Cats · Guide
Can Cats Eat Lemongrass?
No, the ASPCA lists lemongrass as toxic to cats. It can upset the stomach. Here is what to watch for, what to do, and how to keep your cat away from it.
No, cats should not eat lemongrass. The ASPCA lists lemongrass as toxic to cats. The plant has oils and other compounds that can upset a cat’s stomach. Keep fresh stalks, garden plants, and lemongrass foods away from your cat.
Why is lemongrass bad for cats?
The ASPCA plant list names the plant Cymbopogon citratus and marks it “Toxic to Cats.” It also marks it toxic to dogs and horses. The ASPCA gives two toxic ingredients: essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides. Those are plant chemicals that can release cyanide, a poison.
For cats and dogs, the ASPCA lists one sign: stomach upset. The page does not say how much lemongrass it takes to make a cat sick, so we can’t give a safe amount. Because the plant is on the toxic list, the safe choice is none.
Are lemongrass oils and candles a problem too?
Possibly. Pet Poison Helpline says cats have trouble clearing essential oils from their bodies because they lack a liver enzyme that helps with this. It also says cats are very sensitive to certain plant chemicals called phenols.
That page does not name lemongrass, and we found no source that tests lemongrass oil in cats. But the general warning applies to any concentrated oil. Pet Poison Helpline says to never put concentrated essential oils on your cat.
What signs should I watch for?
If your cat chewed or ate lemongrass, the ASPCA lists stomach upset. That can mean:
- Throwing up
- Loose stool
- Not wanting to eat
Pet Poison Helpline lists more serious signs for essential oil poisoning in cats. These include drooling, tremors, wobbliness, fast or hard breathing, and a low heart rate. Call a vet right away if you see any of these. If your cat breathes in strong oil fumes and has trouble breathing, move the cat to fresh air and get emergency care if it doesn’t get better quickly.
What should I do if my cat ate lemongrass?
- Take any plant pieces away from your cat.
- Call your vet or a poison hotline. Tell them what your cat ate, about how much, and when.
- Watch your cat closely and follow the advice you are given.
Take the plant or label with you if you go to the clinic. It helps the vet know exactly what your cat ate.
Is lemongrass in food okay for cats?
No. Soups, curries, and teas with lemongrass are people food, and Merck Veterinary Manual says to avoid table scraps for cats. Those dishes can also have other ingredients that are not meant for cats. Our guide to foods that are toxic to cats has more.
What can my cat chew instead?
If your cat likes to nibble plants, offer plain grass grown for pets. Our guide on whether cats can eat grass explains how to do this safely. Don’t plant lemongrass where your cat can reach it.
Merck says cats are carnivores, meaning they eat mainly meat, so they do not need plants in their food. If you want to give treats, Cornell Feline Health Center says they should be no more than 10 to 15 percent of your cat’s daily calories.
Common questions
Is lemongrass poisonous to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. In cats and dogs, it lists stomach upset as the sign.
Is lemongrass essential oil safe around cats?
Pet Poison Helpline says cats are very sensitive to essential oils because they lack a liver enzyme that helps clear them. Its page does not name lemongrass, but it says to never put concentrated oils on a cat.
Can cats eat cat grass instead?
Plain grass is a different plant from lemongrass, and most cats do fine with it. See our guide on whether cats can eat grass for how to offer it safely.
How many treats can my cat have?
Cornell Feline Health Center says treats should not be more than 10 to 15 percent of your cat's daily calories.