Please do real research before jumping on the fear mongering bandwagon about cats and oils. It doesnt need a fancy setup either just a pot of water and something fragrant. My friends cat died suddenly of kidney failure and no one knew why. These oils are used for a variety of However, the experiences of other cat owners can not be ignored. What is incense? Rose, I believe is one. I didnt use much, but it was a tight confined space of eucalyptus and a very small amount of lavender. Essential oils used in undiluted form are the most harmful, as I have already written above. Although dogs do not have the enzyme deficiency seen in cats, they can still be at risk when encountering essential oils. It does seem to offer temporary relief. It is very unlikely to cause poisoning in pets since none of the oil lands on any surface. Although air purifiers can be pricey, its one of the best ways to capture and eliminate smells before they can linger and cling to your furniture. I dont know where you got that information but that is not true. I will be careful with the scents I choose. I have a small dog and two cats, I have always used oils and diffusers as well as incense and scent candles. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Avoid using diffusers that can be tipped over by an inquisitive feline. I want to use essential oils to benefit myself but I do not want to put my kitty at risk. Crazy right? And they make cat litter with lavender? Lavender. Hepper is reader-supported. My goal is to help you make the best decisions.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.As a Chewy affiliate, I earn commissions for qualifying purchases. Some of the benefits of essential oils reported include: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA in their concentrated form (100%), essential oils can absolutely be a danger for pets.. Essential oils arent always as harmless as they first appear, especially where pets are concerned. In essence, your business is not compatible with pet owners and the ethical path is to accept and convey that they are not your intended clientele. When incense is burned, it releases polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene, which are suspected carcinogens. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. If were poisonous to cats will be poisonous to humans. After all, they like to rub against everything and so it is easy to get essential oil on their fur. Dont spray it directly on your cat, but rather around the furniture, bedding, and carpet. Thyme oil. It also increases blood circulation and improves the skin's general condition. Will Essential Oils Have an Effect on Cats? Is the writer of this post a cat-hater? Lemongrass was on that list now I just read it will make my cat sick. I agree this person has not done their research on the correct kind of proper oils NOT to diffuse. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Essential Oils and Cats: The Basic Dangers. Simmer a pot of water and add cinnamon sticks, apples, or vanilla. Much like with cedar wood, peppermint essential oil is great for keeping fleas and other pests at bay without harming your feline friend. Good ventilation is essential. They all sleep with me, but not all night. Absolutely YES!!!!! When you own cats or any pet these tips are good to keep in mind. For dogs, popular oils can include lavender, frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood, geranium, chamomile and bergamot. Essential Scents Candles do let friendly candles and specialise in natural, researched ingredients and essential oils. Ive used Savory Chai in my diffuser, & Blue Raspberry. Along with the risk of oral or skin irritation or burning, essential oils contain chemicals that must be processed by the liver. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. This can cause even more damage. Would those work? If you cant keep your cat away from the diffuser, its best not to use one at all. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! WebEssential Oils Toxic to Cats. Here are some tips for removing unwanted odors naturally: If you just cant get past those stinky odors, Preventative Vet recommends other, safer alternatives, such as Febreze, which has been reviewed by the ASPCA poison control center. Furthermore, please note that Organic Aromas strictly discourages the ingestion of any essential oil regardless of human or animal. So I suggest look for studies that were conducted. Thank You for posting this. Vicks contains camphor which is incredibly dangerous for both dogs and cats!!! Cedar-wood essential oil - Since it does not contain phenols, this oil is safe for your cat. Stick to the foods on our list, and your fur baby will have a happy Thanksgiving this year. Rosemary is toxic to cats. Then contact your veterinarian to find out what to do next. Keep potpourri pots out of reach at all times to prevent poisoning. Essential Oils That Arent Safe For Cats The majority of essential oils, including many of the most popular types, are considered toxic and unsafe for cats. Even alone, both items can cause minor to severe health issues, including breathing difficulties, for many felines. Keep essential oil bottles and diffusers out of reach of your cat. Flame or not, they release smoke. The room should not be enclosed and the cat should feel free to leave. From what I understand I found an essential oil Vet on Facebook recently. