And the scent of a melon ball may surprise them, and you, with some sniffing fun. Be it safe for it or not, as your pet will ingest the oil in a bid to lick it off its fur. When using any essential oil for the first time, please test a small amount of it first. This oil is known to relieve mental and emotional issues, aside from being an effective anti-microbial/anti-bacterial. Cat-safe plants and flowers delight many cats. A Scent-sitive Subject: Essential Oil Diffusers and Your Cat Posted on November 14, 2019. 3. However, cats can also absorb them by inhaling oils that have been diffused and are floating around in the air. If you're wondering what scents are safe for cats, you should first understand which plants are non-toxic to cats, since essential oils are derived from our green friends. Neutralize pet odors and enjoy the yummy scents of creamy vanilla, maple cinnamon and caramelized sugar with an underlying hint of bamboo in the Pet House Vanilla Creme Brulee soy candle. Additionally, you can use cedar wood in a spray for fabrics in order to kill the fleas as their hatching. It's important to know that some essential oils can … This oil is known to relieve mental and emotional issues, aside from being an effective anti-microbial/anti-bacterial. 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. Spikenard is known to act as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory oil. Yes, essential oils can be safe for felines. The common safe oils to diffuse are chamomile, clary sage, cedarwood, marjoram, and myrrh oil. Aside from calming inflammation and discomfort from digestive issues, Sweet Marjoram is known to enhance relaxation, confidence, and tranquillity. If you're wondering what scents are safe for cats, you should first understand which plants are non-toxic to cats, since essential oils are derived from our green friends. 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. Are essential oils harmful to cats? Ginger is known for its effectiveness against inflammation and pain, and the essential oil is no different. You want to be sure that any essential oil you use on or around your cat is confirmed safe for felines and moderately applied. 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. These air freshening candles can be an ideal choice for households with pets. Phenol toxicity can happen over long periods of time or quickly, depending on the level of exposure. This oil is commonly used for cats who are anxious and is recommended to be diffused. Let your vet or expert cat handler know you are adding or removing something from your feline’s routine. And these compounds are commonly contained in pharmaceuticals and health products. Roses are edible, so treat your cat to a bouquet now and then (remove the thorns, of course!). Are bath and body works wallflowers safe for your cats? Liquid potpourri is far more dangerous to cats. Limited Time - Use Pretty15 to Save 15% on your first month. Everything from plug-in and spray air fresheners to incense and oil diffusers. Sadly, the cheaper the candles the more dangerous the ingredients are. Phenols and phenolic acids are also present in many essential oils, making them unsafe for use around your feline. The oil is no different as it is known to offer these benefits and even more. If it’s an adverse reaction to essential oils or any other potentially hazardous chemicals, you’ll be able to tell.#. Here's what's up with essential oils, plus non-toxic oil options to use at home. Here are a few things you should know about essential oils, including a list of harmful household scents you need to watch out for. It also means we need to be aware of the smells and scents they don’t like. Just like humans can be allergic to certain scents, or can have allergic reactions if a natural scent is simply too strong, so can your cats. To help you keep your home smelling notlike a litter box, we've also put together a list of non-toxic oil alternatives you can use in order to keep your little feline safe while you freshen up your home. 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. Sandalwood (dog-safe, not cat-safe) Vetiver (dog-safe, not cat-safe) ESSENTIAL OILS & PETS: WHAT WE RECOMMEND TO AVOID. If you plan to use it, observe your cat to see if he has unexpected reactions. If using a diffuser, do not allow to run for too long, non-stop, or overnight. Is it OK for me to use lavender-scented hand lotions? Many owners spare no cost when it comes to providing their cat with the very best care. 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. If this sounds like you, you’re probably here because you’re considering adding essential oils to your cat’s supplies. 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. Yes, even the ones certified safe for pets. Are essential oils safe for felines? A variety of ways you maybe already are incorporating essential oils into your daily life, include herbal remedies, aromatherap… 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. Aside from the above, some essential oils should be avoided because of our felines’ sensitivity to their ingredients. As stated above, every cat is unique and may react differently. Thieves oil is a blend of several essential oils. Effective at enhancing tranquillity and the sense of well-being while also containing anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. Many feline parents want the best for their kitten. What’s your advice? Sweet marjoram has mood-boosting and spirit-elevating properties and curbs shyness, anger, fear, and other undesirable emotions. 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 … And these compounds are commonly contained in pharmaceuticals and health products. Keep essential oils away from your eyes. If you want to know more please read the About Me page. Unlike us, they can’t process the strength of the essential oils. And if you have to use such, have a room ready for your cat to retreat to if needed. It should not, however, be ingested by cats or directly applied to their skin. It is also effective against irritability, fear, anger, and other negative feelings your feline may experience. 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. To ensure you and your kitty can cohabitate in peace, you may want to reach for your good-smelling oils and diffusers. These include lavender, frankincense, copaiba and helichrysum oils. 