In recent years, it seems essential oils are being used for nearly everything. From relaxing to being energized, and from headaches to breathing issues, it would seem as if there is not a physical issue that cannot be treated -at least in part- with essential oils.
But are essential oils the answer for the things that ail your fur baby? After all, everyone knows that our furry friends love catnip! But what about other natural scents? Just how safe are those?
Essential Oils and Your Cat
Before You Begin
Before going too far with essential oils and cats, it is important to note several significant differences in using oils with cats versus with people.
- Always talk to your vet before introducing essential oils in any form.
- Never apply the oil directly to the cat’s skin!
- Always stick with calming scents.
- Consider using a hydrosol, also known as flower water, as the base for the essential oils.
- Don’t combine types of oils. In addition, don’t use pure products or blends when you don’t know the concentration level.
- Diffusers/infusers are not safe for your furry friends. They release the oils into the air and can cause respiratory issues and get into your cat’s skin. Then when they groom themselves, they ingest the oil.
- Have a way your cat can leave the room/area where essential oils are in use, should they be overwhelmed by the scent. Remember, a cat’s sense of smell is stronger than a person’s is.
- Don’t use essential oils or diffusers in a room where your cat typically grooms themselves.
- Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using essential oils on yourself before handling your cat.
Essential oils Safe for Cats
- Chamomile oil
- Jasmine oil
- Lavender oil
- Rose oil
- Frankincense
- Copaiba
- Neroli
- Helichrysum
Essential Oils Bad for Cats
- All Menthol oils
- All Mint oils
- Anis
- Basil
- Birch
- Bitter almond
- Clove
- Dill
- Fennel
- Lemon and other citrus oils
- Oregano
- Pennyroyal
- Pine
- Sandalwood
- Tarragon
- Tea tree
- Tea Tree oil
- Thuja
- Wormwood
- Ylang ylang oil
Signs Your Pet Has Been Around Unsafe Essential Oils
You are not with your pet all the time, so there is always the chance they could have been exposed to an unsafe essential oil. Or, it could be that, unknown to you, your pet got into a room where you used essential oils. If so, here are signs you need to watch for:
- Gastrointestinal – Upset stomach- drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
- Respiratory – Trouble breathing, sneezing, coughing, and panting
- Dermatological -Watery eyes, runny nose, pawing at face, red lips or gums, red skin
- Nervous system- muscle weakness, imbalanced, uneven walking, tremors, anxiety
- Liver Damage – vomiting, yellow skin, eyes or gums, increased thirst, and excessive urination
So, essential oils- good for people, but not so much for your cat! If you are looking for alternative methods to help calm your fur baby, don’t immediately reach for the diffuser and oils! Talk to your vet and see what they suggest. After all, the goal is to make your pet feel better-not worse.
