Is Cats Safe?
Is Rosemary Oil Safe for Cats?
Caution — Rosemary Oil can be risky for cats.
Rosemary as a plant or food extract is considered non-toxic to cats, but the concentrated essential oil contains camphor and 1,8-cineole, which cats metabolise poorly. Exposure to the concentrated oil can cause vomiting, drooling, and tremors. Keep rosemary essential oil away from cats, and contact a vet if exposure occurs.
| Scientific name | Salvia rosmarinus |
|---|---|
| Category | Essential Oils |
| Toxic principle | The rosemary plant is ASPCA-non-toxic and rosemary extract is GRAS in pet food, but concentrated oil contains camphor and 1,8-cineole that cats metabolise poorly |
| Also known as | rosemary essential oil, rosemary oil |
Signs to watch for in cats
- Plant/food extract are fine
- The concentrated oil can cause vomiting
- Drooling
- Tremors. Avoid the essential oil on or around cats
If your cat may have been exposed to Rosemary 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.
Browse all Essential Oils for cats · or check another item.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rosemary Oil safe for cats?
Rosemary Oil is best treated with caution — it isn't classed as toxic but can cause problems for cats in some forms or amounts.
What are the symptoms if a cat is exposed to Rosemary Oil?
Reported signs include: Plant/food extract are fine, The concentrated oil can cause vomiting, Drooling, Tremors. Avoid the essential oil on or around cats.
What makes Rosemary Oil toxic to cats?
The harmful component reported for Rosemary Oil is The rosemary plant is ASPCA-non-toxic and rosemary extract is GRAS in pet food, but concentrated oil contains camphor and 1,8-cineole that cats metabolise poorly. Cats metabolise many such compounds poorly, so even small exposures can cause problems.
How much Rosemary 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 Rosemary 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).