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Essential oils are in many products, from air fresheners to personal hygiene products. We also find essential oils in many pet care products. Unfortunately, most essential oils are harmful to dogs, and particularly toxic to cats. This is because cats lack a particular enzyme needed to break down certain chemicals, leaving them more susceptible to toxins.
Very few essential oils are safe to use around cats, and none should be used in concentrated form. Even those that are considered safe for cats can still cause respiratory problems when used in diffusers that aerosolize vapor. Keep reading to learn how 4 essential oils can be safely used with cats.
The 4 Essential Oils Safe for Cats
1. Cedarwood
Cedarwood is the first essential oil on our list that is safe for cats. It is non-toxic and can kill fleas, making it one of the better essential oils to use around your cat. Unfortunately, cedarwood essential oil is not without its problems. While it may be safe to use around your cat, you will likely find that they hate the scent.
Many homeowners use cedar chips to keep stray cats out of their yards, so although this particular oil can be used safely with cats around, it is not one that your cat will enjoy, and should not be applied to their skin or coat, even in diluted form.
Scatter cedarwood chips in the garden to deter cats from using your flower beds as a toilet, or around the outside of the home to help with flea control. Although this natural method won’t provide particularly powerful results, it can be used as an added layer of protection.
You can also add cedarwood oil to water when cleaning around the house to help repel creepy crawlies and give a nice ‘woodsy’ smell.
2. Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is another essential oil that’s safe to use around your cat. Unlike cedarwood, most cats don’t mind the smell, and some even like it. While sweet basil doesn’t have many benefits for your cat, it is often used in conjunction with other products to help with overall well-being and mental alertness. It can also be a cat-safe additive to your cleaning products and does a fantastic job of fighting odors.
3. Clary Sage
Clary sage essential oil is often found in products used for calming and stress relief, and it has been known to have similar effects on cats. Like with any essential oil, clary sage must be diluted before being used around cats.
Try adding a few drops of clary sage essential oil to a water spray bottle, which you can use to mist the bedding or furniture to help calm a stressed kitty.
4. Nepeta Cataria – Catnip
The most obvious choice for felines is catnip essential oil, though it is more commonly used in dried plant form. Used as a calming ingredient for humans, catnip is known for its intoxicating effects on felines, with around 60% of cats experiencing the blissful effects. Like clary sage, it can be diluted in a spray bottle, which can be a great way to get your cat to use a scratching post!
A great idea would be to use diluted cedarwood oil to deter them from sharpening their claws on your furniture, while using catnip to attract them to the right place to scratch. Be sure to patch-test any furniture in an inconspicuous area before going all out with the spray!
The 6 Tips For Using Essential Oils
- Never apply essential oils directly to your pet’s fur or skin.
- If you use essential oils to kill fleas, dilute them in a spray bottle with water. Spray the affected area of your home when the cat is not present to give the oil time to dissipate.
- Never use essential oils inside a closed litter box or any enclosed space.
- Never let your pet ingest essential oils. Consuming some oils can give your pet a stomachache or even salicylate toxicity.
- When using any of the essential oils on this list, we recommend spraying a tiny amount first to see how your cat reacts. If you notice any strange behavior or vomiting, discontinue use immediately.
- If you need to control fleas, consider using a medication like Frontline. It kills fleas, ticks, and many other parasites internally and externally before they have a chance to hatch eggs in your home. Even heavily infested homes will clear up quickly once your cat begins taking this medication.
Summary
While we usually recommend avoiding essential oils to preserve the health of your cat, the few oils listed here should be safe. However, being safe around your cat does not mean you should be using it liberally. Never apply essential oils directly to your cat’s skin or fur, and never allow them to ingest it. Cedarwood is a safe way to deter cats and fleas, but not something that your cat will enjoy the smell of. Adding a small amount of the essential oils of clary sage or catnip to a spray bottle can be a great way to help your cat feel calm or happy in their environment, and adding sweet basil to your mop and bucket can add a fresh and livening scent without risking any harm to your cat.
Always exercise caution and restraint when using essential oils in the home, and if in doubt, don’t.
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Featured Image Credit: Madeleine Steinbach, Shutterstock
