How do I give my cat lemongrass?
Lemongrass oil:
Lemongrass is a safe essential oil to use around cats at a low concentration. It should not, however, be ingested by cats or directly applied to their skin.
Lemongrass isn't harmful to cats, as long as they nibble in moderation. When made into an essential oil, lemongrass is potentially deadly for your cat. All cats lack glucuronyl transferase, a liver enzyme, that helps to break down most essential oils, including lemongrass.
Yes, lemongrass is fairly safe for cats if given in moderation. However, it can also be mildly toxic if eaten too much and may lead to a mild GI upset. It is nearly impossible for any cat to consume enough lemongrass to become seriously ill. The majority of cases are extremely mild and resolve on their own.
So a nibble of lemongrass will not harm your cats, but an intense craving could indicate (rather than cause) some underlying nutritional deficiency or disease such as hyperthyroidism.
No, lemongrass oil is not safe for cats as in its concentrated state, the essential oil is far too strong to use around cats. It's possibly fatal if they consume the oil, and diffusing it or using it in any other way around them can also make them sick.
Cats dislike eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint – just choose the ones you don't mind the scent of yourself.
Felines enjoy attractive edible flowers such as zinnias, marigolds and Johnny-jump-ups, as well as catnip, cat thyme, oat grass, rosemary and bean sprouts. Although catnip has a reputation as a cat favorite, you might want to try some on your cat before you plant it, because not all cats like it.
Lemongrass is toxic to dogs due to the cyanogenic glycosides and oils in the plant. Lemongrass poisoning, however, is rare in canines since dogs must ingest large quantities of the plant to trigger severe symptoms.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass oil is a great repelling oil for fleas. The scent is very unpleasant for fleas- but for us it smells great! What is this? Mix into a spray with water to spray on your pet's bedding to keep fleas away.
Yes, lemongrass does repel cats as they dislike the strong citrus scent which is intense for their strong sense of smell. Lemongrass is a natural way to repel cats. This is good news for gardeners who have an organic garden and do not want chemicals on their plants.
Are lemongrass and catnip related?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
This is a native herb from India and Sri Lanka and causes a reaction similar to catnip. Since this one is not generally available commercially, you can plant some in our garden.
- Basil.
- Sage.
- Cilantro.
- Catnip (in small amounts only)
- Dandelion.
- Parsley (in small amounts only)
- Thyme.
- Dill (in small amounts only)

Lemongrass is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in food amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or inhaled as aromatherapy short-term for medicinal purposes. Rarely, lemongrass oil might cause a rash of skin irritation when applied to the skin.
In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass leaves are commonly used as “lemon” flavoring in herbal teas. In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.
A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. If you diffuse oils in your home, it should not cause a problem for your cat, as oil used in a diffuser is highly diluted (versus direct topical application or dietary supplementation).
All you have to do is take a few lemongrass stalks, remove the outer layer, and crush them coarsely with a mortar and pestle. Infuse this in a jar of base oil (rice bran or olive oil) of your choice, and leave it in a warm, sunny place for 48 hours. Now, strain the oil.
LEMONGRASS OIL & DOGS
Aside from smelling citrusy and pleasant, lemongrass repels fleas and ticks while promoting healthy skin. Lemongrass essential is typically safe for dogs!
The answer is a firm no. Lemons and other citrus fruits can harm your feline friend because they contain toxic compounds that are poisonous to most domestic pets.
Sunflowers, zinnias, snapdragons, and gerbera daisies are safe, as well as oat grass or dandelion. Pluck a handful of greens from the yard and offer to your cat. Catnip and More. Many herbs we use in cooking are safe and fun for cats to sniff, and some are known to be feline favorites.
In particular, cats hate the smell of rue, lavender, marigolds, pennyroyal, Coleus canina, and lemon thyme. So if you have a problem with curious kitties or strays in your yard, consider planting these specimens throughout your garden or along the edges of flowerbeds to serve as a natural cat deterrent (11, 14).
How do you get your cat to stop scratching furniture?
Put plastic, double-sided sticky tape, sandpaper or upside-down vinyl carpet runner (knobby parts up) on furniture or on the floor where your cat would stand to scratch your furniture. Place scratching posts next to these objects, as “legal” alternatives. Clip your cat's nails regularly.
Lemongrass (cymbopagon) – Kitties love the smell of lemongrass, so if you're growing some for yourself, grow some extra for them to gnaw on.
Lemongrass is toxic to dogs due to the cyanogenic glycosides and oils in the plant. Lemongrass poisoning, however, is rare in canines since dogs must ingest large quantities of the plant to trigger severe symptoms.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass oil is a great repelling oil for fleas. The scent is very unpleasant for fleas- but for us it smells great! What is this? Mix into a spray with water to spray on your pet's bedding to keep fleas away.
Lemongrass ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues when eaten in large quantities. If you dog ingests a small amount, it most likely will not cause harm but if you are concerned, always contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control.