Is Cats Safe?
Is Citronella Oil Safe for Cats?
No — Citronella Oil is toxic to cats.
Citronella oil, derived from Cymbopogon nardus, is toxic to cats. It contains citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol, which cats cannot properly metabolize, and the oil is rapidly absorbed through the skin. Keep cats away from citronella sprays, candle wax pools, and diffusers, and contact a vet if exposure occurs.
| Scientific name | Cymbopogon nardus |
|---|---|
| Category | Essential Oils |
| Toxic principle | Citronellal, geraniol and citronellol require UGT metabolism; rapidly absorbed through skin (the 'citronella plant', a scented geranium, is also ASPCA-toxic) |
| Also known as | citronella, citronella essential oil |
Signs to watch for in cats
- GI upset
- Drooling
- Ataxia
- Muscle weakness
- Dermatitis. Avoid citronella sprays
- Candle wax pools and diffusion around cats
If your cat may have been exposed to Citronella Oil:
- Don't wait for symptoms; don't induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
- Note what and how much, and take any packaging with you.
- Call your vet or a 24/7 line now — Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 · ASPCA 888-426-4435.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Citronella Oil toxic to cats?
Yes. Citronella Oil is reported toxic to cats by ASPCA APCC; veterinary toxicology consensus. Keep it away from your cat.
What are the symptoms if a cat is exposed to Citronella Oil?
Reported signs include: GI upset, Drooling, Ataxia, Muscle weakness, Dermatitis. Avoid citronella sprays, Candle wax pools and diffusion around cats.
What makes Citronella Oil toxic to cats?
The harmful component reported for Citronella Oil is Citronellal, geraniol and citronellol require UGT metabolism; rapidly absorbed through skin (the 'citronella plant', a scented geranium, is also ASPCA-toxic). Cats metabolise many such compounds poorly, so even small exposures can cause problems.
How much Citronella Oil is dangerous to cats?
There is no established "safe" amount — sensitivity varies by cat, and small exposures can still cause signs. Treat any exposure as potentially serious rather than waiting to see how much was involved.
What should I do if my cat ate Citronella Oil?
Contact your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line right away: Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).