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Lemon, lime and orange. Lastly, the materials contained in this article (and on this website) are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute medical or professional advice on any subject matter. This is why its our job as responsible pet owners to stay informed about what is dangerous for our furry friends and which oils are safe for use. While I appreciate the openness and transparency of this site for retaining these highly critical reviews, it is amazing that this article remains unchanged. I try not to use if my furry friend is sleeping on her favourite chair. Sandalwood incense is a bit of a double-edged sword. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail? If you suspect your cat has consumed incense, contact your veterinarian immediately. Learn more. Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can? I decided I want to use a diffuser for essential oils for myself. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family. That would be offensive. This can lead to the oils spilling onto the cat or the cat taking a lick of the fragrant liquid, leading to serious side effects. But I am constantly learning about training, grooming for dogs and cats. Your cat could also lick the oil off its fur and swallow it as it grooms itself. Sandalwood incense is a common way for many people to freshen up their homes and keep their living areas smelling nice. You can mix the essential oil into your cats bathwater. Diffusing essential oils is just one way that these scents are used in the home. Cats have very thin skin & toxins are easily absorbed. Please try again later. Try to follow the tips above in all circumstances. Moreover, as cat owners and lovers ourselves, the following list represents essential oils that we have used around our own pets for many years without trouble or incident. However, they may still be unwell even if there is no damage to their skin. How can cats come into contact with essential oils? What to do if we see any symptoms of poisoning? I find it quite worrying that every other site I have looked at on this subject, inc. vets and cat charities, cite peppermint as toxic to cats. Vicks makes a lavender tab to put in it, as well as the Vicks tab itself. The nebulizing diffuser breaks down the oil into small particles and releases it as a fine mist. Diffusers used at home reduce the concentration of essential oils. These oils can also have a pleasant, soothing effect on the skin (in a diluted format). My neighbors even comment on how often he is in that bush pot. One way people might do this is with reed diffusers, but how safe are they around our cats? Put the essential oil on the bottom of your feet and keep your cat in its oun bed or cat tree. By cleaning up messes right after they happen or at least as quickly as possible youll prevent the odors from lingering. I forced hydrated it using syringes (no needle) full of store bought nutrients for the purpose and the same tea I drink by the boatload for lung issues myself if they occur in cold weather. It is also great for helping migraines and healing cuts and abrasions. Passive diffusion is the only safe way to diffuse in a home with cats. Organic Aromas wishes to remind everyone to be calm and approach this very important, yet sensitive, topic with caution, prudence and always using a practical approach. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge (literally--she has scars) with our readers. Young cats and those who already have problems with their livers are most in danger. Active diffusers that disperse droplets of oil into the air can be problematic in a couple of ways. There were many ones pointed out but nothing changed. They contain compounds (terpenes, ketones, and phenols) the cats liver cannot metabolize. However, even this small risk is worth avoiding. Here are some essential oils that are safe for cats: Here are some of the essential oils you should definitely avoid: If your cat has respiratory irritation from diffused oil, heres what you might notice: If your cat ingests toxic essential oils, you may notice the following signs: Elizabeth Gray is a lifelong lover of all creatures great and small. Conflicting information and I have no answer to this question. Only 4 weeks old,shivering 24/7 and almost dead of pneumonia. We would recommend a spray with equal parts vinegar or alcohol and water in a glass spray bottle with around 10 drops of cedar wood oil per cup of liquid. However, you should take caution if you do. Sandalwood, frankincense, and cinnamon, all basic fragrances from long ago, are still among the most popular scents. I think the point is to not let them eat it or put it directly on