Heidi Norton
Cats have a fantastic sense of smell, with around 200 million odour receptors compared to a human's 5 million. This means that cats are much more sensitive to odours than we are, and the smell of incense can be overpowering. Cats are also very sensitive to smoke, and when they inhale it, they can experience respiratory issues such as watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and congestion. Burning incense has even been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a source of indoor air pollution. However, incense can be effective in eliminating or masking odours. If you want to use incense to get rid of cat odours, it is important to take precautions to ensure your cat's safety, such as ventilating the room and keeping your cat out of the room until the smoke is gone.
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What You'll Learn
Incense can cause respiratory issues in cats
While incense can be used to eliminate or mask cat odours, it can be dangerous to cats and should be avoided. Cats are very sensitive to smoke and fragrances, and their respiratory systems can be severely damaged by long-term exposure. Smoke from incense can invade the room and the rest of the house, making it difficult for cats to escape.
Cats exposed to incense smoke may exhibit upper respiratory issues such as watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and congestion. It can also make cats feel lethargic and generally unwell. In some 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.
Frequent or prolonged exposure to incense smoke can cause more severe medical problems, including respiratory inflammation, sinus infections, and even lung cancer in cats. Cats with pre-existing respiratory problems, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, are particularly vulnerable.
To minimise the risk of respiratory issues in cats, it is recommended to use safer alternatives to incense, such as pet-friendly candles, air purifiers, and odour neutralisers like baking soda or lemons. If using incense, ensure the area is well-ventilated and off-limits to cats.
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Cats are sensitive to smoke and strong scents
Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, with up to 200 million olfactory receptors in their noses—14 times stronger than humans. Their sense of smell is crucial for their survival, as they use it to navigate their environment, find food, and detect predators.
Because of their sensitive olfactory senses, cats can find certain scents overwhelming. Scents that are pleasant to humans, such as citrus fruits, can be unbearable for cats due to their strong acidic smell. Citrus oils can cause irritation and, in some cases, can be poisonous if ingested. Other scents that cats typically dislike include vinegar, essential oils, household cleaning products, perfumes, colognes, and spices such as cinnamon.
In addition to strong scents, cats are also sensitive to smoke. Burning incense, for example, can be dangerous to cats and should be avoided if possible. The smoke from incense can cause upper respiratory issues, including watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and congestion. If you must burn incense, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and remove your cat from the room.
To eliminate cat odours, it is recommended to use safer alternatives such as pet-friendly candles, air purifiers, or odour-neutralizing products like baking soda or lemons. These options can help eliminate odours without irritating your cat's sensitive senses.
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Cats can sustain burns from incense
Incense is a plant material that gives off certain scents when burned. It has been used for centuries for various purposes, such as meditation, aromatherapy, and getting rid of negative energy. While incense can be a quick and easy way to eliminate or mask unpleasant cat odours, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks to cats.
To minimise the risk of burns and respiratory issues, it is recommended to keep cats away from burning incense. Ensure the incense is placed out of their reach and in a well-ventilated area, preferably near an open window. If possible, remove cats from the home before lighting incense and allow them back in once the air has cleared. For indoor cats, consider asking a friend or family member to watch them during incense burning and ensure they have access to another room or an open cat flap to escape the smoke.
While incense may be tempting for quick odour control, there are safer alternatives available. Pet-friendly candles made from soy, coconut, beeswax, or vegetable wax are recommended, although these should still be kept out of your cat's reach and avoided if your cat has asthma or other respiratory issues. Air purifiers, HEPA filters, and odour neutralisers like baking soda or lemons can also effectively eliminate cat odours without the risk of burns or respiratory irritation.
Overall, while incense can be effective for masking cat odours, it poses potential health risks to cats, including burns and respiratory issues. It is essential to prioritise your cat's safety and opt for alternative odour-control methods whenever possible.
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Natural alternatives include lemons and baking soda
While incense is a quick and effective way to mask or eliminate cat odours, it may not be the best option for your feline friend. Cats have a much better sense of smell than humans, with around 200 million odour receptors, and strong scents like incense can overwhelm their sensitive noses. This can mask important scent communications, causing stress and anxiety in your cat. Additionally, burning incense can pose a safety hazard if your cat knocks it over or sustains burns from the hot ash.
By using natural alternatives like lemons and baking soda, you can effectively eliminate cat odours while ensuring the safety and well-being of your cat. These methods provide a gentle and non-toxic approach to odour removal, avoiding the potential risks associated with stronger scents like incense. Remember, cats have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, so opting for natural alternatives can create a more pleasant and stress-free environment for your furry companion.
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Air purifiers can help with cat odours
While incense can help eliminate or mask cat odours, it is not safe for cats. Cats have a much better sense of smell than humans, and incense can be very strong for them. Cats rely on their sense of smell in their everyday life, and strong incense odours can mask important scent communications, causing stress and anxiety. Cats can also sustain burns if they come into contact with hot incense sticks or ash.
Instead of incense, air purifiers can be a safe and effective tool to get rid of cat odours and improve indoor air quality. They can be particularly useful in managing the challenges posed by cat litter. Cat litter boxes can become a source of unpleasant smells that permeate your living space if not managed effectively. Cat urine contains urea, which breaks down into ammonia—a pungent gas that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. High concentrations of ammonia aren't just smelly; they can also be harmful to both you and your pet.
Air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters can help remove even the smelliest particles from the air, including cat urine smells. These filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, dander, and tiny litter particles that cats might kick up. Activated carbon has a porous structure that absorbs and neutralizes odours from ammonia and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emanating from the litter box.
When choosing an air purifier, look for one with an activated carbon filter. Some purifiers, like the Alen BreatheSmart air purifier, can be customized with different finishes and filters that target specific issues like pet dander and odour. It's also important to pay attention to filter maintenance and replace the filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain the purifier's effectiveness.
In addition to air purifiers, there are other things you can do to manage cat odours. For example, using a clay-based litter can help with absorbency, and sprinkling baking soda on the litter can add an extra boost of deodorization. Placing the litter box in an open area can also help improve accessibility for your cat.
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Frequently asked questions
No, incense is not safe for cats. The smoke can be dangerous to their health and cause upper respiratory issues like watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and congestion. In addition, cats are very sensitive to essential oils, which can build up in their system very quickly and be deadly.
Some alternatives to incense include pet-friendly candles, air purifiers, and Febreze. It is important to never spray Febreze directly on your cat.
To get rid of cat odours, you can use lemons, baking soda, or an enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle. Air purifiers can also help eliminate pet odours.
Burning incense around cats can potentially lead to serious health issues such as damage to their respiratory system, burns, and exposure to toxins. The scent can also be overpowering for a cat's heightened sense of smell.
