Cats are beautiful, intelligent, and delightful companions that we love dearly. They are also fragile animals, and you want to be sure that you’re using essential oils in a way that is safe for your cat. So in this article, we list some of the essential oils that are safe for cats.
Essential Oils that are Safe for Cats: The Basics
Essential oils are natural oils extracted from the bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots of plants. For thousands of years, they have been used as medicine, perfume, and food flavoring. The oils are extracted by either distillation or expression.
Treatments made with essential oils are becoming increasingly popular these days due to the growing body of research showing the health benefits they can offer. The sweet-smelling properties of certain oils have made them favorites among many aromatherapists who believe the right oil can help alleviate physical and mental ailments.
Are Essential Oils Toxic to Cats?
Yes and no. Yes, because many essential oils are not safe for cats. No, because there are a couple of essential oils that are safe for cats.
We all know that maintaining a healthy immune system is essential for our pet’s health and well-being. Essential oils have proven effective at supporting overall immunity and can, therefore, be made an essential part of any pet’s wellness routine.
See Also: Are Essential Oils Bad for Dogs
The big question is – which essential oils are safe for cats? And, can you safely use essential oils around cats and dogs?
Essential oils – when used safely – can help improve and maintain your cat’s health. Here are some of the essential oils safe for cats:
Essential Oils Safe for Cats
- Frankincense: Frankincense is an Ancient Egyptian oil that may offer a variety of health benefits for cats and even dogs. When applied topically to the skin, it may promote hair regrowth, reduce inflammation of minor wounds, and aid in blood circulation. Topical applications may also be used to calm cats suffering from anxiety.
- Myrrh: Myrrh essential oil is useful for treating pain and inflammation in your cat. It acts as a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent that can help treat infection; it also reduces swelling and calms the skin. Myrrh relieves joint pains (making them more flexible), increases alertness and eases mental and emotional distress in cats.
- Lavender: Is lavender essential oil safe for cats?
Yes. Lavender is a safe essential oil for cats, dogs, and humans alike. It has a calming effect and will help keep your pets calm while they sleep. Plus, lavender can be used to repel fleas and ticks. Add a few drops of diluted lavender to your cat’s bedding or their favorite scratching post for direct application, or place a drop on their toys for them to play with during stressful times. - Copaiba: Copaiba oil has been used to treat the symptoms of various conditions in cats, including arthritis, and may be beneficial in treating such feline diseases as bladder problems, lung congestion, and feline asthma. Please, check with your vet always.
- Jasmine: Jasmine oil can help calm down your cat’s emotions. It attracts your cat to come over and make itself easier to pet and get close to you. Jasmine oil is a good fit for cats that are affectionate and playful, but also nervous and fearful.
- Chamomile: Chamomile essential oil is safe for cats, dogs, and of course, humans. In cats and dogs, it helps relieve upset stomach, calm the mind and body, relieve distress, promote healthy skin, improve mood, and promote a restful sleep.
- Rose: If your feline friend seems moody and not quite their usual self lately, then rose essential oil may be able to help with the issue at hand!
Rose has been used historically as both perfume and natural medicine due in part because of its calming properties which can encourage feelings of peace and restful sleep (among others).
The sweet scent of the rose is sure to soothe your cat’s wildest dreams. The calming and relaxing scent hitting their nose will make them feel at ease. With its healing properties, Rose EO can help battle against chronic pain or mood swings in cats who suffer from these conditions.
8. Sweet Marjoram: The aroma of this plant is said to make cats happy, which may be why they might love the smell. It’s also helpful for calming an upset stomach; though it should never replace vet care in cases where your cat needs medical attention from a professional.
Marjoram helps to ease stress in cats and reduces inflammation. In addition, this awesome essential oil for cats promotes relaxation, thereby calming the body and mind. Plus, it possesses anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Essential Oils NOT Safe for Cats
Here are some of the essential oils unsafe for cats:
Anise, Basil, Bitter almond, Calendula, Cassia, Citrus oils (oils that contain d-limonene, including citronella, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), Dill, Fennel, Geranium, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Garlic, Oregano, Juniper, Lemongrass, Mint oils (including eucalyptus, peppermint, spearmint, sweet birch, and wintergreen), Myrtle, Nutmeg, Pennyroyal, Pine oils, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Spruce, Tansy, Tea tree, Thuja, Thyme, Wormwood, Ylang-ylang.
Using Essential Oils with Cats: Caution!
Some aromatherapists recommend that people with pets use caution when using essential oils in their homes or around pets. Before using any essential oil on your pet, you should consult a veterinarian who has experience using essential oils in animals.
Essential oils can be poisonous to cats and dogs if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. Oils applied to a pet’s skin could irritate if the pet licks or grooms himself. When using essential oils on your pet, you should avoid his face, ears, genitals, and eyes to prevent irritation or injury.
How to Use Essential Oils on Pets
There are several ways to use essential oils with cats. The most obvious way is to place a drop of properly diluted oil on the cat’s paws. You can also apply a diluted drop of oil onto their skin. If you are using a blend of oils, try a combination that will help calm your cats, like lavender and chamomile.
It is crucial to test for allergies before applying essential oils directly to your cat’s fur or skin. Start by diffusing your chosen oils in a large space where your pet is and watch their reaction. If you notice itching, hives, vomiting, or diarrhea in your cat after using an essential oil, discontinue using it immediately and consult with your holistic veterinarian on other options.
For topical application, dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your kitty. Choose an organic vegetable or nut-based oil, such as coconut, olive or almond oil. It would help if you always kept the dosage low and never apply concentrated forms of essential oils directly onto your cat’s skin.
Conclusion
The good news is that there are some essential oils that are safe for cats on the market. The other news is that there are many oils that are not safe for your cat. Always consult with a professional before using certain essential oils around your pets.
PS:
- To learn more about essential oil dilution for pets, check out this article by newdirectionsaromatics.com
- Also to know the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in pets, check this article by 24petwatch.com
References
https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/petfriendly-essential-oils.html
https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/routine-care/essential-oils-for-cats