Essential oils are beneficial in our daily life, whether it’s for repelling bugs in a natural way or for relaxing aromatherapy. Millions of people use these essential oils around their house for one or more reasons. You might also wonder if you can use such oil for the same purpose on your cat. Reality: not all essential oils are safe for cats and are potentially toxic. In this article, I will cover which ones are CAT safe, which ones are bad, and other related information about essential oils usage.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Cats
No. Almost all essential oils have a few toxic compounds that can be inhaled or licked off a cat’s fur. Cats lack enzymes that help process compounds like Glucuronidation and phenols in essential oils. The most common toxic compound to cats is phenolic compounds that occur in plants naturally and are present in highly concentrated form in essential oils.
Therefore exposing such oils to your cat will leave their liver vulnerable to failure. Therefore, ensure you research properly before using any aromatherapy, diffuser liquid, potpourri products, room spray, or essential oil. Avoid any source of airborne essential oils applying to your cat.
If you can smell the Aroma of the oil around you, it means there is oil in the air that can cause respiratory distress in cats. The first problem your cat will likely face when interacting with most common oils like peppermint and lying, bergamot, & tree oil is difficulty breathing.
If your cats accidentally inhale or lick off an essential oil, it can cause significant health issues like respiratory distress, difficulty, and even poisoning. If you notice any problematic symptoms in your cat, call the helpline and get ready for an emergency trip to the vet as soon as possible.
I recommend you never apply the essential oil directly to your pet’s body where it can be licked off. In addition, you should also never leave it out in the open where your cat can reach.
It is crucial to avoid diffusers because most sprays, room fresheners, or diffusers contain essential oil. Therefore if a small amount of harmful fat gets collected on your feline’s body or fur, it can cause liver issues.
Because your feline will quickly absorb any oil to their skin, her liver will not be safe from the toxins. It can lead to liver damage or even liver failure if applied in large quantities to cats’ fur or body. Other than this, essential oils can damage your cat’s central nervous system.
felines are blessed with a Strong Smell sense
As cats are blessed with a strong sense of smell, the Aroma of essential oil can easily overwhelm them. In addition, the habit of self-grooming can make your cat ingest any drop of oil on their fur when they lick. Even a few drops of essential oil with toxic compounds can upset your cat’s Central respiratory system and breathing.
A few drops of oil are enough to release an overpowering Aroma. The Aroma can be avoided by heating the essential oils, but it’s not recommended to do so around cats. I would have you guide me to continually heat your fat out of reach of any cats that could knock it over. If hot oil accidentally spills on your cat, she can get a chemical burn or painful heartburn.
5 Precautionary Facts You Must Know
- Cats should not be allowed in a room with a high concentration of essential oil.
- Avoid using oil if your cat is already suffering from any respiratory condition, asthma, or allergies.
- Avoid feeding or applying essential oils directly to felines.
- Never leave any oil in a place where your cat may come in direct contact because some oil carries insect repellent capability, which increases the risk of fatal reaction in your pet.
- Elderly cats or cats with liver problems should never be allowed in the room where diffusers are used.
Are Cats Allergic To Essential Oils
Yes. Cats are allergic to essential oils, sprays, room fresheners, and diffusers. But not all; some essential oils are effective in calming, deworming, and treating itchy skin & fleas in cats. But, the overpowering Aroma of oil can overwhelm your cat.
You should avoid leaving it unattended. Keep all essential oil out of your curious cat’s reach always. Avoid applying pure essential oils orally or topically to your cat without consulting your veterinarian first. Oils like tea tree oil are dangerous for your cat’s liver & Central respiratory system.
Are All Essential Oils Bad For Cats?
No. The oils with no toxic components like terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenol are safe for cats—the fats found in hydrosol form are also safe, like lemongrass oil. Pure or organic essential oils are bad for cats. Some oil has a low toxin level, but it depends upon each cat’s sensitivity and the route of exposure.
Any aromatic oil or essential oil high in phenolic compounds are poisonous to get not only if swallowed but also touched. You may notice the symptoms if your cat accidentally inhales it very late.
Research has shown that essential oils harm cats and other pets when taken internally, inhaled, or applied to the skin. Essential oils severely threaten the central nervous system and liver in cats.
Some Essential oil poses a threat to cats and a toxic risk to all household pets, including dogs. Essential oils absorbs rapidly across the skin and then metabolize in the cat’s liver.
