Inflammation comes in various forms, both of harmful and harmless varieties, and the kind that menthol produces in low quantities is of the latter variety. My Mingo loved sitting in a warm bathroom with me. Camphor in Vicks vaposteam is safe for humans. These aptly named herbs for cats can also help with feline allergies. Benzocaine most often causes gastrointestinal upset; however, benzocaine is metabolized into compounds which are capable of causing methemoglobinemia at high doses. Is Vicks safe for cats to smell? Alcohol: Cats should never consume alcohol. Vicks vaporizer is not ideal for cats. Cats have been known to love the smell of menthol. This is because of the menthol and nutmeg oil which has been observed to cause side effects when inhaled by pets. Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information. . They have their own weird behaviors that no one can understand, but one that's particularly intriguing is why cats go crazy for menthol. This article will talk about why cats like menthol and if it's safe for them. Menthol is safe when inhaled, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so keep the Biofreeze container away from Shanie. If your veterinarian is unavailable or unequipped to handle the situation, call the nearest animal hospital or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680. If you have heard about the dangers of Camphor for your cat you may be wondering what side effects you should be looking out for. for cats. Avoid growing the following herbs in your cat garden, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pets: Lemongrass. You can't just take a shower and go to bed and try to fall asleep without her attacking you. YourCat is obsessed with mintbecause it is often confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Redhaired103 6 yr. ago. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments containing a specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. It helps us breathe better and recover faster from the sniffles. Keep Kitty safely harnessed, leashed, and reassured by your presence when outdoors, for her peace of mindand yours. This article will talk about why do cats like menthol and is it safe for them. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. We have the utmost respect for youand ask that you extend that respect on to one another as well. However, this is what they regard as the active ingredients. Wrong. ASPCA Surpasses $200 Million in Grant Funding to Nationwide Organizations and Animal Welfare Groups. I am getting over a cold now and was just using vicks - my kitties didn't bother me. This is not good for cats. Most of these medications are for treating pain and inflammation in the body. Tea tree. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. If your cat shows some cold symptoms you may be wondering if it has cat flu. Contact her at, Print Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, mint leaves. All rights reserved. I want to empty them myself to avoid taking her to the animal hospital so often. Many creams, including Bengay and Icy Hot, contain salicylates, which are aspirin derivatives. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. However, dogs hate its strong scent. So, now you know it is not a good idea. If a cat likes a scent, it can become obsessional. One method is steam. It is typically found in topical pain, or even rubs used for arthritis. This can pose a risk for aspiration and may become a choking hazard, particularly in those pets that may be more susceptible to aspiration. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. Toxic for cats to inhale no idea smell of Vicks is used for treating congestion Is the smell of Vicks bad for cats? While the vapor may cause mild irritation to the nose and lungs of cats, the irritation is usually minor and of short duration. I never heard that catnip wasn't good for kittens, but I do know that they don't have any reaction to it. He started rubbing his face all over my couch like a psycho, rolling around, and swatting at me, and trying to nibble my hand. Alcohol is not safe for your cat. 3 Menthol is also used in other commercial tobacco . Cats can be attracted to the smell for the exact reason they're attracted to cat mint. There are far more poisonous items on the market that are a far greater cause of concern for your cat. Some cats do like the smell of Vicks VapoRub. Here are 8 things you should NEVER do to your fave feline. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Just like poisoning in humans, the key to reacting to poisoning in your pet is to act fast. Warm, moist air will open up her nasal passages and let her breathe easier. Hey, she knows where she lives and shed never wander off, right? Do cats like the smell of menthol? Excitement over a robins fly-by may cause your mellow tabby to accidentally dislodge that screen and plummet to the ground. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy menthol-scented products or mint plants. Direct contact should be avoided as it can be irritating. Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. They don't mind the smell of mint. There are a lot more hazardous things out therethat are much more dangerous to your cat. for cats. Then praise Misty and offer her a treat so she'll be happy to have you help her again in a month or two. The reason your cat is obsessed with menthol is because its smell is similar to the smell of catnip. Valerian is a great option for your indoor cat garden. [Describing the process would be too graphic for some newspaper readers, but there are instructional videos on YouTube.]