How Do You Use Lavender Essential Oil For Fleas On Cats
Lavender essential oil is seen as a home remedy for cat fleas. However, as weve discovered, trying to make and use this product at home can have dire consequences for our pets.
If youre still keen to find out ways it can be used for fleas on cats, you need to talk to your vet.
They will be able to advise you on the best way to move forward with a flea treatment, and discuss the pros and cons of lavender essential oil with you.
If youve turned to lavender oil because you cant find any other flea treatments that work, your vet may be able to suggest some cat-safe options that you havent tried yet.
We dont recommend using this oil on your cat without talking to your vet first.
Other Toxic Herbs And Spices
Besides the lavender plant, there are many other herbs and spices which are dangerous to your cat, and they include but not limited to, the following:
- Oregano
- Marjoram, knotted marjoram, or pot marjoram
- Tarragon
- Bay Laurel, bay tree, laurel tree, laurel, and sweet bag
- Chives
- Epazote, Wormseed, Mexican Tea, Jusuits Tea, Paico
- Dock or sorrel
- Chamomile
- Lemongrass or grass oil
- Borage or starflower
- Garlic
What Is Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil has been used in medicine and aromatherapy for years, with varying degrees of success.
Its treatment of anxiety in humans has been the focus of numerous studies and trials.
Essential oils are concentrated solutions of the chemicals found in a plant. As such, anything potentially harmful in the original ingredient will be even more potent.
Just because it is safe for humans doesnt mean that its safe to use on our cats.
So, why do so many people want to use it on their cats? And will it hurt your cat if you use it to treat fleas?
Cats Enjoy Playing In The Garden And Sleeping Or Playing Among Your Plants
Is lavender safe for cats. The north american essential oil and aromatherapy experts has explored essential oils safe for cats, as well as many veterinarians and pet wellness explorers. In disney’s film adaptation of the beloved musical into the woods it is specifically lavender blossoms that the big bad wolf persuades little red riding hood to gather in a bouquet for granny. As stated above, every cat is unique and may react differently.
Is lavender safe for cats? Sooth skin irritation and insect bites; But before you do that, be sure you know what scents are safe for cats so you and your fur baby can enjoy a long, healthy life together.
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 . Lavender is beautiful and smells wonderful. While a minority of cats do seem to enjoy the aroma of lavender, the majority of cats do not.
Lavender is known for its medicinal qualities and calming, alluring scent. As for cats, the essential oils that arent safe to use are eucalyptus, clove, lavender, spruce, cassia, lemon, birch, and more. This means that it takes longer to eliminate toxins.
But could it be useful in another way? An interesting fact is studies show the only insects without a lavender intolerance is honeybees and butterflies. Many compounds in these fragrances contain toxins that can be fatal if your kitty.
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How To Give A Dog Lavender Oil
If your veterinarian approves your plan to give lavender oil to your dog, be sure to properly prepare the essential oil first. Dilute it as recommended and ensure that the undiluted lavender oil is safely put away where your dog cannot access it.
Once you’ve prepared the diluted lavender oil solution, how you apply it depends on your intended use. For example, for flea and tick protection, place a drop of oil on the back of your dog’s neck and at the base of their tail. If your purpose is , however, it could be useful to add a few drops to a bandana for your dog to wear around its neck.
Always remember to use very small amounts of diluted lavender oil and slowly work your way up to ensure your dog doesn’t have any negative reactions. Observe your pet closely and if there are any signs of allergic reactions to the lavender oil, bring your dog to the veterinarian.
Bathe Your Cat Regularly
Seriously, has this dude never owned a cat? Bathe a cat utter foolish madness unless you want your face clawed off! Granted not all cats will endure a bath but for those that will the promised land of flea free freedom lies this way
You will delight at the sight of fleas rushing to higher ground as you bathe your cat. Seriously wash them off and drown the sons of ****. Bathing the cat with fleas makes you feel like you are taking back control and winning the war when them suckers run. If your cat just wont cooperate by taking a bath, read on for plenty of home remedies for fleas on cats without bathing
Use A Pet Shampoo With Natural Flea Repellents
You can get shampoos that contain natural flea repellents for cats online from quite a number of suppliers. Used in conjunction with the combing and bathing outlined above the shampoo will leave your pet smelling good to you but appallingly repellent to fleas!
The shampoos to look out for are those with low concentrations of cedar, lavender, eucalyptus or citrus oils included. These are natural flea repellents that can help keep you cat invisible to fleas. Now the more proactive of you should not just go buy some essential oils and started banging out mixtures of your own.