As cats lack essential enzymes, they won’t be able to eliminate certain toxins when metabolizing oil. It would help if you avoided a higher concentration of essential oil as it poses a greater risk to your cat.
What Essential Oils Are Safe For Cats? (7 Oils That Are Safe Cats)
- Cedar Wood Oil. It is safe for cats because it is available without phenol. However, you should check the ingredient label for contents on the backside before purchasing one.
- Lavender oil. Another pretty safe oil for cats is Lavender oil when used sparingly. Make sure to purchase one that is in the proper concentration.
- Lemongrass oil. It is primarily available in the form of hydrosol and has a 100% nonalcoholic Aroma. It has been widely used around cats at a low concentration. Therefore, lemongrass is a safe essential oil to use around your house if you have cats.
- Chamomile oil. You should be very cautious in this area because some oils are prepared from Roman chamomile that contains harmful toxic components like terpenoids and flavonoids.
- Rosemary oil. Rosemary oil is a very effective fleas repellent that is safe to use on or around cats. However, it does have a complex Aroma, and it is recommended to first boil one part of water with a twig of Rosemary. Then, dilute it with the brew and allow your feline to sit on it for a couple of minutes.
- Jasmine oil. If you want to relieve your cat’s depression and stress to boost her mood and emotion, Jasmine essential oil is a safe option.
- Rose oil. In some areas, Rose oil can be toxic for cats. But it depends upon the sensitivity of each feline and the route of exposure. Otherwise, Rose essential oil can be used safely on cats if it is in a low concentration.
15+ Essential Oils Toxic To Cats
- Clove Oil
- Cinnamon Oil
- Oregano Oil
- Wintergreen Oil
- Citrus Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Oil Of Sweet Birch
- Pennyroyal Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Pine Oils
- Tea Tree Oil
- Sweet Birch Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Wintergreen
- Ylang Ylang
11 Symptoms Of Essential Oil Poisoning In Cats
- Inappetance
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased respiratory rate, asthma
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Liver failure
- Neurological signs like tremors, staggering, and stuporous or drunk-like behavior
- Changes to heart rate
- Lethargy
- Nausea
7 Best Essential Oils That Are Safe For Cats
Best Calming Essential Oils For Cats
If your cat is anxious or looking frustrated, you can take the help of lavender essential oil to soothe her. Lavender oil has soothing properties. Add a little lavender essential oil to a cat shampoo suitable for her skin.
Best Essential Oils For Cats Itchy Skin
The best essential oil for cats with itchy skin is a spray of lavender & chamomile mixed oil. It is a very effective spray for soothing cats with itchy skin. It is also effective in killing or repelling fleas.
Best Essential Oils For Deworming Cats
Essential tea tree oil and Essential lavender oil are effective in deworming cats but only safe if it is in a low concentration. First, bathe your cat as usual, then apply 4-5 drops of oil onto her skin. Alternatively, you can add a couple of drops of oil to a cat shampoo while bathing her. Both are pretty effective ways of deworming cats.
Best Essential Oil For Fleas On Cats
Other than lavender and chamomile oils, Rosemary and geranium oil also repels ticks and fleas on your cat. You must mix four drops of rosemary and geranium oil in a cup of water and spray them on your cat’s fur. Avoid spraying it around her face.
Best Essential Oils For Ants Safe For Cats
You need a safe and unique formula if you want to repel or kill unwanted pest-like ants while having your cat around. I recommend using this formula with essential oils like geraniol, castor oil, corn mint oil, clove oil, and cinnamon oil.
Best Essential Oils To Keep Cats From Peeing On Carpet
If you want to keep your car from peeing on a carpet, then use peppermint and eucalyptus oil. Both work well at deterring cats from peeing on furniture.
Best Essential Oils To Keep Cats Off Furniture
Essential oils such as peppermint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and lavender are very effective in keeping cats off furniture. Choose any one scent that is best for you.
FAQ: What Essential Oils Are Bad For Cats? or Safe?
Is Lavender Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
Yes. Lavender Essential oil is safe for Cats if used in a low concentration and mild amount. Get the Lavender oil free from Linalool and linalyl acetate, which your feline’s liver cannot process.
Is Diffusing Essential Oils Safe For Cats?
No. Diffused oils can be dangerous for your cat if inhaled, ingested, or applied to the skin in unmeasured quantities without supervision. If your cat accidentally inhales diffusing essential oils, it can cause foreign body pneumonia.
Is Peppermint Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
No. Peppermint oil is not safe for cat skin. Even if your cat inhales or accidentally ingests, it can cause liver damage and breathing difficulties. Essential oils in a mild concentration are effective in repelling or keeping cats off furniture or peeing on the carpet.
