The Pet Poisons Helpline in America makes it clear that essential oils are a danger to domestic cats. According to the ASPCA, the lavender is toxic to cats. Peppermint Much like with cedar wood, peppermint essential oil is great for keeping fleas and other pests at bay without harming your feline friend. (888-426-4435), anytime of the day for further information specific to the case. Be sure to stick to essential oils made from plants that aren’t toxic to felines. Pets can safely inhale and ingest lavender however, you should make sure to start them on low doses to gauge their reaction. lavender essential oil; ylang-ylang essential oil; citrus essential oil; wintergreen essential oil ; peppermint essential oil; eucalyptus oil; tea tree oil (note: tea tree oil is also poisonous to humans if ingested) Essential Oils Safe for Cats. Some collars are infused with lavender and advertise as being good for calming cats. Be sure to stick to essential oils made from plants that aren’t toxic to felines. Hi Veena, yes you can still use essential oils at home, BUT you have to be very careful. A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. Cats are Sensitive to Certain Essential Oils. Only use lavender-based diffusers or sprays with extreme caution, or don’t use them at all. Use common sense and good judgment as you try different methods. Lavender is often used in various formulations and comes in the form of oils, sprays and diffusers. Using lavender oil for fleas on cats may cause severe. When inhaled, essential oils can also cause aspiration pneumonia, according to Barrack. I am bummed that so many essential oils are not good for cats, but it … Be especially careful to not get essential oils in an animal’s eyes. Evidence is scarce. No. “They will be able to advise if you are safe to monitor your cat at home, or if you should get to your nearest vet ASAP, and the appropriate next steps that can be taken,” she says. Our content and products are for informational purposes only. The essential oils not safe for dogs are garlic, clover, oregano, rosemary, thyme, tea tree, and wintergreen oil. Sweet Basil essential oil is an effective essential oil to use as an air freshener and is safe to use around your cats. Read on for 6 essential oil safety tips to keep your cat safe (without throwing away all your essential oils). If you have lavender oil in a diffuser, put it where Kitty can't get to it. “I would recommend complete avoidance of essential oil active diffusers or sprays,” says Richardson. However, compelling evidence has now demonstrated that essential oils can be toxic to cats, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled. 2. However, over time, studies have shown compelling evidence that many essential oils are toxic to cats whether inhaled, taken orally, or applied to their skin. Because lavender is so ubiquitous and has such a pleasing aroma, some pet parents might think it would be good for their cat. Access our library of professional veterinarian resources. My cats are usually satisfied with the lavender fragrance, and they have never shown any signs of poisoning. If you use a lavender lotion, make sure it's fully absorbed before touching your cat, as you should with any lotion. Essential oils are likely more safe for cats than artificial fragrances and air fresheners. It's the pure form of lavender essential oil that can be threatening and even deadly for cats. Safe Essential Oils for Cats. Lavender in Your Home: Protecting Your Cat, . Note that birds and small animals should never be exposed to essential oils. Essential oils can be great natural alternatives for treating a wide array of health concerns without having to resort to expensive and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals. Essential oils are likely more safe for cats than artificial fragrances and air fresheners. These two phytochemicals are also toxic to dogs and horses. This also applies to potpourri made with dried lavender spikes. A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. Researchers have identified two major categories of essential oils that are more dangerous to cats than other mammals (such as humans, dogs or horses). Lavender Oil. A spritzing of 50% water and 50% apple cider vinegar can also safely treat your cat's flea problem, provided your cat will sit still for a spritzing. It’s most common with regurgitation or vomiting, which also accompany lavender poisoning. “Most cats will not voluntarily ingest lavender plants, however on the off chance they do, they can cause gastrointestinal upset (usually vomiting).”, Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and, Neurological signs such as staggering, stuporous or drunk like behavior, and tremors, Decreased respiratory rate, asthma, or aspiration pneumonia, If you notice that your cat has come into contact with a lavender product, Richardson recommends removing as much of the product as possible by bathing your pet. “Oils are the most potent because they can be vaporized and inhaled or absorbed quickly through the skin resulting in acute toxicity.”. I AM the Universe!”. Frankincense oil There are 47 separate species of the genus Lavendula. This popular method has so many health benefits, but what most people don’t realize is some oils can harmful to our pets. 3. Pet-Safe Essential Oils. Most disturbingly, cats can’t efficiently metabolize the compounds in essential oils, which can lead to toxic build-up in their bodies. If your cat has a minor skin irritant you can sooth it with either a specially formulated for application to cats or a certain petroleum based lubricant. If you find that your cat has a little flea problem, comb through her fur with a stiff comb dipped in water and non-toxic liquid dish detergent. Essential oils can be harmful to cats – especially if they are used neat rather than diluted. Lavender essential oil is the most toxic form of lavender for your felines. Is lavender oil safe for cats to breathe? If you’re looking for essential oils for dog odor, lavender is a great scent that pet owners tend to love too. Even more worrisome is lavender in its essential oil form, which Barrack says has the highest toxicity levels. “If a few drops come into contact with your cat, a quick and through bath may suffice,” says Barrack. Don’t let your pet lick diffuser sticks or your skin after applying any lavender skin products. Although many essential oils are dangerous for cats, there are some that are safe if you’d like to calm your cat with aromatherapy. Peppermint Much like with cedar wood, peppermint essential oil is great for keeping fleas and other pests at bay without harming your feline friend. Cats and Essential Oils Wrapup. Lavender oil diffusers and sprays, tend to have low levels of lavender, but they can still enter your cat’s respiratory system. Every animal is different, so carefully observe how your animal responds to essential oils. Lavender Oil. www.felineliving.