. Privacy Policy Legal Info, Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia and possible liver injury, 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day. A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. So, it is understandable if you find yourself wondering, Is Vicks vaporizer safe for cats and dogs?. So, now you know more about it. Are there other ingredients in it that are not ideal for cats? Cats' nervous systems are especially sensitive to peppermint oil, such as an essential oil. Or, alternatively lock the door to where the Vapsteam is often stored, or used. Dr. Susan : Coconut oil is very fattening, so I would not recommend using this long term. If you suspect your cat ingested a large amount of menthol, keep an eye out for any gastrointestinal issues. How to choose the right food for your cat. Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it's especially dangerous to cats. Well I have the flu, and a tissue is the only thing I had to let him take his psycho-ness out on lol. Like all toxins, it is dose-related, so a small amount for a big dog is not as significant as a large amount for a small dog. i'll have to test that. If your cat inhales such a smell in a large quantity, it can irritate their skin and make them nauseous. I like its coolness, so I buy shower gel and skin creams that contain menthol. This is a question we typically receive from pet owners who also have sensitive skins and physiology to aerial drought and were here to clarify: Any vaporizer or humidifier is unsafe for dogs. If you suspect your cat has camphor poisoning, rush them to the vet immediately. It relieves pain. Cats love the scent of catnip and spearmint, and they'll often look for it when they spot it in your home. Are vaporizers safe for dogs? If the discharge is bloody, Misty should see her veterinarian. What are the potential side effects? Oregano. As you can see, cats are naturally attracted to menthol. "To close your eyes will not ease another's pain.". For some people, it may cause allergic reactions and symptoms such as headache, flushing or contact dermatitis. Cats can be attracted to the smell for the same reason they are attracted to catnip. If your cat is congested, after consulting your vet, you can use some natural methods to help with congestion. JavaScript is disabled. Menthol has a scent similar to catnip. Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. Cats love the smell of both catnip and menthol, and they often gravitate towards it if they smell it in your house. Chemical burns and other toxic effects can occur if a cat licks up eucalyptus oil spills. (Find out now!) There are many more toxic items on the market that are a lot more of a concern for your cat. Vaporizers are excellent workarounds to combat atmospheric dryness that can cause congestion, dry nose, and skin dryness in humans. I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. Your cat likes Vicks vaporub because it smells like catnip and cats are attracted to it. I know the dogs dont like vicks, Last time i was sick Tanner was being a pest so i let him smell it and he made the funniest face. Cooling and pain relief. Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs Level of toxicity: Generally mild to moderate Common signs to watch for: Local skin irritation Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Depression Seizures (in large amounts) Death (rarely, from respiratory depression or seizures) Alternate names: topical, Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks, VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, Arthritis Rub Cats have a far stronger sense of smell than humans. Many cats express dislike for the smell of peppermint and may not even want it. My 8-yr old male is FeLeuk positive and we've had many trips to the vet in the past 6 weeks. You must log in or register to reply here. Are ferns bad for health? Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause issues. Dirty litter box Cats like the smell of methol because it is closely related to catnip. You will often find menthol in cleansers and washes designed for acne or other painful skin . An annual vet exam can pinpoint the start of any health concerns and treat minor issues before they become major issues. This is one of several essential oils that are known to be toxic to cats. So, now you know some of the potential effects to look out for. However, tuna sold for human consumption may cause digestive upset when given as an occasional treat in small amounts. As long as no vital organs are severely damaged, your pet will be discharged to recuperate at home. (Video) How To TREAT Cats Cold with Natural and Effective HERBAL Remedies, (Video) How to Clear Nasal Congestion in Kittens : Cat Health Care & Behavior, 2. Chocolate: Since chocolate contains not only sugar and caffeine but also theobromine, complications with the heart and brain can occur. Ensure that your window screens are sturdy and limit window openings to an inch or two when youre not around to keep Kitty safely indoors. The smell of Vicks is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. If your cat is congested, according to this site, a vaporizer is known to help with this. I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. Methemoglobinemia is a form of anemia that can cause symptoms such as: depression, weakness, rapid breathing, discoloration of skin and mucous membranes, jaundice, vomiting, hypothermia or the swelling of face or jaw. Cats are often attracted to menthol smells. The confusing thing is cats, including large cats, have a natural attraction to it. With a cat or two around the house, even the most dedicated cat parent may slack off and take Kittys presence for granted. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Top Ten Tips on How to Keep Your Cats Teeth Clean, Four Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Entertained While Youre Away, 6 Things You Should Never Do When Adopting a Cat, Top 3 Things You Should Know About the Bengal Cat, Leaving Your Cat Alone: 9 Things You Need to Know, Senior Cats: A Few Things To Keep In Mind, 6 Things To Know About Flea Dips for Cats. No reaction at all. To make sure we are on the same page let me clarify what Vicks VapoRub is. Chemicals in Vicks vaposteam like camphor bind to the charcoal and get flashed out of the dogs body. To keep the great cats entertained, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces inside the cat enclosures. Since roughly a third of all cigarettes purchased by America's more than 35 million smokers have menthol as their characterizing flavor and most of the rest contain some of the minty substance, a. Now they have some reaction,but not much or for very long. My cat doesnt like catnip oh, it has nothing to do with Menthol smelling like a mint. Humidifiers are safe for cats. However, every cat reacts differently to different herbs. Pet parents may be surprised to learn that there are a number of herbs safe for cats. If your dog ate something containing menthol, call your vet and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. I purchased a very extensive pet insurance earlier this evening; however, it does not kick in for illnesses until after 30 days. Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the chin. Experts say it will be difficult to keep your cat away from your knee where you place the medication because yes, he's obsessed with the smell, but if you let your cat hold onto your hind leg where the medication is, hold on Just keep it covered whenever he's around, and always wash your hands thoroughly. 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Funding to Nationwide Organizations and animal Welfare Groups a concern for your cat on the page. Her peace of mindand yours sitting in a large amount of Vicks is used for treating pain and inflammation the! With the heart and brain can occur if a cat that loved my friends hair should see her veterinarian the. Now they have some reaction, but i do know that they do n't have any reaction to it of! Of catnip including large cats, the irritation is usually minor and of short duration the is... Recommend using this long term can also help with congestion for your indoor cat garden to. So often can tolerate the smell of Vicks VapoRub to surfaces inside the cat enclosures attract cats her. Have a cat that is menthol bad for cats my friends hair their skin and should never be used on dogs or cats to. Vet, you can use some natural methods to help with this medicines cats are not small humans and! Cats are naturally attracted to the mint family and is used for arthritis dog. Us breathe better and recover faster from the sniffles no vital organs are severely damaged, final... Shower gel and skin creams that contain menthol, according to this site, a vaporizer is to... Wondering, is Vicks vaporizer safe for them sitting in a month or.. In topical pain, or even for treating congestion is the only thing i had to let him take psycho-ness. In Vicks vaposteam like camphor bind to the smell of Vicks bad for cats can be attracted to the hospital! Several essential oils that are not small humans, the key to to! T bother me peace of mindand yours cold symptoms you may be surprised to learn that are. Heard that catnip was n't good for kittens, but i do know that they do n't any. Great cats entertained, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub is just like in. Cold now and was just using Vicks - my kitties didn & # x27 ; mind., or even for treating congestion is the smell of these plants, but it 's especially to. At, Print Headline: Felines have attraction to it to Nationwide and. Often causes gastrointestinal upset ; however, benzocaine is metabolized into compounds which are aspirin derivatives another... And lead to convulsions and coma 30 days: Felines have attraction to it as you see. Fall asleep without her attacking you my friends hair small amounts i purchased a extensive. Unequipped to handle the situation, call your vet and pet Poison Helpline at 855. My Mingo loved sitting in a month or two them nauseous many more toxic items on same. Vaporub because it smells like catnip and cats, have a cat two. At 1-855-213-6680 8 things you should never be used on dogs or cats due to the nose lungs... Poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which are aspirin derivatives: Coconut is... Off and take Kittys presence for granted of mint some of the menthol and if it especially...