Seamus Hammond
Cats and incense have coexisted for years, with many people burning incense in their homes to create a pleasant aroma or for religious or spiritual reasons. However, incense is made of plant materials and essential oils that are pressed onto a bamboo stick, and some essential oils can be harmful to cats. The smoke from incense can cause long-term damage to a cat's lungs and increase the risk of chronic respiratory problems such as asthma. Cats may also want to play with or ingest the incense sticks, which can cause serious health problems. Therefore, if you are a cat owner, it is recommended to restrict the use of incense to a well-ventilated room that your cat does not have access to, or to opt for safer alternatives to fragrance your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning incense around cats | Not recommended due to the risk of burns and toxicity |
| Cats' respiratory system | Sensitive |
| Cats' lungs | Can be damaged by incense smoke |
| Cats' airways | Can be irritated by incense |
| Cats' health | Can be affected by incense, especially if the cat is old or has arthritis or another health condition |
| Incense ingredients | Can include toxic compounds, some of which may be carcinogenic |
| Incense alternatives | Cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, or mint tea |
| Incense use | Should be restricted to a well-ventilated room that cats cannot access |
| Incense storage | Should be kept out of cats' reach |
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What You'll Learn
Cats and incense can coexist with some modifications
Burning incense regularly in your home will lead to long-term smoke exposure for your cat. This can cause ongoing damage to the lungs and increase the risk of chronic respiratory problems such as asthma. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has named incense as a source of indoor air pollution. The quality of incense can vary, and burning incense that hasn't been made to a high standard may release certain compounds, some of which may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to both pets and people. Incense is typically made using various plant materials and infused with essential oils, and we know that some essential oils can be harmful to cats—irritating airways if inhaled and toxic if ingested.
If burning incense is important to you, perhaps as part of your spiritual or religious traditions, there are some ways of doing so while making sure your cat is safe. If possible, try to restrict the use of incense burning to one well-ventilated room that your cat does not have access to. Some cat owners recommend lighting incense in short intervals rather than having it burn all the time, to reduce the amount of smoke in the room. Keep the window open, and place the incense high up so it's away from your cat. If your cat has respiratory issues, let them smell the incense before lighting it, and be mindful of their reaction. If they start sneezing or their eyes get watery, put the incense out immediately and move them to a different room while you air the space out.
There are safer alternatives to incense for keeping your home smelling nice, such as simmering cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, or mint tea in a pot of water.
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The dangers of essential oils for cats
Burning incense regularly in your home can lead to long-term smoke exposure for cats, causing ongoing damage to their lungs and an increased risk of chronic respiratory problems such as asthma. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has named incense as a source of indoor air pollution, and the smoke can release certain compounds, some of which may be carcinogenic to both pets and people. Incense is often made using plant materials infused with essential oils, which can be harmful to cats if inhaled or ingested.
Essential oils are volatile, organic constituents of plants that contribute to fragrance and taste. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin and are then metabolized in the liver. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and, as such, have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils.
The main hazard to cats from essential oils dispersed through passive diffusers is respiratory irritation. Inhalation of strong odors or fragrances can cause some cats to develop a watery nose or eyes, a burning sensation in the nose/throat, nausea leading to drooling and/or vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Cats with pre-existing respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies, or smoke exposure are at greater risk of developing severe respiratory irritation. Diffused oil droplets can also land on a cat's fur and be ingested during grooming.
Symptoms of essential oil poisoning include difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, drooling, vomiting, tremors, wobbliness, low heart rate, low body temperature, and liver failure. If you suspect your cat has come into contact with essential oils, contact your vet immediately, even if they aren't showing symptoms. It will be helpful for your vet if you can identify the essential oil and concentration your cat was exposed to.
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Safer alternatives to incense for a pleasant-smelling home
Burning incense releases particulate matter that can be easily inhaled and may have negative health outcomes. The smoke released contains carcinogens and irritants, which could lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Incense smoke has also been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and brain health issues in older adults.
