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
