Where We Stand On Essential Oil Usage On Cats. List of Essential Oils for Cats to Avoid: I get my essential oils from Rocky Mountain Oils who has great resources and a high quality product! Paula . Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. Some quite strong feelings and opinions have been expressed about essential oils and cats, and a frequently asked question is “Is it safe to diffuse essential oils around cats?”. If you use essential oils around the home and have cats you should always check if the oils you’re using are harmful to your kitties as a lot of essential oils are very toxic to them. Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. Stephanie McNeal BuzzFeed News Reporter. The takeaway is clear: Avoid using peppermint oil to treat your cat’s fleas. Cats have alternative pathways to metabolize essential oils, although there may be risks if you are … The most common symptoms for cats exposed to essential oils, she said, were drooling, vomiting, coughing, and sneezing. These essential oils are more dangerous to cats’ lies in the lack of critical liver enzymes that other mammals possess. The Essential Oils Safe For Cats. Norman. She said: The first couple days I didn’t notice any symptoms with Ernie, but on the fourth day, he was lethargic, unstable on his feet and was drooling excessively. If animals accidentally inhale the oils, they can even develop "aspiration pneumonia." Essential oils smell great and can help freshen up your house, but cats cannot process essential oils the same way we can. Contact Tara Blog Facebook Pinterest Instagram YouTube, Adult Crafts Journaling Craft Supplies Caregiving Natural Living Essential Oils Craft Room Storage, Ohio veterinarian warns essential oil diffusers can be toxic for cats: ‘They just don't mix'. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Echoing the “peppermint oil is bad” comments. Digestive health is really huge in the animal world when we're talking about, whether we're talking about dogs or cats or horses or cattle, all of them. Cats lack the enzyme glucuronidase and cannot metabolize these oils, according to the "Handbook of Essential Oils." But as pleasant as it may be to enjoy essential oils, potpourri, and aromatherapy, some of the compounds in these fragrances can be harmful to your little feline. In 2014, another Facebook user, Julie Muzynoski Miklaszewicz, also shared her story about her cat being affected by a diffuser, though in her case the animal lived, although it suffered chemical burns after knocking the device over. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use the oils in your house if you have a pet cat. I try to find amazing things that my readers will love as much as I do! Both cats and dogs have very sensitive senses of smell so essential oils should always be used in extremely small amounts and diluted with a carrier oil. Cats are generally considered vulnerable to essential oil toxicity because their livers cannot usually metabolize the compounds found in these oils. This means that the liver in cats cannot break down or metabolize certain drugs, medications, and even some essential oils. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, cats are especially sensitive to essential oils. For the most part cats and essential oils don't really mix. Cats are Sensitive to Certain Essential Oils Researchers have identified two major categories of essential oils that are more dangerous to cats than other mammals (such as humans, dogs or horses). Here are Some Essential Oils that are Safe to Diffuse around Cats Some of these essential oils are void of the organic compound phenol and if any is however present, then it must have reduced in terms of its concentration to a level where it is bearable for cats.. Cedarwood Essential Oil. The concentration (i.e., amount of dilution) and type of oil is extremely important, but so too is the quality of the oil, the ventilation in the room, and a host of other factors. It is the thujone content in ketones and carvacal in phenols. So let's look at why and then what you can and can't use around and on your cat. Lastly, your cat’s skin is very delicate and thin. Did Dr. Phenol, a chemical compound found in most essential oils, is very poisonous to cats, Fox says. The answer to this question is, it depends on the oil. So I took him to the Vet right away! And for goodness sakes, before treating your cat with any kind of essential oil, diluted or not, consult a veterinarian! I presently have 4 cats and have always had several cats. 3) Just because paws have leathery pads that doesn’t mean it’s safe to apply essential oils to them. There’s some essential oils used for flea control are typically less than 5 percent. ‘Ohio veterinarian warns essential oil diffusers can be toxic for cats: ‘They just don't mix', Filed Under: Essential Oils, Natural Living Tagged With: enzyme, Ketones and Phenols. And cats are quite susceptible to toxicity from nutmeg oil and tea tree oil. April 04, 2019. If I put any under my nose the cats go crazy trying to jump on me to lick it. Luckily I caught on early that what is great for me and my kids might not be so great for my kitties. This is the enzyme that allows the liver to break down certain compounds. