Which Essential Oils are TOXIC to Cats ?

Cat’s have a strong senses of smell. Stronger than humans. Scents that you find calming and wonderful, can be extremley strong and overwhelming for your cat. If you have a domestic cat, and you want to use essential oils, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of your cat.

Is it safe to use oils on cats?

When using essential oils on cats. The answer is a both “yes” and “no”. Using essential oils topically ON your cat, vs. diffusing them around the house. Essential oils are much more potent when applied directly to the skin. Diffused in a room that your cat may frequent visit, is much less of a safety hazard than applying them.

How to use essential oils around your cat.

1.Start slowly. Diffuse heavily to begin with to air on the cautious side. For each drop of essential oil, add 4-5 drops of carrier oil, making a dilution ratio of 80-90%.

2.Every pet is different. Observe your feline closely as you introduce essential oils. Look for behaviour changes or other oddities.

3. Aviod eyes, nose, mouth and paws. Be sure to aviod those sensitive areas on your cat.Store bottles out of reach or behind cupboards to ensure your cat can’t accidentally chew on them.

4. Wash your hands. Never pet your cat after having applied essential oils to yourself.

5.Work without oils high in phenols ( such as Oregano or Thyme).

6. Cats normally aviod citrus oils.

7.DO NOT use Tea Tree oil ( Melaleuca ) It is deadly to cats.

Essential oils that are toxic to cats

• Bay
• Bergamot
• Birch
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Citronelia
• Copaiba
• Eucalyptus
• Fir
• Geranium
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Lime
• Orange
• Oregano
• Pennyroyal
• Pine
• Sage
• Spruce
• Tea Tree ( deadly!)
• Thyme
• Wintergreen

Toxicity and danger symptoms of essential oils to cats

What are symptoms that would show that essential oils have poisoned your cat? The symptons of cat poisoning through essential oils depends on the kind of oil presented around the cat. Symptons include:

• Aches and pains during breathing
• Coughing, wheezing, fast breathing, and gasping for breath
• Salivating or drooling
• Low heart rate
• Liver Failure
• Shivering and shaking
• Low body temperature
• Nausea or vomiting
• Inablibity to walk or ataxia

Consult your Veterinary right away if you notice any of these signs. They are suggestive of essential oil poisoning.

Which oils are safe to use around cats?

• Frankincese
• Helichrysum
• Jasmine
• Yarrow
• Sweet Pea
• Roman Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Peppermint
• Cedarwood
• Lemongrass
• Basil

Things to be worried about when using oils on cats

Should watch out for when using essential oils on cats. Cats may show signs of changing their habits in sleeping and eating; behaviour changes such as tiredness, and lack of energy; digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea or vomiting; and get-headedness. It is necessary for you to check with a veterinarian first, know better and even recommend blended oils that you can use.