Many of these natural insecticides are pretty dangerous to cats unless concentrations are really low. This is because a cats liver cant cope with some of these toxins like a human or dog might be able to as they are missing some critical enzymes. You can read more here. Stick with using store formulated shampoos that have been tested for safety.
Bathe Your Cat With Dish Soap
Hell, if youre going to get your face bitten off you may as well go the whole mile and supercharge that flea killing experience.
Get you some ordinary dish soap in the tub and explode them flea exoskeleton as they struggle in the waves of doom. Ok, I got carried away. They dont explode..but the addition of dish soap to the water seems to drastically subdue the fleas long enough that you can safely ditch them down the drain in the knowledge that by the time they come round from the experience they are rehomed in the sewer.
If you wash your cat outdoors in a tub then dont just tip the wastewater on the garden when finished the fleas are not drowned they are in stasis and will come round again. Next time your pet is in the yard the suitably washed and clean fleas are likely to hop right back on again!
What Plants Can Cats Eat Safely
Plants that Cats Can Chew & Eat
- Spider Plant. Also known for their air-purifying properties, spider plants make great houseplants because of their ease of maintenance.
- Asparagus Fern. This visually-appealing houseplant is commonly found in a hanging basket or a regular container.
- Bamboo.
- African Violet.
Tea Tree Oil: A Special Warning
Tea tree, in particular, is very hazardous. Tea tree is “never safe to use on cats. That’s because the toxin found in tea tree oil is metabolized by the liver,” reported Tufts Now. If you have dogs in your home, speak with your veterinarian before treating them with tea tree oil, as your kitty may ingest the tea tree oil when grooming the dog.
Is Lavender Toxic To Cats
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I love lavender. I love the flowers, the scent, the color. I love everything about lavender, so imagine my delight when I recently won a gift bag full of lavender scented items. There was a lovely reed diffuser, body wash, moisturizer, even some laundry detergent.
Then someone said, I hope you dont have cats! Oh, but I do. I have three cats. Then I had a little flicker in the back of my mind that reminded me I heard recently lavender is toxic to cats. So I put all those treasures away and didnt think much more about them.
Then I also remembered that I have been using lavender scented air fresheners around my cats for years. What harm might I have done?
How Does Lavender Oil Get Rid Of Fleas On Cats
Lavender essential oil contains a chemical called linalool. Linalool can make up as much as 49.47% of essential lavender oil.
So, the same chemical that makes lavender oil potentially dangerous to your cat could make it a potent flea poison. Linalool is not only toxic to cats, but in the right concentration effectively kills pests.
As we briefly saw in the previous section, linalool solutions have been used in tests to successfully treat cats with fleas.
The cats involved exhibited no adverse effects afterwards.
But, when it comes to home blended or unregulated lavender oil, cats might not be so lucky.
This is because lavender oil is not consistent.
From batch to batch it can differ hugely in composition. So finding the right concentration of linalool in a domestic setting would be almost impossible, not to mention dangerous.
Lavender Flowers Safe Or Not
First, lets discuss the lavender flower which you or possibly a neighbor, has growing in the garden right now. If your cat were to brush up against a lavender flower, or if it decided it wanted to have a nibble and eat a few flower heads, it is not going to poison them.
That is not to say that lavender doesnt contain anything that can cause problems for cats. There are two substances that are potentially dangerous. The first is linalyl acetate which is often found in essential oils and secondly, theres linalool, which is used for scenting soaps and shampoos. However, in the quantities that a cat would be ingesting by simply nibbling a bit of a lavender flower, theres normally not enough to do them harm.
Where there could be problems is if your cat decided it was going to have a banquet and the only item on the menu was lavender flowers. If it then ate all the lavender flowers in the garden or at least a fair proportion of them, they are likely to be in some distress.
Before continuing on, there are some that you might also want to consider.
Well discuss that distress in a moment, but the point we must make here, is that there would be problems if your cat ate anything to excess, including its normal cat food. The issue here isnt the fact that it may have eaten lavender, it is when a cat eats large amounts of lavender flowers that the problems can begin.
Essential Oils: What Are They
Essential oils are the extracts of plants known for their aromatic and/or medicinal properties, such as rose and frankincense. These oils are commonly used in aromatherapy, the practice of inhaling diffused oil or applying it topically, such as during a massage. “When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain,” explained Harpreet Gujral, a program director of integrative medicine, in Health at Johns Hopkins Medicine. The amygdala reacts to olfactory stimuli. Does a sniff of peppermint invigorate you? That’s aromatherapy.
Why Cats Love Lavender
The small amounts of dried lavender we put in our catnip blends help promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety and help your cat sleep more soundly .
