Essential Oils You Can Use Around Cats:
- Effective as antiseptic, disinfectant, and anti-inflammatory, Frankincense oil may also assist in addressing the cats digestive problems.
- Helichrysum oil detoxifies and contains properties which are antibiotic and antifungal.
- To reduce stress and depression in your cats, which is surprisingly common to the feline species, Clary Sage oil can shift your cats hormones into a balance and even boost its mood and emotions.
- Help your shy cat develop more courage with Sweet Pea essential oil.
- Use Roman or German Chamomile for anti-inflammatory help.
- A few effective flea repellents are Rosemary oil and Cedarwood oil, if diluted or diffused properly.
- For balancing, calming and relaxing your cat, Lavender or Valerian are ok to use.
Essential Oil Toxicity In Pets
Essential oil toxicity can happen fast or build up over time. The results can range from respiratory distress, liver damage, anemia, or even organ failure and a whole lot more. If your dog or cat has been exposed to essential oils and you see any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately:
- Abnormal panting or breathing
- Depression or change in demeanor
- Diarrhea
- Wheezing
What Are Essential Oils
Essential oils are oils typically extracted from plants. They have a powerful fragrance of that plant. They arent true oils in the chemical sense of being long chains of fatty acids. For instance, olive oil and olive essential oil are two different things. Rather, essential oils are derived from certain volatile compounds within a plant.
Essential oils are definitely having their moment right now as families all over the country trade in their chemical-heavy household products for them. Essential oil enthusiasts use these remedies for cleaning, relaxation, health and other reasons.
People love their pets, so putting essential oils and animals together is a logical next step for many folks who also love their oils and are seeking alternatives to other pet-cleaning or pampering products. After all, pet owners are usually generous people who love to share what they have with their furry family members.
Unfortunately, while many essential oils are beneficial for humans, theyre often harmful to pets. This also applies to oils that you arent placing directly on your pet. For instance, people frequently use essential oils with diffusers, but even using an oil in a diffuser or a warmer can potentially make your animal sick!
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The Proper Way To Use Essential Oils On Your Cat
The difference between the way humans accept essential oils and the way cats tolerate them has everything to do with dilution, and were not talking adding water to the oil! Remember what your mom said: Oil and water never mix! A high-grade, pure vegetable oil is the catalyst that makes essential oils tolerable for felines and the differential between the two must be dramatic: 50 drops of vegetable oil to 1 drop of essential oil.
You may wish to verify this dilution ratio with your own vet because some recommend taking that ratio up to 80- to 90-percent. Once properly mixed, you can place a drop of this mixture into your hands and begin to pet your cat. Some pet owners add water to already-diluted oil mixes and use a mister to spray their animal, but be forewarned, misting could be a turnoff for your feline and not every cat specialist recommends it.
Always err on the side of cautionHolistic veterinarian Dr. Melissa Shelton is just one member of the profession who believes that as long as a cat parent takes care to use essential oils properly, there is no reason why felines wont benefit from them. But Dr. Shelton cautions that because cat physiology is different from other animals, improper essential oil use could have devastating health effects.
What Is Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass is a herb with a citrus scent that closely resembles the smell of lemons. Its medicinal and culinary uses are well known over the globe.
Extracted from the leaves and stems of lemongrass plants, lemongrass essential oil has got a unique citrus scent.
The effective ingredients of lemongrass essential oil are believed to have antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Hence, they are a natural remedy for pain relief, making it a popular aromatherapy massage oil.
It has also become popular as a homeopathic remedy for sleep disorders and digestive problems.
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What To Know About Essential Oils For Pets
You know your pets sense of smell is an inherent part of how they explore the world. Just think about your dogs meet and greet behavior or how your cat sniffs the new food before tasting.
Dr. Jeff says, Animals have a substantial part of their nasal passages and brain anatomy dedicated to olfactory functions, so it makes sense that aromatherapy can be useful in addressing their medical needs.
Yet, we can overdo it by accident without guidelines, as our pets sense of smell is exceptionally stronger than ours.
According to pet groomer and educator Malissa Conti-Diene,
If we can smell it, imagine 20x more for that animal. As humans, we get nose blind. Well diffuse for longer and longer amounts of time, and its overwhelming for the animal and can make them sick.
Additionally, Malissa says, Research shows that cats are much better at differentiating between scents than dogs. So in a way, their sense of smell is more powerful than your pups.