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. D-Limonene: Grapefruit, Bitter Orange, Orange, Tangerine, Mandarin, Lemon, Celery Seed, Lime, Bergamot, Angelica, Dill, Neroli, Blue Tansy, Citronella and Nutmeg. Let's share some laughs and just try to make it out alive! and so they require more caution, more dilution and many oils should be avoided completely. If you choose to feed your cat olive oil, you’re going to want to buy extra-virgin olive oil if it’s in the budget/is possible. The reason these essential oils are more dangerous to cats lies in the physiology of their liver. Exposure can lead to serious liver damage, liver failure, seizures, or even death for cats. In some cases, she said, owners inadvertently put them at risk by applying substances with a high concentration of essential oils on their cats while trying to treat other problems, such as an open wound or ear mites: Most of the problems are seen when owners apply 100-percent essential oil [products]. By and large, dog owners should avoid using anise, clove, juniper, thyme, wintergreen and yarrow essential oils around their fur babies. Did Pelosi Stage Photo of Herself Getting COVID-19 Vaccine? These can even help in repelling ticks and fleas, once applied around. When using aromatools like a diffuser, make sure to provide an escape route so your dog or cat doesn’t feel trapped. However, this is an excellent time to learn about the essential oils harmful for cats, so you can remove them from your home, or avoid buying them in the first place. Do essential oils hurt cats? Many essential oils are okay for cats, and even with toxic ones, it takes time for enough buildup to occur to cause problems. These all contain greater than 8% phenols. They are less saturated than essential oils, but they can have residual matter from the plants that can be toxic if ingested or even inhaled. Facebook sellers of the oils are now defending their products. Spearmint Oil “Most Common Toxicologic Causes of Tremors in Cats.”. Another post circulating online in February 2018 described a dog owner’s account of her pooch’s “acting weird” after being exposed to essential oils: We asked Wismer about this case as well, and she told us: All pet owners should be careful about exposing their animals to essential oils. But the majority of these oils are not intensely toxic or fatal to cats. These are all monoterpenes that have alpha-pinene concentrations greater than 15%. When using essential oils around cats, be sure to keep a scent-free room in your living environment for them to retreat to. Also, and this is incredibly important, only use therapeutic grade oils. Did David Bowie Say He Supports Fascism and Call Hitler a ‘Rock Star’? Clients should keep oils stored away from pets. Here is a list of dangerous essential oils to avoid with your cat: Basil, birch, cinnamon, clove, fennel, melaleuca, oregano, peppermint, thyme, and wintergreen as well as oils high in d-limonene (citrus oils) can all have harmful effects on your cat. Cats have alternative pathways to metabolize essential oils, although there may be risks if you are in love with your diffuser and use it … Cats are special. 2) All it takes is 6/100th of a drop of lavender oil to calm pets down. Eaten/swallowed. 4. It is best to keep your kitty in another room when you are diffusing. Essential Oils Harmful for Cats As far as cats and fleas, mites and other parasites are concerned, tea tree oil is either toxic or completely useless. Quite honestly, essential oils as a whole are potentially harmful to cats, and if you are responsible for an animal, your aromatic habitat should absolutely be secondary to your pet’s health. Tell your friends! Thanks for your question, Lisa. What are some of the best essential oils for cats? In late 2020, internet users highlighted a shocking episode from the legendary blues guitarist's past. Cedarwood oil: Often made without phenol, cedarwood is a safe essential oil for cats—though you should always check the label for contents before use. Cats’ livers cannot metabolize some of the compounds in essential oils. Cats are generally more sensitive to essential oils than other animals. Therefore, they may be more susceptible to toxicity. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists essential oils like eucalyptus, orange and lemon (among others) as being among … Essential Oil Diffusers Are Harmful To Cats. Cats aren’t the only pets that can have an adverse reaction to essential oils. Diffusing essential oils can be toxic to humans if it’s over-done, causing neurological symptoms such as headache or fatigue. How cool is that? Cats are more sensitive to certain essential oils, partly because of their liver metabolism. If your cat has signs of kidney or liver trouble, consider not using ANY essential oils of concern in your home. By Stephanie McNeal. There’s nothing quite so purr-fect as coming home to a cuddly little fur baby on the couch in a nicely scented home. 3. While any animal can potentially have an issue with oils spread by diffusers, she said, birds are even more susceptible than cats: Birds have a very different respiratory system than mammals do, and it’s very sensitive to inhaled toxins. Essential Oils Safe for Cats. My husband instinctively Googled eucalyptus oil. Essential Oils for Pets: 5 Best Oils + Uses for Cats. Cats are sensitive to a group of compounds called ketones and phenols, and some monoterpenes. Not only could it cause their skin to have a bad reaction, but they are also at risk of licking it off and accidentally ingesting it. Look for a better alternative. Cats are very clean by nature and can easily swallow oils if they happen across them in the home, as if they get them on their fur they will lick them off. I’ve never had a problem with essential oils and cats. Spray these oils safely around your home, which will naturally deodorize pet odors while keeping cats off counter tops, plants or other areas. Check out this list of safe essential oils for cats, along with their best uses for your pet. Essential oils are likely more safe for cats than artificial fragrances and air fresheners. And some of the essential oils that, and doTERRA products that I use a lot are things like DigestZen for digestive health. Rob Oswald Claim COVID-19 Was a Hoax? She may experience ataxia in the form of wobbliness and general difficulty in … Thankyou ,thankyou,thankyou!!! When these fragrances are added to … While some oils do have insect/pest repellant activity, the risk of serious or fatal reactions in cats with these oils is high, and very safe and effective alternatives exist. Cypress, Cistus, Pine, Douglas fir, Juniper, Myrtle, Rosemary Verbenone, Silver Fir, Angelica, Nutmeg, Eucalyptus, Dill, Spruce. Sue Murray said in her 7 