The Science Behind Lavender and Cats
Quick Answer
The small amount of dried lavender in our catnip blends is safe. We use less than 2% lavender for each blend. That means if you give your cat a handful of our blend, there's less than a pinch of lavender. We use dried lavender, not oils. Oils are much stronger and can hurt cats. Our dried lavender is gentle and may help cats feel calm and relaxed.
The Science
Lavender contains two compounds - linalool and linalyl acetate - that cats cannot process as efficiently as humans. Lavender is commonly listed as toxic to cats. This is absolutely true, and it's why we take ingredient safety seriously at Meowijuana.
However, the safety of most ingredients depends on the amount consumed. Even water can be harmful in excessive quantities, which is why dosage can matter just as much as the presence of a compound.
How Our Lavender-Infused Blends are Formulated for Safety
In our Mice Dreams, Pawty Mix, and Lemongrass Pawty Mix blends, lavender makes up less than 2% by volume. To put this in perspective: for every 1/8 cup of our blend that you give your cat, there is less than a pinch of lavender - roughly equivalent to what might cling to your fingers after touching dried lavender.
The principle that "the dose makes it toxic" is the most important here. All chemicals, whether human-made or natural, are potentially toxic at some dose. Even the ASPCA lists catnip as toxic to cats because it can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested in large amounts - yet we know catnip is generally safe and beneficial when used appropriately.
Understanding the Difference: Dried Herbs vs. Essential Oils
This distinction is crucial for pet parents to understand:
- Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts that contain much larger amounts of linalool and linalyl acetate, making them more toxic to cats
- Dried lavender (like what we use) contains naturally occurring levels of these compounds in their original plant form
- Our minimal amounts are carefully calculated to provide relaxation benefits while maintaining safety
Additionally, we use dried lavender rather than essential oils. Dried lavender contains significantly lower concentrations of linalool and linalyl acetate compared to concentrated essential oils, which are the forms most commonly associated with toxicity concerns.
What This Means for Your Cat
For the vast majority of cats, the trace amount of dried lavender in our Mice Dreams, Pawty Mix, and Lemongrass Pawty Mix poses no health risk when used as directed. In fact, the minimal amount of dried lavender in these blends may help your cat with relaxation, better sleep, and reduced anxiety - benefits that have been recognized for centuries in humans and can extend to our feline friends.
While mild exposure to lavender is generally not harmful and may even help with anxiety, depression, and stress, it's crucial to use it in moderation and observe your cat's reaction.
When to Be Cautious
Every cat is unique, and some may have sensitivities to any new ingredient. We always recommend:
- Starting with small amounts when introducing any new treat
- Monitoring your cat's response
- Discontinuing use if you notice any unusual behavior or digestive upset
- Consulting your veterinarian if you have specific health concerns about your pet
Our Commitment to Your Cat's Safety
At SmarterPaw, we've carefully formulated our Mice Dreams, Pawty Mix, and Lemongrass Pawty Mix blends to provide the joy and enrichment your cat deserves while maintaining the highest safety standards. Our blends have been enjoyed by thousands of cats safely, and we continue to monitor feedback from pet parents like you.
These all-natural blends, with their minimal amount of dried lavender, can help improve your cat's mood, appetite, and sleep. Just remember to introduce any new product slowly and pay attention to how your cat responds.
If you have additional questions about our ingredients or your cat's reaction to any of our products, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer happiness team. We're here to ensure both you and your feline friend have the best possible experience.
