Is Eucalyptus Poisonous to Cats? Safety Guide for Pet Parents

Is Eucalyptus Poisonous to Cats?

If you’re a cat parent who loves the refreshing scent of eucalyptus or decorating with eucalyptus plants, you might be wondering whether these popular items pose any risk to your feline friend. The short answer is yes – eucalyptus is indeed toxic to cats. The plants, leaves, and oils contain compounds that can cause adverse reactions ranging from mild digestive upset to serious neurological problems in severe cases.

Cats are naturally curious creatures who explore their environment through taste and smell, which can put them at risk when toxic plants like eucalyptus are present in the home. Understanding the potential dangers and knowing how to create a safe environment is essential for any responsible pet parent.

Why Is Eucalyptus Toxic to Cats?

Eucalyptus plants and their derivatives contain eucalyptol (also called 1,8-cineole), a monoterpenoid component that gives eucalyptus its characteristic refreshing scent. While this compound has beneficial properties for humans, it can be harmful to cats when ingested or absorbed through their skin.

Cats lack certain liver enzymes that humans and some other animals possess, making it difficult for them to metabolize and eliminate certain compounds, including those found in eucalyptus. This metabolic difference is why cats are particularly sensitive to many essential oils and plants that might be safe for other species.

Forms of Eucalyptus That Can Harm Cats

Eucalyptus comes in various forms, all of which can potentially cause problems for your feline companion:

Eucalyptus Plants

The actual eucalyptus plant is toxic to cats if they chew on or ingest the leaves, stems, or any part of the plant. Even a small amount can cause digestive upset, while larger quantities may lead to more severe symptoms.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This concentrated form of eucalyptus is particularly dangerous for cats. Essential oils contain highly concentrated plant compounds that can be toxic even in small amounts. Cats may be exposed through direct contact with the oil, by walking through spilled oil and then grooming themselves, or by inhaling diffused oil particles in the air.

Eucalyptus-Infused Products

Many household products contain eucalyptus, including:

• Air fresheners and room sprays
• Cleaning products
• Potpourri and dried arrangements
• Shower steamers and bath products
• Medicinal rubs and balms

Even products with diluted amounts of eucalyptus oil can potentially cause problems for sensitive cats.

Signs of Eucalyptus Toxicity in Cats

If your cat has been exposed to eucalyptus, it’s important to be aware of the possible symptoms of toxicity. The severity of symptoms generally depends on the amount of exposure and the concentration of eucalyptol in the product.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

The most common signs of eucalyptus toxicity in cats include:

• Excessive drooling or salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Unsteady walking (ataxia)

Severe Symptoms

In cases of significant exposure, especially to concentrated eucalyptus oil, cats may experience more serious symptoms:

• Tremors or muscle weakness
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Depression of the central nervous system
• Liver damage (in severe cases)
• Acute kidney injury (rare but possible)

While deaths from eucalyptus exposure are rare in cats, they can occur in cases of significant ingestion or exposure to highly concentrated essential oils.

What to Do If Your Cat Is Exposed to Eucalyptus

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to eucalyptus through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation, it’s important to act quickly:

1. Remove the Source

First, remove your cat from the area where the eucalyptus is present. If they have oil on their fur or skin, wash the area gently with mild dish soap and warm water to remove as much of the oil as possible.

2. Do Not Induce Vomiting

Never try to make your cat vomit unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinarian. This can cause additional harm.

3. Contact Your Veterinarian

Call your vet immediately. Describe the type of eucalyptus product, the estimated amount of exposure, and any symptoms your cat is showing.

4. Consider Poison Control

You can also contact a pet poison helpline for guidance. The Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) both offer expert advice for poison emergencies (note that a consultation fee may apply).

Eucalyptus Essential Oils and Diffusers

Essential oil diffusers have become increasingly popular in homes, but they pose particular risks for cats. When essential oils are diffused, they release tiny oil particles into the air that cats can inhale or that may settle on their fur, which they then ingest during grooming.

Risks of Diffused Eucalyptus Oil

Even when you’re not diffusing oils directly onto your cat, passive exposure through the air can be harmful. The concerns include:

• Respiratory irritation: The oils can irritate the delicate lining of cats’ respiratory passages and lungs
• Airborne toxins: Cats may inhale the microscopic oil droplets, which can then be absorbed into their bloodstream
• Grooming exposure: Oil particles that settle on a cat’s fur will be ingested when they clean themselves

Safer Alternatives

If you enjoy home fragrances but want to keep your cat safe, consider these alternatives:

• Cat-safe plants (like catnip, cat grass, or roses)
• Pet-friendly simmer pots with cinnamon sticks and apple slices
• Beeswax candles (kept where cats can’t reach them)
• Air purifiers to keep your home smelling fresh

Can I Have Eucalyptus in My Shower If I Have a Cat?