Besides diffusing essential oils for too long, we can also diffuse ones that can be toxic to our animals because we just dont know. Malissa warns that citrus oils, for example, are dangerous for cats because they lack an enzyme to break them down.
Are Dogs Allergic To Jasmine Essential Oil
Even though jasmine is nontoxic for dogs, some dogs might be allergic to the plant as well as its essential oil.
Dogs that have jasmine allergy will mostly be affected by the pollen from the jasmine flowers which means the allergy will be more severe in the warmer months.
In addition to pollen, there are also instances of contact allergy. This is where the dogs have an allergic reaction by coming in contact with the jasmine plantor when the essential oil is applied to their coat.
There are four possible explanations for why some dogs are allergic to jasmine
- The immune system of the dog could be attacking the allergen.
- The allergic reaction could be a result of a hypersensitive immune system.
- A reaction in the dogs sinus area.
- The irritation may just be on the skin of the dog.
The symptoms of jasmine allergy in dogs are similar to the symptoms of any other pollen-related allergy. These include bumpy and red skin, watery eyes, irritated and itchy skin, itchy eyes, a runny nose, wheezing, sneezing, and excessive licking and scratching.
If your dog starts exhibiting the above symptoms, or if you have reason to believe that they are having an allergic reaction, take them to the vet for a checkup as soon as possible.
Do not attempt to administer medications like antihistamines unless under the express permission of the vet.
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Are Essential Oils Toxic To Cats If Inhaled
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 Oils Are Bad To Diffuse Around Cats
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Are Reed Diffusers Safe For Cats
Having a cat is a lot of responsibility. From feeding them, cleaning their litter box, and giving them all of the love and attention they deserve, your furry family members can be a handful sometimes!
Unfortunately, what essential oils you use around your cat is another thing to be mindful of since they are particularly sensitive to scents and potent essential oils.
The not-so-straight answer to if reed diffusers are feline-friendly is yes and no. While reed diffusers emit a lot less oil than a diffuser does, they do still spread scent around a space. Some oils are totally safe for cats, while others can be quite dangerous.
Keep reading to learn what to know before exposing your cat to a reed diffuser.
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The Role Of Aromatherapy
As you may know, aromatherapy is scent or essential oil therapy. Imagine smelling the aroma of freshly baked bread. Such scents can make your mouth water and send your brain skipping through visuals of biting into a slice of delicious bread.
Aromatherapy can do more than help your brain visualize happy moments, though. Theyre also used in holistic healing. For instance, medical studies show people can use wintergreen for muscle pain, and melaleuca as an antibacterial agent.
These essential oils are plant-based extracts with healing properties. They do more than smell nice they also interact with the molecules in our bodies.
Our pets have a very different makeup than humans, so things we barely notice can be overwhelming and sicken our pets.
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Top Best Answers To The Question Is Jasmine Oil Safe For Dogs
The following oils are safe to use on dogs.
Lavender: Safest of all essential oils, it can be used neat or diluted with a carrier oil.
Very beneficial for assisting with allergies, burns, insomnia, car ride anxiety and car sickness.
Spearmint: Helps to reduce weight in dogs.
Those who are looking for an answer to the question «Is jasmine oil safe for dogs?» often ask the followingquestions:
Precautions For Safe Essential Oil Use For Felines
You want to be sure that any essential oil you use on or around your cat is confirmed safe for felines and moderately applied. Even though a particular essential oil may be perceived as pleasant smelling by you, it can overwhelm your kitty. And if you have to use such, have a room ready for your cat to retreat to if needed.
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List Of Oils Toxic To Cats
Note: While I have done a lot of research and compiled a list that most sources seemed to agree on, I cannot guarantee that an essential oil not on this list is automatically safe for cats. When in doubt, limit use around your cat, and never apply it directly to your cats fur or skin.
Whew! Thats a lot of information to take in. Congrats on making it to the end! What tips and tricks have you guys implemented to keep your kitty safe? Let me know in the comments below!
Read more about using essential oils to prevent and kill fleas.
Which Essential Oils Are Toxic To Cats Which Ones Are Safe
June 30, 2021 by Emma Carter
Your cats sense of smell is indeed exceptional. Cats have stronger senses than humans and their nose is way more sensitive than ours, so its definitely possible that scents you might find calming and wonderful, can be extremely strong and overwhelming for your cat.
If you have a domestic pet cat and you want to use essential oils, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of your pet.
