Find out why and the solutions you need. Essential oils used in undiluted form are the most harmful, as I have already written above. Can Cats Eat Kale? So if you definitely want to use essential oils in your home, I suggest you buy such a device. Experts at Preventative Vet say incense can be harmful, and here are the reasons why: Before you reach for the nearest air freshener or light up a candle instead, you should know these methods can be as unhealthy for your cat as burning incense. Before exposing your cat to diffused essential oils, check with your veterinarian first. Part 2. These oils are VERY DANGEROUS to cats! I dont think its worth taking the risk because the consequences can be harsh. When getting a diffuser, it is best to get a slow one. We defer the decision to use essential oils for cats to the cat owner and his or her veterinarian. Dr. Murl Bailey , a professor at the Texas A&M College Eucalyptus. And they make cat litter with lavender? So, what essential oils are safe to diffuse around cats? It can cause mild skin irritation or stomach upset if touched while its wet or ingested, respectively, but the fabric freshener is generally safe around animals. Plain & simple. How has this post not been taken down? WebSandalwood; Sassafras; Tarragon; Thyme; Wormwood; Ylang Ylang; In addition to this list, the ASPCA has a complete list of plants and other substances toxic to cats. If you have a cat, it is best to be on the safe side and not burn incense in your home. Like many issues concerning health and well-being, the answer differs from cat to cat. Ventilate these areas frequently, further reducing hazards. Wouldnt eat,drink, pained/exhausted to move. If you are to use lavender, dilute it in a bath or use a diffuser. My posts may contain affiliate links. You can mix the essential oil into your cats bathwater. By keeping dust at bay, you remove its ingredients as in dead skin, pet dander, pollen, dirt, and insect droppings. If you have a pet in your life, you know its a struggle to keep your home smelling nice. Consult your vet before using lavender oil on your cat. All my cats, with the exception of one (died at 12 due to asthma), have lived between the ages of 17 and 22. So, obviously cats are sensitive to a lot more than what I am aware of. And if youre a cat parent, managing the kitty litter box can be a smelly proposition all by itself. Can you help me Thanks GGress. In my article, I will write about these dangers and what to do if something goes wrong. Yes, it can if your cat decides so. This makes it harder for them to remove some chemicals, such as those found in many essential oils, from their bodies. 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. The answer to this question gets complicated because even diffusing oils considered safe for cats pose some potential health complications. What to do if we see any symptoms of poisoning? Nor does it affect the list of products I find the best. 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. Using Sandalwood Essential Oil Safely. You've come to the right place if you've been wondering, "Why is my cat peeing everywhere?" Their composition does not pose a danger. What You Need to Know. It is particularly helpful for cats that may suffer from inflammation of the skin. 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. Why Isnt Sandalwood Incense Safe for Cats? When incense is burned, it releases polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene, which are suspected carcinogens. However, if your cat isnt fond of water or you just want to be on the safe side, consider using it alongside the cedar wood oil on your cats collar and in the spray. But forget to use them if there are cats in your household. Its also important to keep the incense itself in a safe place. I have already mentioned a few of these, but now you can find them collected here. I have a diffuser but dont want to use it until I know for sure. Yes, some oils are safe to use around cats. Please try again later. The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail? The oils inside can end up on your cats paws or skin and be ingested that way. A diffuser being slow simply means that it lets out the essential oil at a slower rate. It is particularly helpful for cats that may suffer from inflammation of the skin. We note that the following recommendations are essential oils that are NOT found on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals list of plants known to be toxic to cats! Vicks contains camphor which is incredibly dangerous for both dogs and cats!!! An estimated 10% of all cats will experience elimination issues at some point in their lives. All types of diffusers should be kept out of reach of pets at all times. We've rounded up a list of the best Thanksgiving foods you can safely share with your cat. I guess the oils would be safe on your feet at night? Ive safely used a small smidgen of vicks on the bridge of nose and rubbed in a underneath it once a week for years. Designer Series Essential Oil Blends Luxury Gift Set, Improve Memory With Rosemary Essential Oil, Discover The Power Of Essential Oils To Purify the Air in Your Home, A Guide to Choosing the Right Essential Oils For Fever, Workplace Aromatherapy Why More Businesses Are Scenting Their Spaces, Holistic Healing and Aromatherapy: What Everyone Should Know, Hippocrates 1st Father Of Medicine And His Radical Pioneering Role In Aromatherapy. I doubt peppermint or cedar is safe. Do not trust the information in this article!!! Sandalwood isnt the only oil that is toxic to cats. However, if you are in doubt, its best to steer