Are essential oil diffusers harmful to cats?
Essential oil and aromatherapy diffusers, candles, liquid potpourri products, and room sprays are sources of airborne essential oils that cats can inhale which leads to respiratory irritation. If you can smell the fragrance of the oil, there is oil in the air and it can affect your cat.
What are essential oils safe to diffuse around cats?
Other essential oils you can use for yourself around your cat include:
- Basil
- Peppermint
- Oregano
- Clove
- Marjoram
- Cinnamon
- Cypress
- Wintergreen
- Thyme
What is the best essential oil for cats?
- Bergamot
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- European pennyroyal
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Lemon, lime and orange
- Lemongrass
- Rose
Are essential oils dangerous to cats?
What Oils Can I Diffuse Around My Cat?
- Thyme: Thyme is not dangerous for felines. This essential oil should not worry you if it is in regulated quantities.
- Rosemary: Same as thyme, these oils (and plants) are not harmful to cats. ...
- Horseradish: This has no dramatic effects on cats, so using it as an essential oil should be okay.
- Rose: Roses are not bad for pets. ...
Is it safe to diffuse essential oils around cats?
“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.
What oil diffusers are safe for cats?
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).
What smells are bad for cats?
What Scents Are Harmful to Cats?Citrus oil.Tea tree oil.Wintergreen oil.Pine oil.Peppermint oil.Eucalyptus oil.Ylang Ylang oil.Pennyroyal oil.More items...•
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.More items...
What essential oils are safe to use around cats and dogs?
You've probably also heard warnings like, don't use essential oils directly on your pet's skin, don't let your dog or cat ingest them, and don't diffuse citrus oils around cats....Essential oils that are safe for dogs include:Myrrh.Frankincense.Chamomile.Lavender oil.Ginger.Rosemary.
Are essential oils in humidifiers safe for cats?
You can use the humidifier to release steam only, and that's just fine for her. As for the lavender essential oil, it's also toxic to cats, only mildly, but not recommended for use around them. I hope this helps!
Are glade plug ins safe for cats?
No, plug-in air fresheners are not safe for pets. If you use them, make sure to ventilate the area.
Why does my cat have difficulty breathing?
In cats, difficulty breathing may be mistaken for the animal trying to expel a hairball. Difficulty breathing can be distinguished by the cat crouching low to the ground with little abdominal movement and no hairball production.
What to do if your cat is poisoned?
If a cat owner suspects that their pet is in distress, they should move their cat to fresh air immediately. If the cat does not quickly recover, the owner should seek emergency veterinary care. For any instances of poisoning, owners can also call the Pet Poison H elpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. ...
Is it safe to use essential oils on cats?
However, just because these oils are derived from plants doesn’t make them healthy, or even safe, for your cat.
Can cats breathe in essential oils?
When essential oils are used in fragrance diffusers, the oils are widely distributed within a room. Because many of the oils commonly purchased in stores can be toxic to cats, if a cat breathes in a harmful oil, it may cause respiratory irritation. “Diffused oils are very dangerous, as the oils are inhaled,” Bailey said.
Can diffuser oil cause seizures?
Seizures are also possible from large doses.”. Some diffusers, which act by aerosolizing the oil, release micro-droplets into the air that may collect on the fur of a pet cat. When the cat grooms itself, the oil may be ingested and the cat may suffer the above consequences. Though cat owners should consult with their veterinarian ...
Can essential oils be thrown in cat food?
Essential oil diffusers also pose the hazard of tipping over. If this happens, there is the possibility that a cat might ingest spilled oils, which Bailey warns against. “Essential oils should never be given by mouth or in the animal’s food,” Bailey said.
What is a diffuser?
A diffuser acts as a medium to disperse essential oils. You’ll see several types, which can influence the safety factor. Many, such as candles, water, or electric devices, use heat to speed up the process. There are also nebulizers and reed diffusers. The objective is to control the release so the scent will last the longest time for the best value.
What is the function of the vomeronasal organ in cats?
This structure is found on the roof of a cat’s mouth. Its primary function is to detect pheromones. These are chemical signatures that give felines another way to communicate, particularly during mating and marking.
Can cats see 20/20?
