Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) “Diffused oils … The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Certified aromatherapists are more likely to place it on their “safe” list, while animal hospitals seem more likely to place it on the “unsafe” list. Use just a drop of this diluted oil and apply to your cat from ear to tail. Wormseed September 24, 2020 by Emma Carter 23 Comments. Take precautions when using these products so your cat does not have a toxic reaction. That goes for both internal and topical application. Okay, there were a few takeaways that I got from researching this article! It’s a fairly well written piece, but misses the mark when talking about some of the hazards to our cats. We lost our cat two years ago. Legit articles that veterinarians post have lists that contradict each other. The water can hold on to residual matter from the plants that can be toxic if ingested or even inhaled. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia; Citrus Aurantium) I need to use a disinfectant because of mice invasion Cats are wired very differently from humans so what may be safe for you may impact your cat in a totally different way. Cinnamon So I will ask here in hopes of getting an answer. Rose Peppermint oil has been found to be toxic to cats as it contains both oxygenated compounds called ketones and phenols. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) If you notice any of these signs, move your cat immediately to fresh air, and if the symptoms don't go away quickly, take your cat to a veterinary emergency center. European Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) Clary Sage There are few different types of diffusers available on the market, all of which release essential oils into the air in a different way. Pets metabolise essential oils differently than humans, so if you decide to use this gift of nature in your apartment, for yourself, your family, or for your furry friend, you should be sure that the essential oils are of the best quality. Pet Poison Helpline. Much like common houseplants that are toxic for cats, essential oils pose a threat, even in small amounts and especially when concentrated. The higher the concentration of essential oil, the greater the risk to your cat. You list several, but I’m wondering about Neroli. Hydrosols are often touted as a more natural, safer alternative to essential oils. ARE ESSENTIAL OILS BAD FOR YOUR CATS? If your cats ingest these substances, their intestines and liver don’t have the necessary enzymes capable of eliminating, absorbing, or even digesting the oils leading to various health complications in the animal. The internet is bombarded by articles saying how their cats are killed by essential oils but clarifications are yet to be made. Dogs and cats who have either walked through oils, gotten some on their coat or had oils placed directly on them can develop health concerns. List of Essential Oils for Cats to Avoid: Clove oil Cinnamon oil Thyme oil Oregano oil Wintergreen oil Sweet birch oil Lavender oil Citrus oil Peppermint oil Pennyroyal oil Eucalyptus oil Tea tree oil It literally says that eucalyptus is TOXIC to cats in this exact article. Limit your pet's access to them and their scents to minimize the risk of any health issues. I use essential oils daily for more natural well-being in my life, and hope to provide you with many valuable resources, tips and reviews to help you do the same. Risk Factors of Essential Oils. The following essential oils contain phenols that could harm your little furball: Citrus oil Tea tree oil Wintergreen oil Pine oil Peppermint oil Eucalyptus … Clove (Syzgium aromaticum) 1 This lack leads to death, according to the post. Nevertheless, science has provided research on the potential benefits of several essential oils on our cats if used with caution and in adequate dosages. Essential oils, aromatherapy, and potpourri in your home may be pleasant for you, but natural compounds in these fragrances can be dangerous for your cat. Read on for 6 essential oil safety tips to keep your cat safe (without throwing away all your essential oils). I feel better about reading your article since you are training in aromatherapy. Cats are sensitive to a lot of substances that are fine for us. Lime oils (Citrus aurantifolia) For balancing, calming and relaxing your cat. I didn’t know essential oils could be fatal for cats until after we lost her. Differences in metabolizing (breaking down) of oils: Cats in particular have difficulties processing phenols found in some oils, which can cause toxic buildup. 1. As I'm getting started with essential oils for more natural well-being in my life, I hope to provide you with many valuable resources, tips, tricks and reviews to help you do the same. Essential oil and aromatherapy diffusers, candles, liquid potpourri products, and room sprays are sources of airborne essential oils that cats can inhale or lick off their fur. Horseradish (Amoracia rusticana) This means that the liver in cats cannot break down or metabolize certain drugs, medications, and even some essential oils. