Right from personal products and medical treatment, we use essential oils everywhere due to their health benefits and soothing fragrance. They have positive effects on humans and don’t cause any harm. But are they safe for cats? Can you use essential oils for your kitty? Let’s find out!
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oil is a natural compound extracted from roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant. They are obtained by the process of steam distillation and cold-pressing and widely used in aromatherapy. Most of the time they are mixed with carrier oils.
Are Essential Oils Safe for Cats?
Unlike humans, most essential oils are toxic and not safe for your kitty’s health. Researches show application, consumption, or inhalation of castor oil can cause several health problems including respiratory ailments and liver problem.
Why Essentials Oils are Harmful to Cats?
The reason why essential oil is toxic for felines is that it contains phenol; an organic compound. Unlike humans, cats don’t have the ability to breakdown phenols. They are deficient in glucuronyl transferase, an enzyme responsible for metabolizing phenols.
Which Essential Oils are Toxic for Cats?
Before knowing which essential oils are safe for cats, let’s understand the toxic ones. They contain high amounts of phenol and must be avoided in the first place.
- Basil
- Bergamot
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Citrus Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Clove Oil
- Pennyroyal
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Wintergreen
- Mountain Savory
- Ylang Ylang
- Pine Oil
- Sweet birch Oil
Signs of Essential Oil Toxicity
If you are using the above essential oils, there is a high chance your kitty might have absorbed or consumed them while playing around. Look for the following signs and immediately take your kitty to the vet.
- Watery nose or eyes
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Difficulty in breathing
- Low blood pressure and heartbeat
- Tremors
- Liver Failure (In extreme cases)
Also, ask your vet to do a liver examination as it is the most affected body part during phenol toxication.
Safe Essential Oils for Cats
Not every essential oil is bad for your kitty, the ones with a low phenol content are safe to use for daily skincare and aroma.
Here are some safe essential oils for cats.
Cedarwood Oil
Obtained from cedarwood oil, it doesn’t contain phenol and is considered safe for your cat. It supports skin health, stimulates blood circulation, and reduces pain. As a precaution, ensure it doesn’t contain added chemicals.
Chamomile
This is another safe essential oil effective in treating common skin problems and has a soothing fruity-scented aroma. It also encourages comfortable sleep and eases upset stomach.
Clary Sage
Extracted from Salvia sclarea herb, clary sage is a popular essential oil used in cosmetics. It’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties help in soothing and treating common skin problems like itching or bug bite.
Marjoram
Sweet Marjoram is a warm essential oil widely used by pet owners and works well for emotional cats. It helps in relieving stress, anxiety, and hyperactivity. For safety purposes, always check the purity of the essential oil before buying.
Valerian
Produced from the Valerian roots, the oil helps in calming anxiety, promotes wound healing, and makes the kitty feel relaxed and happy.
Carrier Oil
Always dilute essential oils with carrier oils like castor oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. They are easily available and safe for pets.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, not every essential oil is toxic and bad for your kitty’s health. Using them is a good idea to make your cat feel relaxed and pleasant. For safety purposes, always use quality essential oil and used it in diffused or diluted form. If you find any doubtful signs immediately take your cat to the nearby veteran doctor.
The Fluffy Kitty
