If you’re a cat lover, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of essential oils for cats. But did you know that not all essential oils are safe for cats? In this blog post, we’ll discuss which essential oils are safe for cats and how they can be used to improve their health and well-being. We’ll also cover which essential oils to avoid entirely when caring for your feline friends.
The Ways Essential Oils Affect Your Cat
To begin, I’d like to clarify that diffusing essential oils will not harm your cat! Yes, some of them will undoubtedly irritate him. Cats do not have enough enzymes in their livers to fully metabolize oil, hence they are sensitive to certain compounds.
Although some of these oils are highly dangerous to cats in general, it does not imply that they will all wait for the ideal opportunity to kill your pet!
The fact is that your cat is more sensitive to particular essential oils than you are. This is due, in part, to its own unique liver metabolism. Nonetheless, you may rest confident that your worldly-wise companion has a few alternative methods for metabolizing these components without difficulty.
Of course, this does not imply that you should use your diffuser ten times a day, but you can certainly keep your house fresh regularly. The only thing to remember is to use oils that are safe for your pet.
How Sensitive Is The Nose of Your Cat?
Cats may develop respiratory or liver problems if there is too much diffusion of essential oils. However, because there is no scientific evidence of the long-term effects of these oils being breathed in, no one can claim this with certainty.
The truth is that your cat has a scent sensitivity fourteen times greater than yours, owing to the presence of over 200 billion million odor receptors. Your sense of smell is small in comparison to 5 million. I’m guessing you understand everything now.
Not only does your filthy fur ball have a plethora of scent glands all over her chin, lips, forehead, front paws, and tail, but she also has a lot in her armpits! Can you even fathom that?
If you’ve made these discoveries, common sense will tell you that you should be especially cautious with essential oil spraying in the vicinity of your cat. That’s all there is to it.
Essential Oils Your Cat Will Adore
There are always exceptions to the rule. That implies that certain essential oils are completely safe and even beneficial for your cat. In general, it appears sensible that essential oils are less hazardous than fake air fresheners.
Rosemary essential oil -I like the scent of rosemary, but it’s also effective as a flea repellent for me. A few drops of essential oil or a twig of rosemary can be added to a boiling pot of water.
Fill a tub with water and submerge your cat for 2 to 5 minutes. There’s no way I can make my Clementine jump into the pool. If bathing isn’t your cat’s idea of fun, there are other options.
Jasmine essential oil – This essential oil is well-known for assisting in the treatment of cat depression and tension. Because they are highly susceptible to these problems, you may use this oil to regulate their hormones.
Cedar-wood essential oil – This oil is safe for your cat because it does not include phenols. It may also eliminate adult fleas, allowing you to get rid of these horrible insects without the use of pesticides.
Lemongrass essential oil – It may be found in the form of a 100 percent non-alcoholic hydrosol. It is completely safe for your pet if used at low doses. Avoid direct skin contact with the cat.
Clary sage essential oil – It’s a fantastic option for your cat to unwind and rejuvenate without receiving any negative side effects.
Frankincense essential oil – It’s a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It may help your cat’s digestive issues, but it can also cure his or her stomach problems. However, don’t attempt this therapy on your own.
Lavender essential oil – It depends on the sensitivity of your cat and whether it is safe or not. Some cats are always content with the lavender scent, and they have never exhibited any symptoms of poisoning.
Others enjoy chamomile and sweet basil essential oils as well. I can tell you that they are secure for cats based on my experience. In addition, I appreciate their anti-inflammatory qualities.
Essential Oils Safe for Your Cat
You can safely use the majority of essential oils even if you have a cat if you are cautious. Toxicity is caused by applying extremely concentrated essential oils, but diluted oils used in tiny amounts are typically safe for your pet.
You may prevent cats from consuming toxic oils by diluting them to a 95% concentration. The following are some of the most well-known:
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Peppermint
- Cypress
- Marjoram
- Wintergreen
As a cure, certain oils are particularly beneficial to cats. However, because there is a fine line between a cure and a poison, their application is difficult. The key is to maintain the correct focus! As a result, you should not attempt them on your own. It’s a job for the pros.
Precautions When Using a Diffuser
Choose the less active diffuser to minimize the amount of oil droplets released. You may use a beautiful aroma in your house without endangering your cat.
Do not allow your cat’s skin or fur to come into contact with essential oils. You don’t want to risk your cat eating the oil by licking itself. Also, while diffusing essential oils, provide it a choice and an avenue of escape.
If you notice any of the following symptoms after using a diffuser, your cat has been poisoned:
- Apprehension, restlessness, or hyperactivity
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
- Muscle tremors and ataxia (lack of coordination)
- Vomiting
- Drooling (uncontrolled dropping of saliva)
- Dark mucous membrane
- Green or even black urine
- Shock
If you’re exposed to poisonous substances, call poison control immediately. Be prepared that the toxicologist will want to know the following information:
- Which one essential oil you used
- The precise weight of your cat
- The amount of applied, ingested, or inhaled oil
- When the exposure happened
Possibly Toxic Essential Oils for Your Cat
Your cat’s liver absorbs and processes nutrients differently than yours. Because it can’t break down some of the chemicals, avoid using oils that include them in too high a concentration.
Many contaminants produce chemicals such as phenols or ketones. As a result, use dilution oil with a concentration of less than 8 percent phenols and 20% ketones to avoid having any problems.
Phenols – You should know that they can be harmful to your cat, but keep in mind that if you’re exposed to them over a long period of time, they might make you more susceptible as well.
Terpenes – When applied topically or taken by your pet, they can be deadly.
Ketones – They’re great for reducing stress, but you should avoid spraying them in the vicinity of your cat if you want to get rid of fleas.
