How Do Essential Oils Put My Cat at Risk? Established research has shown that essential oils can be toxic to cats, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled. Exposure can lead to serious liver damage, liver failure, respiratory failure, seizures and even death.

What essential oils are safe to diffuse around 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).

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.

Can I clean with essential oils if I have a cat?

Because felines lack the enzymes that enable the liver to metabolize many essential oils and eliminate toxins, pet parents should avoid using oral, topical, and other inhaled oils around cats.

Is lavender scent toxic to cats?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states the common lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) contains linlool and linalyl acetate, two compounds toxic to cats (and found in other flowers like bergamot). Basically, in any form, lavender can make your kitty sick as heck.

Are Essential Oils Safe For Cats ? | Safe Essential Oils For Cats

32 related questions found

Is lavender toxic to cats?

The ASPCA web site also lists common house plants and household items that are toxic or dangerous to your cats and dogs. ... Fresh lavender is not toxic to felines, only the essential oils derived from the plants are.

What scents are toxic to cats?

Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to cats. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.

Do diffusers hurt cats?

He explains cats have sensitive respiratory tracts and poor metabolism which makes a diffuser with essential oils a potentially toxic combo. "A cat can walk through a room with a diffuser and get liver trauma, start drooling and get a drunken walk," according to Dr. Stephens. It could potentially kill them.

What essential oil calms cats?

Lavender, which has natural sedative properties, may help soothe an anxious cat. Copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense are also considered safe for cats. Before using essential oils around your cats, check with your holistic veterinarian for recommendations.

Is Lemongrass essential oil okay for pets?

Additionally, due to its pleasant smell and flea and tick repellant nature, Lemongrass essential oil is sometimes used in soaps, shampoos or for both humans and pets. If you use the shampoo or bug repellent as directed it is perfectly safe for your pet.

What essential oils are not safe for cats?

The following essential oils are poisonous to cats:

• Cinnamon oil.
• Citrus oil.
• Clove oil.
• Eucalyptus oil.
• Oil of Sweet Birch.
• Pennyroyal oil.
• Peppermint oil.
• Pine oils.

Why is lavender bad for cats?

The lavender plant itself contains linalyl acetate and linalool. These substances can cause gastrointestinal upset in your cat. Even a diluted massage oil can lead to a mildly upset stomach, so try to avoid letting your cat get into lavender plants or anything that has been made from lavender.

Will my essential oil diffuser hurt my cat?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, cats are especially sensitive to essential oils. "Effects such as gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression and even liver damage could occur if ingested in significant quantities.

Are humidifiers with essential oils safe for cats?

It's best to avoid using diffusers or sprays that make the droplets airborne, since these cats may have difficulty breathing well with essential oils in the air.

Will peppermint essential oil hurt cats?

Here is a list of dangerous essential oils to avoid with your cat: Basil, birch, cinnamon, clove, fennel, melaleuca, oregano, peppermint, thyme, and wintergreen as well as oils high in d-limonene (citrus oils) can all have harmful effects on your cat.

Is sweet orange essential oil safe for cats?

Essential oils that are unsafe for cats:

Citrus oils (bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, tangerine) Birch.

Is eucalyptus safe for cats?

Dried or fresh, eucalyptus is dangerous for your cat. Your cat can experience salivation, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and other concerning symptoms after consuming this potent houseplant. To keep your cats safe, use eucalyptus essential oil in a sealed container instead of fresh or dried plants.

What smells do cats like and dislike?

In particular, cats hate the smell of rue, lavender, marigolds, pennyroyal, Coleus canina, and lemon thyme. So if you have a problem with curious kitties or strays in your yard, consider planting these specimens throughout your garden or along the edges of flowerbeds to serve as a natural cat deterrent (11, 14).

Are cats allergic to lavender essential oil?

Lavender essential oil is the most toxic form of lavender for your felines. “Cats are more susceptible to essential oils than some other species as they are missing a specific enzyme in their liver that helps them metabolize certain drugs, including essential oils,” says Richardson.

Is eucalyptus oil safe for cats to inhale?

Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin OR used in diffusers.

Does Aromatherapy work on cats?

Like oil and water, essential oils and cats really do not mix. Owners should be cautious using essential oils and diffusers in their homes in order to protect their cat(s) from a toxic risk. Most importantly, concentrated essential oils should never be directly applied to cats.

Is peppermint plant safe for cats?

Most mint plants contain essential oils which can cause negative responses if consumed in high quantities. Both catnip and catmint are types of mint that are safe to cats. Garden mint may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten.

Can I use tea tree oil around my cat?

No, undiluted tea tree oil is not safe for dogs or cats. You shouldn't use tea tree oil on or around your pets unless it's been professionally formulated, diluted, and thus proven safe. Even then you must monitor your pet closely, and we recommend avoiding the use of the ingredient altogether.

Do cats like the smell of lemongrass?

Lemongrass (cymbopagon) – Kitties love the smell of lemongrass, so if you're growing some for yourself, grow some extra for them to gnaw on.

How toxic is lemon to cats?

All citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, limes and lemons) are mildly toxic to cats.