Heidi Norton
Burning incense fills the room with a pleasant aroma, but it can be harmful to cats. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and incense can be overpowering for them. The smoke from incense can irritate a cat's airways and cause respiratory issues. It can also release harmful chemicals, and if the incense contains oils or fragrances, it may pose further risks. Cats are sensitive to essential oils, and lavender in particular is toxic to them. To keep cats safe, it is recommended to use incense only in a well-ventilated room that is off-limits to cats.
How bad are incense for cats?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Irritation | Smoke from incense can cause respiratory irritation in cats, leading to potential health issues such as asthma and respiratory failure. |
| Toxicity | Certain scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus can be toxic to cats, with lavender being the most toxic when inhaled. |
| Overpowering Scent | Incense has an overpowering scent due to the high number of odor receptors in cats, which can be overwhelming for them. |
| Airway Irritant | The smoke produced by burning incense acts as an airway irritant, causing upper respiratory issues like watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. |
| Burns | Cats are at risk of getting burned by the incense sticks. |
| Exposure to Toxins | Incense may contain potentially harmful chemicals that can be released during burning, leading to toxin exposure in cats. |
| Alternative Options | Safer alternatives include pet-friendly candles, air purifiers, and Febreze, but these should still be used with caution and proper ventilation. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke is an airway irritant for cats
Cats have a sensitive respiratory system. Their olfactory senses are highly perceptive, and they can be overwhelmed by strong scents. Incense smoke is an airway irritant for cats, and it can cause serious health issues. The smoke 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 unwell.
The smoke released from burning incense contains polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene, which are suspected carcinogens. These chemicals can be harmful to cats and may cause long-term damage to their lungs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named incense as a source of indoor air pollution, underlining its detrimental impact on air quality.
Cats are also sensitive to essential oils, which are often added to incense for fragrance. These oils can build up in their system quickly, potentially leading to respiratory failure and, in rare cases, even death. Lavender, in particular, is highly toxic to cats and should be avoided.
To ensure the safety and comfort of cats, it is recommended to avoid burning incense in their presence. If incense use is unavoidable, it is crucial to take necessary precautions. This includes keeping cats in a separate, well-ventilated room, away from the incense smoke. Burning incense only in a well-ventilated room with open windows can help dissipate the smoke and reduce its concentration, thereby minimising potential harm to cats.
Safer alternatives to incense are available, such as pet-friendly candles made with non-toxic materials like soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, or vegetable wax. Air purifiers and odour neutralisers like Febreze, which has been reviewed and deemed safe by the ASPCA poison control centre, can also be used to maintain a pleasant-smelling environment without compromising the health of cats.
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Cats are sensitive to smoke
Cats have a sensitive respiratory system. Their olfactory senses are very sensitive, and they are susceptible to third-hand smoke, which is the residue that clings to furniture, rugs, and their fur long after the air in the room is cleared. Cats that groom themselves excessively can develop tumours in their mouths from licking off toxic particles that accumulate on their fur from smoke-filled air.
Smoke from incense contains chemical irritants that can trigger airway inflammation and lung damage in cats. The heat contained within the smoke can lead to burns within the airways and lungs, causing severe swelling and inflammation. Smoke inhalation can also cause eye damage, including conjunctivitis, and neurologic signs such as weakness, ataxia, seizures, and coma.
Cats exposed to smoke are about two times more likely to develop lymphoma and are at a greater risk of developing asthma and lung cancer. Smoke particles can interfere with the normal defence mechanisms of the lungs, leading to secondary bacterial pneumonia and pulmonary edema (fluids in the lungs).
To minimize the risks associated with incense burning, it is recommended to keep cats in a different room or ventilate the area by opening windows or using air purifiers.
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Cats are sensitive to strong scents
Cats have a strong sense of smell, with up to 200 million olfactory receptors in their noses and a dedicated "scent organ" in the top of their mouth. This gives them the ability to smell up to 14 times more strongly and from farther away than humans. Cats' noses are about three times as sensitive as humans', with 200 million scent receptors compared to roughly 6 million in humans. This heightened sensitivity is crucial for their day-to-day life and survival, as they utilize their acute sense of smell for communication, hunting, and navigating their environment.
Because of their heightened sense of smell, cats are known to be put off by strong, pungent scents. They may also find certain scents overwhelming. For example, the refreshing scent of lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges are some of the smells that cats dislike the most. Citrus oils can be overpowering to a cat's sensitive olfactory system and cause irritation. Cayenne pepper, chili peppers, and other fiery ingredients contain capsaicin, a chemical that triggers a burning sensation not just for humans but for cats as well.
Cats are also sensitive to smoke. Exposure to smoke is the leading cause of asthma in cats, and if the incense has oils or fragrance added, it may increase the risk of problems. Cats have died from respiratory failure from inhaling too much lavender. Smoke from burning incense is harmful to cats, and they can exhibit upper respiratory symptoms like watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing.
To ensure the safety of your cat, it is recommended to use safer alternatives to incense, such as pet-friendly candles, air purifiers, and Febreze. If you do choose to use incense, ensure that your home is well-ventilated and don't allow your cat to be in the same room.
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Incense can cause respiratory disease in cats
The scent of incense can also be overwhelming for cats due to their heightened sense of smell. Cats have approximately 200 million odour receptors, which is forty times more than humans. Scents like eucalyptus and citrus can be overpowering for cats, causing them discomfort.
In addition to the smoke and scent, the burning of incense may release potentially harmful chemicals, which can further irritate a cat's lungs and cause respiratory problems.
To minimize the risk of respiratory issues in cats, it is recommended to avoid burning incense around them. If incense use is necessary, it should be limited to a well-ventilated room that the cat does not have access to. Keeping the cat in a separate room, ideally at the opposite end of the house, can help reduce their exposure to the smoke and scent. Safer alternatives, such as pet-friendly candles, air purifiers, and Febreze, can also be considered to create a pleasant-smelling environment without compromising the health of cats.
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Safer alternatives to incense for cats
Incense produces smoke, which is not healthy for a cat's respiratory system. The smoke can act as an irritant, which may cause cats to cough or have an allergic reaction. The exposure to smoke is one of the leading causes of asthma in cats.
- Pet-friendly candles: Candles made with non-toxic materials like soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, or vegetable wax are safer alternatives to incense. However, they should be lit out of the cat's reach and only in well-ventilated rooms.
- Air purifiers: Using an air purifier can help eliminate unpleasant smells without the use of incense.
- Febreze: Febreze is a product that has been reviewed by the ASPCA poison control center and can be used to eliminate odors without harming cats. However, it should not be sprayed directly on cats.
- Simmering: Simmering things such as cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, or mint tea can create a pleasant odor in your home that is safe for cats.
- Plants: Certain plants can be used to provide a pleasant scent while also being safe for cats. Just be sure to check that the plant is cat-friendly.
- Air filters: Regularly changing your air filters can help decrease pet smells and improve the overall air quality in your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense around cats is not recommended. Cats are sensitive to smoke, and incense smoke can be an airway irritant, causing respiratory issues such as asthma and even respiratory failure. Cats also have a heightened sense of smell, so the scent of incense can be overpowering for them.
Pet-friendly candles, air purifiers, and Febreze are safer alternatives to incense. However, precautions must be taken with Febreze, and it should never be sprayed directly on cats.
If your cat has inhaled incense smoke, move them to a well-ventilated area. If they are showing signs of respiratory distress, such as coughing or wheezing, seek veterinary attention immediately.
