Essential Oils and Your Cat

Essential oils – they don’t just make our homes smell nice, we also use them to help us sleep, as health supplements, cleaning, bug determent, and so much more.

But, have you ever wondered, ‘Are the essential oils I’m using safe to have around my cat?’

That’s a great question to ask! Turns out many essential oils are toxic to cats! And when used in diffusers or applied directly onto your cat these essential oils can have a negative impact on your cat’s health. 

That’s why it’s so important to learn which essential oils are safe and which are toxic.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquid extracts taken from various plants. Each produced from a plant’s flower, bark, seeds, leaves, or fruit. The process involves heating, pressing, or distilling (with water or steam) the part of the plant that contains the desired scent. 

Because the oils are derived from plants they are often mistakenly considered safe.

And, although essential oils have been used for centuries (for their health benefits, in religious practices, food preparation, aromatherapy, and more) they are actually not all safe and many are toxic.

Again, this is why it is so important to learn about each essential oil before using it (whether you have pets or not).  

Which Essential Oils Are Safe to Have Around Cats?

By now you may wondering, ‘Are there ANY essential oils that are safe to have around my cat?’

Well, according to the ASPCA all essential oils (in their concentrated forms) have the potential to be toxic to cats, especially when applied directly to their fur. That’s because oils that are absorbed through the mouth and skin accumulate in the liver. 

Cats do not have the necessary liver enzymes to safely metabolize and eliminate these toxins. As cats groom themselves they ingest these toxins. Their bodies lack the needed enzymes to metabolize which causes a build up in their liver and consequently may lead to liver failure.

While there seems to be some disagreement amongst experts as to which essential oils are safe, these 3 essential oils appear to be the safest:

One essential oil that often shows up on both lists (good oils and toxic oils) is Lavender. Possibly it’s considered safe when diluted. Personally, I only use lavender away from where my cats may inhale it. If you love to use lavender, I suggest you consult your cat’s vet.

Which Essential Oils Are Toxic For Cats?

Many essential oils contain compounds such as terpenes, ketones, and phenols (compounds that your cat’s liver cannot metabolize). The higher the concentration of the oil the higher the health risk. And, because their bodies do not contain the necessary enzymes to expel these toxins they then have the potential to build up in the liver, damaging it in the process.

Cats with underlying health issues, allergies, or regularly exposed to secondhand smoke may be at an even greater risk.

Ok, so then if most essential oils are bad which ones are considered to be the worst?

Well, according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center the following 10 are considered the most toxic:

~ Wintergreen oil

~ Peppermint oil

~ Pine oil

~ Eucalyptus

~ Clove oil

~ Tea tree/Melaleuca oil

~ Citrus oil

~ Ylang Ylang

~ Cinnamon oil

~ Pennyroyal oil 

Sadly, the above list is not a complete list of all the essential oils that could pose a health risk if your cat becomes exposed.

These essential oils are also considered toxic: Bitter Almond, Sweet Birch oil, Thyme, Juniper, Bergamot, Mint, Wormwood, Tarragon, Sassafras, Rose, Sandalwood, Myrrh, and Geranium.

Whether alone or added to diffusers, candles, room deodorizers, potpourri, or even cleaning products, these oils may cause serious health problems for your feline. It may seem safe but the airborne microdroplets released from these products may land on your cat. And if this happens it poses the risk of this toxic substance being absorbed through their skin or ingested.

Breathing in these scents can irritate your cat’s lungs and entire respiratory tract causing them to develop asthma and other breathing disorders. Exposure to these essential oils can result in liver damage and heart disease.

Signs that your cat may have been exposed to a toxic essential oil:

If you think your cat has been exposed to a toxin keep an eye out for the following symptoms and take them to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.

• Difficulty breathing

• Panting

• Watery nose or eyes

• Drooling 

• Vomiting

• Tremors

• Wobbliness (ataxia)

• Low body temperature

• Sudden collapse

If you notice your cat exhibiting any of these symptoms, move them immediately into fresh air. 

If your cat is having difficulty breathing (wheezing, coughing, panting, taking in more than 40 breaths per minute, and has purple gums), take them to an emergency veterinarian immediately!

Necessary Precautions When Using Essential Oils and Scents

If a lot of essential oils are toxic for cats, does that mean that you have to throw away your diffusers, clean out your cupboards, and say goodbye to using essential oils for good? Probably not. 

But there are some precautions that you should take when using essential oils:

🐈 Read the labels (know exactly what chemicals you’re releasing into the air, they may not be healthy for you either.)

🐈 Never apply concentrated essential oils onto your cat.

🐈 Always place diffusers, oils, and any other scented products where your cat cannot possibly reach.

🐈 Use diffusers in a room away from your cat.

🐈 Always wash your hands after handling essential oils.

🐈 Get rid of any cleaning products that contain toxic essential oils.

🐈 Talk to your vet and ask for their recommendations (and let them know which scents and products you currently use).

If you take a vigilant approach to using essential oils and consider the list above you should be able to safely enjoy certain essential oils without causing any harm to your beloved felines.