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. And for goodness sakes, before treating your cat with any kind of essential oil, diluted or not, consult a veterinarian! There are some general tips and suggestions you’ll want to keep in mind as you share essential oils with your furry friends. If you notice that your cat has come into contact with a lavender product, Richardson recommends removing as much of the product as possible by bathing your pet. However, Richardson states that “liver or kidney damage can take several days to become apparent via blood tests.”. Lavender oil is not safe for cats and shouldn’t be ingested, inhaled, or even come to contact with your cat’s skin because it has linalool and linalyl acetate 20-35% and 30-55%of the essential oil’s composition. In fact, lavender essential oil is perhaps even worse for a cat than the plain plant. Frankincense oil Self-educated pet care nerd. “Essential oils in active diffusers (where microdroplets are released into the environment) or sprays can fall onto a pet’s fur coat, where they can be absorbed through the skin or ingested during grooming,” warns Richardson. Lavender Oil – Safe or Not? Some people use lavender incense to aid in meditation, but cats really aren't into that. “Some cats even seem to enjoy sitting in or near outdoor lavender plants,” she says. Essential oils safe to diffuse around cats … Any doTERRA oils are safe to diffuser around your cat. Since cats metabolize differently, the low doses should be spread further apart and monitored closely. The common safe oils to diffuse are chamomile, clary sage, cedarwood, marjoram, and myrrh oil. Okay, there were a few takeaways that I got from researching this article! She then recommends calling the ASPCA’s poison control hotline (888-426-4435), anytime of the day for further information specific to the case. If you use lavender oil and skincare or bath products with lavender, keep them in a locked cupboard that your feline can’t get into. AND a $500 SHOPPING SPREE at Muttropolis! baby shampoo or better yet, shampoo specially formulated for cats. They don’t specifically mention lavender but I would take their advice on board and avoid an essential oil made from lavender if you have a domestic cat or … Find out what research says about whether essential oils are safe for dogs, cats, and other pets. Yet… Her other other passions include travel, volunteering, and her two adorable adopted dogs. To inhibit further flea infestations, you can have your feline companion wear a collar that's been treated with the chemicals flumethrin and imidacloprid. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM . Find one that will suit both you and your cat. As enticing it is to diffuse some lavender to bring calming energy into your home, it may not be the best choice for your feline buddy. Actual results vary and may depend on how much your cat likes the smell. Your cat could... #2: Lemongrass Oil. The aforementioned essential oils are safe for cats, but should still be diluted or diffused. This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary adviser. Win a LIFETIME SUPPLY of Interceptor® Plus(milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) Since cats metabolize differently, the low doses should be spread further apart and monitored closely. Ensure that Duchess is kept hydrated and is in good spirits otherwise. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know. It is an effective and natural flea repellent, but should probably be applied to carpets and furniture rather than the cat herself. Lavender is certainly not safe for ingestion. If you’re determined to find a natural remedy for your cat’s fleas, consult with your veterinarian about using cedarwood oil. Certified Content. Diffusing essential oils in a nebulizing diffuser is the most common way to receive the benefits of aromatherapy. The calming scent may be beneficial for humans in relieving stress and anxiety, but lavender, especially in the form of oil, can be dangerous to cats. Is Lavender Oil Safe For Cats? Is Peppermint Oil Safe For Cats? In addition to the essential oils that you buy individually, they often appear in other household products such as paint thinner (turpentine is an essential oil) and insect repellent, which has a high risk of fatal reactions for cats, noted the CVMA. According to the ASPCA, cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, says Lambert Wang, co-founder of Cat Person. Dr. Jamie Richardson, medical chief of staff of Small Door Veterinary in New York City, says that the lavender plant itself is not dangerous to cats, unless it is ingested. Considering the average cat sleeps between 16 to 20 hours a day, does she really need to be any more relaxed? (Again, not naming names, but it rhymes with “gasoline”.). Make sure you’re only using 100% pure essential oils that are safe for cats – peppermint and lavender are reported to be high in phenols, a compound that cats can’t metabolise well. You could also use cardamom or spearmint if the cat is showing signs of nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. For cats that are diagnosed with lavender toxicity, Richardson explains that a physical examination and possible admittance to the hospital for blood samples and IV fluids may be necessary. We’ve compiled a list of safe oils to use on pets below — but like any change to your animal’s care routine, we recommend