Many people enjoy hanging eucalyptus bundles in the shower, where the steam releases the refreshing aroma. While this might seem like a safer option since it’s in an enclosed space, there are still risks to consider:

Potential Concerns

• Cats are curious and may jump into the shower to investigate the plant
• Loose leaves or stems might fall where cats can access them
• The aroma of eucalyptus can spread beyond the bathroom, especially in small homes

Safer Practices

If you really love eucalyptus in your shower, you can reduce risks by:

• Keeping the bathroom door closed at all times
• Ensuring proper ventilation to minimize oil concentration in the air
• Being vigilant about fallen leaves or plant material
• Considering artificial eucalyptus as a non-toxic alternative

Are Cats Attracted to Eucalyptus?

Generally, cats are not particularly attracted to eucalyptus. In fact, many cats dislike strong scents, including eucalyptus, which is why some commercial cat repellents contain similar essential oils. However, individual cats have unique preferences, and some curious cats might investigate or even chew on eucalyptus plants out of curiosity rather than attraction.

Never rely on a cat’s natural aversion to protect them. Some cats may still investigate or even ingest toxic plants despite their strong smell.

Creating a Cat-Safe Home Environment

The best approach for cat owners is to create a safe environment free from potentially harmful substances:

Pet-Friendly Alternatives to Eucalyptus

If you love greenery and natural scents, consider these cat-safe alternatives:

• Spider plants
• Boston ferns
• Areca palms
• Cat grass
• Catnip (which many cats enjoy)

Safe Storage Practices

If you must keep eucalyptus products in your home:

• Store essential oils in secure cabinets with childproof locks
• Keep dried eucalyptus arrangements in rooms cats cannot access
• Clean up spills immediately and thoroughly
• Avoid applying eucalyptus-containing products on surfaces cats may contact

Other Essential Oils Toxic to Cats

While this article focuses on eucalyptus, it’s important to note that many essential oils can be harmful to cats. Other potentially dangerous essential oils include:

• Tea tree oil (melaleuca)
• Peppermint oil
• Citrus oils (lemon, orange, etc.)
• Pine oils
• Cinnamon oil
• Wintergreen oil
• Ylang ylang

Always research any essential oil thoroughly before bringing it into a home with cats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can cats die from eucalyptus exposure?

A: While deaths are rare, severe eucalyptus poisoning can potentially be fatal to cats, especially with concentrated essential oil exposure. Eucalyptol can cause seizures and neurological damage in high doses, which may lead to death in extreme cases.

Q: How much eucalyptus is toxic to cats?

A: Even small amounts of eucalyptus can cause mild symptoms in cats. The toxic dose varies depending on the concentration of eucalyptol and the size of the cat, but it’s best to assume that any amount poses some risk.

Q: Is dried eucalyptus safer than fresh eucalyptus for cats?

A: No, dried eucalyptus still contains the toxic compounds that can harm cats. While the concentration might be slightly lower in dried plants, they still pose a significant risk.

Q: Are eucalyptus-scented candles safe around cats?

A: Most eucalyptus-scented candles use artificial fragrances rather than pure essential oils. While these may be less toxic than the pure oil, they can still cause respiratory irritation and should be used with caution in homes with cats.

Q: What should I do if my cat has been exposed to eucalyptus oil on their skin?

A: Wash the affected area immediately with mild dish soap and warm water. Dry them thoroughly and contact your veterinarian for guidance, as they may still need medical attention even after washing.

Conclusion

Eucalyptus, in all its forms, is toxic to cats due to compounds that their bodies cannot effectively process. While mild exposure might only cause temporary digestive upset, significant exposure can lead to serious health problems including seizures and neurological damage.

The safest approach for cat parents is to avoid bringing eucalyptus plants, oils, and eucalyptus-infused products into a home with feline residents. If you suspect your cat has been exposed to eucalyptus, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.

By being aware of the risks and taking preventative measures, you can create a safe and healthy environment for your feline companions while still enjoying a pleasant-smelling home through cat-safe alternatives.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta