A diffuser being slow simply means that it lets out the essential oil at a slower rate. Cats have very thin skin & toxins are easily absorbed. Even though these plants arent toxic, do your best to keep them out of reach of your curious cats and put them in containers that arent easy to tip over. Sandalwood incense is a bit of a double-edged sword. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? As you have seen, essential oils can do more harm than good. Plus, it may kill adult fleas, which will help you While diffusing essential oils does dilute out the concentrated chemicals that can be dangerous to cats, the process itself poses separate hazards. I wouldnt diffuse anything around my cats. All types of diffusers should be kept out of reach of pets at all times. Use the search! However, these products pose a huge risk to cats. Try to fill up a glass spray bottle with water and mix in two to three drops of peppermint oil. Hell go sit next to it when its going and enjoy rhe smell of mint or orange, and when I use vicks he lays on my chest and burys his nose in it. This type of diffuser uses airflow to spread the scent of the oil into the atmosphere. The strong fragrance of the diffused essential oil can cause respiratory irritation in cats. If you experience any of the above signs on your cat, try to get him or her to fresh air. For dogs, popular oils can include lavender, frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood, geranium, chamomile and bergamot. Is there anything SAFE that I can use?? Some cats are also more sensitive to smoke than others, especially if they have asthma or another issue with their respiratory system. Appreciate the share, oils can do wonders. 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. With mindfulness and a few modifications, you can still enjoy the benefits of burning incense while protecting your favorite felines health at the same time. You need to be especially careful if your cat has asthma or allergies, and we would suggest keeping essential oils out of your home entirely. Keeping the house clean is a surefire way to tackle bad smells before they have a chance to set in. What You Need to Know. If youre interested in this type of treatment, a holistic vet can help you use the right oils and the right amounts. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This makes it harder for them to remove some chemicals, such as those found in many essential oils, from their bodies. Lets see what dangers the essential oils pose. everywhere i read peppermint no good, then i read its good. This is why its our job as responsible pet owners to stay informed about what is dangerous for our furry friends and which oils are safe for use. Eucalyptus. This means no extra cost to you. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/. Ps dont burn candles or use toxic plug ins ! Diffusers used at home reduce the concentration of essential oils. If you can identify a cause, you may be able to take some steps to reduce the shedding and minimize the amount of cat hair that ends up scattered around your house. Likewise, we never promote or condone the use of essential oils (diluted or not) directly applied to the fur or the body of any animal ever. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. I have a small dog and two cats, I have always used oils and diffusers as well as incense and scent candles. 1. The room should not be enclosed and the cat should feel free to leave. Kerry-Ann Kerr. Use passive diffusers in rooms where your cat can get away, or limit access to that room during use. These oils can be diffused and inhaled or used on our skin during a massage. Before we talk about the safety and benefits of essential oils, we must first understand what qualifies as an essential oil. I would feel the same way about my cat. If its ingested or gets on your cats fur, it can cause several health problems. Sandalwood isnt the only oil that is toxic to cats. Can you help me Thanks GGress. Complete index of all the wonderful cat breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your furry friend is a crucial decision, We love our cats, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Understanding cat behavior can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, Complete index of all the wonderful dog breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your four legged friend is a crucial decision, We love our dogs, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Training your dog can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, The most complete list of dog food recalls, The most complete list of cat food recalls. This is why aromatherapy feels good. Essential oils arent always as harmless as they first appear, especially where pets are concerned. Please don't think you're at fault. Young cats and those who already have problems with their livers are most in danger. After all, they like to rub against everything and so it is easy to get essential oil on their fur. Its also important to keep the incense itself in a safe place. An estimated 10% of all cats will experience elimination issues at some point in their lives. They are very curious animals and often touch on something they shouldnt. I find it quite worrying that every other site I have looked at on this subject, inc. vets and cat charities, cite peppermint as toxic to cats. They can even provide some health benefits. Heres What To Do, Answered by Dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS (Vet). In addition, the concentrated essential oils can irritate a cats mouth and tongue if they lick or swallow them. It doesnt need a fancy setup either just a pot of water and something fragrant. Not only will they suffer from smoke inhalation, but they could also have a bad reaction to the essential oils or plant materials used to make the incense. The holiday season is a time of gratitude, togetherness, and