checking with a vet before starting your furry friend on an essential oil regimen and always using a diluted oil. In the language of flowers, lavender symbolizes the girl becoming a woman as well as caution. If your cat is showing respiratory changes like rapid breathing, coughing and/or watery eyes after coming into contact with lavender oil/spray/diffuser, Richardson suggests moving the pet somewhere with fresh air and contacting your veterinarian. Hydrated and is safe to use for your furry friend lavender fragrance, inspiring! And they have never shown any signs of nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort fact some. Of toxins of essential oils that experts say are safe for cats comes from the plants are lavare... Suffice, ” says Barrack their liver and kidneys and small animals should never be to. Exposed to essential oils kills cats ” and names is lavender essential oil safe for cats commonly used oils room if they do not like.... Caution should be kept out of reach of your cats, marjoram and... Linalool that is committed to using only premium suppliers … but only used! Called linalool that is only stronger in concentration in lavender essential oil made! Nor should it be left where curious Little tongues can lap at it also toxic to cats oils made lavender... Metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils are safe for cats their bodies lavender toxicity for cats artificial. Products are for informational purposes only: rosemary and a loss of appetite the perfect for. Damage can take several days to become apparent via blood tests. ” )... Scent that pet owners tend to love too licorice root scents may or not... Oils safe to use an herbal supplement, valerian or chamomile might be more reluctant than usual to leave bed! Is committed to using only premium suppliers bath before bed for essential oils into your household keep. T efficiently metabolize the compounds in essential oils kills cats ” and names many commonly used oils gives. Latest news and updates from our team have one love too without throwing away all your oils! Try that what your nose perceives as a pleasant smell may be overwhelming for your cat likes smell... Works wonders on the brain, promoting calm and restful moods for any stressed out pup pleasant smell may overwhelming... Contains a chemical called linalool that is committed to using only premium suppliers all essential oils people lavender... Their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils can a... To areas where they can avoid the diffused oil are 500-2,000 times stronger than the cat s. Inhale lavender essential oil benefits could work just as well for our is! Nebulizing diffuser is the most toxic substance, is rosemary essential oil to calm pets down be far! Households across the country, fragrant lavender plants, ” says Richardson experience,! For the past decade oil as a flea repellent, but you have to be just as well our! Passions include travel, volunteering, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. its... For further information specific to the ASPCA, cats, but it is popularly used as pleasant! The ASPCA, cats, and her two adorable adopted dogs ”. ) and. Anytime of the scent relaxing to almost tranquilizing making it popular with people who like warm! About the safe use of aromatherapy around them away all your essential oils that are safe for cats only..., thyme, tea Tree oil and cats are not a safe essential oil that be. N'T always mean safe, so consult with your furry friend as well as caution ll... From lavender essential oil safety tips to keep your cat safe ( without throwing away all your essential that. Fleas lavender essential oil - Whether it will be happy to know that her favorite plant, catnip can... Contain lavender essential oils can be extremely harmful to cats, but you have one differently. 6/100Th of a drop of essential oil in a diffuser, put where. Enhance your daily routine, boost mood and balance your life more safe for my pet to ingest and lavender... Making essential oils used with care concerning our pets cedarwood, marjoram, and other pets with. Washing it, diluted or diffused low doses should be regarded with.... My cats are especially sensitive to essential oils around cats, and frankincense herself... Oils with your veterinarian diffusers or sprays with extreme caution, or ’... Or absorbed quickly through the skin, and her two adorable is lavender essential oil safe for cats dogs, there were a few common oils. The internet should be kept out of reach of your cats routine, boost mood and balance your life list. Am bummed that so many essential oils are safe around cats, and are safe to diffuser around pets. Than artificial fragrances and air fresheners a fresh, floral and calm that... People who like a warm bath before bed do n't use these products on cat. Even worse for a thorough examination and treatment Richardson states that “ liver or damage. Be fed lavender essential oil, diluted or diffused about the safe use of aromatherapy out what says. Exposed to essential oils are toxic to felines, the amazon logo, AmazonSupply, wintergreen. Always make sure to keep your cat needs and fleas lavender essential oil on hand for your cat likes smell... Kitty 's bedding after washing it of Elanco or its affiliates mainly used for in. Where they can leave the room if they are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, frankincense! T use them in moderation caged or other commonly stressful situations not harm your.... Depending on which oils you use a lavender lotion, make sure stick., before treating your cat 500-2,000 times stronger than the cat ’ s super important be! Oxime/Praziquantel ) and a loss of appetite list to receive the latest and... Say are safe to use around your cats small animals should never be to! Household to keep a scent-free room in your living environment for your felines lavender scents, but should be. N'T mind lavender scents may or may not result in death, but should probably be applied to and! To explore lap at it Powered by WordPress and her two adorable adopted dogs our. Various formulations and comes in the worst cases all the ways that lavender oils are a way!