Quantity: Look at the plant. Did they eat a single tip of a blade? Or did they chew through a whole stalk? If it was essential oil, how much is missing?
- Check for Symptoms: Is the cat acting normal, or are they already vomiting? Note the time.
- Call the Professionals: Contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Tell them: “My cat ate lemongrass [X amount] at [X time].”
- Follow Orders: Do not induce vomiting unless the vet tells you to. Sometimes bringing the substance back up causes more damage to the esophagus.
Symptom Severity & Action Table
Use this chart to gauge your response urgency.
| Symptom | Severity Level | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| A few nibbles, no symptoms | Low | Monitor closely for 12 hours. Ensure access to fresh water. |
| Single vomit, acting normal | Low/Medium | Withhold food for 2 hours, offer water. Call vet if vomiting repeats. |
| Repeated vomiting, diarrhea | Medium | Call Vet. They may prescribe meds to settle the stomach. |
| Stumbling, drooling, collapse | Critical | Emergency Vet Immediately. This suggests severe toxicity or oil exposure. |
Prevention: Keeping Cats and Lemongrass Apart
You don’t necessarily have to rip out your garden. I grow lemongrass, but I use strategy to keep it safe.
Physical Barriers
Cats are agile, but they aren’t magic.
- Height: Place lemongrass pots on tall plant stands or hanging baskets. However, remember that cats are climbers. The stand needs to be isolated.
- The “Cage”: For outdoor beds, I use chicken wire cloches or simple garden fencing around the lemongrass clumps.
- Unpleasant Textures: Place pinecones or aluminum foil around the base of the plant. Cats hate walking on these surfaces.
Scent Deterrents
Cats generally dislike citrus, which is ironic since they shouldn’t eat lemongrass (which smells like citrus). Sometimes the scent attracts them before it repels them. Instead, try scattering dried coffee grounds or commercially available bitter apple spray on the leaves.
If you are growing lemongrass specifically for its bug-fighting properties, you might want to look at other options. You can read our guide on eco-friendly pest control herbs to plant for alternatives that might be safer for your specific situation.
Safe Alternatives: What to Grow Instead
Cats chew on grass to aid digestion and help pass hairballs. If they are eating your lemongrass, they are likely craving greens. Give them a “Yes” station to keep them away from the “No” station.
- Wheatgrass (Pet Grass): This is the gold standard. It is easy to grow from seed, cheap, and safe.
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Obviously a favorite. It acts as a sedative when eaten and a stimulant when sniffed.
- Cat Thyme (Teucrium marum): A germander that many cats prefer over catnip.
- Spider Plants: While mild hallucinogenic effects have been rumored, they are generally considered non-toxic and fun for cats to bat at (though your plant might look raggedy).
For more on the horticultural side of Cymbopogon citratus, including how to grow it if you don’t have pets (or have very well-behaved ones), the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension has excellent data on hardiness zones and soil requirements.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Cat Owners
Can lemongrass kill a cat?
It is very unlikely to kill a cat if they just eat the fresh plant. However, ingestion of concentrated lemongrass essential oil can be fatal due to liver failure or respiratory distress.
Is dried lemongrass toxic to cats?
Yes. The essential oils are still present in dried stalks. If you use dried lemongrass for tea, keep the bag sealed and stored in a cabinet.
Why is my cat obsessed with lemongrass?
Cats are often drawn to the grass-like texture. They instinctively chew grass to clear their digestive tract. The citrus scent, while usually a deterrent, sometimes piques the curiosity of certain cats.
How much lemongrass is toxic?
There is no specific “safe” dose. Even a small amount can cause vomiting. Toxicity depends on the cat’s weight, age, and health status.
Is lemon balm the same as lemongrass?
No. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family and is generally considered safe and non-toxic for cats, making it a better garden choice.
Final thought: If you suspect is lemongrass toxic to cats applies to your situation right now, stop reading and call your vet. For the rest of us, keep the lemon grass in the curry pot and the catnip in the kitty bowl.
If you are frantically googling "is bamboo toxic to cats" because your feline friend just took a bite of your Read more
If you are strictly asking is aloe vera toxic to cats, the answer is a hard yes. While this succulent Read more
If you are frantically searching "is aloe vera toxic to dogs" because your pup just chewed a leaf, here is Read more
If you are standing in the garden center holding a twisted green stalk and wondering is lucky bamboo toxic to Read more