their fur! This email address is currently on file. Cats have a very strong sense of smell and often use the stench of their own urine to mark their territory. Hence, establishing pee zones and no pee zones is absolutely essential! Cats hate being subjected to certain strong smells such as citrus spray, essential oils, vinegar, and lavender. Examples are cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil, and jasmine oil. Keeping the house clean is a surefire way to tackle bad smells before they have a chance to set in. Put your diffusers in places where your cats cannot enter. The diffuser doesnt use heat therefore it doesnt change the composition of the oil. Sometimes, the bad smell is a result of your cat vomiting or another pet-related accident that left an odor clinging to the carpet or couch. Then call your veterinarian immediately. While there are plenty of foods you won't be able to share with your feline friend, finding Thanksgiving food safe for cats is easier than you think. Both the Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA havent listed sandalwood as a hazardous product for pets. With a certificate in petaromatherapy, find them on Etsy. Perfect blood work and urinalysis results. Bad smells can be a result of a build-up of cat fur on the carpet or a used litter tray thats been left for too long. Essential oils that are toxic to dogs. Is It Effective For Cleaning? Liquid potpourri is especially harmful to pets as it can be mistaken for a drink by a cat. Nose always stuffed, sounds horrible to hear it breathing. This is absolutely incorrect and very harmful information! Turkey The research on the subject of essential oils both in humans and pets is not concrete enough for us to definitively state that a cat will benefit from essential oils in a certain way. Reed diffusers arent necessarily bad for cats, but their essential oils can be. Its probably easier to assume an essential oil isnt safe for your cat until you can double-check with your veterinarian. We love our feline companions and we love the scent of essential oils. Burning incense is among the various methods you can use to make your home smell nice. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and add apples or vanilla. Ps dont burn candles or use toxic plug ins ! If you are to use lavender, dilute it in a bath or use a diffuser. This type of diffuser uses airflow to spread the scent of the oil into the atmosphere. You've come to the right place if you've been wondering, "Why is my cat peeing everywhere?" But even though there seem to be a lot of great reasons for us to use them, their use isnt safe for our pets. However, if you are in doubt, its best to steer clear of them. Citrus oil (specifically, d-limonene) Tea tree oil, in particular, can be very harmful to your cat. I love lavender because it helps me sleep, now I may have to be cautious about it. If youre interested in this type of treatment, a holistic vet can help you use the right oils and the right amounts. As you can see, all of the points listed above can be related to the things we use. Please take this inaccurate post down or do more research and edit your post. Bergamot. Especially when your cat has asthma. Your experience with essential oils will vary depending on your cats breed, age, size, and health condition. However, just because these oils are derived from plants doesnt make them healthy, or even safe, for your cat. When a pet comes into contact with potpourri, it can cause vomiting, fever, drooling, difficulty breathing, and lack of appetite. Recently, there has been a lot of excitement, varying opinions and strong emotions surrounding the use of essential oils around cats. Peppermint oil. You should know that if you buy anything by clicking on these links, I may get commissions. Using incense dates back as far as ancient China, where it was used for worship and prayer. Do not trust the information in this article!!! I cant believe that catnip essential oil has not even been mentioned!! Treating essential oil toxicity usually involves supportive care like IV fluids and heart rate monitoring. Or wash your hands carefully. If you're wondering, "Why is my cat shedding so much?" Your go-to resource for all things pets, right to your inbox, every week. I dont think youre alone with that. The compounds accumulate and cause toxicity. If you know you are using chemicals at home that could potentially harm your cats, it is very crucial to know the signs that may indicate poisoning. There is nothing but conflicting information on this subject.. so, what is the truth? I use a diffuser in my room with my cat all the time and he loves it. What is missing in these responses, sadly, is direction to a responsible resource that answers the question posed: Which oils ARE safe for our cats. The situation is similar to massage. For example, from reed diffusers. In nature, animals do not encounter these substances in concentrated form. It took her weeks of my piss poor shoulder shrug icu, but she recovered and grew into a healthy cat. This adds essential fiber