Pura Product Safety For Cats: What You Need To Know

Pura is a brand known for its range of aromatic products, including scents and air fresheners. While the company claims that its products are pet-friendly, some cat owners have reported adverse reactions in their cats after using Pura. Reactions range from excessive salivation, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin irritation, tremors, and seizures. These signs may indicate toxicity in cats, and it is recommended to consult a veterinarian immediately if any of these symptoms are observed. It is always advisable to check the ingredients list and be cautious when introducing new products into your home, especially when you have pets.

Pura's ingredients

It is unclear whether you are referring to Pura, a brand of cat food, or PURA, a brand of fragrances.

Pura Cat Food Ingredients

Pura cat food is owned by KLN Family Brands and is manufactured in a single company-owned facility in Perham, Minnesota. The brand offers three grain-free dry foods, five canned recipes, and six types of freeze-dried treats. Pura cat food is free of dyes, flavours, and preservatives that might harm your cat.

Grain-Free Chicken & Peas Entrée Cat Food

• Chicken
• Chicken meal
• Peas
• Pea flour
• Chicken fat
• Dried egg product
• Natural flavor
• Yeast extract
• Pea protein
• Pea starch
• Pea fiber
• Dried brewers' yeast
• Tomato pomace
• Phosphoric acid
• Salt
• Potassium chloride
• DL-Methionine
• Carrots
• Sunflower oil
• Minerals (iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt proteinate)
• Cranberries
• Apricots
• Cherries
• Taurine
• Vitamins (vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, etc.)
• Turmeric
• Dried chicory root

Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Entrée Cat Food

• Salmon
• Salmon meal
• Pea starch
• Sunflower oil
• Peas
• Pea protein
• Pea flour
• Flax seeds
• Sunflower meal
• Alfalfa meal
• Natural salmon flavor
• Yeast extract
• Calcium carbonate
• Dried brewers' yeast
• Dried tomato pomace
• Phosphoric acid
• Choline chloride
• Salt
• DL-Methionine
• Carrots
• Potassium chloride
• Minerals (iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt proteinate)
• Taurine
• Cranberries
• Apricots
• Cherries
• Lactic acid
• Turmeric
• Dried chicory root
• Vitamins (vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin, D-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement)
• Inositol

96% Grain-Free 96% Real Turkey Entree Canned Cat Food

• Turkey
• Turkey broth
• Turkey liver
• Natural flavor
• Calcium carbonate
• Potassium chloride
• Agar-agar
• Choline chloride
• Salt
• Taurine
• Yucca Schidigera plant extract
• Dried kelp
• Betaine
• Iron proteinate
• Zinc proteinate
• Niacin
• Vitamin E supplement
• Manganese proteinate
• Copper proteinate
• Sodium selenite
• Thiamine mononitrate
• Vitamin A supplement
• Biotin
• Calcium pantothenate
• Pyridoxine hydrochloride
• Riboflavin supplement
• Vitamin B-12 supplement
• Ethylenediamine dihydriodide
• Folic acid
• Menadione sodium bisulfite complex

PURA Fragrances Ingredients

If you are referring to PURA fragrances, the brand states that its products are "pet and kid-friendly, paraben/phthalate-free, and cruelty-free." PURA fragrances are "ethically sourced and thoughtfully designed to avoid ingredients known to cause potential harm to health or the environment."

While the brand does not list specific ingredients, it does state that its fragrances contain limonene and linalool, which can be found under the "View Allergens" section.

Natural vs. chemical ingredients

There is a growing consumer preference for eco-friendly and people-friendly cleaning products. This shift is driven by environmental concerns and the desire to avoid harsh reactions to certain chemicals, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Natural Ingredients

Natural cleaning products are made from plant-based ingredients and other naturally occurring substances. They contain no artificially derived ingredients and are often marketed as "eco-friendly" or "organic". While "natural" does not necessarily mean "chemical-free", these products use ingredients sourced from nature, such as polyvinyl alcohol, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, essential oil extracts, and lemon.

Chemical Ingredients

On the other hand, chemical cleaning products are derived from chemical agents designed for disinfection and hygiene. While they achieve the goal of making our living and working environments cleaner, some common chemical cleaners, disinfectants, and bleaching products are incredibly harmful to human health and the environment.

• 4-dioxane: a likely human carcinogen found as a byproduct in detergents, shampoos, and household cleaning products.
• Phosphates: common in detergents, they remain in wastewater, leading to harmful algal blooms.
• Optical brighteners: used in laundry products, they are non-biodegradable and pose a risk to aquatic life.
• Formaldehyde: a volatile organic compound (VOC) often found in soaps, shampoos, and cleaning products, which is harmful when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
• Chlorine bleach: while a powerful disinfectant, it releases dangerous VOCs and can produce toxic fumes when mixed with other chemical cleaners.
• Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs): found in detergents, stain removers, and disinfectants, they break down into hormone-disrupting substances, threatening the reproductive capacity of birds, fish, and mammals.
• Benzyl acetate: used in dryer sheets and fabric softeners, it irritates the upper respiratory tract.
• Ammonium sulphate: a common cleaning and bleaching agent that can irritate the nose, throat, skin, and eyes.
• Dichlorobenzene (DCB): found in air fresheners and toilet bowl deodorizers, it impairs lung function when inhaled over an extended period.

