Can Essential Oils Harm Your Cat?

Can Essential Oils Harm Your Cat – While essential oils, potpourri, and aromatherapy can enhance the atmosphere in your home, they could pose a risk to your feline friend.

Can Essential Oils Harm Your Cat

These fragrances contain natural compounds that can be toxic to your cat, so it’s essential to be cautious when using these products. If your cat has liver issues, it’s best to remove these products from their environment altogether.

Can Essential Oils Harm Your Cat

The Toxicity of Essential Oils for Cats

Some essential oils were once believed to be safe for cats. Nevertheless, compelling evidence has shown that essential oils can be poisonous to cats, whether ingested internally, applied topically, or just inhaled. Exposure to these oils can cause liver damage, liver failure, seizures, or even death.

A Word of Warning

Phenolic compounds are present naturally in some plants and occur in high concentration in essential oils. Cats lack specific enzymes required to effectively metabolize these compounds, which usually result in the liver being the most affected organ.

Essential Oils That Are Potentially Toxic to Cats

Can Essential Oils Harm Your Cat

These essential oils are known to contain phenolic compounds and to be toxic to cats:

• Wintergreen oil
• Peppermint oil
• Citrus oil (including lemon oil)
• Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)
• Pine oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Pennyroyal oil
• Sweet birch oil
• Clove oil
• Ylang ylang oil

The concentration of the essential oil determines the danger level to your cat, and accidental ingestion requires you to take your cat to the vet immediately.

Signs of Essential Oil Poisoning

Oils in contact with your cat’s skin are absorbed, while inhalation of the airborne oils by your cat can cause respiratory problems. Additionally, oils collecting on your cat’s fur could be ingested when it licks or grooms itself. Symptoms of poisoning can occur rapidly or over a more extended period of exposure.

Indications of Essential Oil Poisoning in Cats Include:

If you notice any of these warning signs, ensure your cat gets fresh air promptly and contact your vet’s emergency center immediately. The center may recommend calling a poison hotline to provide more guidance on treatment. Additionally, the vet may notice a low heart rate, low blood pressure, or signs of liver failure.

How Can Your Cat Be Exposed to Essential Oils?

Essential oils that you use for yourself could expose your cat to harm. Store essential oils in a cat-proof location where your pet cannot access them. Reed diffusers and potpourri pots can also contribute to exposing your cat to oils, as they can be tipped over, and their content spilled and ingested or absorbed through your cat’s skin or fur on contact. Avoid your cat licking your skin after applying any product containing essential oils.

Can Essential Oils Harm Your Cat

Aromatherapy diffusers, candles, liquid potpourri products, and room sprays are all sources of airborne essential oils that can be inhaled and cause respiratory irritation to cats. If you can smell the scent of the oil, there’s oil in the air, and it could be harmful to your cat.

Keep kittens, elderly cats, and those with respiratory or liver problems out of rooms where essential oil diffusers are present. Additionally, avoid wearing aromatherapy jewelry near your cat.

The Risk of Hydrosols

Hydrosols are viewed as a safer alternative to essential oils as they consist of the water left after flower or herb steam distillation, making them less concentrated than essential oils. They are also called “flower waters.”

However, hydrosols are still harmful to cats and other pets as the water can retain residual plant matter that could be toxic if ingested or inhaled.

While some pets tolerate hydrosols, others may be more sensitive to them. Considering reducing your cat’s exposure to these products and scents to decrease the risk of health problems.

If you suspect that your pet is unwell, contact your vet. Also, consult your veterinarian for all health-related matters, as they have examined your pet and know their health history, making them the best source of advice on what to do for your pet.