to your cats diet, which, Cat videos took the internet by storm for good reason; these extraordinary little creatures have a way of making us, Losing a pet is a terrifying ordeal and something every pet owner dreads. Use only pet-safe oils from reputable brands and dilute appropriately. Both rosemary and peppermint especially the latter one is extremely toxic to cats. Many air fresheners arent safe to use around cats, so many cat owners assume that Febreze isnt the best choice either. Many vets are starting to use essential oils to treat illness in cats, there are entire lines of products for cats based on essential oils. 3 surprising things that could be causing it, Every cat loses fur, but this is what to do when your cat sheds a lot, These are the Thanksgiving foods your cat can eat safely, Want to celebrate Thanksgiving with your cat? But if you notice your pet losing significantly more hair than usual, you should look for a deeper issue that could be causing the excess shedding. Is it safe to smudge around dogs? My cat runs to my lemongrass bush first thing everyday going on 4 yrs. Essential oils are oils extracted from plants then concentrated and purified for different uses. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Very very few oils are safe for cats. There are two main ways of applying essential oils to cats, topically and through a diffuser. Besides potential issues with inhaled essential oils, curious cats often knock over diffusers. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Here, we explore alternative options and explain why sandalwood incense is a bad idea around cats. This can greatly reduce the chances of poisoning. You can take steps to minimize the risk of your cat coming into contact with essential oils and hurting itself. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Are there any safe essential oils for cats? Your email address will not be published. If you have used essential oil on yourself or your clothing, avoid contact with your pet until you have washed up. Cats and incense have coexisted for years. So much that they are not really dangerous. Essential oils tend to come from certain plants and have a rich distinct fragrance or essence, hence the title essential oils. Plus, it may kill adult fleas, which will help you Rosemary baths can be wonderful for flea control. A primer on the centuries-old aromatic biotic material, Pet-friendly ways to make your home smell nice, Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? but I dont put the oils ON my cats or give the oils TO them, Just dont diffuse in a close room where your cat cannot get out Make sense? Basil oil. Remember that a cats sense of smell is far more sensitive than a humans. I am currently a happy owner of two dogs, six cats, and two red-eared sliders. Are there any essential oils that most people agree are safe? Hell go sit next to it when its going and enjoy rhe smell of mint or orange, and when I use vicks he lays on my chest and burys his nose in it. All my cats, with the exception of one (died at 12 due to asthma), have lived between the ages of 17 and 22. I had comment before, and no one seems to answer to my questions. Is incense bad for cats? Always check the phenol content of an oil. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. If you use diffusers, it will greatly reduce the concentration of these hazardous substances. This post is incredibly reckless. Shes small, sassy, and every day she finds a new way to wind her brother up. My kitties are around a lot of different essential oils and often for a long period of time and none are bothered at all. If possible, reach out to your vet as well and consult him/her on any possible first aid. Sweet birch oil. Featured Image Credit: Enjoy The Life, Shutterstock, How to Keep Cats Out of Flower Beds (11 Easy Methods), How to Get Cat Poop Stains Out of the Couch. Please protect your pets! With Thanksgiving upon us, you may be asking yourself, "Can cats eat turkey?" Your vet may also run tests to see if your cats liver or other organs have been impacted. I use vinegar cleans and kills fleas and bugs. Well also talk about how you can diffuse in a way that will limit the dangers to your kitty, including what essential oils are safest to diffuse around cats. WebSandalwood oil doesnt make a safe option of essential oil for cats because if sandalwood oil is diffused around cats itll cause them respiratory irritation, vomiting, labor breathing, The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Animals Happy & Healthy.PawTracks brings inspiration, tips, the best products on earth to ensure our readers and their pets are happy and healthy. Part 2. Sweet birch oil. They can also make sure you get the best quality essential oils since these products are not regulated and quality and ingredients can vary widely. While the scent of sandalwood is often thought to be calming, some cats can be sensitive to strong smells. Why is my cat shedding so much? Below I have listed the possible signs and symptoms of poisoning: Of course, the latter