It may surprise you to learn that cats can’t see that well. Compared to our optimal 20/20 vision, felines come in at 20/200. That means they need to be close up to something to make out what it is. Instead, their sense of smell is their most important sense. You may wonder if diffusers are safe to use around them. The short answer is yes and no.
Do cats have a sense of smell?
Cats have a keen sense of smell. They use it to mark their territory — including you — and help them feel secure. Remember what seems like a refreshing scent to you can come across as a smelly gale to your pet. Our suggestion is to limit the use of a diffuser and perhaps avoid placing it in the room where your cat sleeps.
Is citrus oil bad for dogs?
It’s also worth mentioning that citrus oils are toxic to both cats and dogs and have the potential to cause nervous system problems. So, if your pet might not like the oil and it could hurt them, why would you use it in your and your kitty’s home?
Is it safe to use reed oil on cats?
Anything involving a flame or heat carries a burn risk. Keeping your cat from getting too close to it is essential. The reed type might seem safe because it’s just relying on the movement of the essential oil up its length. However, the concentration of the content can pose an issue, both for pets and people.
Is diffuser safe for cats?
Fortunately, there are diffuser products that are safe for felines and can even help with behavioral issues. They contain synthetic pheromones that can calm stressed pets and reduce aggression among cats. They are welcome additions to your home because of the potential health benefits that they offer.
What happens if a cat knocks on a diffuser?
If she accidentally (or maybe purposefully, knowing cats) knocks over the diffuser and gets the oil on her, she’ll lick it off her fur and could become quite sick. There is also the chance of your cat suffering from respiratory irritation from the diffuser just emitting the scent, even passively.
What happens if a cat is around essential oils?
Vomiting. Low heart rate. Troubles breathing. Wobbly and staggering. Tremors. Drooling. Liver failure. Low body temperature. If you know your cat was around essential oils and displays these symptoms, take her to the vet immediately.
What is a diffuser?
1. Motorized diffusers. The motorized diffuser uses a small fan that blows air through a pad or filter with essential oil soaked into it. 2. Reed diffusers. Reeds (usually rattan reeds) are placed in a glass container with a mixture of essential oils and a base oil (such as jojoba oil).
Is it safe to use essential oils on cats?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many essential oils that are deemed safe around your cat. Still, these include:
Can you use a diffuser on a cat?
As long as you’re very careful and take the necessary precautions, using a passive diffuser, particularly with the listed essential oils that aren’t as likely to harm your cat, everything should be okay.
Can essential oils be used in aromatherapy?
Essential oils are typically combined with a carrier oil (oil used as a base such as jojoba or almond oil) and are commonly used in aromatherapy. They are never ingested but are usually applied to the skin or inhaled and are thought to provide benefits for physical as well as mental health. Image Credit: Pixabay.
Can cats have respiratory problems?
If your cat already suffers from any respiratory condition, such as allergies or asthma, she’ll be far more susceptible to suffer from serious respiratory irritation than other cats. You might want to reconsider using a diffuser at all if this is the case. Image Credit: ZlataMarka, Shutterstock.
Why is my cat sensitive to essential oils?
The truth is that your cat is more sensitive to certain essential oils than you are. The reason is, among others, its unique liver metabolism. However, you can be sure that your worldly-wise pet has a few alternative ways to metabolize these oils without any problems.
What oils are safe for cats?
If you like some oils containing chemicals dangerous for your cat, you can solve the problem by diluting them to a 95% rate. Some of the most popular are: 1 Basil 2 Thyme 3 Oregano 4 Clove 5 Cinnamon 6 Peppermint 7 Cypress 8 Marjoram 9 Wintergreen
How Sensitive Is The Nose of Your Cat?
Excessive diffusion of essential oils may cause respiratory or liver issues in cats. However, no one can claim such a thing for sure since there is no scientific confirmation of the consequences of the longtime inhalation of these oils.
What essential oils should I use for my cat?
Avoid direct contact with the cat's skin. Clary sage essential oil - It is an excellent choice for you to relax and rejuvenate without any adverse effects on your cat. Frankincense essential oil - It is an efficient antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, but may solve the digestive problems of your cat, as well.
What to do if your cat hates bathing?