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. Yes, essential oils can be safe for felines. These candle scents are good for animals of all types, including cats, dogs and small pets. Any essential oil can pose a health risk to … Dirty litter box Who likes to go to a bad-smelling bathroom? Essential oils are often presented as a naturalistic approach to personal care and home fragrance. In this article, I’ll discuss all you should know about essential oils for cats. 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. So a cat perceives to a greater extent what you can’t even sniff out, this makes them extremely sensitive to certain smells. Our felines are a lot more sensitive to smells than we are, 8 Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe and Happy Outside, Best Cat Food in 2021 | Review of Top 5 Products, Best Electric Litter Boxes in 2021: Top 5 Reviewed, Best Cat Fences and Cat Enclosures in 2021 | Top 5 Reviewed. 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. In addition, they also burn much longer than traditional candles, so you can enjoy the aroma longer. They actually have a sense of smell that’s around 14 times as strong as ours.. Now I see aromatherapy products for cats, including some with lavender scents. According to the ASPCA, the following plants are feline-friendly: Basil; Easter Lily Cactus; Fennel; Hibiscus; Jasmine; Lemon Balm; … 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. You may end up helping other cat parents by sharing your experience. There are so many ways to make our homes smell wonderful these days. Not all cats will not have the same reaction to essential oil or any other scented substance. All in all, it sounds reasonable that essential oils are safer than artificial air fresheners. If you are new to diffusing essential oils with your cat, then start off by choosing essential oils that have already been tested and are known to be safe around cats. They should be kept in a cool, dark area away from your pets' reach and the usage instructions followed. Here's what's up with essential oils, plus non-toxic oil options to use at home. Even after you begin the essential oil use, look out for unusual behaviors like the ones mentioned above and unusual redness in your feline’s skin. And if you must use them for yourself with cats in the house, you should keep it inaccessible and use it far away. Think Your Candles are Safe? Phenols are compounds that are naturally found in certain plants and are heavily concentrated in essential oils. If you enjoy using these essential oils, consider only diffusing them outside of the home, such as at the office, or keep them in a room that your kitty isn't allowed to venture into. You should also check for scratching or pawing after their exposure to the oil. Of course, one of the best ways to reduce harmful scents in your home is to eliminate the need by stopping odors before they start. Choosing Safe Household Products to Use Around Cats. The same applies to cats when their litter box is dirty. Have a personal story to share about your fur baby's experience with essential oils? 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. The menthol scent of mint irritates the nose of the feline. Before We Begin. If you can smell the fragrance of the oil, there is oil in the air and it can affect your cat. The Best Plants That Are Safe for Cats to Eat, ASCPA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), PrettyLitter's health-monitoring crystals. To read this article later, click “Save” on the picture to save to Pinterest so you can read this article later. But if essential oils are healing – and oh so relaxing – for us humans, why do they harm our feline friends? As a cat lover and caretaker, it’s important to avoid toxic household products and choose environmentally safe and natural products instead. Is lavender essential oil safe for cats? The essential oils not safe for dogs are garlic, clover, oregano, rosemary, thyme, tea tree, and wintergreen oil. In fact, exposure to some essential oils can cause liver failure, respiratory problems, or even fatality in the worst cases. Don't worry, you don’t need to give up on your favorite diffuser or oil-infused potpourri just yet. I thought my candles were safe until I began looking into the ingredients. Chamomile is effective against hyperactivity, panic, restlessness, and nervousness and is also excellent for skin and fur. 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. If this sounds like you, you’re probably here because you’re considering adding essential oils to your cat’s supplies. Then, dilute a tub of water with the brew. Not all scents are harmful to kitties. So I have no idea what I'm burning in my home with my dogs and cat. Allow your cat to sit in the mixture for 2-5 minutes. The following essential oils contain phenols that could harm your little furball: Remember to take precautions if you use any of these oils so your kitty cat doesn’t accidentally contact, ingest, or inhale them. 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. Some cats react to olives like catnip and roll on top of them in ecstasy. Are essential oils harmful to cats? Kirsten created The Pet Handbook with the aim of sharing her knowledge about pets, pet food, healthy habits, and more. Some common signs your kitty may have been exposed to harmful scents include: If you use essential oils and you notice any of these symptoms in your kitty, take her to the veterinary hospital immediately. Frankincense Carterii is effective against emotions like anger, irritability, and fear and also improves tranquillity and confidence. A cat's sense of smell is 14 times better than a human's, so it's much more developed and allows them to perceive scents more intensely.This advantage is very useful to detect smells they worship easily but also to quickly identify those they hate. Even if it’s fresh mint leaves or a mint ointment, your cat will detest it just the same. In essential oils, however, you'll find much higher percentages of potentially harmful toxins. Only use essential oil in a well-ventilated room, ensuring that there is a spare room for your pet if need be. None of these reactions is normal in felines or any other pet. Safe Use of Essential Oils for Cats. Safe Essential Oils for Cats and Their Benefits, Precautions for Safe Essential Oil Use for Felines. A diffuser, do not burn with toxins and are safe for dogs, cats do n't worry, should! Of Richard Simmons fragrances contain toxins that can keep a cat lover and caretaker, it s... 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