Benefits of Natural Cleaners

Natural cleaning products offer several advantages over chemical-based ones:

• Fresher indoor air: Natural products provide a clean scent without harsh lingering odours.
• No harmful residue: They do not leave behind potentially irritating or threatening residues on surfaces or in the air.
• Eco-friendliness: These products have no negative environmental impact during use or when disposing of packaging.

Pura and Natural Ingredients

Pura, a brand of smart fragrance diffusers, claims that its products are "pet and kid-friendly, paraben/phthalate-free, and cruelty-free." They also state that their fragrances are "ethically sourced and thoughtfully designed to avoid ingredients known to cause potential harm to health or the environment." However, some users have reported adverse effects on their pets, mainly cats, such as hair loss, itching, and excessive licking, which improved after discontinuing the use of Pura products.

Essential oils

Firstly, it is important to understand that not all essential oils are cat-friendly. Some essential oils, such as tea tree, citrus, and eucalyptus oils, are known to be toxic to cats and should be avoided. Always check the ingredients list of Pura fragrances to ensure these harmful oils are not included.

When selecting a Pura fragrance, opt for natural ingredients over chemicals. While natural ingredients are generally considered safer, it is still essential to identify which specific ingredients are safe for cats. For example, chamomile and blue tansy essential oils are considered safer options for cats and can be used sparingly and diluted.

Additionally, it is important to recognize and respond to any signs of toxicity in your cat. Adverse reactions to fragrances can vary from one cat to another, and some cats may be more sensitive. Signs of toxicity can include drooling, difficulty breathing, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, red or irritated skin, tremors, seizures, loss of appetite, and pawing at the mouth or face. If you observe any of these symptoms in your cat, consult a veterinarian immediately.

To minimize the risk of adverse effects, place the Pura device in an area inaccessible to your cat to prevent accidental ingestion or spillage. Ensure good ventilation in the room, limit the duration of use, and provide your cat with an alternative safe space to retreat to if they find the scent bothersome.

In conclusion, while Pura claims to be pet-friendly, it is crucial to carefully select and use fragrances that are known to be safe for cats. Always prioritize your cat's safety and well-being, and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Allergic reactions

Pura Scents can cause allergic reactions in cats. Cats have a highly developed sense of smell that is many times more sensitive than humans. The chemicals in Pura Scents can irritate cats' delicate nasal passages, leading to respiratory discomfort and even allergic reactions.

Some common symptoms of allergic reactions in cats include:

• Excessive scratching
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Respiratory distress

If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to remove the scents and consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause of the allergic reaction.

In addition to respiratory issues, Pura Scents can also cause skin and eye irritation in cats. Cats have thin, sensitive skin, making them more susceptible to irritation from scented products. If a cat comes into direct contact with Pura Scents, it can lead to skin rashes, redness, itching, and even open sores. If the fragrance comes into contact with their eyes, it can cause redness, swelling, and discomfort.

Ingestion of Pura Scents can also be dangerous for cats. While cats are not prone to ingesting air fresheners, they may come into contact with a surface sprayed with Pura Scents and ingest traces of the fragrance during grooming. Ingestion of certain fragrance ingredients can be toxic to cats, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, loss of appetite, and even organ damage.

It is important to note that even small amounts of specific essential oils can be highly toxic to cats when inhaled. Oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint should be avoided, as they are known to be harmful to cats.

To keep cats safe, it is recommended to use alternative, cat-friendly options for maintaining a fresh-smelling home. Some safe alternatives include unscented candles, cat-safe essential oils (such as lavender, chamomile, and frankincense), baking soda, cat grass, natural potpourri, and beeswax candles.

Customer reviews

Several customers have reported adverse reactions in their cats after using Pura fragrances. One cat owner noticed excessive hair loss and itching in their indoor cat, with no other apparent cause. After removing the Pura diffuser, they observed an improvement in their cat's condition. Another customer's cat developed a constant licking habit, leading to sores, which stopped after discontinuing Pura use. A third cat owner noticed an improvement in their cat's excessive licking and skin sores within a week of unplugging the Pura device. These testimonies indicate a potential link between Pura and skin irritation in cats.

In addition to skin issues, some cats have exhibited respiratory problems. One cat displayed unusual behaviour and severe distress, similar to a urinary tract infection. However, after removing the Pura device, their symptoms disappeared. Another cat experienced respiratory distress, with rapid breathing and wheezing, which raised concerns about the potential impact of Pura fragrances on feline respiratory health.

It's worth noting that some customers have shared positive experiences with Pura. One user with multiple cats and scent sensitivities found Pura to be safe and appreciated the ability to test scents in person before purchasing. They noted that subtle, natural scents like citrus, vanilla, and cinnamon worked well for them. This highlights the importance of individual sensitivity and the need to test fragrances in a controlled manner.

While Pura claims to be pet-friendly, customer reviews reveal a mixed bag of experiences. Some cats may be more sensitive to fragrances, and it's crucial to monitor their behaviour and health closely. It's always recommended to consult a veterinarian if you notice any adverse reactions in your cat after introducing new products.

Frequently asked questions