If you are a cat owner, it is best to avoid burning incense due to the risks of burns and toxicity to your pet. Cats have a sensitive respiratory system, and incense smoke can irritate their lungs and airways.
- Baking cinnamon apples: Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar, then bake them on a greased baking sheet for 30-45 minutes. This method deodorizes your home and fills it with a sweet, spicy scent.
- Simmering potpourri: Simmer cinnamon sticks, vanilla, or cloves in a pot of water on the stove. This method releases a natural scent without the use of smoke or flames.
- Natural incense: If you want to stick with incense, opt for natural incense sticks made from sandalwood, cedar, pine, frankincense, myrrh, patchouli, or cinnamon. These options have fewer toxins and provide a pleasant aroma.
- Oil warmers: Oil warmers, also known as oil burners, put out little to no smoke. They use a small cup or bowl suspended above a tea light to warm the oil and release the scent.
- Healthy candles: Candles can be used to scent your home, but be sure to choose a healthy option that is free from harsh chemicals.
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The impact of incense on cats with respiratory issues
Burning incense can have detrimental effects on cats with respiratory issues. Cats are very sensitive to smoke, and their exposure to it can cause ongoing damage to their lungs and an increased risk of chronic respiratory problems such as asthma. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named incense as a source of indoor air pollution, emphasising its significant impact on the air quality of homes.
Smoke from incense acts as a physical irritant to a cat's lungs, causing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, and watery eyes. It can also make cats feel lethargic and generally unwell. The impact is more severe for cats with existing respiratory issues, potentially exacerbating their condition and leading to serious health complications.
The quality of incense also plays a role in its effect on cats. Poor-quality incense may release compounds that are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to both pets and people. Additionally, some incense sticks are made with essential oils, which can be harmful to cats. These oils can irritate a cat's airways if inhaled and can be toxic if ingested. Lavender, in particular, is known to be toxic to cats and has been implicated in respiratory failure in some cases.
To minimise the impact of incense on cats with respiratory issues, it is recommended to restrict burning incense to a well-ventilated room that the cat does not have access to. Keeping the cat in a separate room until the smoke dissipates or burning incense in short intervals can also help reduce their exposure to smoke. It is crucial to always store incense out of the cat's reach and ensure they do not ingest any incense material.
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The potential health risks of incense for cats
Burning incense releases smoke, which can quickly spread throughout the room and the rest of the house. Smoke is a known irritant to the respiratory tract of cats, as they are very sensitive to inhaled chemicals. Cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans, so they can be overwhelmed by the strong scent of incense.
Smoke exposure can irritate the lining of the lungs, causing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, and watery eyes. It can also make cats feel lethargic and generally unwell. In rare cases, cats can have an allergy to incense and its smoke, which can lead to them struggling to breathe. Symptoms can worsen over multiple or prolonged exposures, leading to an increased risk of chronic respiratory problems such as asthma.
The quality of incense can vary, and burning incense that hasn't been made to a high standard may release certain compounds, some of which may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to both pets and people. Incense is typically made from plant materials and infused with essential oils, and we know that some essential oils can be harmful to cats—irritating their airways if inhaled and proving toxic if ingested. Cats are unlikely to eat incense, but they are curious creatures, so it is always safer to keep any potentially harmful things out of their reach.
To minimise the potential health risks of incense for cats, it is recommended to restrict burning incense to one well-ventilated room that your cat does not have access to. If you are concerned that your cat may have eaten any incense, seek veterinary advice immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense is not recommended for use around cats. Cats have a sensitive respiratory system, and incense smoke can cause ongoing damage to their lungs and increase the risk of chronic respiratory problems. If you must use incense, ensure good ventilation and keep cats out of the room.
Safer alternatives to incense include simmering cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, or mint tea in a pot of water. You can also use products like Febreze, which has been reviewed by the ASPCA poison control center.
No, cats should not ingest incense sticks. Ingesting incense sticks can cause serious health problems. If you suspect your cat has consumed incense, contact your veterinarian immediately.