You may have heard that lavender oil is toxic to cats; it can cause your cat to have an upset stomach. Meowijuana only uses dried flowers of its lavender.
At Meowijuana we love kitties. We research all the ingredients in our catnip blends. Most of the catnip and other ingredients are grown in lush United States and Canadian soils.
As with anything you give your cat, use catnip in moderation for your cat to get the full effect.
Note: Dried Lavender is not toxic for cats; the ASPCA suggests that nibbles of dried lavender are fine for cats. We suggest moderation in everything, including lavender.
Alternatives To Lavender Cats
If your cat is obsessed with , there are plenty of ways you can make sure they get their fix and still stay safe.
You can try lavender-scented toys, , such as Valerian root.
If you and your cat both like the scent of lavender, you can also try using a cat litter that has been scented with it, such as .
Your cat will love it, and itll make your house smell nice, too.
There are entire YouTube videos dedicated to safely using essential oils, including lavender, with your cat. Check it out!
Does Lavender Keep Cats Away
That lovely aroma the lavender produces is actually a natural repellent the plant uses to keep insects and grazing animals away so you would expect it to make a good cat repellent.
Based on my own observations though I would have to say lavender is not the best natural cat repellent.
While it is true that the majority of cats seem to dislike the smell of lavender, too many times I watched a cat brush by the plant with not a care in the world.
Benefits/negatives Of Feeding Cats Lavender
While there are no health benefits to ingesting lavender, being exposed to lavender can have all sorts of positive effects on your cats health.
Lavender is very soothing both for humans and their feline friends. Toys scented with lavender, such as , can be very appealing to cats and can be very calming.
Actually eating large amounts of lavender, either fresh or dried, can be very harmful to your cat. Its best to stick to pet-approved toys that will allow your cat to smell and enjoy the lavender without actually eating it.
White Or Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar has a huge range of uses around the house from cleaning, cooking and health standpoints but did you know that a good old dose of vinegar can also be effective against cat fleas?
Both white vinegar and the more fashionable apple cider vinegar can be used against fleas due to the acidity of the acetic acid found in the vinegar.
Does vinegar kill fleas? These kinds of vinegar destroy flea eggs and the aroma and taste repel adult fleas.
When applied topically the fleas will literally jump off your cat and if you follow up with a flea comb you will find you kill off loads of fleas with these fleas you should dispose down the sink so that if they revive they are rehomed away from your pet, house or yard.
You can use either type of vinegar but cats may prefer apple cider vinegar due to the taste and aroma.
The best way to use the vinegar is to apply neat to your cats coat problem is that most cats wont allow this. If your cat just wont go there then water down the vinegar so you have a 50:50 solution with water or even lemon juice. Even at this concentration, the vinegar will effectively repel and knockout the fleas.
You should ideally spray your cat and let the solution dry naturally. You should also treat your house with the same spray. Your cat and house will smell of vinegar initially but this will dissipate as the solution evaporates.
Can Cats Eat Lavender
Its one thing to let your cat sniff around a lavender plant, but its another to let them actually eat it.
Curious kitties will likely try and nibble any plants that you keep in the home, including lavender. While its not as toxic as some other plants, such as the truly deadly lily, lavender may cause digestive upset in your cat if they ingest too much.
While lavender isnt generally listed as a toxic plant for cats, lavender contains two chemicals called linlool and linalyl acetate, both of which may cause nausea and vomiting in cats. So how much is too much? Here are some tips:
The key with lavender and any other nontoxic herb is moderation. Tiny tidbits may be fine, but cats that eat too much may become seriously ill.
Why Do People Use Lavender Essential Oil On Cats
One recent study showed a lavender oil derived capsule to be very effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, when taken orally.
When something works for us, wed like to think it will work for our cats. After all, its only natural to think whats good for us is good for them.
So, some people try to use lavender essential oil on cats to calm them down. But, more commonly, this product is used as a flea treatment.
Some pet flea treatments available to buy contain a diluted lavender oil. And, people often try to create their own concentrate solution at home.
However, this isnt always safe for our cats.
Its important to keep in mind no tests have been carried out with cats to determine lavender oils safety or efficacy when diffused. Cats often deal with substances and chemicals in a different way to us.
So, we must find out the pros and cons of this method before trying it on your cat.
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Lavender Oil Is Safe For Dogs When Used Properly
Lavender oil is safe for dogs so long as you take the time to prepare a diluted solution properly and apply it in limited amounts to localized areas. A dog ingesting lavender oil in large amounts is risky, but a small amount of diluted lavender oil as a topical to soothe your dog or protect against illness and insects can have an effective therapeutic effect on your pup. However, there are certain risks when using lavender oil for your dog that you should know before using. By properly preparing lavender oil before giving it to your dog, you can mitigate these risks and help protect your pet’s health. Before using any new products on your dog, you should consult with a veterinarian.
