Aromatherapy And Cats: Safe Or Harmful?

Aromatherapy is a popular practice that involves inhaling diffused essential oils or applying them topically. While aromatherapy can offer various benefits to humans, it's important to ask: does it harm cats? The answer is yes, it can. Essential oils are toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues, even in small amounts. Cats lack the necessary liver enzymes to metabolize the compounds in essential oils, such as terpenes, ketones, and phenols, leading to a build-up of toxins in their liver. This can result in liver failure and other severe health complications. Even diffused essential oils can be harmful to cats, as they can inhale or come into contact with the oil through their skin or fur. Therefore, it's crucial to keep essential oils and diffusers out of reach and avoid using them around cats.

Essential oils are toxic to cats

Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling diffused oil or applying it topically, such as during a massage. While aromatherapy is a relaxing and beneficial practice for humans, it can be harmful to cats.

Cats can be exposed to essential oils through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Even a small amount of oil on the skin or a few licks can be harmful to a cat. If a cat grooms itself after exposure to essential oils, it will ingest the oil, which can lead to poisoning.

The signs of essential oil poisoning in cats include:

• Shaking and muscle tremors
• Lethargy, depression, or dullness
• Difficulty breathing or breathing with an open mouth
• Collapse or seizures
• Redness or burns on the skin or mouth
• Vomiting

If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to essential oils, it is imperative to seek veterinary treatment immediately. The faster you seek treatment, the better the prognosis and outcome for your cat.

Cats' livers cannot metabolise essential oils

Cats' livers cannot metabolise the compounds found in essential oils, such as terpenes, ketones, and phenols. As a result, there is a possibility of these compounds accumulating in the liver and reaching toxic levels. This can lead to liver failure and even death. The higher the concentration of the essential oil, the greater the risk to the cat.

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats include drooling, vomiting, tremors, difficulty breathing, low body temperature, and sudden collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat after being exposed to essential oils, seek veterinary help immediately.

To minimise the risk of your cat coming into contact with essential oils, take the following precautions:

• Store essential oils in places where your cat cannot reach.
• Wash your hands after handling essential oils to avoid transferring them to your cat's fur or skin.
• Avoid using cleaning products that contain essential oils, as cats can rub against treated surfaces.
• Do not apply undiluted essential oils to your cat's skin or fur.
• Keep your cat away from diffusers and other devices that emit essential oils.

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning

Cats are sensitive to essential oils as they lack certain liver enzymes necessary to metabolize them effectively. This means that even a couple of licks or a small amount of essential oil on the skin could be harmful to a cat.

• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Vomiting
• Shaking and muscle tremors
• Lethargy, depression, or dullness
• Difficulty breathing or breathing with an open mouth
• Wobbliness or uncoordinated gait
• Collapse or seizures
• Skin ulcerations or chemical burns
• Hind limb or muscle weakness
• Low heart rate
• Low body temperature
• Liver failure

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to essential oils, seek veterinary treatment immediately. Do not induce vomiting or give activated charcoal to your cat as this may worsen their condition. Instead, rinse their mouth carefully with water if they have ingested the oil, and wash their skin with liquid dishwashing detergent if they have come into contact with it.

How to minimise the risk of essential oil poisoning

Aromatherapy is a popular practice that involves the use of essential oils for relaxation and wellness. While essential oils offer many benefits to humans, they can be dangerous for cats. Cats have a different liver function, and their liver lacks an essential enzyme, making it difficult for them to metabolise certain compounds found in essential oils. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in their liver, resulting in serious health issues.

To minimise the risk of essential oil poisoning in cats, here are some important guidelines to follow:

• Dilution: While essential oils are often diluted in products like toiletries, cosmetics, and diffusers, it is still best to further dilute them before using them around cats. Using heavily diluted essential oils in low concentrations minimises the risk of poisoning.
• Storage and Handling: Keep essential oils securely stored in places that are out of your cat's reach. Cats are curious and excellent climbers, so locking them away in a cat-proof space is ideal. Always wash your hands after handling essential oils to avoid transferring any residue to your cat's fur or skin.
• Avoid Direct Application: Never apply essential oils directly to your cat's fur or skin. They can easily absorb these oils through their skin, and they may also ingest the oils during grooming.
• Diffusers: If using essential oil diffusers, opt for a slow diffuser like a reed diffuser, which releases oil at a slower rate. Keep the diffuser in a well-ventilated room that your cat does not have access to. Avoid heat diffusers as they can change the composition of the oil, making it more toxic.
• Cleaning and Household Products: Do not use essential oils for cleaning or in household products that your cat may come into contact with. Cats like to rub against objects, and the oils can transfer to their fur. Instead, use pet-safe cleaning products and avoid essential oils in laundry detergents or fabric softeners.
• Flea Treatments: Some over-the-counter flea treatments contain essential oils, but these can be dangerous for cats. Always opt for prescription flea products recommended by your veterinarian.
• Vet Consultation: Before introducing any essential oils into your home, consult your veterinarian. They can provide guidance on specific products to avoid and offer alternatives that are safe for both you and your feline companion.

By following these guidelines, you can help protect your cat from the potential dangers of essential oil poisoning and ensure a safe and healthy environment for your furry friend.

Safe alternatives to essential oils for cats

Essential oils are toxic to cats and can lead to liver failure, corrosive burns to the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory distress, and even death. So, what can you use instead to create a calming environment for your feline friend? Here are some safe alternatives to essential oils to help reduce your cat's stress and anxiety:

Pheromone diffusers and sprays

Pheromone diffusers and sprays, such as the Feliway Classic Cat Calming Diffuser, use naturally emitted chemicals to make cats feel safe and relaxed. These products are becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness and cat-safe nature.

Catnip and other herbs

Catnip, a member of the mint family, is known to evoke positive and calm feelings in cats. You can find catnip toys that combine the benefits of catnip with the enrichment of play. Alternatively, you can sprinkle dried catnip on a scratch pad to provide extra mindful stimulation. Just be aware that too much catnip can cause negative side effects, so it's best to start with a small amount and consult your vet if you have any concerns.

Other cat-safe herbs that can help stimulate or calm your cat include valerian and chamomile.

Calming treats

The effectiveness of calming treats for cats is debated, but even if they don't completely eliminate your cat's anxiety, your furry friend will surely appreciate the tasty treat! Composure Calming Treats and Calming Chews are two options to try.

Slow feeders

Try smearing your cat's favourite wet food on a Lickimat slow feeder. Enriched feeding experiences and the repetitive licking motion can help to reduce anxiety in cats.

Natural, pet-safe candles

If you're looking for an alternative to essential oils to make your home smell nice, opt for natural, pet-safe candles. Choose candles made from soy, coconut, or beeswax and avoid those containing paraffin wax. Also, look for candles with cotton, paper, or wooden wicks, and avoid those with metal wicks or unclear information about the wick materials. Keep in mind that even pet-safe candles should be used in well-ventilated areas and kept out of your cat's reach to prevent accidental ingestion or burns.

Consult your veterinarian

Before introducing any new products or substances to your cat's environment, always consult your veterinarian to ensure the safety of your furry friend.

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