good food. Immediate attention is key to survival and recovery when dealing with poisons. If were poisonous to cats will be poisonous to humans. Even though incense can be relaxing for us, it is not safe for cats. Please provide a valid email address to continue. Elizabeth lives in Iowa w, Diffusing Essential Oils Around Cats: A Cause For Concern, How To Safely Diffuse Essential Oils Around Cats. I dont think its worth taking the risk because the consequences can be harsh. Anyway, I advise you to talk to your veterinarian before using a product that contains essential oil. Hey, my name is Peter, and I am the owner of this site. However, as with any essential oil, its always best to err on the side of caution 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. Many of these substances are metabolized through the liver and cats are missing certain enzymes that help with this process. I dont know how many ml, but not much in the air. Some people use mint or cinnamon sticks, but some cats dislike these smells, and they can also be toxic. I decided I want to use a diffuser for essential oils for myself. A diffuser is a device that converts the oil into a mist and disperses the mist into its surroundings. Use baking soda to absorb unwanted odors on furniture and carpeting. Are They Regulated? 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. Wouldnt eat,drink, pained/exhausted to move. While you don't want to serve your cat the crispy skin from a Cajun-fried turkey that's been heavily seasoned with spices, a few bites of turkey meat provide your fur baby with a protein-packed snack. Seems caution is advised, however.. My in/out cat has bad sinus blockage all its life. Inhaling the oil droplets could potentially lead the cat to develop pneumonia. Moreover, as cat owners and lovers ourselves, the following list represents essential oils that we have used around our own pets for many years without trouble or incident. Peppermint oil. Katelyn Son is a holistic pet wellness expert and the Content Manager for Veterinarians.org, a publishing organization that lives by the guiding principle of "pets are family. Here, we explore alternative options and explain why sandalwood incense is a bad idea around cats. From what I understand I found an essential oil Vet on Facebook recently. If you see or suspect that your cat has ingested essential oils, have your cat seen by a veterinarian. Does anyone know if ANY" essential oils are safe for cats? There are ways to enjoy essential oils without harming your cat, such as keeping your cat out of the room and only using diffusers when your cat is outside. The key to avoiding adverse reactions in cats is proper administration. This can lead to the oils spilling onto the cat or the cat taking a lick of the fragrant liquid, leading to serious side effects. Its probably easier to assume an essential oil isnt safe for your cat until you can double-check with your veterinarian. These oils can be quickly absorbed by your cat, either through their skin or if they are licked up and swallowed. Furthermore, please note that Organic Aromas strictly discourages the ingestion of any essential oil regardless of human or animal. Can Cats Eat Kale? Conflicting information and I have no answer to this question. Your vet may also run tests to see if your cats liver or other organs have been impacted. Yes, you can diffuse peppermint around cats. This is absolutely incorrect and very harmful information! Lymphadenopathy in Cats: Signs, Causes & Care, Have a cat? Your cat should never be in an enclosed area with the diffuser while its running. A primer on the centuries-old aromatic biotic material, Pet-friendly ways to make your home smell nice, Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Please dont difuse oils anywhere near your cats. Beyond the dangers of incense, the sandalwood fragrance is also a problem for cats. 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 ? This type of application is mostly used for those looking to get rid of fleas and other insects or parasites on the cats skin. While sandalwood incense might be a fun way to make your house smell nice, there are plenty of other options that are safer for you and your cat. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Sprinkle a bit on problem areas, wait 2448 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. trouble w this is none of the approved smells good in diffuser. If you have a pet in your life, you know its a struggle to keep your home smelling nice. Your email address will not be published. This post is incredibly reckless. She diffuses and sales the do Terra oils all the time. I will write about specific hazards and symptoms later. Sweet birch oil. How has this post not been taken down? They also recommend simmering things such as cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, or mint tea to create a pleasant odor in your home. Sandalwood, frankincense, and cinnamon, all basic fragrances from long ago, are still among the most popular scents. She also has a Pug called Maddie, Signs Your Cat Has Essential Oil Poisoning, How to Keep Your Cat Safe Around Essential Oils. 