Did you know that there are 58.3 million cats in the U.S.?
Cats make wonderful companions, and there are a lot of benefits from using essential oils. However, despite the exciting blend of aromatherapy and pet companionship, realizing there might be a conflict of interest is essential.
You might love your cat and your oils, but before you diffuse essential oils in the room with your cat, you must investigate the potential harm to your cat.
This article will discuss some of the essential oils harmful to cats. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Essential Oils Are Harmful to Cats
Essential oils are potent and have a variety of healing benefits. However, these same benefits are also potentially hazardous to cats.
Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and their bodies cannot metabolize and eliminate some of the compounds found in essential oils. In addition, cats groom themselves by licking their fur, which could lead to a reaction if faced with essential oils on their fur.
In some cases, inhaling essential oils can be toxic. They can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting, and skin irritation which are signs of illness.
Examples of Harmful Essential Oils
Essential oils are becoming a popular way to use fragrances to freshen the air, but some can be toxic if used around pets like cats. Not all essential oils are bad for cats, but some can be harmful if the cat is exposed to them undiluted.
Examples of essential oils harmful to cats include eucalyptus, tea tree, pennyroyal, lavender, citrus, and peppermint. All of these essential oils can be toxic. They can cause various cat health risks, including skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, liver or kidney damage, and central nervous system depression.
How to Safely Use Essential Oils With Pets
It is important to use essential oils cautiously and keep cats away from any area where essential oils are diffused, even if they are safe for humans. Generally, the safest way to use essential oils around cats is to use an (unplugged) oil warmer or home diffuser; never use a plug-in diffuser. Oils should also be kept out of the reach of cats, and it is advisable to avoid using oil-based sprays around cats.
Essential oils can benefit people and cats, but safety should be paramount. With the proper precautions, essential oils and cats can coexist harmoniously.
If an essential oil product is used around cats, it is important to ensure it is labeled as safe for animals. For more info on safely using essential oils and knowing which ones are good for your cat, check out this website with citrus scents.
Knowing the Answers To: Are Essential Oils Harmful to Cats?
Essential oils can benefit your home, but it’s important to be aware of essential oils harmful to cats. Always research and use with caution, preferably with the advice of a veterinarian. Take the necessary steps to create a safe environment for your cats, and stay informed. Want to hear more tips? Look at our page for more informative and helpful blog posts. We have a lot to offer.