The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out .
Dosage/directions Canine Lavender Spray
You can easily make a spray to use on your dog for minor skin conditions such as contact dermatitis. It can also be used to help repel bugs, but quite honestly, lavender isnt our top parasite prevention. Instead, read our article here to eliminate fleas, ticks and lyme for good. Youll want to use fresh or dried lavender leaves, stems, and flowers:
- 1 cup of fresh or 1-1/2 cups dried lavender flowers, stems, and leaves
- Cheesecloth to wrap the lavender in
- Glass bottle or bowl to mix the tea
- 1 pint size CLEAN STERILIZED spray bottle
Add the lavender in the cheesecloth and tie it closed. Place the cheesecloth in the glass bowl or measuring cup. Boil your water and add it to the glass container. Cover and allow to cool completely.
Remove the cheesecloth and gently squeeze the cloth to remove excess moisture into the container. Add the lavender water to your CLEAN STERILIZED spray bottle.
Calm Nervous Canines with Lavender
- Simply move it the open bottle back and forth under your dogs nostrils several times.
- You can also place a few drops of lavender oil to your dogs collar or to the neck area. USE CAUTION: When applying to the skin, use in small amounts at first to make sure your dog doesnt have a reaction to the lavender.
Causes Of Lavender Poisoning In Cats
Your cat’s liver lacks several specific enzymes that allows it to break down several substances, including the components of essential oils and liquid potpourris.
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.
Your cat needs attention, play sessions and the chance to safely explore its environment every day. If it doesn’t get these opportunities, it will become bored and get into situations that can make it sick.
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Make/buy An Essential Oil Flea Collar
You could make a natural flea collar from a cotton bandana or collar dosed up with essential oils that are known to have a repelling effect on fleas. A word of warning though, essential oils for fleas on cats have to be handled correctly.
The main essential oils for cats fleas are cedar, lavender, geranium, eucalyptus and citrus based oils. Of course, as we highlighted, some of these oils are dangerous to cats if ingested in sufficient doses but we are not recommending you douse your cat in these essential oils.
Ideally, you want to use a low concentration oil dropped onto a cotton collar avoid contact on the skin or putting the oil anywhere near kittys mouth.
If you want to be properly safe about this and love the idea of a natural flea collar then dont mess with oils simply buy one from a reputable brand. There are plenty online. They all tend to use the same natural oils but are able to boast of 6-8 month protection.
Beware though, these ingredients might be natural but they can be harmful often cats can have an allergic reaction if the ingredients are in the wrong doses for them. The reaction usually takes the form of skin irritation around the collar area that clears after stopping use.
Still, a collar in conjunction with bathing, shampooing and combing should have them fleas on the run!
Recovery Of Lavender Poisoning In Cats
Your cat can recover from lavender poisoning as long it receives veterinary care as quickly as possible. It can recover from chemical burns it may have suffered after licking up an essential oil or potpourri. If you massaged an essential oil into its skin, thinking to help it relax, it will also recover from the injuries to its skin.
Before your cat comes home, remove all essential oils and potpourri products, or keep them in an area where it can’t get to them. Before you massage any essential oils into your cat’s fur, ask your vet if it is safe to do so.
If your cat ate from a lavender plant and you don’t want it to do so in the future, remove it or place it where your cat can’t get to it. Give it the chance to nibble at “cat-friendly” grasses instead.
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Lavender Poisoning Average Cost
Is Dried Lavender Poisonous
toxicdriedlavender
Culinary Lavender is an incredibly versatile herb for cooking. As a member of the same family as many of our most popular herbs, it is not surprising that lavender is edible and that it’s use in food preparation is also returning. Flowers and leaves can be used fresh, and both buds and stems can be used dried.
Additionally, is dried lavender safe for dogs? Dogs can safely ingest diluted lavender; however, you should make sure to start them on low doses to gauge their reaction. As when using essential oils on people, you should always dilute the oils before using them on your pet or allowing your pet to inhale them.
Correspondingly, is Lavender toxic to humans?
Lavender oil is generally not poisonous in adults when breathed in during aromatherapy or swallowed in smaller amounts. It may cause a reaction in children who swallow small amounts. The major effects are due to allergic reactions of the skin.
Is dried lavender poisonous to cats?
Unfortunately for cats, lavender is toxic. This gorgeous plant with bright purple blossoms covers the south of France and smells like actual floral heaven, but is a big no-no for felines, especially in essential oil form.