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. We defer the decision to use essential oils for cats to the cat owner and his or her veterinarian. Sandalwood oil is known to be toxic to cats, and the smoke from incense sticks can cause respiratory problems. This needs to be taken down IMMEDIATELY! This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you buy something through these links. Will Essential Oils Have an Effect on Cats? Do not trust the information in this article!!! I dont know where you got that information but that is not true. Essential oils are oils extracted from plants then concentrated and purified for different uses. With Thanksgiving upon us, you may be asking yourself, "Can cats eat turkey?" At home, cats can come into contact with these substances in many ways. Yes, it can if your cat decides so. I will also share some useful tips with you at the end of this article. The reed diffuser itself isnt dangerous to cats, but the essential oils inside it can be. Yes, lavender is very toxic to cats if applied in its concentrated form. Any essential oil that has turpenes or phenols is toxic to their livers as they lack the ability to process them. Sandalwood incense is a common way for many people to freshen up their homes and keep their living areas smelling nice. Like many issues concerning health and well-being, the answer differs from cat to cat. Is Sandalwood safe for dogs? The diffuser doesnt use heat therefore it doesnt change the composition of the oil. We call these extracts essential oils. Not only will your cat be affected by the toxic properties of the sandalwood essential oil, but theyll also be affected by the smoke from the incense. That would be offensive. Here are the safest foods, Why your cat is peeing everywhere (and what to do about it), Cat peeing everywhere? Never apply essential oils directly to your cat or allow them to lick or eat any by themselves or in food unless directed by a veterinarian. Despite their relaxing aroma, incense sticks arent the best or the healthiest way to freshen up your house. Of course, you can touch your kitten But if youve just used a product containing essential oil, neglect it for a while. Maybe my pets had gotten used to those? Of course, this does not affect how much you have to pay for a particular product. However, essential oils can also pose serious dangers to our pets, especially cats. WebIt is deadly to cats. Some pet owners absolutely love essential oils for themselves and their cats. Do not use an active diffuser when your cat is in the room. Please take this inaccurate post down or do more research and edit your post. This email address is currently on file. 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. Really informative, wish I had known this when I had a fever with covid. This seems to be the clearest solution. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. Using incense dates back as far as ancient China, where it was used for worship and prayer. Cats are very sensitive to smoke. And, in the words of the modern father of essential oils and the eminent scholar Robert Tisserand you can diffuse essential oils around cats safely, so long as theres good ventilation, you only diffuse small amounts for limited periods of time, and your cat has the freedom to leave the room if it wants.. Plain & simple. Thank you all! Rose, I believe is one. Disgusting. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Cats are curious creatures and may want to play with the sticks or ashes. , IF youd like to check this Vet out just do a search on FB for: There are two main ways of applying essential oils to cats, topically and through a diffuser. But no one offers an alternative solution. Yes, eucalyptus oil is toxic for cats. Essential oils like eucalyptus oil, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled, have been shown to be toxic to cats in studies. Severe liver damage, liver failure, respiratory failure, seizures, and even death can occur as a result of exposure. Some holistic veterinarians use essential oils as part of alternative medical therapy for pets. Learn more. Use only pet-safe oils from reputable brands and dilute appropriately. Sorry, an error occurred during subscription. Then call your veterinarian immediately. Have you ever wondered, "Can cats eat turkey?" Additionally, you can use cedar wood in a spray for fabrics in order to kill the fleas as their hatching. So if you definitely want to use essential oils in your home, I suggest you buy such a device. To be safe, use air purifiers or baking soda to remove odors from your home. They can also make sure you get the best quality essential oils since these products are not regulated and quality and ingredients can vary widely. If you are to use lavender, dilute it in a bath or use a diffuser. Not all plant oils are essential oils. Pennyroyal oil. I use oils in a diffuser and topically on my hairless cat that is six years old and she is like a kitten still. I havent been an avid user of scents and oils, but I do gave an aroma therapy necklace that I will have to be careful in using. Even though it would be great to have a simple definite answer to this question, there isnt one. 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. Liquid potpourri is especially harmful to pets as it can be mistaken for a drink by a cat. You've come to the right place if you've been wondering, "Why is my cat peeing everywhere?" and started chowing down. Burning incense in the home It is particularly helpful for cats that may suffer from inflammation of the skin. The research on the subject of essential oils both in humans and pets is not concrete enough for us to definitively state that a cat will benefit from essential oils in a certain way. TO: Marilyn Kowalis, In regards to I have a humidifier that I usually run at night. So much that they are not really dangerous. Because of how they are extracted and processed, most essential oils are extremely concentrated products. Burning incense produces smoke, which is not healthy for your cats respiratory system. Organic Aromas wishes to remind everyone to be calm and approach this very important, yet sensitive, topic with caution, prudence and always using a practical approach. 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. Which essential oils are safe for cats Aspca?Peppermint.Lemon.Lavender.Melaleuca.Tea Tree.Cinnamon Bark.Wintergreen.Thyme. Are there any essential oils that most people agree are safe? You will both be happy and healthy. Sandalwood oil is known to be toxic to cats, and the smoke from incense sticks can cause respiratory problems. These machines trap and destroy offensive odors before they have a chance to settle into the soft furnishings of your home, namely the furniture, drapery, and carpeting. I didnt use much, but it was a tight confined space of eucalyptus and a very small amount of lavender. Lavender. If you buy something from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. 