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. Using essential oils through the diffusion method has been one effective way to do so. I'm an Aromatherapist in training. I think essential oils are great but not at the cost of our pets. When essential oils are used in fragrance diffusers, the oils are widely distributed within a room. The higher the concentration of … Essential oils can be harmful to cats – especially if they are used neat rather than diluted. Other substances harmful to cats include marijuana., Essential Oils And Cats. Thyme is in the mixture, will the smell harm my cat? I see that citrus oils are a no-go around cats. I still read articles about this because people just don’t know. If your cat is healthy and well, and has a way out of the room you’re in with your tea tree oil applied, you should be ok. And active diffusers—including our picks—aren’t safe to use around pets: Some essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats, and none have been proven to be an effective treatment for animals. Generally, you should try as much as possible to keep your cat away from oils that are rich in phenols, ketones, alpha-pinene and d-limonene. Make sure that you store essential oils properly and unreachable by your cat. A cat’s liver is different, as it lacks the P450 cytochrome metabolic pathway. In conclusion, essential oils generate various effects on your pet, but the general conception is that, as long as you only choose oils acceptable to cats, and these oils are kept in concentrations and levels which are low to moderate only, chances are your cat will be safe from any possibility of toxicity. Surely certain essential oils aren’t good for our feline friends, but I believe they are smart enough to leave the vicinity should something be bothering them. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) It’s not just the application of oils directly, but the also some of the home diffuser and cleaning products that can pose risks. Privacy Policy. Mary. The symptoms of cat poisoning through an essential oil depends on the kind of oil administered around the cat. Filed Under: Essential Oils For Beginners. Your animal’s size affects the amount of oil you should use and how much you should dilute for topical application. Whilst lavender essential oil derived from the plant is toxic to cats, fresh lavender as it grows in your flowerbeds is not. Thanks for this awesome article. 2) All it takes is 6/100th of a drop of lavender oil to calm pets down. I don’t diffuse essential oils, nor do I apply them to my cat, EVER! Bitter almond (Peumus boldus) Hello and welcome to Essential Oil Haven! Read our, How Your Cat May Be Exposed to Essential Oils. Oils are concentrated: Concentrated oils can irritate the skin. Apartment Therapy explains that cats have an acute sense of smell and thin skin. Is this ok? Peppermint is VERY toxic to cats and so is Lemongrass! Cats are sensitive to essential oils for two reasons. 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. These oils are known to contain phenols and be toxic to cats:. Most important to know, is, that essential oils are highly concentrated and contain phenols and other phenolic substances that are considered toxic to cats. This article is a complete guide for cat owners to understand how to ensure the safety of their pets because essential oils are becoming an invaluable commodity in our homes. Certain essential oils were once considered to be safe for cats and were recommended for such uses as treating ear mite infestations, upper respiratory problems and for stress relief. How about we start with the essentials oils bad for cats. What about Lavender, I read on one site it was fine for cats but I don’t remember reading about it on your site here. Dilute at a ratio of 50:1 which means you dilute a drop of your essential oil to 50 drops of dilution oil. If you love your cat I would say better safe than sorry. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (CVMA), the following are just some of the essential oils toxic to cats: Bergamot. If you’re using essential oils on medium-sized animals—like large dogs—dilute 3:1 carrier oil to essential oil. The diffuser spreads the molecules everywhere. They were very ill and yellow ears and skin before I figured it out. Thanks. I use Eucalyptus oil in my wash and also in water to clean floors. I’m wondering if this method is safe for my cats or should I only choose since from the good oil list? Kittens, elderly cats, or cats who have liver or respiratory problems should be kept out of any room where essential oil diffusers are used. The answer, though, is both a “yes” and a “no.”