Essential oils offer many benefits and they can be harmful too. We will talk in this article about which essential oils that are safe for cats and which aren’t.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated forms of the natural oils present in plants. They are typically obtained through a distillation process and have a wide range of uses, including aromatherapy, cleaning, and natural medicine.
Essential oils are also popular ingredients in a variety of cosmetic products.
Cats’ bodies are not equipped to process essential oils in the same way as humans.
Essential oils can cause a variety of side effects in cats, ranging from mild to severe.
What Essential Oils are OK for Cats?
There are a few essential oils that are considered safe for cats. These include Lavender, Chamomile, and Geranium. Each of these oils offers its own unique set of benefits for cats.
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the essential oils that are safe for cats. Lavender essential oil is a popular choice for pet owners because it has a calming effect on animals.
This oil can be used to help reduce stress and anxiety in cats. It is also effective in treating skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
2. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that can be used to treat a variety of conditions in cats, including upset stomachs and anxiety. This oil is also effective in promoting hair growth and preventing infection.
3. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is a natural antibacterial and antiviral agent. It can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including infections, skin problems, and anxiety. Geranium essential oil is considered one of the essential oils that are safe for cats.
What Essential Oils Harmful to Cats?
There are a few essential oils that should be avoided entirely when it comes to cats. These oils can cause a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Essential oils that should be avoided include eucalyptus, tea tree, and citrus.
1. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is a potent natural antibacterial agent. However, it is also toxic to cats. This oil can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory problems in cats.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
While there are few essential oils that are safe for cats, but surely Tea Tree is not one of them! Tea tree essential oil is a powerful antifungal and antibacterial agent. However, it is also harmful to cats. If ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. If applied to the skin, it can irritate.
3. Citrus Essential Oil
Citrus essential oil is a powerful natural antiseptic. However, it is also poisonous to cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. If applied to the cat’s skin, it may cause skin irritation.
7 Side Effects of Essential Oils Unsafe For Cats
Essential oils that are unsafe for cats can cause a variety of side effects, depending on the oil. Some common side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Respiratory problems
- Irritated skin
- Convulsions
- Death
Essential oils can be a great way to naturally treat your cat for a variety of conditions. However, it is important to use them safely and only use oils that are considered not harmful for cats.
If you have any questions about using essential oils on your cat, be sure to speak with your veterinarian.
How to Use Essential Oils That Are Safe For Cats?
If you want to use essential oils on your cat, there are a few safe ways to do so.
1. Diffuse the Essential Oil
The safest way to use essential oils on cats is to diffuse them. Diffusing Essential Oils will fill the room with the scent of the oil without exposing your cat directly to it.
2. Add Essential Oils to Their Carrier Oil
Another safe way to use essential oils on your cat is to add them to a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. This will help dilute the Essential Oil and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
3. Apply Essential Oils to a Bandanna
If you need to apply Essential Oils topically, you can do so by putting them on a bandanna and putting the bandanna around your cat’s neck. This will help keep the Essential Oils away from their skin.
Diffusing Essential Oils
Can I diffuse essential oils around my cat?
While it’s okay to diffuse the essential oils that are safe for cats mentioned earlier, however, it must be in very small amounts so you don’t harm your cat.
How much essential oils to put in diffuser?
The amount of essential oils you put in the diffuser will depend on the size of the diffuser and the type of oil you’re using.
General Tips:
1. Start diffusing safe essential oils only for short periods (5-10 minutes) and increase the diffusing time as your cat gets used to the scent.
2. Make sure the diffuser is out of your cat’s reach and in an area with good ventilation.
3. Do never diffuse harmful essential oils such as citrus oils, tea tree oils, and eucalyptus oils around your cat.
Essential oils generally are potent and concentrated, and diffusing them for a long time or heavily can be overwhelming for your cat’s senses.
Essential oils can be harmful if inhaled, and diffusing them closely around your cat could cause respiratory problems.
If you must diffuse essential oils around your home, be sure to do so in a room that your cat does not have access to.
Can Essential Oils be Ingested by Cats?
Essential oils that are safe for cats can also be ingested, but only in very small amounts. Cats have a much higher sensitivity to essential oils than humans do, so it is important to be very careful when using them.
If you are unsure of how much essential oil to use, always err on the side of caution and use less rather than more. Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin or ingested in large amounts.
Can I put essential oils in my cat’s water?
It is not recommended to put safe essential oils in your cat’s water. Essential oils are concentrated and can cause stomach upset if ingested.
If you feel your cat needs a supplement, speak with your veterinarian about safe options.
Applying Essential Oils
Can I apply essential oils to my cat’s skin?
Safe essential oils should never be applied directly to your cat’s skin. Essential oils are potent and concentrated and applying them directly to the skin can irritate. If you must use essential oils topically, be sure to dilute them with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil.
Can I give my cat an essential oil bath?
It is not advisable to bathe your cat with safe essential oils. Essential oils are strong and concentrated and can cause skin irritation if applied directly to the skin. If you feel your cat needs a bath, be sure to use a mild, soap-free shampoo.
Which Essential Oils to Deter Cats from Pooping?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each cat will be attracted to different essential oils. If you are looking for an essential oil to deter cats from pooping in a certain area, you’ll need to experiment with different oils to see which one your cat is repelled by.
Some essential oils that have been known to work include citronella, lemon, and eucalyptus. You can also use a blend of essential oils like citrus, lavender, and rosemary.
By all means, be sure to place the essential oil in a place that your cat can never reach and be in contact with and to always use small amounts of the deterrent essential oil.
Does Essential Oils Expire?
Essential oils do not expire, but they will lose their potency over time. It is important to keep track of the expiration date of your essential oils and to discard them when they reach their expiration date.
Will Essential Oils Freeze?
Essential oils will not freeze, but they will lose their potency over time if they are stored in a cold environment. It is also important to keep your essential oils in a cool, dark place to help preserve their potency.
Conclusion
Essential oils are a might and concentrated way to enjoy the many benefits of aromatherapy. When used safely, essential oils can be a valuable addition to your cat’s health and well-being.
Be sure to use caution when applying essential oils topically, ingesting them, or diffusing them around your home. With a little bit of trial and error, you’ll be able to find the perfect essential oils for your cat.
Always consult your vet in regards to essential oils usage and side effects.
Thanks for reading! As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to share it below.
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