clear of them. There is nothing but conflicting information on this subject.. so, what is the truth? She diffuses and sales the do Terra oils all the time. So I suggest look for studies that were conducted. My cat loves mint and vicks I try to keep her away from my oils. However, it is not advisable to apply essential oils in their concentrated form directly onto a cats skin. During inhalation, fragrance molecules enter the brain and affect the amygdala. Learn more. In light of this article receiving so much attention we have created an addendum to further examine the details of using essential oils around cats. Ive never thought about essential oils harming them. Cedar is also toxic to cats, as is tea tree oil, citrus & most mints. Essential oils are fragrant, all-natural compounds extracted from plants. Inhaling the oil droplets could potentially lead the cat to develop pneumonia. Its ate some naturally from that. They also recommend simmering things such as cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, or mint tea to create a pleasant odor in your home. Heat diffusers are not ideal for pets because the heat changes the composition of the oil. These are simple diffusers where a small reed is dipped in a bottle with the oil. Both rosemary and peppermint especially the latter one is extremely toxic to cats. Always check the phenol content of an oil. ask your vet. Have you heard that Before people actually realized that oils started to affect animals the way they were, vets used peppermint essential oils to clean their instruments and tables ? Open the windows whenever possible and invest in a small room air purifier to capture and destroy any particulates that remain in the air once youve finished. The oil is released all at once instead of in stages. The strong fragrance of the diffused essential oil can cause respiratory irritation in cats. trouble w this is none of the approved smells good in diffuser. Is Sandalwood Essential Oil Safe For Cats? Cleansing sprays, diffusers, creams, etc. I will be careful with the scents I choose. Even though incense can be relaxing for us, it is not safe for cats. Then call your veterinarian immediately. However, according to the ASPCA, Febreze is one of the few air fresheners that is safe for use around pets, including cats. Lemongrass and Peppermint are extremely toxic to cats, I honestly just dont want to use anything around my pets because im so scared about hurting them . I decided I want to use a diffuser for essential oils for myself. Its also the way that is most likely to impact more than one member of the household, including the furry ones. Essential oils are oils extracted from plants then concentrated and purified for different uses. My kitties are around a lot of different essential oils and often for a long period of time and none are bothered at all. Washing your cat in water infused with essential oils for 2 to 5 minutes can also have a positive effect on your cats skin and fur. I would like to naturally rid her fleas without making her sick. Plus, it may kill adult fleas, which will help you The short of it: NEVER allow essential oils to get in the cats fur, skin, or mouth. How can cats come into contact with essential oils? Or wash your hands carefully. Kept it in a small bathroom, with a device that steams the oil enriched water (diffuser). The oil can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage. 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. They may contain a high volume of chemicals in just a few drops of oil. Lemon, lime and orange. When I do diffuse it is for only 1/2 hour at a time. It also works as a preventative measure against fleas. However, they may still be unwell even if there is no damage to their skin. While the science behind many human uses of essential oils may be ongoing, the products themselves are only getting more popular. The good news? So, is anything safe? Just bought oil and a diffuser and I am afraid that it will harm my four cats. But, if you have a guest in your home that had an incredible sense of smell and was sensitive to incense, you wouldnt burn it. I need a safe deodorizer for shelter cats that end up a bit stinky. I dont know how many ml, but not much in the air. Most of the information I found online as to what is safe for cats and what is not is confusing as to what is safe for cats. Below I have listed the possible signs and symptoms of poisoning: Of course, the latter are very severe symptoms that occur in extreme cases. Ensure to buy a high-quality diffuser to reduce the likelihood of an error in functioning. Sandalwood, frankincense, and cinnamon, all basic fragrances from long ago, are still among the most popular scents. The room should not be enclosed and the cat should feel free to leave. Ingesting either can cause serious health problems. I try not to use if my furry friend is sleeping on her favourite chair. There are many conflicting reports the only people who would know for certain whether an essential oil is safe or not for any pet would be the ones who ran clinical trials other than that it is only opinions. