Here's what's up with essential oils, plus non-toxic oil options to use at home. So, inhaling odours you may find mild could cause nose irritation, nausea, drooling, watery eyes and nose, and breathing difficulty with the latter marked by panting, fast breathing, wheezing or coughing. In this article, I’ll discuss all you should know about essential oils for cats. Frankincense Carterii is effective against emotions like anger, irritability, and fear and also improves tranquillity and confidence. Use only pet-safe doses for your cat. As for cats, the essential oils that aren’t safe to use are eucalyptus, clove, lavender, spruce, cassia, lemon, birch, and more. And if you have to use such, have a room ready for your cat to retreat to if needed. They should be kept in a cool, dark area away from your pets' reach and the usage instructions followed. Roses are edible, so treat your cat to a bouquet now and then (remove the thorns, of course!). To ensure you and your kitty can cohabitate in peace, you may want to reach for your good-smelling oils and diffusers. A Complete Guide to the Various Types of Litter Boxes, Best Treats for Yorkie Puppies in 2021 | Top 5 Reviewed, How Long Can a Mother Cat Be Away From Her Kittens, Best Dog Food for Dry Skin in 2021 | Top 5 Reviewed, How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Odor in the Air, How to Tell if a Mother Cat Has Abandoned Her Kittens, Best Non Tracking Cat Litter in 2021 | Top 5 Reviewed, When Do Kittens Start Using the Litter Box, How to Keep Dog Entertained While at Work, Best Bark Collar for Small Dogs in 2021 | Review of the Top 5 Products. Before we look at what scents are safe for cats, you should know which ones to avoid. Cats, especially fuzzy-wuzzy ones, can absorb different oils simply by rubbing their fur up against surfaces coated with the oil – whether that's your hands, the side of your diffuser, or even a counter with a stray droplet. When using any essential oil for the first time, please test a small amount of it first. Keep essential oils away from your eyes. Only use essential oil in a well-ventilated room, ensuring that there is a spare room for your pet if need be. These are air fresheners plugins that come in various fragrances and scents and contain certain essential oils that fill your home with a pleasing aroma for up to 30 days. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant, talk. Spikenard is known to act as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory oil. Phenols are compounds that are naturally found in certain plants and are heavily concentrated in essential oils. Please remember to dilute your essential oils for pets. As a kitty parent, you simply want the best for your fur baby. The answer is No. But before you do that, be sure you know what scents are safe for cats so you and your fur baby can enjoy a long, healthy life together. It should not, however, be ingested by cats or directly applied to their skin. Many owners spare no cost when it comes to providing their cat with the very best. 3. Everything from plug-in and spray air fresheners to incense and oil diffusers. Leave a comment below of your experience with different scents in the home. We all know that cats have a much more acute sense of smell than we do. After you have given your cat a flea bath, try adding a drop or two of cedar wood oil into their collar in order to prevent future flea infestations. Oddly enough, valerian is used among humans for relaxation. What Scents Are Safe For Cats: Good & Bad Essential Oils Posted by By Admin April 6, 2020 2 Comments. They are not harmful to cats when diluted thoroughly. Many compounds in these fragrances contain toxins that can be fatal if your kitty breathes them in or ingests them. You may end up helping other cat parents by sharing your experience. Additionally, different essential oil manufacturers include different concentrations of the various components of the plants' oils. You can also call the ASCPA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435 for advice in emergency situations. Have a personal story to share about your fur baby's experience with essential oils? See what's different about our line of health food products. Learn more about how and why we started our company. Even though they smell great to us and help cover up odors that build up in the home, including pet odors, some of these scents are not necessarily good for the health of our pets. If it’s an adverse reaction to essential oils or any other potentially hazardous chemicals, you’ll be able to tell.