Is Eucalyptus safe for cats and dogs?
| Species | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
Severity: Moderate
Read the full first-aid guide: what to do if your pet ate something toxic
Eucalyptus is toxic to both cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. The trees contain essential oils, primarily eucalyptol, that irritate the digestive tract when chewed or ingested. Signs of exposure include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weakness. Eucalyptus oil is also concentrated in household products such as diffusers, potpourri, and cleaning sprays, so pets can be exposed even without direct access to a living tree.
In California, eucalyptus is one of the most recognizable trees in the landscape, planted widely along the coast and in windbreaks since the 1800s. Blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), the most common species in the state, carries a "Limited" invasiveness rating from the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC), which notes the tree "is a tree found throughout California, but has primarily escaped to become invasive along the coast," with effects on fire danger, native plants, and wildlife in the areas where it spreads. Pet owners in coastal California neighborhoods with mature eucalyptus stands should keep in mind that fallen leaves and bark accumulate readily underfoot, giving curious dogs and cats easy access to the plant material.
If a cat or dog chews eucalyptus leaves or is exposed to concentrated eucalyptus oil and shows signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Facts and examples
- Blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), the most common eucalyptus in California, carries a "Limited" invasiveness rating from the California Invasive Plant Council, which states it "is a tree found throughout California, but has primarily escaped to become invasive along the coast" with effects on fire danger, native plants, and wildlife. (source, verified 2026-07-31)
Verdict re-verified against aspca.org, 2026-07-31 — confirmed unchanged. Source
This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is showing symptoms, or you think they ate or touched something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control hotline immediately.
Last verified 2026-07-31