While essential oils are gaining traction and popularity, their use also increases, even expanding into several other sectors such as pet grooming. Interestingly, the market for pet aromatherapy is currently blooming and is expected to reach a wooping $639.4 million by 2035.
However, while it is expanding unprecedentedly, some are still unsure about their use. You might know the benefits of these oils for humans, but are you sure they are equally safe for your feline friends?
In this article, we take a deeper look on what essential oils are safe for cats and explore the best essential oils for our feline furries, which ones to avoid, and several safety guidelines for cat owners.
Read more:
- Benefits of Hiring Professional Pet Care Services for Your Fur Baby
- How Expert Help Can Transform Your Furry Friend’s Habits and Behaviors
- How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy During a Long-Term Travel Journey
- How to Prepare for Your First Pet: A Beginner’s Guide
- 5 Things To Consider Before Getting Your First Dog
Why Cats React Differently to Some Essential Oils?
Essential oils that are passed as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) for human consumption are often not suitable for cats, or other pets. This is due to several biological differences between the two, one of them being the absence of a key liver enzyme. This enzyme breaks essential oils into a less toxic form and allows the body to make use of its many elements. However, since cats lack this enzyme they are more likely to experience toxic effects. Therefore, it is vital for pet owners to be on the look out and ensure that the essential oil they are using is perfectly safe for their furry friends.
Essential Oils That Are Safe For Cats
Here’s a list of essential oils that are cat-safe, along with their benefits:
- Lavender Essential Oil: It is known to calm furry pets as well as give them a pleasant scent.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil: It is a natural insect repellent and protects cats against fleas.
- Chamomile Essential Oil: This essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and is great for any skin irritations.
- Helichrysum Essential Oil: It reduces their anxiety and can be especially handy after a bath.
- Rosemary Essential Oil: This essential oil is an all in one, it not only calms them but also has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
However, it is important to use these essential oils after proper dilution and in moderation. Prefer buying from vendors who ensure purity and quality, to prevent any unwanted reactions.
Essential Oils That Are Unsafe For Cats
The following oils are extremely toxic for these feline creatures and must be avoided at all costs:
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Lime Essential Oil
- Orange Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus
As discussed earlier, the cats do not possess key enzymes that are involved in the breakdown of these essential oils, eventually leading to toxicity. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy, tremors and eventually, even death. The cats may come in contact with these toxic oils through ingestion or even in the form of vapors.
Safety Guidelines For Cat Owners
To protect your furry friends, ensure that you are well versed regarding which oils are toxic and which are safe. Furthermore, you can keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Use proper dilution and minimal quantity.
- Store the essential oils in a cold, dark and dry place to prevent them from getting bad.
- Consult a vet before introducing essential oils to your cat’s routine.
- Only get the best essential oils for your cats through reliable retailers who provide certificates such as GC/MS testing.
In Conclusion
While essential oils are known to do wonders for your skincare, personal care or culinary adventures, prioritizing your cat’s health is important. Because their bodies process substances quite differently from ours, many common oils—especially citrus, tea tree, peppermint, and those high in phenols and strong terpenes—can upset a cat’s system. That said, if you stay well-informed and use a moderate quantity of oils like lavender, cedarwood, and chamomile, it may be safe and beneficial for them.
