Essential oils and essential oil diffusers are very popular these days, and though they can be helpful for humans, some oils can be seriously dangerous for your animals. Before diffusing any essential oils in your home, always consult your veterinarian, no matter what online articles may say. The health and happiness of your feline housemates is important, so let’s take a look at some of the risks for using essential oils around your pets.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE TOXIC TO CATS
Though the following is by no means a complete list, it does include some of the most common toxic essential oils that should never be used on or around your feline friends:
- Basil
- Cinnamon Bark
- Clove
- Laurus Nobilis
- Melaleuca Quinquenervia
- Mountain Savory
- Oregano
- Tea Tree
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
Though these aromas may be great for you, they can be extremely harmful to your cat. After all their physiology is very different from ours and thus, medications and substances can affect them very differently.
For example, cats lack the P450 cytochrome metabolic pathway within their livers. Without this essential pathway, cats cannot metabolize the salicylates or phenols in the oils mentioned above. As mentioned above, consult a veterinarian if you’re not sure about the essential oils you want to diffuse.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR WHEN DIFFUSING ESSENTIAL OILS
Even though droplets are typically very small when coming out of a diffuser, they can still cause serious complications for your cat’s health. A few toxicity symptoms to keep an eye out for include, but are not limited to:
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Respiratory Distress (Coughing)
If, even after a veterinarian has given you the “OK”, you notice any strange behavior from your cat while using these products, stop using them immediately and seek professional assistance. It’s better safe than sorry when it comes to the health of your cat.
CATSONVILLE CAT CLINIC IS HERE TO HELP
Whether you have questions about essential oils or you’re looking for a new veterinarian for your cat, we’re here for you. Our kind and caring staff have the experience and dedication you and your feline companions need to lead happy and healthy lives for years to come.
Contact us for more information on our feline veterinary services today.