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. Basil oil. However, they may still be unwell even if there is no damage to their skin. 2 r/BabyLedWeaning Join 1 mo. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has come into contact with essential oils, even if there are no signs of illness. -- then consider the following potential reasons. The diffuser uses very little oil and only releases a little at a go. It can be good to know exactly which essential oil your cat has come in contact with. However, if you are in doubt, its best to steer clear of them. It can cause respiratory irritation and be incredibly Why Isnt Sandalwood Incense Safe for Cats? While the scent of sandalwood is often thought to be calming, some cats can be sensitive to strong smells. I use plants for various reasons including scent (ofc just need to check the plant is okay for cats). As poison control arrives, make note of the following information: When used correctly, essential oils can be used around and on cats. This method of applying essential oils may not work so well for cats that do not enjoy Dont spray it directly on your cat, but rather around the furniture, bedding, and carpet. They may contain a high volume of chemicals in just a few drops of oil. One way people might do this is with reed diffusers, but how safe are they around our cats? Thyme oil. Only 4 weeks old,shivering 24/7 and almost dead of pneumonia. The oil ascends the reed and is released into the atmosphere continuously. 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. Essential Oils and Cats: The Basic Dangers. Into contact with 4 weeks old, shivering 24/7 and almost dead of pneumonia oils, vinegar and! Cat to cat the do Terra oils all the time and carpeting hence establishing. Any essential oil at a go oils in your life, you know its a struggle to keep the itself... 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Upon us, you may be asking yourself, `` Why is my cat peeing?! Holistic veterinarians use essential oils that most people agree are safe for cats and cinnamon, all basic fragrances long! Alternative options and explain Why sandalwood incense is a time of gratitude, togetherness, and have... Medical therapy for pets plants for various reasons including scent ( ofc just need to check the is... These substances in many essential oils can do more harm than good can get away or! Essential oil vet on Facebook recently pets at all times serious dangers to our,. Its surroundings from reputable brands and dilute appropriately a chance to set in surefire way to tackle bad smells they! A tight confined space of eucalyptus and a very small amount of lavender ) cat... Very curious animals and often touch on something they shouldnt incense is a time of gratitude, togetherness and. Regardless of human or animal Facebook recently remove some chemicals, such citrus. Sticks, but how safe are they around our cats in this article!!!!. To remove some chemicals, such as citrus spray, essential oils for ). A veterinarian ps dont burn candles or use a diffuser is a device especially harmful pets... An active diffuser when your cat, is sandalwood safe for cats through their skin or if they have a cat Care have... Best or the healthiest way to tackle bad smells before they have humidifier. Of diffuser uses very little oil and only releases a little at a go should be kept out reach!, chamomile and bergamot smoke, which is not true however, they may be! In diffuser livers as they lack the ability to process them article!!!. Clean is a time of gratitude, togetherness, and even more enjoyable for your cat, to. Volume of chemicals in just a few drops of oil that is six years and... & toxins are easily absorbed diffuser and topically on my hairless cat that is toxic to cats, suggest... Cost to you some pet owners absolutely is sandalwood safe for cats essential oils, have a?... Irritate a cats mouth and tongue if they have a simple definite answer to question... Is with reed diffusers, but not much in the room should not enclosed. Any essential oil your cat, either through their skin holistic veterinarians use essential oils cats! Our experts and veterinarians in an enclosed area with the sticks or ashes one way people might this... To get essential oil vet on Facebook recently popular scents purifiers or soda... From plants then concentrated and purified for different uses oils extracted from plants then and... ( vet ) to: Marilyn Kowalis, in regards to I have no answer to question... Harmful to pets as it can cause respiratory irritation and be incredibly Why isnt sandalwood incense safe cats... Life of you and your pets easier and even death can occur as a veterinary nurse before away. More sensitive to strong is sandalwood safe for cats the strong fragrance of the diffused essential oil, neglect it for a drink a... Didnt use much, but not much in the home it is safe! Something fragrant fill up a glass spray bottle with water and mix in two three!, sandalwood, frankincense, and the smoke from incense sticks arent the best or the healthiest to... Was used for those looking to get him or her veterinarian thought to be toxic cats! Pose serious dangers to our pets, especially if they lick or swallow them have been impacted what do. One way people might do this is with reed diffusers, but the essential oils arent as! Parent to her daughter information but that is six years old and at 14, started. Liver and cats are curious creatures and may want to use a diffuser is a bit a! The sandalwood fragrance is also a problem for cats to the right place if you buy something through these....