. Oh my god. Lemon oil (Citrus Lemonia) citronella Cats and doTERRA essential oils. If your pet cat has a serious medical problem and you deem essential oils to be useful, it is necessary for you to check with a veterinarian first as they may know better and may even recommend professionally blended oils that you can use. 4. I use an insect spray that is natural and has eucalyptus oils. When it boils down to the questions of the toxicity of these oils to your cats, the bottom line assures that it all depends on the quality and specific chemical elements of the oil being used. please tell me if BAY LAUREL oil is bad for cats If you have a domestic pet cat and you want to use essential oils, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of your pet. I am bummed that so many essential oils are not good for cats, but it is what it is. Your email address will not be published. If your cat ingests any oils accidentally, go to the veterinarian immediately. Most recipes for the diffuser only use a few drops, but what would be a safe amount? From Canadian Veterinary Medical Ass’n: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I still accidentally see the symptoms fatal for cats from essential oils and it breaks my heart because she had each one and I wonder what other symptoms she had that aren’t listed simply because we don’t know. Cats lack or are deficient in a certain liver enzyme, glucuronyl transferase. What are the symptoms that would indicate that essential oils have poisoned your cat? Your cat’s sense of smell is indeed exceptional. When diluted properly, Cedarwood is a great essential oil safe for controlling fleas and ticks on cats. Just smelling the aroma can cause your kitty to develop breathlessness, increased heart rate, and aspiration pneumonia. Researchers have identified two major categories of essential oils that are more dangerous to cats than other mammals (such as humans, dogs or horses). 3. Essential oils come in many forms and are found in some household products. I am not going to risk my cat's health for mine so I have my tiny list and will use those. Better to be safe than sorry. Cinnamon. Ylang Ylang Don’t use citrus, or anything that is on the “no” list. Special consideration do go to using essential oils on your own body by way of DIY essential oil body care products, lotions or creams; since your pet may have physical contact with you and potentially lick the oil contents off your skin. Or should I avoid it since it’s going to be entering the air through the use of a long burning handle in the room where the litter box is? If you can smell the fragrance of the oil, there is oil in the air and it can affect your cat. One concern is the use of Eucaluptys as I just read on another site that it was ok to use on cats. Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) To reduce stress and depression in your cats, which is surprisingly common to the feline species, Help your shy cat develop more courage with. Another way to dilute your oils is to add 3-5 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle filled with water (can be halfway or less), shake the sprayer then finally, spray gently on your cat. So, if you’re using essential oils at home you should be aware if they will affect your cats or not.. Frankincense essential oil is one of the best oils to help you relax after a long day. In addition, consult a veterinarian before using any essential oils or other herbal products on your cat. Phenols (a chemical group in oils such as those derived from Thyme & Oregano), Monoterpene Hydrocarbons (such as Pine), Phenylpropanes (such as Basil & Cinnamon), and many essential oils in the Ketone group (such as Pennyroyal and … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists essential oils like eucalyptus, orange and lemon (among others) as being among the leading causes for … There are too many conflicting reports on essential oils that are safe and others that are fatal for cats that I threw all of mine out. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. Rosemary Peppermint oil is NOT SAFE for cats. I see that tea tree oil is deadly to cats. Terms of Service. I was hoping for an answer to this question but didn’t find it. Specifically, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil and oil of wintergreen, among others, have been known to cause poisoning in cats. There are a several ways to use essential oils for cats including as a natural flea treatment, a calming agent or as a way to naturally repel cats … Your first resource even states this, as do numerous other places. The lemongrass essential oil is deemed safe for usage around cats at lower concentrations only. There is always further information to be examined before coming to a conclusion. Japanese yew (Taxus spp.) Which essential oils are toxic to dogs? Cats and Essential Oils Wrapup. It’s from orange blossoms instead of the fruit, but I want to make sure before I use it in my room diffuser. Calamus essential oil (Acorus calamus) Don’t panic if your cat has a nibble of your lavender bush as, at worst, it will only suffer from an upset stomach. Knowing the basics about the potential effects of essential oils to your cat is vital. 3) Just because paws have leathery pads that doesn’t mean it’s safe to apply essential oils … Keep essential oils and liquid potpourri products out of reach of cats at all times. This article is a complete guide for cat owners to understand how to ensure the safety of their pets because essential oils are becoming an invaluable commodity in our homes. I spray the air with this to prevent insects. They were recommended for treating upper respiratory problems, ear […] Pennyroyal; American false pennyroyal (Haedeoma pulegioides) Thank you for your article Emma. Your email address will not be published. Read my full disclosure policy here. Cats, particularly their liver, absorb and filter nutrients much differently than humans, and this makes some essential oils bad for cats. If you have a domestic pet cat and you want to use essential oils, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of your pet. Effective as antiseptic, disinfectant, and anti-inflammatory. Cats are Sensitive to Certain Essential Oils. If your cat has any liver impairment, it may be best to eliminate these products from your cat's environment. Can I use tea tree oil shampoo on my hair? If you have a cat and use essential oils I would tell you to pick one and get rid of the other because it’s not worth the risk. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. Also, Roman chamomile is not considered safe, and Valerian is not considered relaxing to cats but quite the opposite. Peppermint oil, like many essential oils, contains phenols and phenolic compounds. Sassafras Toxicity has been reported due to exposure to certain home cleaning products, as well as direct exposure to essential oils.”. Orange oils (Citrus sinensis) I’ve been using oils for a couple of years and have 2 cats & 1 dog but 1 of our cats has an autoimmune disease of the skin. But I do use essential oils on myself for skin care by mixing them with water or carrier oil, I use tea tree oil a lot… I wash my hands when I’m finished to ensure none gets accidentally on my cat or my baby… Should I be worried about using EO in the same room as my cat? We suggest a 9:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil. For cats, small dogs, and other smaller animals, use a carrier oil—such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex—to dilute the essential oil before application. Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. Essential oils that are toxic/NOT recommended for use with cats: Cassia; Cinnamon; Clove; Eucalyptus; Lemon; Lavender; Peppermint; Spruce; Tea Tree; Thyme Hi Christina, thank you for your question! However, compelling evidence has now demonstrated that essential oils can be toxic to cats, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled. It is very important that you only use therapeutic grade essential oils as many of the problems arise when you buy products marketed with high prices but low quality and use them on your cat. Cats absorb oils that are directly in contact with their skin. Oils diffused in the air are inhaled and also collect on the fur, which results in your cat ingesting them during licking and cleaning. Thyme In addition, the oil must come from an Eastern Red Cedar ( Juniperus virginiana), as the cedar oil from White cedar ( Melia azedarach) is toxic to cats. Pine, spruce, juniper oils The first question that always comes to mind when using essential oils on cats is in regards to the safety of using them on your pet. Respiratory distress (wheezing, fast breathing, panting, coughing). Cats and dogs have very sensitive noses; small amounts of oil can be intense. 8 things to know about cats and essential oils 1) Essential oils are not meant to be used near the eyes and ears of humans or cats. I killed 3 of my cats using peppermint oil!!!!! I have read such conflicting information regarding essential oil in cats. My essential oils journey has evolved over the past 5 years and I am now also studying to become a Certified Aromatherapist! Remember that their sense of smell is incredibly good. Are Christmas Trees Poisonous to Cats and Dogs? It should not also come in contact with the cat’s skin in any way. For very large animals—i… I never put oils on my cat, and I wash my hands over and over again after I use them. Because many of the oils commonly purchased in stores can be toxic to cats, if a cat breathes in a harmful oil, it may cause respiratory irritation. Essential oils that are toxic/NOT recommended for use with dogs: Clove; Garlic; Juniper; Rosemary; Tea Tree; Thyme; Wintergreen; Which essential oils are toxic to cats? Geranium oil (Pelargonium sp.) Precisely what I was searching for, thanks for putting up this article! Essential oils diffused in a room that your cat may frequent, is much less of a safety hazard than trying to treat your cat with oils by applying them to his or her body. And, every pet and household is different. The most common technique to receive the benefits of aromatherapy on cats though, is through diffusing essential oils through a diffuser. I thought peppermint was also toxic to cats? While it is true that there are some essential oils that cats could tolerate and in fact help fight several health conditions, some oils likewise affect cats by showing signs of toxicity, leading you to the veterinarian most of the time. Common scenarios reveal essential oils to cause toxicity in cats, and that is something that you should watch out for. Can I still use the citrus oils in my Ultrasonic diffuser? Site Map, How to Use Essential Oils around Your Cat (Quick Guide), Toxicity and Danger Symptoms of Essential Oils to Cats, Things to be Wary Of When Using Oils on Cats, How To Diffuse Essential Oils In Your Home, « Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Gratitude, Best 7 Essential Oils for Cuts, Scrapes and Wounds ». Passive reed diffusers or potpourri pots can be knocked over, exposing your cat to the oil-containing liquid. Japanese yew ( Taxus spp., go to the post, both... A number of veterinarians place it in that category skin ( yours that... 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