Is Lemon Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
No. Lemon is a hazardous Essential oil for cats that can cause heavy panting. Cat liver lacks enzymes that are needed to break down citrus compounds. Thus, drooling and vomiting are the first noticeable signs of lemon Essential oil poisoning.
Is Lemongrass Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
Yes. Lemongrass Essential oil is safe to use at a low concentration for cats. However, you should avoid applying directly to their skin. It is effective in keeping your feline off furniture, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested.
Is Orange Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
No. Orange Essential oil is not safe for cats. However, the citrus smell effectively keeps your cats away from your garden or yard. But not for using the cat, then. You can use this oil on your favorite fabrics you don’t want your kitty to scratch.
Is Vanilla Essential Oil Safe For Cats
Ni. Vanilla oil is not safe for cats since it can be inhaled. Any diffused oil can cause pneumonia in cats and severely affect their central respiratory system when inhaled.
Is Rosemary Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
Yes. Rosemary Essential oil at a low concentration and in moderation is safe for cats. It is an effective repellent for fleas.
Is Rose Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
No. Rose essential oil can be toxic for Cats as it has mild harmful components that their liver cannot metabolize. However, it depends upon each cat’s sensitivity level and exposure route. Rose Essential oil can be used safely in moderation if it is at a low-cost concentration, under supervision.
Is Eucalyptus Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
No. Eucalyptus Essential oil is not safe for cats but is effective in keeping them off furniture. Eucalyptus essential oils are only toxic when applied directly to the skin or used in a diffuser. If it is ingested, it can cause stomach upset.
Is Jasmine Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
Yes, Jasmine essential oil is completely safe for cats. According to African society, it is non-toxic to cats and many other animals for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Is Mint Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
No. Mint oil is not safe for Cats. It is toxic due to the presence of phenol components. Cats that are exposed to mint can get severely sick. They don’t have enzymes to break down phenols, thus resulting in liver damage and Central respiratory damage.
Is Bergamot Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
Yes. Bergamot Essential oil is safe for cats in mild concentration and moderation. Although the plant contains some harmful and toxic substances that can be dangerous to cats if ingested, the seeds are the first you need to avoid.
Is Chamomile Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
Yes, Essential chamomile oil is safe for the cat as long as it is free from toxic components, including terpenoids and flavonoids. These toxins can cause severe irritation in your cat’s internal and external skin. Get the one that is suitable for a feline’s skin.
Is Cinnamon Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
No, Essential cinnamon oil is not safe for cats. It is toxic to cats when applied to their skin, licked up accidentally, or used in diffusers.
Is Mandarin Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
No, Essential mandarin oil can be poisonous for your cat if ingested or inhaled. Both ingestion and skin exposure have been found toxic in cats. Avoid keeping any citric essential oil in your cat’s reach or room.
Conclusion
Being a responsible cat owner, you should always contact your veterinarian before introducing any new Essential oil or substance into your cat care routine. If you are using essential oils around your cat’s environment or for Cats, always watch out for behavior like difficulty walking, difficulty breathing, drooling, or muscle tremor. Therefore, if you notice any sign of poisoning in your feline, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Top Selling Oil for cats’ dry skin
- DANDER and ITCH REDUCING SPRAY, soothes itching caused by dry skin, dandruff and skin problems. Can be used alongside veterinary prescribed treatment for conditions such as cat acne, feline dermatitis, mange and rash
- An effective conditioning WATERLESS CAT SHAMPOO with dandruff reducing moisturizer. Cleanses, moisturizes, rejuvenates and calms skin; plus all the benefits of a bath, without the hassle
- Oatmeal and baking soda make a NATURAL CAT DEODORIZING SPRAY odor remover which smells fresh but does not contain perfume that can cause irritation. Use it on cat, kitten, puppy and dog skin.
- Soap and detergent free formula won’t strip coat or irritate eyes and is perfect for making REUSABLE WIPES FOR GROOMING or cleaning
- IMPORTANT! the date on the bottle is the date of manufacture NOT expiry unless it starts with EXP
Oil for cats’ Fur and Coat
- IMMUNE SUPPLEMENT - Our GMO Free omega 3 fish oil for cats formula supports your cat’s immune health, cardiovascular function, and improves joint stiffness and allergies. Fish Oil helps to eliminate itchy skin, excessive shedding, and promotes healthy, shiny fur.