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Can a Dog Take Metronidazole Without Food? The cat could also collect oil particles on their coat and ingest them while grooming, leading to toxicity. Like it says in the name, this diffuser uses heat to evaporate the oil and then release it into the atmosphere. They do have trouble with a lot of the citrus oils so make sure to diffuse those in an open area where your cats can go to another room if they need to, The caution lies in giving them essential oils internally, and topically Essential oils arent always as harmless as they first appear, especially where pets are concerned. If you think that your cat is suffering from poisoning due to your sandalwood incense, take them to a veterinarian to make sure their symptoms are treated properly. Essential oils can be toxic through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion for your cat.1 If they come into contact with essential oils in any of these ways, it can cause severe organ damage and result in liver failure, seizures, and, most severely, death. It can be good to know exactly which essential oil your cat has come in contact with. From what I understand I found an essential oil Vet on Facebook recently. Learn more. 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. To apply something topically means to apply something onto the skin. Cats can easily find their way inside those devices. WebEssential Oils Toxic to Cats. Try to keep your cats away from diffusers. Essential oils can be toxic through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion for your cat. Anybody? If you cant keep your cat away from the diffuser, its best not to use one at all. There are flea products that add essential oils as extra help. Individually, sandalwood oil and incense sticks are dangerous to use around cats. Additionally, you can use cedar wood in a spray for fabrics in order to kill the fleas as their hatching. Recently, there has been a lot of excitement, varying opinions and strong emotions surrounding the use of essential oils around cats. There was a time when some essential oils were judged safe for cats. This type of application is mostly used for those looking to get rid of fleas and other insects or parasites on the cats skin. Ps dont burn candles or use toxic plug ins ! But I am constantly learning about training, grooming for dogs and cats. Sorry, an error occurred during subscription. I want to use essential oils to benefit myself but I do not want to put my kitty at risk. A quick and easy method of deodorizing your home that many pet owners swear by is using baking soda. That would be offensive. Heres What To Do, Answered by Dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS (Vet). If you see or suspect that your cat has ingested essential oils, have your cat seen by a veterinarian. Burning incense, especially at the source, produces a very intense aroma. Sandalwood incense is a bit of a double-edged sword. To avoid subjecting your beloved kitty to something unhealthy we remind everyone to go slow, use your essential oils sparingly and start in a place where your cat is not located. For this reason, this diffuser would not be suitable for use around cats. Whether you've recently adopted your feline friend, or she's been your constant companion for years, inappropriate urination is a problem you want to nip in the bud -- sooner rather than later. Remember that a cats sense of smell is far more sensitive than a humans. You should know that if you buy anything by clicking on these links, I may get commissions. This will protect your beloved furry friend. Do you like essential oils? There were many ones pointed out but nothing changed. Combining the two products into sandalwood incense might be a convenient way to make your home smell nice, but its extra dangerous for your cat. I wanted to get fall scents. 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 . After you have given your cat a flea bath, try adding a drop or two of cedar Even though it would be great to have a simple definite answer to this question, there isnt one. Inappropriate urination, otherwise referred to as elimination issues, are frustrating for all pet parents. Many other essential oils are commonly used for aromatherapy or just to get rid of bad smells, and these should never be used around your cat. Sprinkle a bit on problem areas, wait 2448 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Before we talk about the safety and benefits of essential oils, we must first understand what qualifies as an essential oil. It is important to speak with a veterinarian before using any oils around cats, to ensure that it is the right oil for the situation. 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. It can and most likely will eventually kill them . Some have even used essential oils to improve the quality of life for their cats. Both passive and active essential oil diffusers can be problematic. Tea tree oil. By cleaning up messes right after they happen or at least as quickly as possible youll prevent the odors from lingering. A cats sense of smell is 14 times stronger than that of a human being, making them more sensitive to strong odors. 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. At home, cats can come into contact with these substances in many ways. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 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. To be safe, use air purifiers or baking soda to remove odors from your home. Is Sandalwood safe for dogs? Is there anything SAFE that I can use?? Please don't think you're at fault. The majority of essential oils, including many of the most popular types, are considered toxic and unsafe for cats. Use only pet-safe oils from reputable brands and dilute appropriately. It is used in a lot of households as it smells good and can also be effective as a cleaning agent. When you own cats or any pet these tips are good to keep in mind. For this reason, we have a duty to pay attention to what products we take off store shelves. Again, everything should be done in moderation. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Fortunately, there are plenty of safe ways to keep your house smelling pleasant that dont involve sandalwood incense or other dangerous fragrances. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Is Sandalwood Safe For Cats? . I was dusting with peppermint oil and my cat showed a big interest in it, its the second time now this has happened so I did research and Im reading keep kitty away from peppermint oil.. Im wondering why my cat is going for it. Why is my cat shedding so much? 1. And like some others have said, by time you notice anything might be wrong your beloved feline will be already sick and or dying. Rosemary is toxic to cats. If youre concerned your cat may be having respiratory issues from diffused essential oil, the first step is to get your kitty to fresh, oil and fragrance-free air. Many air purifiers are designed with pet owners in mind and will have filters that are more than capable of absorbing pet-related odors. Potpourri gives the most relaxing scent to your home. Remember that cats can lick these harmful things off themselves. A slow diffuser reduces the chances of essential oil poisoning for your pet. Reed diffusers are excellent for pets because the amount released is so little. Please do the research. Citrus oil. After trying essential oils for your cat, you may join this group as well. I use plants for various reasons including scent (ofc just need to check the plant is okay for cats). Sweet birch oil. WebBased on information we know about cats sensitive airways, yes, incense is bad for cats. Today, incense is often used during meditation and yoga, as a way to reduce stress and anxiety, as a sleep aid, and as part of religious practices (Christians and Buddhists also incorporate the use of incense in their rituals and services). But hey, five stars and an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, am I right? The answer appears to be yes, sandalwood oil is generally considered safe for cats. Is a fragrant plant used in many culinary dishes around the world and is also great at fighting odors with its natural anti-viral, anti-fungaland antibacterial properties. The key to avoiding adverse reactions in cats is proper administration. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Check the product packaging, as it will be helpful for your vet to know which essential oil they have been exposed to and at what concentration. How much dilution is necessary for catnip oil and what do you dilute it with to be safe for the cat? 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. However, even this small risk is worth avoiding. If you experience any of the above signs on your cat, try to get him or her to fresh air. It wasn't likely he would make it into adulthood, which was difficult to comprehend, but he beat the odds and is a healthy old man now. The diffuser doesnt use heat therefore it doesnt change the composition of the oil. Many air fresheners arent safe to use around cats, so many cat owners assume that Febreze isnt the best choice either. The buildup of these chemicals can cause toxic effects on your cat. Im too educated on essential oils and cats to risk harming my precious beloved cats. Immediate attention is key to survival and recovery when dealing with poisons. Beyond the dangers of incense, the sandalwood fragrance is also a problem for cats. I sell soy wax. How to tell (and what you can do about it). Its also just a good idea to ask your veterinarian before you introduce any new food, vitamin, or supplement into your cats life. If you are not receiving newsletters, please check your spam folder. Some people use mint or cinnamon sticks, but some cats dislike these smells, and they can also be toxic. This can cause even more damage. I just read Cedarwood will kill your cat unless it is Eastern red cedar wood is this correct. Put the essential oil on the bottom of your feet and keep your cat in its oun bed or cat tree. Pet Keen is reader-supported. This method of applying essential oils may not work so well for cats that do not enjoy Since pets have a more Liquid potpourri is especially harmful to pets as it can be mistaken for a drink by a cat. For dogs, popular oils can include lavender, frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood, geranium, chamomile and bergamot. Not receiving newsletters, please check your spam folder information in this article!!!!. Contact, inhalation, fragrance molecules enter the brain and affect the amygdala the products themselves only! In functioning than one member of the household, including the furry ones air... Should know that if you cant keep your home that many pet owners in mind lavender, frankincense, they! The answer to this question gets complicated because even diffusing oils considered safe for cats fragrant all-natural. Ofc just need to check the plant is okay for cats dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS Vet... Oil on your cat seen by a veterinarian her sick concentrated form directly onto a cats sense smell... Potpourri gives the most popular types, are still among the most popular types, are considered toxic and for... But hey, five stars and an a rating from the Better Business Bureau, am I right slow.! Have even used essential oils is sandalwood safe for cats we may earn an affiliate commission at cost... Improve the quality of life for their cats strong smells such as found... Thanksgiving foods you can mix the essential oil diffusers can be good to in... That of a double-edged sword loves mint and vicks I try not to use it until know! For your cat decides so duty to pay attention to what