Click to Skip Ahead
Essential oils are fragrant compounds extracted from plants. Used in a variety of ways, including aromatherapy, insect repellant, herbal remedies, and food flavoring, essential oils are found in many homes, including those with pets. However, essential oils can also pose serious dangers to our pets, especially cats.
Diffusing is a common method of utilizing essential oils, but many of the most popular products can pose a risk to felines. So, what essential oils are safe to diffuse around cats? The answer to this question gets complicated because even diffusing oils considered safe for cats pose some potential health complications. In short, no essential oil is 100% safe for cats.
In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers of essential oils and diffusing them to cats.
Essential Oils and Cats: The Basic Dangers
Because of how they are extracted and processed, most essential oils are extremely concentrated products. They may contain a high volume of chemicals in just a few drops of oil. These oils can be quickly absorbed by your cat, either through their skin or if they are licked up and swallowed. They can also cause respiratory irritation to cats, which can easily be mistaken for vomiting or other types of illness.
Cats are very different from humans or even dogs when it comes to how they process chemicals or medications. Many of these substances are metabolized through the liver and cats are missing certain enzymes that help with this process. This makes it harder for them to remove some chemicals, such as those found in many essential oils, from their bodies.
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 further in danger.
Diffusing Essential Oils Around Cats: A Cause for Concern
Even the process of diffusing essential oils poses separate hazards. Both passive and active essential oil diffusers can be problematic.
The strong fragrance of the diffused essential oil can cause respiratory irritation in cats. Remember that a cat’s sense of smell is far more sensitive than a human’s. A scent that is pleasant and not overpowering to us may be much more intense and irritating to a cat. Cats with underlying breathing problems, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
Active diffusers that disperse droplets of oil into the air can be problematic in a couple of ways. Inhaling the oil droplets can lead to respiratory illness. The cat could also collect oil particles on their coat and ingest them while grooming, leading to toxicity.
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.
Essential Oils That Aren’t Safe for Cats
The majority of essential oils, including many of the most popular types, are considered toxic and unsafe for cats.
- Sandalwood
- Tea Tree
- Mint (any variety)
- Cinnamon
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
- Clove
Again, this is not a complete list. It’s probably easier to assume an essential oil isn’t safe for your cat until you can double-check with your veterinarian.
Signs of Essential Oil Toxicity
If you are concerned your cat has been exposed to essential oils, you should be aware of the signs of essential oil poisoning in cats.
- Watery eyes and nose
- Labored breathing
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Decreased heart rate
- Decreased breathing rate
- Mouth and tongue sores
If you’re concerned your cat may be having respiratory issues from diffused essential oil, the first step is to get your kitty to fresh, oil and fragrance-free air. Then contact your veterinarian to find out what to do next.
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.
Summary
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.
In short, there isn’t a truly fool proof, safe way to diffuse essential oils around cats. To keep your cats safe, we’d recommend avoiding using a diffuser around cats. Check with your veterinarian if you have concerns that your cat may have been exposed to essential oils, as the consequences can potentially be life threatening for your cat.
See Also:
- Is Febreze Safe for Cats? Is It Effective for Cleaning?
- Will Essential Oils Have an Effect on Cats? What You Need to Know!
- Is Incense Bad for a Cat? Vet Reviewed Reasons
Featured Image Credit by: Halil ibrahim mescioglu, Shutterstock