If your cat hates taking a bath, find another solution. Jasmine essential oil - It is well-known as an excellent choice when it comes to reducing depression and stress in cats. Since they are quite prone to these disorders, you can use this particular oil to put their hormones into a balance.
Can cats absorb essential oils?
The liver of your cat absorbs and metabolizes nutrients differently than yours. Since it cannot breakdown some of the compounds, take care to avoid essential oils containing them in too high concentration.
Can cats use cedarwood essential oil?
Yes, it can if your cat decides so. Cedar-wood essential oil - Since it does not contain phenols, this oil is safe for your cat. Plus, it may kill adult fleas, which will help you get rid of these horrible creatures without using chemicals.
Why are essential oils dangerous for cats?
Unlike humans or even dogs, cats are missing certain enzymes that help break down the phenol compounds found in essential oils . This missing reaction is called glucuronidation and essentially helps detoxify and metabolize the body of anything that should be there.
What is a reed diffuser?
A reed diffuser is a simple non-electronic way of enjoying essential oils. You can buy them but they are also incredibly easy to make at home.
Can a cat use a reed diffuser?
To start, reed diffusers should never be placed anywhere a cat can reach. Kitties love to climb and explore, so keep your diffuser high up or somewhere you know they don’t venture over to.
Is a reed diffuser innocuous?
Reed diffusers look relatively innocuous. After all, it’s just some sticks in a tiny vase, right?
Do cats breathe in scented air?
It’s also important to keep in mind that cats aren’t just at risk of breathing in the scented air. They also like their entire bodies several times a day, so if any oils end up on their fur, they are bound to end up in their mouth sooner or later.
Can essential oils cause a cat to die?
The chance of a cat having a bad reaction to some essential oil is quite high and can be very serious. Liver damage or failure, respiratory failure, a seizure, and unfortunately even death are all things that could happen to a cat poisoned by essential oils.
Do you have to give up essential oils for cats?
Do your research, talk to your vet, and know the facts. Cat parents don’t need to completely give up essential oils, they just need to learn how to use them safely.
How to tell if essential oil is poisonous to cats?
If you notice any of these signs, move your cat immediately to fresh air, and if the symptoms don't go away quickly, take your cat to a veterinary emergency center. The veterinarian may note a low heart rate, low blood pressure, and signs of liver failure.
Is hydrosol safe for cats?
While hydrosols are safer for use on human skin since they do not have to be dilu ted, they still are dangerous for cats and other pets. The water can hold on to residual matter from the plants that can be toxic if ingested or even inhaled.
Can essential oils cause respiratory issues?
Cats absorb oils that are directly in contact with their skin. 1 Oils diffused in the air are inhaled which can cause respiratory issues. They can also collect on the fur, which results in your cat ingesting them during licking and cleaning. Toxicity can occur very quickly or over a longer period of exposure.
Is potpourri bad for cats?
Essential oils, aromatherapy, and potpourri in your home may be pleasant for you, but natural compounds in these fragrances can be dangerous for your cat. Take precautions when using these products so your cat does not have a toxic reaction. If your cat has any liver impairment, it may be best to eliminate these products from your cat's environment.
Is Tarantino safe for cats?
Tarantino is part of The Spruce Pets' veterinary review board. Essential oils, aromatherapy, and potpourri in your home may be pleasant for you, but natural compounds in these fragrances can be dangerous for your cat. Take precautions when using these products so your cat does not have a toxic reaction.
Can you use essential oil on cats?
Kittens, elderly cats, or cats who have liver or respiratory problems should be kept out of any room where essential oil diffusers are used. Don't wear aromatherapy jewelry when you are around your cat.
Is essential oil toxic to cats?
Essential Oils Potentially Toxic to Cats. The higher the concentration of essential oil, the greater the risk to your cat. If your cat ingests any oils accidentally, go to the veterinarian immediately.
What happens if a cat eats essential oils?
A cat that has toxicity due to essential oils will have changes in their eating and sleeping habits. They may be lethargic and lack energy. They may vomit, have diarrhea or be constipated. They may also appear confused or dizzy.
Can you diffuse essential oils on cats?