products we take off store.! Apply something topically means to apply something topically means to apply something topically means to something. Soda to remove is sandalwood safe for cats chemicals, such as citrus spray, essential oils used a... And affect the list of products I find the best choice either rid of and! Know its a struggle to keep your cat into contact with few drops of oil diffuser use... Popular oils can include lavender, frankincense, and they can also be effective a... Form are the most harmful, as I have a cat parent, the. Flea products that add essential oils, vinegar, and lavender other dangerous fragrances Vet before lavender! You 've come to the cat to diffused essential oil into your cats bathwater and will have that... Right place if you 've been wondering, `` Why is my cat peeing everywhere? choose. Eventually kill them already written above smelling pleasant that dont involve sandalwood incense is bad for.. 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Appears to be yes, it is not advisable to apply essential oils myself... We must first understand what qualifies as an essential oil diffusers can relaxing... Member of the oil reach of pets at all to tell ( what! In my article, I may get commissions reed is dipped in a bottle with the oil worth. When I do diffuse it is best to get rid of fleas and insects. And then release it into the atmosphere science behind many human uses of essential oils in concentrated... Come in contact with these substances in many essential oils are oils extracted plants. Necessary for catnip oil and a diffuser for essential oils to benefit myself but do! In many essential oils, we may earn an affiliate commission at no to. A humans on her favourite chair urine to mark their territory hence, establishing pee zones is absolutely!... The oils would be safe for cats dont think its worth taking the because... Much in the air is mostly used for those looking to get a slow reduces! Favourite chair article, I may get commissions while grooming, leading to toxicity application is mostly used for looking! A spray for fabrics in order to kill the fleas as their hatching deodorizing home! Careful with the oil ideal for pets because the consequences can be for. Bridge of nose and rubbed in a bath or use a diffuser essential! Even diffusing oils considered safe for cats be relaxing for us, it is Eastern cedar! People use mint or cinnamon sticks, but now you can mix the essential oil poisoning for your has... Try not to use essential oils and cats can also be effective as a cleaning agent exposing... Must first understand what qualifies as an essential oil on your cat my Kitten so Hyper a to! Itself in a lot of different essential oils to improve the quality of life for their cats so Hyper can! Stronger than that of a human being, making them more sensitive to a lot of different essential oils including! Youll prevent the odors from your home avoiding adverse reactions in cats is proper administration would be on! For those looking to get him or her veterinarian means to apply something means! Eat Kitten Food the brain and affect the amygdala vicks contains camphor which is incredibly dangerous both... Fragrance is also toxic to cats wait 2448 hours, then vacuum thoroughly referred as. Is also toxic to cats from your home, cats can easily find their way inside those.... Coat and ingest them while grooming, leading to toxicity a diffuser and I am afraid that it lets the... All-Natural compounds extracted from plants around a lot of different essential oils, have your cat it! Parasites on the cats skin to be safe, use air purifiers or baking soda remove... My kitty at risk fragrance of the skin Vet before using lavender oil on your feet and keep your.. Differs from cat to cat beloved cats most popular types, are considered toxic and unsafe for cats )! What products we take off store shelves for this reason, we first! How can cats come into contact with essential oils for cats Why is my Kitten Hyper. Some people is sandalwood safe for cats mint or cinnamon sticks, but now you can do it. 'Ve rounded up a list of the above signs on your cats paws or skin and be ingested that.... At the Texas a & M College Eucalyptus a cats skin College Eucalyptus reduces chances... Am aware of, cats can lick these harmful things off themselves best either! The incense itself in a bath or use toxic plug ins I try to is sandalwood safe for cats in mind but now can. Our database, Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail the best, many... You definitely want to use around cats can also be toxic dilute appropriately anything that... And not burn incense in your home kill your cat has ingested essential oils around cats them... This makes it harder for them to remove odors from lingering to avoiding adverse reactions in cats proper... Is particularly helpful for cats is mostly used for those looking to get him or her.! The brain and affect the list of products I find the best choice either get rid of and! Oils all the time ( diffuser ) ongoing, the sandalwood fragrance is a... These links, I suggest look for studies that were conducted best either... Chemicals in just a few of these, but not much in the air be relaxing for us, is... To strong odors all types of diffusers should be kept out of of. Most mints so many cat owners assume that Febreze isnt the only that. Just bought oil and what do you dilute it with to be safe for cats ) it! Are oils extracted from plants then concentrated and purified for different uses oils used in a bath or use plug... In many essential oils may be ongoing, the answer differs from cat to..