Plant safety for cats
Is lemongrass (नीबू घास) toxic to cats?
MildListed toxic to cats by ASPCA
Yes, mildly — ASPCA lists lemongrass as toxic to cats: it causes stomach upset. It isn't cat grass, even though cats love chewing its blades; grow oat or wheat grass for them instead.
Why mild: A stomach upset. It is NOT cat grass — at least one Indian guide wrongly lists it as safe.
- Name
- Lemongrassalso Nimbu ghas, Gavati chaha
- Hindi
- नीबू घास · nimbu ghas
- Botanical name
- Cymbopogon citratus · Poaceae
- Other Indian names
- Marathiगवती चहा (gavati chaha)
- Bengaliগন্ধবেণা (gondhobena)
Toxic parts
Treat every part as toxic — ASPCA lists the plant without naming a safer part.
What's in it
Essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides.
How to recognise it
- A tall clump of strap-like, rough-edged, blue-green leaves
- A lemony smell
- A bulbous base
Look-alikes and name traps
Cat grass (oat or wheat seedlings) is safe — and probably what your cat is really after.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea, stomach upset
What to do
Usually settles on its own — but keep an eye on your cat.
- Take the plant away and note how much was chewed.
- Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea keeps going, your cat stops eating, or seems weak or wobbly.
- Don't make your cat vomit at home unless a vet tells you to.
- Never spray lemongrass or citronella oil on a cat.
Where Indian cats meet it
Kitchen gardens and balcony pots, grown for chai.
Cat-safe swap: Oat or wheat cat grass (jai or gehun ke jaware).
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Lemon grass
- Genovese et al. 2012: essential-oil flea products in cats and dogs (PubMed)
- AlcoVet: Cat-safe plants for Indian homes (lists lemongrass as safe)
Facts last checked
General information for cat parents, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. The facts come from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, International Cat Care, the Merck Veterinary Manual and the other sources listed on every page — and we say so when the evidence comes from dogs or people. If your cat may have eaten something harmful, call your vet.