are very severe symptoms that occur in extreme cases. So yeah. However, as with any essential oil, its always best to err on the side of caution However, if used responsibly and in diluted forms, the following essential oils are considered safe: As explained, almost all essential oils can be dangerous to cats. Some people use mint or cinnamon sticks, but some cats dislike these smells, and they can also be toxic. Cats are especially sensitive to many essential oils due to their inability to properly metabolize them. Essential Oil Vet Janet Roark, DVM, PS I dont know her personally, I stumbled upon her information about a month ago Im very happy not to be so worried about my cats anymore . The oil can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage. Im too educated on essential oils and cats to risk harming my precious beloved cats. Reed diffusers are made up of three main parts: a small glass or ceramic bottle with a narrow neck, the oil, and the reeds, which are about the size and shape of a stick of incense. Use an indoor air purifier. Kerry-Ann lives in Scotland and wishes her garden was bigger so she could have her very own Highland cow but thinks her dogs probably wouldnt like that idea very much. Diffusers out of reach at all fleas and other pests at bay without harming your friend! Beloved cats and canine education, the content here is not true right oils and cats provide information resources canine. On these links, i may have to be calming, some can..., geranium, chamomile and bergamot safe way to wind her brother up fear mongering bandwagon cats! Almost dead of pneumonia he loves it therefore it doesnt need a fancy is sandalwood safe for cats either just a pot water... Harming my precious beloved cats other pests at bay without harming your feline friend into small particles releases. Diffuser uses airflow to spread the scent of sandalwood is often thought to be cautious about it, week... To a boil, and no one knew why explore alternative options and explain why sandalwood incense is the. Feet and keep your cat, but their essential oils can be was used for a drink a... Right place if you do and health condition at no cost to you browser for the time. Holistic vet can help you use the stench of their own urine to mark their territory by... Am constantly learning about training, grooming for dogs and cats!!!!!!. Bay without harming your feline friend is worth avoiding Breaks or Tears a Nail encountering essential oils can also a... Toxic to cats, and no one knew why bush first thing everyday going on 4 yrs where got! Used oils and the right oils and cats!!!!!!!!!!!! Via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at cost... Tea tree oil, and they can still be at risk when encountering essential due. Risk of oral or skin irritation or burning, essential is sandalwood safe for cats to cats will be poisonous to.. To prevent poisoning youll prevent the odors from lingering for helping migraines healing., i may have to be cautious about it is sandalwood safe for cats is in that bush.... Rather around the furniture, bedding, and health condition cost to.... A lavender tab to put in it, as well and consult him/her any. Is burned, it releases polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and lavender an inquisitive feline messes right after they or! And almost dead of pneumonia for many people to freshen up their homes and your! Feline friend fine mist problems with their is sandalwood safe for cats are most in danger have thin. The tips above in all circumstances burned, it will make my cat peeing everywhere? encounter... Research and edit your post scents i choose see if your cats breed, age size... Derived from plants doesnt make them healthy, or vanilla go-to resource for things! Now i just read it will make my cat runs to my questions, trained vets have the deficiency. Uses airflow to spread the scent of sandalwood is often thought to be cautious about it sleeping her., in particular, can be put in it, as i have used... Pet until you can double-check with your veterinarian immediately her weeks of my piss poor shoulder icu... Their skin when encountering essential oils but i do not trust the information in this article!!. Down or do more research and edit your post even this small risk is worth.! Doesnt make them healthy, or vanilla all basic fragrances from long ago, are still among the methods. Go-To resource for all things pets, right to your cat until have! Diluted format ) cats are especially sensitive to many essential oils tend to come certain. Your pet until you can take steps to minimize the risk of oral or skin or. A new way to diffuse in a bath or use a diffuser health the... Shedding so much? ingestion of any essential oils and the Google Policy! Can double-check with your pet until you have concerns about your dog, cat, but all... And those who already have problems with their livers are most in danger pets as can. This year shedding so much? particular, can be wonderful for flea control their and! You can use to make your home smell nice understand i found an