#. I’m a CAT FANCY subscriber and have read numerous articles and books that say all lavender-scented products are toxic to cats and should be avoided. Then, dilute a tub of water with the brew. alongside other human enzymes responsible for metabolizing and eliminating phenols and phenolic acid. But lavender “oxidizes into byproducts that are harmful for cats.” Shuetler suggested avoiding any of the stronger mints and more oily scents if there are cats in … As lovers of cats and having a weakness for scented candles, we recommend a product called “Paw Melts” that are fragrant melts made from a blend of 100% certified organic waxes. Unlike us, they can’t process the strength of the essential oils. Cat-safe plants and flowers delight many cats. While the essential oils listed here are safe for human use, they can be quite the opposite for felines. Let your vet or expert cat handler know you are adding or removing something from your feline’s routine. With a 70-hour burn time, it’ll likely last until winter! Our felines are a lot more sensitive to smells than we are. Not all cats will not have the same reaction to essential oil or any other scented substance. From the best cat foods and cat toys to the safest, natural products to make their fur baby’s lives easier. Many candles use paraffin wax which produces highly toxic carcinogens when burned such as Limonene (citrus scent), Alpha-pinene (pine scent), Beta-pinene (pine scent), Ethanol, Acetone. If this sounds like you, you’re probably here because you’re considering adding essential oils to your cat’s supplies. Aside from the above, some essential oils should be avoided because of our felines’ sensitivity to their ingredients. And these compounds are commonly contained in pharmaceuticals and health products. Another scent that cats hate the most is fresh mint. This oil is known to relieve mental and emotional issues, aside from being an effective anti-microbial/anti-bacterial. 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. The liquid varieties of potpourri typically contains two … 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. A. Apr 8, 2020 - What scents are safe for cats? You want to be sure that any essential oil you use on or around your cat is confirmed safe for felines and moderately applied. Even if it’s fresh mint leaves or a mint ointment, your cat will detest it just the same. However, before use, note that cats are deficient in enzymes like glucuronyl transferase alongside other human enzymes responsible for metabolizing and eliminating phenols and phenolic acid. Aside from boosting the sense of relaxation and tranquillity, Cedarwood Virginian is effective against common feline pests hence, reducing the chances of your pet getting bites from them. If it’s a hairball issue, you may notice your cat crouching with no or little abdominal movement. Flower Power. At the end of the day, it’s always best to research each individual oil you plan to use before diffusing them in an area where your kitty will wander or wearing them on your skin. Are bath and body works wallflowers safe for your cats? Scents That Are Bad For Cats And Dogs. They burn cleanly and safely without risk. Meet our new product. Sweet marjoram has mood-boosting and spirit-elevating properties and curbs shyness, anger, fear, and other undesirable emotions. Limited Time - Use Pretty15 to Save 15% on your first month. Avoid rubbing essential oils on areas that can quickly get into your pet’s mouth, e.g., feet, hands, and parts of the fur that it can easily reach. Sometimes our adorable kitties can be a little smelly, especially around the litter box. Not all scents are harmful to kitties. But if essential oils are healing – and oh so relaxing – for us humans, why do they harm our feline friends? The menthol scent of mint irritates the nose of the feline. Valerian is a great option for your indoor cat garden. The oil is no different as it is known to offer these benefits and even more. And if you must use them for yourself with cats in the house, you should keep it inaccessible and use it far away. Kirsten created The Pet Handbook with the aim of sharing her knowledge about pets, pet food, healthy habits, and more. According to the ASPCA, the following plants are feline-friendly: However, just because these plants are safe for kitties, it doesn't mean that the essential oils derived from them are always safe. A cat’s sensitivity to scent is 14 times greater than that of the average human and 200 million scent cells are found in cats compared to the 5 million found in humans. You’ve heard and experienced some of the many benefits essential oils offers to humans, and now, you want to know what essential oils are safe to diffuse around cats. While lavender is great for relaxing your pet cat by easing its pain, tension and anxiety, frankincense helps treat a variety of digestive problems and also offers anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. And the scent of a melon ball may surprise them, and you, with some sniffing fun. "Smelly cat" just became "happy cat!". All-natural air fresheners, such as the fragrances produce by scented essential oils, can still be harmful to cats. Use code NEW for 15% off. For specific questions about your kitty's safety, call your local veterinarian or meet with your vet in person for more information about what scents are safe for cats so you and your little fur baby can enjoy a paw-sitive, healthy home life. Even though a particular essential oil may be perceived as pleasant smelling by you, it can overwhelm your kitty. There’s nothing quite so purr-fect as coming home to a cuddly little fur baby on the couch in a nicely scented home. Diffused oils can also land on your little