Lavender is toxic to cats, so they should not consume it in any form, including essential oils or the plant itself. Signs of lavender toxicity in cats include diarrhea, vomiting, and weakness.
Lavender is mildly toxic to cats, which means it's not typically fatal. “The toxic compounds found in the pretty purple-flowered plant are called linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats' livers are unable to process,” Dr. Conrad told The Dodo.
“There is no established toxic dose for lavender oil,” says Richardson. “It depends on each individual cat's sensitivity to it and route of exposure.” Your cat may experience gastrointestinal symptoms rapidly, within the first three hours of exposure or ingestion.
Lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus
Likewise, geranium and eucalyptus plants give off an odor that cats dislike. Keep in mind that lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus are all somewhat toxic to cats; if ingested, they can cause excess salivation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, depression, or dermatitis.
While a lavender plant itself isn't toxic to your cat, formulations from the plant can be. Your cat can eat a lot of lavender and may suffer only an upset stomach, but on the other hand, lavender essential oil can be deadly for your pet because of its concentration.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Lavender. As with us humans, the aroma given off by lavender attracts cats by drawing them towards it to sniff and rub against it. However, its power of attraction is not as strong as the previous plant and it is possible that some cats will not display equal interest. However, to many this is a smell that cats hate.
Cats are more sensitive to lavender oil than humans, causing severe GI issues, nervous system depression, and liver damage when consumed. Cat toxicity can occur in several ways, including ingestion of the plant, inhalation of essential oils, or dermal absorption and ingestion of essential oils.
So, is lavender safe for cats? Unfortunately for cats, lavender is toxic. Bummer, right? This gorgeous plant with bright purple blossoms covers the south of France and smells like actual floral heaven, but is a big no-no for felines, especially in essential oil form.
Orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells), cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, & mustard oil.
Many essential oils — including lavender oil — are toxic to cats and should never be given to cats orally or applied topically, in my opinion. These products can be rapidly absorbed through the digestive tract or through the skin, and then travel to the liver where they are metabolized.
Apply Directly on Animal
The best places to apply on a cat, dog or horse when anxious or nervous to help soothe them are behind the ears and tips of ears (NOT in the ear canal). Also, put a drop or two inside of collar or halter. This will absorb into skin and help the scent permeate in the air longer.
In the home, cats are often scared of noisy household appliances, especially if they didn't become accustomed to them as young kittens. Vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, printers, washing machines and hairdryers are common culprits.
If you want some cat-friendly air fresheners, there are certain smells that cats love. “Cats love the smell of catnip, olives, non-citrus fruit for the most part and plants like honeysuckle,” Dr. Evans said. A lot of cats like the scent of valerian root, “which induces a similar euphoria to catnip,” Hudson said.
To keep cats away from gardens, flower beds, or specific areas of property, scatter fragrant items that don't appeal to a cat's sense of smell, like fresh orange or lemon peels, organic citrus-scented sprays, coffee grounds, vinegar, pipe tobacco, or oil of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, or eucalyptus.
Sure is. World's Best Cat Litter™ Lavender Scented Multiple Cat Clumping litter is safe for your cat or cats. The level of essential oil contained in our litter is extremely low—just enough to keep your rooms smelling fresh, but not enough to be harmful to your cat's health.
The second part of the outdoor cat predator problem is that cats are themselves prey. They will be killed by coyotes, eagles, owls, raccoons, dogs and otters. Two cats were killed by an otter when the cats got to close to their nest. Cars and humans also kill cats.
Coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, oil of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, and eucalyptus also deter cats. Cats will only go the restroom where they can dig. By placing chicken wire with the sharp side facing down, lattice fencing, or river rocks over the soil will keep feral cats from using your garden as a litter box.
From litter boxes to general pet odor, these animal smells can unfortunately become the one thing guests remember most about your home. Here are a few of our favorite tips to minimize household odors. Another must is to frequently clean and groom your pet —cats will carry an odor all by themselves.
Add baking soda to the litter: Surprisingly, baking soda is a great all-natural deodorizer that is both safe for cats and can help manage the litter box smell. By mixing a little bit of baking soda with the litter, you can help absorb any urine odors also.
Mix together lemon juice, rosemary and white vinegar - three things cats detest. Put the liquid in a spray bottle so it's easy to use around the garden. Simply spray near where the cats spend time - on planters, the patio, or even inside.
Scent deterrents will either serve to repel (eg Citronella) or mark a territory (eg Silent Roar). Alternatively, try orange or lemon peel, since cats are not keen on the smell of citrus. Bucket or water pistol full of water will help to chase a cat out of the garden.