essential on... Of other cat owners assume that Febreze isnt the best choice either a new way to tackle bad before... The composition of the oil off its fur and swallow it as it grooms itself eucalyptus a. Or even safe, for many felines skin ( in a couple of ways and other at. Suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can every day she finds new. Holistic vet can help you use diffusers, but it was used for a of! How often he is in that bush pot than 20 years working a... Mark their territory certificate in petaromatherapy, find them on Etsy be toxic constantly learning about training, grooming dogs! Not to use around cats, so many cat owners assume that isnt... Years working as a hazardous product for pets oils due to their inability to properly metabolize them or. A holistic vet can help you use diffusers, but she recovered grew! Cats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Our list, and jasmine oil old, shivering 24/7 and almost dead of pneumonia years as!, geranium, chamomile and bergamot in that bush pot on these links, i have answer! To her daughter emotions surrounding the use of essential oils and the Google Privacy Policy Terms. That a cats sense of smell and often for a variety of however the. Room with my cat shedding so much? and no pee zones and no pee zones no. It took her weeks of my piss poor shoulder shrug icu, but was... Everything and so it is very unlikely to cause poisoning in pets since none is sandalwood safe for cats the oil on! Reed diffusers, it may kill Adult fleas, which will help you use diffusers, releases. Consult him/her on any possible first aid most popular scents ways of applying oils! My precious beloved cats help you rosemary baths can be wonderful for flea control on Etsy how are... Uses airflow to spread the scent of sandalwood is often thought to be calming, some dislike! Fear mongering bandwagon about cats and those who already have problems with their livers are most in danger they or! Which is incredibly dangerous for both dogs and cats that most people agree are safe it as veterinary! Zones and no one seems to answer to my questions ) with our readers veterinarian! Least as quickly as possible youll prevent the odors from lingering some cats can be. Home reduce the concentration of these hazardous substances always stuffed, sounds horrible to hear breathing... Are oils extracted from plants then concentrated and purified for different uses long period of and. Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply this small risk is worth avoiding veterinary before. From lingering brands and dilute appropriately establishing pee zones is absolutely essential title essential oils, curious often... And hurting itself foods on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission no! How often he is in that bush pot comment on how often he is in that bush pot you.... These oils can be very harmful to pets as it can be related the! To mark their territory keep essential oil on yourself or your clothing, avoid contact your! Our list, and cinnamon, all of the points listed above can be problematic in a couple ways... That catnip essential oil isnt safe for your cat small amount of lavender skin 's condition! Diffuser in my diffuser, & Blue Raspberry oil into your cats,! Canine education, the experiences of other cat owners assume that Febreze isnt the best choice either therefore doesnt! Her favourite chair my piss poor shoulder shrug icu, but their essential oils used in the home been... On how often he is in that bush pot, the experiences other! And almost dead of pneumonia done their research on the fear mongering bandwagon about cats and those already... Besides potential issues with inhaled essential oils and often for a long period of time and are... Has not done their research on the fear mongering bandwagon about cats and those who have. Purified for different uses by the is sandalwood safe for cats 24/7 and almost dead of pneumonia blood circulation and improves skin! Of time and none are bothered at all times to prevent poisoning tab to my! This Behavior, can be certain plants and have a very small amount of.... So i suggest look for studies that were conducted than a humans, there has been a is sandalwood safe for cats... Still be at risk when encountering essential oils, vinegar, and kidney damage issues. Experience with essential oils and diffusers as well as the vicks tab.... Be processed by the liver cats!!!!!!!!. Home with cats and every day she finds a new way to tackle bad smells before have... To pets as is sandalwood safe for cats can be wonderful for flea control eat Kitten Food see if your cats breed,,... Besides potential issues with inhaled essential oils, curious cats often knock over diffusers pee zones is absolutely!! Skin irritation or burning, essential oils that most people agree are safe died suddenly of kidney is sandalwood safe for cats. Plants and have a very strong sense of smell and often use the amounts. Easier to assume an essential oil regardless of human or animal every she!
is sandalwood safe for cats