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Icy Hot and Bengay come in handy for pesky aches and pains. These topical pain relievers help soothe achy muscles and joints with a simple application. However, for cat owners, you’ve probably noticed your cat having an interest in smelling these products—but why? The short answer is they seem to like the menthol smell and taste.
Every cat owner knows cats do weird things at times, and taking an interest in your Icy Hot or Bengay cream can be one of them. Let’s explore the two reasons cats are intrigued by these products.
They Like the Menthol Smell
Ever heard of catnip? Of course you have—you’re a cat owner! But why is this relevant? Catnip is a plant from the mint family, and menthol is derived from the mint plant. Menthol has a minty scent, and the smell is strong in these products, which will most definitely strike your cat’s curiosity due to the similar smell to catnip. If your cat goes wild for catnip, they’ll probably go wild for your applied Icy Hot or Bengay.
They Like the Taste
Cats are curious by nature, and any out-of-the-ordinary smell will attract your cat to investigate. Since the menthol smell is similar to catnip, your cat will like the taste and smell. These products will likely smell unlike anything else in the home, and your cat will think he must check it out.
Are Icy Hot and Bengay Dangerous to My Cat?
Even though cats are drawn to the scent of these products doesn’t mean it’s safe to allow them to lick them off you after applying the products. Bengay contains camphor, and both creams contain menthol and salicylates, which are all toxic to cats. Salicylates are found in aspirin and can cause damage to a cat’s kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Cats cannot properly metabolize these types of drugs,1 making them more susceptible to poisoning.
Other topical antiinflammatory creams are also highly toxic to cats. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), topical products that contain flurbiprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, pose a life-threatening risk to cats.
What Are the Signs of Toxicity in Cats?
If your cat has licked any application of these ointments off you, ensure you monitor your cat for any signs of poisoning. These signs include:
- Drooling
- Lip licking
- Vomiting (with or without blood)
- Diarrhea
- Dark stools
- Abdominal pain
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy
Some cats may show no initial signs of poisoning, and it will depend on the dose the cat inhaled or ingested. If you notice any signs, call the Pet Poison Helpline right away.
In Conclusion
Even though it may seem cute to let your cat lick these medicines off you, it’s ill-advised due to the potential poisoning to your cat. The risk to your cat’s health is not worth it, and you should keep these medications put away in an area your cat cannot reach.
Always keep the lids to these medications closed and sealed, and don’t leave them lying around where your cat can easily grab them and investigate. Wait until the menthol smell is gone before letting your cat around you after applying, and if your cat still shows interest, do not let him lick it off.
Featured Image Credit: Happy_Nati, Shutterstock
