Are essential oils bad for cats? Yes! The more concentrated, the more it can be poisonous for cats.
As essential oils are getting more popular, I researched the whole day to see if it was safe for our cats too!
Essential oils, aromatherapy, and liquid potpourri (fragrance oils) are unsafe to use around cats. These oils can affect your cat differently based on your cat’s breed, age, size, and specific health conditions. You should never use essential oils around cats with liver or respiratory problems, senior cats, or kittens.
Keep reading to learn:
What are essential oils & How are they used?
Why are essential oils toxic?
How cats come in contact with essential oils
Are essential oil diffusers safe for cats?
Common Essential Oils toxic to Cats
Essential Oil Poisoning Symptoms in Cats
Are there safe Essential oils for cats?
Preventing Essential Oil Poisoning in Cats
What are essential oils & How are they used?
Essential oils are oils extracted from plants. It is then concentrated and purified for use.
You can get the oil in pure form or buy products infused with them. They can be included in beauty, cosmetic, or cleaning products. They can also be diluted with carrier oil, which can also be dangerous for your cat.
How cats come in contact with essential oils
- Direct skin contact: This includes their toe beans! Avoid leaving any traces of essential oils. They might step on it or roll on top of it. Essential oils can easily seep through your cat’s skin and fur.
- Swallowing and ingesting: After rolling in droplets of essential oils, your cat might groom themselves and ingest the oil. Your cat may lick up some leftover traces of it on your vanity too.
- Inhaling: Your cat can breathe in the essential oils from diffusers or aerosol sprays. Although it is diluted, if they breathe in a high amount, it can be dangerous. Asthmatic cats are especially sensitive to this.
Are essential oil diffusers safe for cats?
If you want to use an essential oil diffuser, use the slowest diffusing method. Reed diffusers are the safest in certain ways. The essential oil travels up the reed and releases the oil very slowly. It doesn’t leave oils on surfaces either unlike other mist diffusers. But, it has the risk of a curious cat tipping it over.
Any diffuser can be a victim to a playful cat that is curious. Cats can tip the diffuser over or play with the cords. Make sure the diffuser is safely secured and at a place that is not accessible to your cat.
Never use essential oils around cats with liver or respiratory problems, senior cats, or kittens.
Common Essential Oils toxic to Cats
- Bergamot
- Cinnamon
- Citrus (Lemon, lime, and orange)
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- European pennyroyal
- Geranium
- Juniper
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Pine
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Sandalwood
- Sweet birch oil
- Tarragon
- Tea tree
- Thyme
- Wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint, and mint
- Ylang-ylang
Special spotlight: Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is especially toxic to cats when ingested.
Essential Oil Poisoning Symptoms in Cats
- Vomiting (sometimes you can smell the essential oil)
- Excessive drooling
- Shaking and muscle tremors
- Licking lips more than normal
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Difficulty walking or stumbling
- Redness or burns on their lips, tongue, skin, or gums
- Lethargy, depression, or dullness
- Difficulty breathing or breathing with an open mouth
- Seizures
Preventing Essential Oil Poisoning in Cats
- Store essential oils in places your cat can’t get to. Lock them up! You can never be too careful. Your cat is better at parkour than you think.
- Wash your hands after handling essential oils even if you are not touching your cat after. You may leave traces of essential oil on counters that can come in contact with your cat.
- Avoid using products with essential oil. Abstinence is the best prevention!
- Always dilute essential oils before using them (if you must use them).
- Keep diffusers in different rooms than your cat.
In the event that your cat has ingested essential oils (or is in doubt), contact your veterinarian, ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435), or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Take a picture of the essential oil your cat ate or bring it to your vet.
What to do next
If you were thinking to purify the air with essential oils, there are safer options with plants. Check out these non-toxic indoor plants that are safe for your cat!
FAQ
Are there safe Essential oils for cats?
The simple answer is no, there isn’t a “safe” essential oil. All essential oils have the potential to be dangerous to your cat. Always talk to a vet first before administering essential oils to your cat’s life. Even if it is deemed “safe” by general consensus, it may not be the case for your cat.
If you want to use essential oils, the best way is to make sure it is diluted and used in open spaces.
Why Are Essential Oils Toxic?
Essential oils contain chemicals such as terpenes, ketones, and phenols. Your cat’s liver is unable to break down and metabolize these compounds. When your cat absorbs or eats it, these compounds can accumulate in your cat’s liver to a level that is toxic.