January 2018 post that she had unwittingly poisoned the cat, Ernie, by using a diffuser in her house with eucalyptus oil to alleviate her head cold. Tips and ideas for how to care for your kids, parents and self! In 1995 a Japanese film crew came to my house in Brighton England, to film me and my cat Myrtle. When I discovered essential oils I was all gung ho to use them all the time in many ways. The North American Essential Oil and Aromatherapy Experts has explored essential oils safe for cats, as well as many veterinarians and pet wellness explorers. Warning! Unlike dogs, horses and other animals, cats' livers can't metabolize certain components of particular types of essential oils. Divers Exploring Titanic Make ‘Deeply Shocking’ New Discovery? They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. So that’s a big difference. If a pet accidentally ingests essential oils, clients should call their veterinary office or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The higher the concentration of the essential oil (i.e. Generally speaking, cats have more sensitivity to many toxins, including essential oils, than dogs do, because they have fewer metabolizing enzymes in their liver. The ASPCA also warns against the dangers of using essential oils around animals, noting that cats are especially sensitive to them and can suffer gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression, and even liver damage. Essential Oils. Paraffin candles cannot be scented with natural essential oils because the petrochemical rich wax will break them down. The higher the concentration of … Essential oils have been very good for me and my husband. But, a small amount of any essential oil, and a moderate amount of most, will not harm your cat. The Research According to Pet MD , there’s a lack of scientific research studying the effects of specific essential oils on cats and dogs. The problem with essential oils are usually seen when these products are applied directly to a cat's skin or if they are ingested. A whole lot of other herbal essential oils are considered potentially poisonous to cats, though explanations of precisely why are lacking. Her BA in Psychology from Kent State has served her well in the new Dementia caregiver role she has taken on and her creativity is what keeps her sane! This post is incredibly reckless. Dangerous Essential Oils for Cats and Dogs. As for cats, the essential oils that aren’t safe to use are eucalyptus, clove, lavender, spruce, cassia, lemon, birch, and more. I am bummed that so many essential oils are not good for cats, but it is what it is. Before using products containing essential oils on their pets, she said, owners should make sure that they are labeled for use with that specific species: We don’t want to use dog products on cats. This means that the liver in cats cannot break down or metabolize certain drugs, medications, and even some essential oils. They may be lethargic and lack energy. Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, and effects such as gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression and even liver damage could occur if ingested in significant quantities. Instead it accumulates in their livers, eventually causing damage or failure. Use caution even if you are only using these oils for yourself. Okay, there were a few takeaways that I got from researching this article! Topical application of essential oils can be harmful as they breach their skin and enter the bloodstream. Are essential oils safe for cats? Clients should keep oils stored away from pets. Your pet can inadvertently inhale, lick or eat these essential oils, and the oils can even be absorbed through your pet’s skin. A cat that has toxicity due to essential oils will have changes in their eating and sleeping habits. There are some oils that can be used on or around cats…. We’ve had birds [affected by] new carpet in the house, or teflon pans. I love that the media is getting wise to this… he does say that “passive diffusers” like reeds are less harmful… hmmm not sure if I am going to take the chance. Posted on January 10, 2018, at 3:04 p.m. If you are interested in using essential oils for your cat, you should do so only as directed and/or supervised by your veterinarian. Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase. I can understand your concern and your confusion about essential oils and their use around cats. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. Essential Oils that could be used on cats with caution by an aromatherapist: Black Pepper, Cardamon, Carrot Seed, Celery Seed, Cinnamon Bark, Citronella, Clove, Galbanum, Ginger, Juniper, Melaleuca species (use with extreme caution and monitor cat), Palmarosa, Petitgrain and Western Red Cedar. In general, making long lists of specific oils […] That is something that should be left to the discretion of you and your veterinarian. Certain oils pose a risk for cats, and pet owners should never diffuse oils in an unventilated room that cats … However, this can be quite dangerous. Essential oils can be picked up on paws and absorbed through the skin and ingested through licking. However, over time, studies have shown compelling evidence that many essential oils are toxic to cats whether inhaled, taken orally, or applied to their skin. This essential oil is void of phenol and thus certified safe to diffuse around cats. Cats may tolerate some essential oils, and they may help cats fight some health issues. Update [7 February 2018]: Added reference to a case involving dog exposure to essential oils, and comment from an ASPCA expert. Cheaper oils with questionable quality can have synthetic scents and other compounds that are bad for everyone! Dangerous Essential Oils for Cats and Dogs The essential oils not safe for dogs are garlic, clover, oregano, rosemary, thyme, tea tree, and wintergreen oil. A cat’s liver is different, as it lacks the P450 cytochrome metabolic pathway. 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