Is Eucalyptus Safe for Cats? Definitely Not

tabby cat — Any health benefits you get from eucalyptus are not worth endangering your fur baby. Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

Many pet parents enjoy the clean, sharp scent of eucalyptus in oils, candles, and fresh arrangements. But is eucalyptus safe for cats?

In short: No, eucalyptus in any form is toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues.

Contents

Why Eucalyptus Is Toxic to Cats
6 Signs of Eucalyptus Poisoning
4 Common Exposure Routes
Is Any Form of Eucalyptus Safe for Cats?
What to Do if Your Cat Is Exposed
Safer Alternatives for Pet Parents

Why Eucalyptus Is Toxic to Cats

Eucalyptus plants contain essential oils that are highly toxic to cats. Cats lack the liver enzymes needed to metabolize the chemicals found in eucalyptus oil.

When exposed through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact, cats can experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors and drooling.

Even dried eucalyptus or eucalyptus leaves can pose a threat. Essential oil products made with eucalyptus can irritate a cat’s skin or affect their nervous system. These oils — when absorbed through the skin or ingested from fur during grooming — can lead to poisoning.

6 Signs of Eucalyptus Poisoning

If your cat has been exposed to eucalyptus, watch for the following symptoms.

Drooling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Weakness
Tremors
Difficulty walking

In some cases, eucalyptus toxicity may also lead to more severe effects on a cat's internal organs. A vet may recommend blood tests to assess organ damage.

If left untreated, exposure to eucalyptus can become life-threatening.

4 Common Exposure Routes

Cat with plants. Viktoriya Skorikova / Getty Images

Cats may be exposed to eucalyptus in various ways.

Inhaling vapors from essential oil diffusers
Contact with eucalyptus-scented cleaning products
Licking fur after brushing against eucalyptus plants
Chewing on eucalyptus leaves or stems

In any of these cases, it’s important to seek veterinary treatment immediately. The ASPCA Poison Control Center and your local veterinarian can guide you through the next steps.

Is Any Form of Eucalyptus Safe for Cats?

While some people believe small amounts of eucalyptus or diluted oil are harmless, veterinarians generally agree that no form of eucalyptus is considered safe for cats. Even products labeled as natural or organic can be harmful.

Eucalyptus essential oils are especially dangerous because of their concentrated nature. Cats are more sensitive to essential oils than dogs or humans due to their unique metabolism and grooming habits.

What to Do if Your Cat Is Exposed

If your cat has come into contact with eucalyptus:

Remove the source immediately.
Rinse your cat’s skin or fur with water if needed.
Contact your vet or an emergency clinic.
Monitor for symptoms like drooling, vomiting or lethargy.

Supportive care may include IV fluids and anti-nausea medication. Treatment depends on the form of exposure and severity of symptoms.

Safer Alternatives for Pet Parents

Look for essential oils labeled as safe for cats, or avoid them entirely. Focus on ventilation and keep all essential oil products out of reach.

For natural air fresheners, consider pet-safe plants or odor-neutralizing sprays.

When in doubt, consult your vet. Many pet owners assume that natural equals safe, but for cats, even a pleasant-smelling oil like eucalyptus can be harmful.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.