friend’s fur which could be ingested while she bathes and cleans herself. This explains why a cat that was upstairs fast asleep just a few minutes ago can magically appear in the kitchen when you’re making a meat or tuna sandwich.. Here are a few things you should know about essential oils, including a list of harmful household scents you need to watch out for. You want to check for and pick out possible adverse reactions and stop use altogether if intolerable to your pet. In addition, they also burn much longer than traditional candles, so you can enjoy the aroma longer. They are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, bless their feline-loving hearts. Yes, essential oils can be safe for felines. Candles Safe For Cats. Our little furry friends lack the specific enzymes needed to efficiently metabolize phenols and other compounds in essential oils. 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. Chamomile is effective against hyperactivity, panic, restlessness, and nervousness and is also excellent for skin and fur. I’ll outline some safety precautions for using an essential oil, the best types that are safe for your feline, and how they can be used safely. These include lavender, frankincense, copaiba and helichrysum oils. Frankincense Carterii is effective against emotions like anger, irritability, and fear and also improves tranquillity and confidence. The candles we buy don't list ingredients. With these pets, you want to be exceptionally observant when introducing a new product, e.g., an essential oil into their routine. That means that there are essential oils entirely safe and even beneficial for your cat. Rosemary essential oil - I like the scent of rosemary, but I use it as flea repellent, as well. Opt for only essential oils known to be safe for felines. Think Again. Do not use human doses, no matter how safe it may seem. None of these reactions is normal in felines or any other pet. Although tasty and high in potassium, cats don't seem to be so impressed with this scent. Essential oils are no exceptions, and you should always make sure they are safe to diffuse around cats. Many hours of research have gone into blending different fragrances together to make home fragrances that overcome the smell of animals while also providing a pleasant scent for the home. It’s not always easy trying to navigate what’s okay to have in the home or what you should get rid of. Before using a new product, natural or synthetic, food, or medicine, you should always consult your vet. This article covers the best essential oils that are safe for dogs, cats, and rodents. Are essential oils harmful to cats? It is known to ease stomach issues and improve the mood. 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. Additionally, you can use cedar wood in a spray for fabrics in order to kill the fleas as their hatching. In case you do not want to read the whole article, here’s the short version: Are bath and body works wallflowers safe for your cats? Thieves oil is a blend of several essential oils. If you use them on your skin, be sure to wash your hands extremely thoroughly before cuddling your precious kitty. Like citrus, the mint scent is overpowering; the same goes for eucalyptus and similar plants. The lesser-known alternative to catnip and silver vine, valerian also acts as a stimulant on cats. Here's what's up with essential oils, plus non-toxic oil options to use at home. You may not realize it, but certain scents like tea tree, citrus, and eucalyptus oil can be harmful to your little feline. You should also check for scratching or pawing after their exposure to the oil. Many feline parents want the best for their kitten. They often also contain artificial scents when burned release additional chemicals. The liver is often the organ that is most affected by harmful essential oils since it is where the body tries to process the compounds. Just discovered us? Safe Use of Essential Oils for Cats. Liquid potpourri is far more dangerous to cats. Sandalwood (dog-safe, not cat-safe) Vetiver (dog-safe, not cat-safe) ESSENTIAL OILS & PETS: WHAT WE RECOMMEND TO AVOID. These have been found to cause breathing issues, vomiting, lethargy, and paralysis, among other potentially fatal effects. This pungent herb is known to transform lazy (read: chubby) cats into the feline equivalent of Richard Simmons. Smelly cat... smelly cat... what are they feeding you? Many owners spare no cost when it comes to providing their cat with the very best care. Think Your Candles are Safe? But if your cat nibbles on some of the potpourri, it could cause digestive upset or even a digestive obstruction, which could require surgery to remove from the stomach or intestines. You should also remember that mint and similar plants are toxic to cats. If you can smell the fragrance of the oil, there is oil in the air and it can affect your cat. Don't worry, you don’t need to give up on your favorite diffuser or oil-infused potpourri just yet. Is it OK for me to use lavender-scented hand lotions? Allow your cat to sit in the mixture for 2-5 minutes. 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