Clove Poisoning in Cats

Cloves are a fragrant spice made from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, or Syzygium aromaticum, and were employed early in human history to preserve food. Today, they are often used in fall and holiday baking for their sweet and spicy flavor, as well as to scent homes. Holiday hams are often studded with cloves, holiday beverages contain them, and popular diffusers may use clove essential oil to scent a room. Found as whole clove buds, ground clove powder or as an essential oil, most households have some form in the cabinets.

Clove aromas may interest your cat, and they may want to taste some. However, ingesting clove in any form can be dangerous for cats. Cloves contain eugenol, a substance that’s toxic to felines, especially in large amounts. Even simply inhaling eugenol can cause respiratory and other serious problems. 

It’s important to recognize the signs of clove poisoning and get your cat treated at once by a veterinarian if you suspect they have ingested this spice. There’s no antidote, but testing, treatment, and support can help cats recover.

The symptoms of clove poisoning are caused by damage to the throat, lungs, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system after ingesting eugenol. If you observe your feline eating something containing cloves, or whole clove buds, powder, or essential oil, they may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms.

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Watery eyes or nose
• Burning throat causing hacking 
• Panting
• Labored breathing
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Loss of balance
• Slow heart rate
• Low body temperature
• Low blood sugar
• Signs of liver failure, including, depression, loss of appetite, yellow gums, and eyes
• Seizures or coma that can lead to death

Cats that have pre-existing conditions such as asthma, airborne allergies, or exposure to secondhand smoke are at greater risk for respiratory distress from inhaling clove powder or droplets from diffusers. 

The actual amount of clove that will cause toxicity varies depending on the form of the spice. Clove powder is the least toxic, especially if it’s consumed in baked goods or other foods. Inhaled, the powder may irritate the mouth, trachea, and lungs. 

Clove essential oil that is used in diffusers is highly concentrated and rapidly absorbed through the mouth and skin, making it more dangerous for felines. Cats lack the enzymes in the liver that metabolize and remove eugenol. Newer nebulizers and ultrasonic diffusers emit microdroplets that can be inhaled, or that may settle on a cat’s body. The microdroplets are then ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. 

If you suspect or observe your cat’s exposure to clove powder or oils, or see any of the signs, call your vet immediately. Only they can definitively diagnose and treat clove toxicity and its symptoms to prevent further damage.

Be sure to relate any symptoms you've noticed so far in your cat, and let your vet know if you witnessed them eating or inhaling clove in any form. A sample or packaging from the clove oil or powder can be very helpful as well.

A physical examination may detect lung involvement or burns in the mouth, along with a slow heart rate, low temperature, and signs of central nervous system, liver or kidney damage. Your vet may also do bloodwork to detect liver or kidney damage. 

Treating clove poisoning in cats is aimed at getting rid of the toxins and providing supportive care until the cat recovers. 

Rid the body of clove toxins

If clove was eaten, the cat’s stomach may need to be cleared. The vet will use a gastric lavage tube, followed by activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins. If the veterinarian observes microdroplets on the cat’s hair or skin, a bath with soap and water may needed.

Supportive care

Anti-vomiting medications and stomach lining protectants may be given, along with IV fluids and pain meds as needed. A soft diet or tube feeding will help to minimize discomfort while maintaining proper nourishment.  

Early and proper treatment, followed by measures that support the cat’s general health and nutrition, typically results in a good possibility for survival. The severity of the toxicity is affected by the amount and form ingested. Certain chemicals that may be contained in diffuser oils, like phenols, may make the recovery period longer as they make the toxins highly absorbent.

Follow-up visits may be recommended depending on the severity of the poisoning, general health and age of the cat, and their response to the medical treatment.

Clove poisoning in cats can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of clove poisoning start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

Cost of clove poisoning: $250-$2,500