- WILD CAUGHT - Wild Caught Omega-3 fish oil with omega 6 and 9 fatty acids delivers higher levels of EPA and DHA with no mercury. Our fish oil is carefully crafted from small, non-predatory fish sourced from the cold, pristine North Atlantic - sardine, herring, mackerel, and anchovy.
- PURE FISH OIL - Deley Naturals Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil for Cats is 100% pure fish oil and has no added ingredients. Our all natural, sustainably sourced liquid fish oil supplement has virtually no odor but has a delicious fish flavor all cats love!
- EASY TO USE - This cat fish oil is easy to use for cat owners. Comes with a pump top to easily dispense over cat food, water, or cat treats for a mess free way to help support your cat’s diet compared to other fish oil supplements for cats.
- QUALITY INGREDIENTS - At Deley Naturals, we take pride in only manufacturing the best supplements for your cats. Our fish oil is GMO free and processed in an FDA-registered facility in the USA. Our Omega-3 fish oil exceeds all requirements set by California’s Proposition 65 and all US and European Pharmacopoeia standards.
Best Oil for cats Skin and Food
- Botanical sensitive skin formulation soothes, conditions, and moisturizes dry fur and skin between shampoos
- Contains thirteen conditioning agents including: aloe, chamomile, and panthenol to smooth and revitalize your pet's fur
- Sweet almond oil conditions while leaving a wonderful almond fragrance
- Panthenol retains moisture and spreads evenly over hair strands to prevent tangling
- Lightly mist on dry or wet fur, massage into coat, and brush through
Some Essential Oil for Cats Based on Feline Requirements
Essential Oils Are Safe For Cats
- Included in this Gift Set: Peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass & orange. essential oils gift set for aromatherapy diffuser.
- Certified Organic - Cliganic organic essential oils are proudly USDA organic certified to ensure ultimate quality and integrity.
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- 3rd Party Tested for Purity - Each batch of our essential oils is being tested for purity by a 3rd party independent lab.
- #1 ESSENTIAL OILS SET IN THE USA: From Laguna Beach to your home, we create our essential oils using rigorously tested ingredients. Make pampering a luxurious experience with our VERSATILE SET OF 6 10ml oils. Join 110,000+ customers who love our essential oils for massage, aromatherapy, and candle making.
- PLANT-POWERED FORMULAS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Regular brands use ingredients grown with GMOs, while we only source ingredients from farms with a commitment to regenerative, earth-kind practices. Our team travels the globe to bring you eucalyptus essential oil from Australia, lavender from France, and peppermint from India.
- 2X MORE POTENT: Most essential oils go rancid quickly once exposed to heat, light and oxygen. They’ll begin to smell strange and lose potency. Our FrostProtect bottle keeps oil STABLE for 24+ months, so you can enjoy the soothing benefits of your oils for longer.
- 4X LONGER-LASTING AROMA: Regular oils are extracted using nasty solvents, like hexane, or other toxic chemicals. We steam distill our potent oils to PRESERVE THEIR FRAGRANCE FOR 4X LONGER. Our unique distillation process takes place in small batches in our local apothecary.
- NO NASTIES: Most essential oils on the market include harsh ingredients as filler. We only ever add gentle, synergistic carrier oils to enhance our steam-distilled formulas, which preserves their UPLIFTING and INVIGORATING properties. Escape the everyday—create a new self-care ritual with LagunaMoon!
- ESSENTIAL OILS WOOD GIFT BOX SET: 100% Pure, Natural, and Organic essential oils for your home diffuser. Our best selling top 10 essential oils include Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon, Orange, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sweet Orange, Lemongrass and Eucalyptus oils.
- ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DIFFUSERS AROMATHERAPY: After a long day, our scented essential oils to help you unwind and bring peace into your home. All of our essential oils are perfect for your home diffuser. We have calming essential oils for ultimate relaxation.
- ESSENTIAL OIL SET 10 ML: Our essential oil gift box set comes with ten 10ml organic scented oils for diffusers. Our gift box is portable so you are able to relax, recharge, and help anywhere you go.
- PERFECT FOR GIFT GIVING: If you are looking for a premium gift for a Birthday, Holiday, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, this essential oil set is a great present for really any occasion. The separators can be removed from the wood box and the box can be used as a keepsake for knickknacks, trinkets and tchotchkes.
- BEST FRAGRANCE OIL: Our highly rated fragrance oil set will leave your house smelling great while creating a sense of calm and relaxation for you and your loved ones.
