A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. If you diffuse oils in your home, it should not cause a problem for your cat, as oil used in a diffuser is highly diluted (versus direct topical application or dietary supplementation).
Is the smell of lavender harmful to cats?
The calming scent may be beneficial for humans in relieving stress and anxiety, but lavender, especially in the form of oil, can be dangerous to cats.
Can I use a diffuser around my cat?
“Diffused oils are very dangerous, as the oils are inhaled,” Bailey said. “Not only are these oil droplets dangerous themselves, but the inhalation of these oils can cause a foreign body pneumonia in cats.” Symptoms of respiratory irritation include a watery nose and eyes, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Which oils are safe to diffuse around cats?
Essential Oils Safe for Your Cat
- Basil.
- Thyme.
- Oregano.
- Clove.
- Cinnamon.
- Peppermint.
- Cypress.
- Marjoram.
Is lavender oil safe for cats to breathe?
While pet parents should avoid using the majority of essential oils, a few are safe for pets if used appropriately. For example, lavender (when used sparingly and in the proper concentration) is probably the safest essential oil for both dogs and cats.
Can cats breathe in lavender?
Even a lavender oil diffuser could cause trouble, particularly if your cat has asthma or other breathing problems. “Cats with respiratory issues can possibly have their symptoms worsened by inhaling lavender (or other essential oils) that are diffused into their environment,” Dr. Conrad said.
What scents are okay for cats?
Not all scents are harmful to kitties or will cause any kind of essential oil toxicity. There’s still a way you and your little feline can enjoy a meow-nificent, aromatic home.
According to the ASPCA, the following plants are feline-friendly:
- Basil.
- Easter Lily Cactus.
- Fennel.
- Hibiscus.
- Jasmine.
- Lemon Balm.
- Rose.
- Sage.
What essential oils are safe to diffuse around pets?
Pet Safe Essential Oils for Diffuser: Dogs
- Myrrh.
- Frankincense.
- Chamomile.
- Lavender oil.
- Ginger.
- Rosemary.
What are symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats?
Signs may include:
- fragrance or scent on hair coat, skin, or breath.
- difficulty breathing.
- difficulty walking or uncoordinated gait.
- drooling.
- lethargy or weakness.
- muscle tremors.
- pawing at the mouth or face.
- redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin.
Can I use essential oils on myself if I have a cat?
Many essential oils should be avoided entirely if you have pets, because they’re toxic to dogs, cats, or birds. You shouldn’t apply pure essential oils topically or orally to your pet because these oils can be dangerous (especially tea tree oil) and there’s not enough evidence that they’re effective.
Do cats like lavender?
Lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus
Likewise, geranium and eucalyptus plants give off an odor that cats dislike. Keep in mind that lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus are all somewhat toxic to cats; if ingested, they can cause excess salivation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, depression, or dermatitis.
Is it okay to use essential oils around cats?
Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils.
Can I burn a lavender candle around cats?
Cats are very sensitive to strong smells, so they may avoid rooms where scented candles are burning anyway. However, if your cat is nearby, make sure the room is well ventilated so that the smell and fumes do not cause any issues.
Are essential oils toxic to cats if inhaled?
Established research has shown that essential oils can be toxic to cats, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled. Exposure can lead to serious liver damage, liver failure, respiratory failure, seizures and even death.
Is lavender Febreze safe for cats?
Febreze. Despite rumors about the danger of Febreze to pets, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reviewed Febreze’s fabric freshener product and found that they are safe for use around pets.
Is lavender toxic to cats and dogs?
The lavender plant contains a compound called linalool, which can be toxic to animals like dogs and cats.
Is lavender incense bad for cats?
Yes, incense can be bad for cats. Not only can smells be much harsher to our cat’s sensitive noses, but inhaling the smoke produced by the incense can cause respiratory issues like sneezing and congestion.
Are scented candles bad for cats?
Candles, reed diffusers, room sprays and even fragranced cleaning products normally have no adverse effects on cats. The levels of exposure are very low and do not result in any harm.
What essential oil calms cats?
lavender
Like humans, cats are very soothed by the scent of lavender (as long as they are not allergic to it). Kristen Leigh Bell, who wrote Holistic Aromatherapy For Animals, suggests a mixture of lavender, rose, and neroli for a fresh, calming scent.
Is lavender pillow spray safe for cats?
Many essential oils — including lavender oil — are toxic to cats and should never be given to cats orally or applied topically, in my opinion. These products can be rapidly absorbed through the digestive tract or through the skin, and then travel to the liver where they are metabolized.
How do you treat a cat exposed to essential oils?
I suspect my cat has ingested essential oils, or has had exposure- what should I do? Contact your veterinarian immediately. Put the product along with any packaging into a plastic bag and take it with you to the veterinary hospital.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.