What to do if your pet ate it
Contact your vet or a poison line right away, report how much lemongrass was eaten and your pet's weight, and keep any packaging or leftovers. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Severe: tremors, breathing trouble, collapse
If your pet shows vomiting, lethargy or any unusual behaviour after eating lemongrass, go to the nearest emergency vet immediately.
Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.
Other foods that are toxic or dangerous
The full A–Z food list groups every food by verdict for each species.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat lemongrass?
NO — do not feed. Both fresh lemongrass and its essential oil contain citral, which is irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and can cause vomiting, drooling, and liver irritation in dogs and cats. No safe amount is established, so avoid offering any part of the plant.
What if my cat already ate lemongrass?
Call your vet or a poison line now with the amount of lemongrass eaten and your cat's weight, and do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. If lemongrass was eaten and you then see vomiting, lethargy, tremors or breathing changes, go straight to the nearest emergency clinic.
Is there a safe amount of lemongrass for cats?
There is no accepted safe dose of lemongrass for cats; it is classed as toxic or dangerous, and reactions vary with the individual animal, so it is not something to feed at any amount.
How often can cats have lemongrass?
lemongrass is not something to feed at any interval; it stays off the menu entirely.
What are safer treats than lemongrass for cats?
Pick from the safe list instead — Oats & oatmeal or Pumpkin (plain) carry none of the risk that lemongrass does, and they work better as an everyday treat.