- Hibbert, Dr Nick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 36 Pages - 03/22/2015 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
- SANTAL: Our most iconic fragrance. This blend of sandalwood and papyrus infuses spaces with warmth and understated sophistication. It’s familiar yet refined—equally at home in a cozy living room or a softly lit bedroom.
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- KEY NOTES: Sandalwood, Papyrus, Musk
- MOOD: Sensual, Warm, Intriguing
- PURE AROMA & ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND: These AromaTech favorites are made with the purest aroma and essential oils to yield exceptional aromas—complex, rich, and evocative; able to transform any mood or setting.
- 100% PURE & NATURAL SWEET ORANGE OIL- NaturoBliss oils are exactly that!! Many oils being sold online make that claim but are in fact made of natural isolates and mixtures. Each essential oil is tested by an independent lab for its constituents which is why every bottle comes with a Quality Guaranty.
- PREMIUM THERAPEUTIC GRADE & PREMIUM QUALITY – All NaturoBliss Essential Oils are tested by an independent lab to test the efficacy of each oil. Each oil is tested for its constituents as well as to have no fillers, additives and to be undiluted.
- HIGH QUALITY GLASS BOTTLE W/ PREMIUM GLASS DROPPER - Our Sweet Orange Essential Oil comes in an amber glass bottle to keep out UV rays and protect the oil against sunlight. We also provide a Glass Dropper so you can get the exact amount of oil you need without any waste.
- SWEET ORANGE OIL BLENDS WELL WITH - Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary sage, Clove, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Nutmeg, Rosemary and Sandalwood.
- BOTTLED IN THE USA – NaturoBliss sources their oils from regions all over the world. Each oil, when brought to the USA goes through vigorous testing to prove its authenticity.
- 100% Pure Essential Oils. No fillers, NO Additives, or Carriers Added. A Handpicked selection from different parts of the world, including countries like ( France, Australia , Brazil )
- Used in professional environments like massage facilities, beauty salons and offices
- The set includes 6 oils, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and sweet orange
- The dark bottle will help keep the oils fresh and also guard against light degradation
- External uses only
- Included in this Gift Set: Peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass & orange.
- Certified Organic - Cliganic organic essential oils are proudly USDA organic certified to ensure ultimate quality and integrity.
- 100% Pure, Single Ingredient Oils - Cliganic organic essential oils are a single-ingredient product. No synthetic additives, ever.
- Non-GMO Certified, Vegan & Cruelty-Free - Free from additives, Cliganic aromatherapy oils are proudly non-gmo project verified, certified vegan and cruelty-free.
- 3rd Party Tested for Purity - Each batch of our essential oils is being tested for purity by a 3rd party independent lab.
- Organic for Wellness and Spirit: This mind-clearing essential oil has been used for centuries for spirituality, prayer, meditation, medicine and cosmetics. Plant Therapy Frankincense Serrata (Boswellia Serrata) is USDA Organic, 100% Certified Pure, Therapeutic Grade with no fillers or additives.
- Ideal for Muscle Pain: This frankincense oil has a green, woody, earthy scent. Add a few drops to a diffuser and inhale or mix with a carrier oil and apply to your palms and wrists.
- Batch Specific GC-MS Reports on Every Oil: Every bottle of oil from Plant Therapy goes through multiple rounds of testing including organoleptic testing and multiple rounds of GC-MS testing by several third-party laboratories.
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- CERTIFIED AROMATHERAPISTS ON STAFF: Our customers are our #1 priority and we’d love for you to join the Plant Therapy Family. Our Certified Aromatherapists are happy to help you with all of your Essential Oil questions. We want you to be confident and satisfied with your purchase.
- Nexon Botanics Breathe Essential Oil Blend consists of a proprietary combination of Rosemary, Peppermint, Niaouli and Eucalyptus essential oil; All oils are therapeutic grade.
- Clears Congestion: Seasonal changes can cause congestion and stuffiness; Breathe ease essential oil blend helps soothe airways and achieve feelings of clear breathing.
- Natural: Blend helps during sinus, cold, cough, congestion, and stuffiness by keeping the environment clean. Dilute with MCT oil before any direct application to the chest or skin.
- Must-Have Blend: Due to weather changes, one must have breathe essential oil blend; Breathe easy essential oil for diffusers, aromatherapy, showers, humidifiers, and inhaler tubes.
- Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Peppermint essential oils enhance breathing comfort by invigorating and soothing the airways. Use in a Diffuser at night for a restful time!
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