This article is a complete guide for cat owners to understand how to ensure the safety of their pets because essential oils are becoming an invaluable commodity in our homes. A variety of ways you maybe already are incorporating essential oils into your daily life, include herbal remedies, aromatherapy, liquid potpourri, body care products, and natural home cleaning products.
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Knowing the basics about the potential effects of essential oils to your cat is vital. When it boils down to the questions of the toxicity of these oils to your cats, the bottom line assures that it all depends on the quality and specific chemical elements of the oil being used.
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List Of Essential Oils That Are Safe For Cats
Humans have a much higher tolerance for phenol in essential oils, though they are typically recommended for use at a dilution of 1%. While they may be a part of your daily skincare or mindfulness routine, most essential oils are not always safe for your cat. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule. Check out this list of safe essential oils for cats, along with their best uses for your pet.
Curiosity Killed The Cat And Essential Oils Can Too If Youre Not Careful
We all love our feline friends, but they have an uncanny knack for getting into things they shouldnt. So its our job as responsible pet owners to be in the know about whats dangerous for them and then keep it far far away from their cute little noses.
Read on for 6 essential oil safety tips to keep your cat safe .
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Essential Oils Toxic To Cats
Much like common houseplants that are toxic for cats, essential oils pose a threat, even in small amounts and especially when concentrated. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association , the following are just some of the essential oils toxic to cats:
- Bergamot
- Wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint and mint
- Ylang-ylang
In addition to the essential oils that you buy individually, they often appear in other household products such as paint thinner and insect repellent, which has a high risk of fatal reactions for cats, noted the CVMA.
Using Oils On Cats: Dilution Rates
Even natural and 100% pure essential oils need to be diluted before using them on felines.
You can dilute your oils using pure vegetable oil, make sure this is high grade, as recommended by Dr. Mary Hess, DVM. Dilute at a ratio of 50:1 which means you dilute a drop of your essential oil to 50 drops of dilution oil. Use just a drop of this diluted oil and apply to your cat from ear to tail.
Another way to dilute your oils is to add 3-5 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle filled with water , shake the sprayer then finally, spray gently on your cat.
The most common technique to receive the benefits of aromatherapy on cats though, is through diffusing essential oils through a diffuser. Over time, while humans have enjoyed the beneficial results of oils in improving overall health, people also started using them on animals to see if they also create wonderful impacts on animals. Using essential oils through the diffusion method has been one effective way to do so.
It is very important that you only use therapeutic grade essential oils as many of the problems arise when you buy products marketed with high prices but low quality and use them on your cat.
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Are Essential Oils Safe For Pets
Despite having natural plant origins, Essential Oils are not always entirely safe for use on or around pets, and each Essential Oil that is considered to be relatively safe should also be used with extreme care. If using Essential Oils, whether applying them topically or diffusing them throughout a room to promote sleep, immune function, relaxation, or for any other mental or physical improvement, ensure that thorough research is conducted regarding their benefits and side effects, especially when using them in pet care.
It is of utmost importance to consult with a veterinarian before using Essential Oils on or near pets. In addition to this consultation, it is highly recommended to receive supplementary advice from a certified recognized, and reputable expert, such as an Animal Aromatherapist. In general, seek information from educated, impartial, and trustworthy sources. The combined expertise will help pet parents make well-educated decisions for the wellness of their pets as well as for the rest of the family. Essential Oils that seem not to have a harmful effect on one type of pet could have a distinctly opposite impact on the wellbeing of a different pet so, even if your dog has a positive response to an oil, this does not mean the same oil should also be used on your cat, as cats have a greater number of stomach-related sensitivities in contrast with dogs.
What Scents Are Safe For Cats
Smelly cat… smelly cat… what are they feeding you? Sometimes our adorable kitties can be a little smelly, especially around the litter box. To ensure you and your kitty can cohabitate in peace, you may want to reach for your good-smelling oils and diffusers. 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.
You may not realize it, but certain scents like tea tree, citrus, and eucalyptus oil can be harmful to your little feline. Many compounds in these fragrances contain toxins that can be fatal if your kitty breathes them in or ingests them.
Here are a few things you should know about essential oils, including a list of harmful household scents you need to watch out for. To help you keep your home smelling not like a litter box, we’ve also put together a list of non-toxic oil alternatives you can use in your essential oil diffuser to keep your little feline safe while you freshen up your home.
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