Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus species · Myrtaceae
How it looks
Eucalyptus is an evergreen plant with gray-green to silvery round or oval leaves arranged oppositely. Crushing the leaves releases a cool, minty, medicinal aroma, and the branches grow upright. Grown in a pot it reaches 3–6.5 ft (1–2 m); outdoors it becomes a large tree.
Caution — the strain of essential oils
Eucalyptol puts a strain on a cat's liver metabolism, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The essential oil and diffuser forms are far more dangerous than the plant itself.
Guide for parents
Eucalyptus often comes into the home as a dried flower, a bouquet accent, or a diffuser. The plant itself poses little risk if kept out of reach, but essential-oil diffusers are a strain on cats from airborne exposure alone. We recommend not using them. If vomiting or lethargy lasts more than 12 hours, you'll need to consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Eucalyptus species
- Common name
- Eucalyptus
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Eucalyptol (1, 8-cineole)
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Myrtaceae
Related guides
Top 10 Flowers Dangerous to Cats — The Ones You See at Florists
Ten flowers you'll commonly find at florists and grocery stores that are toxic to cats. Check before you receive them, and before you bring them home.
Got a Bouquet? What to Do If You Have a Cat
A bouquet is a lovely surprise — but if you live with a cat, there are a few things to take care of right away. From checking what's in the arrangement to choosing the right vase, here's what actually helps, in order.
Why Cats Chew Plants, and How to Stop It
A cat chewing and tearing at plants isn't just mischief — there's an instinct behind it. Once you understand why, the ways to stop it follow naturally.