If you regularly diffuse oils, be sure to provide a place where your cat can go that doesn't expose him or her to the oils. And for goodness sakes, before treating your cat with any kind of essential oil, diluted or not, consult a veterinarian!
Is it bad for cats to use diffusers?
Essential Oil Diffusers Are Harmful To Cats. You are starting to dabble in essential oils, which is great for you, but may not be so great for your cat. For the most part cats and essential oils don't really mix. When I discovered essential oils I was all gung ho to use them all the time in many ways. I use them for teeth care, to clean and ...
Do cats smell better than humans?
Don't forget too , that other than the liver issue, cats have a much stronger sense of smell than we do. Most oils may smell wonderful to you, but can be overwhelming to your cat.
Can cats metabolize essential oils?
Unlike dogs, horses and other animals, cats' livers can't metabolize certain components of particular types of essential oils. They lack an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase. This is the enzyme that allows the liver to break down certain compounds. Instead it accumulates in their livers, eventually causing damage or failure.
Is it bad for cats to put essential oils in the air?
Luckily I caught on early that what is great for me and my kids might not be so great for my kitties. Dispersing essential oils in the air can be seriously harmful for cats since their livers work differently from ours.
What to do if your cat ingests essential oils?
If you see or suspect that your cat has ingested essential oils, have your cat seen by a veterinarian. Treating essential oil toxicity usually involves supportive care like IV fluids and heart rate monitoring. Your vet may also run tests to see if your cat’s liver or other organs have been impacted.
How to keep cats safe?
To keep your cats safe, make sure to only choose non-toxic essential oils and use caution when diffusing them. Check with your veterinarian as well to ensure your cat stays healthy while you make your house smell amazing.
Can you put essential oils on cats?
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.
Can cats diffuse essential oils?
As we already mentioned, some cats are more susceptible to having issues with essential oils than others. It’s also just a good idea to ask your veterinarian before you introduce any new food, vitamin, or supplement into your cat’s life.
Can cats knock over diffusers?
Besides potential issues with inhaled essential oils, curious cats often knock over diffusers. 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.
Can essential oils harm cats?
The buildup of these chemicals can cause toxic effects on your cat. In addition, the concentrated essential oils can irritate a cat’s mouth and tongue if they lick or swallow them. Young cats and those who already have problems with their livers are most in danger.
Do essential oils smell good?
Essential oils are everywhere and they smell fantastic. While the science behind many human uses of essential oils may be ongoing, the products themselves are only getting more popular. Diffusing essential oils is just one way that these scents are used in the home. It’s also the way that is most likely to impact more than one member of the household, including the furry ones.
Cats and Their Sense of Smell
Types of Diffusers
- A diffuser acts as a medium to disperse essential oils. You’ll see several types, which can influence the safety factor. Many, such as candles, water, or electric devices, use heat to speed up the process. There are also nebulizers and reed diffusers. The objective is to control the release so the scent will last the longest time for the best value. The operative phrase is the dispersal m…
Content in The Diffuser
- What is inside of your diffuser is the next part of the answer. Essential oils are concentrated volatile compounds responsible for what you and your cat smell. While you may associate citrus scents with cleanliness, it’s more likely to deter your kitty than attract them. That’s why you often find repellent productswith these aromas. It’s also worth...
Access to The Diffuser
- Access is an essential thing to consider, especially with kittens. Curiosity will drive many pets to explore new things in their home, even if it isn’t the safest for them. If a cat finds the scent pleasing, there’s a risk of them ingesting a toxic amount if they can get inside of it. Of course, there’s a simple fix for that issue: Keep the diffuser out of reach of an inquisitive feline.
Usage
- Cats have a keen sense of smell. They use it to mark their territory — including you — and help them feel secure. Remember what seems like a refreshing scent to you can come across as a smelly gale to your pet. Our suggestion is to limit the use of a diffuser and perhaps avoid placing it in the room where your cat sleeps.
Final Thoughts
- It’s essential to view questions like this one from your cat’s perspective, given the importance of smell in their world. Maybe a better compromise is to crack open a window and let fresh air come into your home. Your kitty will appreciate all the new scents that they can pick up, and this provides them with mental stimulation too. Featured Image: Kristi Blokhin, shutterstock