Are there special precautions you should take before filing your reservoir? Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. Looking for more health and wellness information you can trust? Also, your dog or cat might lick the oil … Over time, while humans have enjoyed the beneficial results of oils in improving overall health, people also started using them on animals to see if they also create wonderful impacts on animals. Now that we've covered what not to do when using your essential oils around your cat, let's talk about ones that are perfectly safe! If ingested in high amounts, these oils could trigger a range of health conditions in your cat. Advice. 2 2. This way, you can reap all of the oil diffusion benefits without any of the worry. Cats aren't the only animals that can't tolerate certain kinds of essential oils. With this model, you never have to worry if you left the house and forgot to unplug your diffuser. To maintain their distinct scent, these oils contain much higher concentrations of certain compounds, including phenols. Start by adding 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil into the diffuser and observe the cat. While many holistic pet treatments can be beneficial, this is one area that's best left to the experts. While any animal can potentially have an … Let's take a look at a few features that make it exceptionally cat-friendly. It is one of the safer methods to administer essential oils on your cat, though essential oil diffusers can still pose threats to a cat either directly or indirectly. How can certain essential oils, which are so soothing and beneficial to humans, negatively affect your cat's health? Like oil and water, essential oils and cats really do not mix. Make sure any space where you’ve had essential oils diffusing into the air is well ventilated before letting your cat back in. When essential oils are used in fragrance diffusers, the oils are widely distributed within a room. If you diffuse oils in your home, it should not cause a problem for your cat, as oil used in a diffuser is highly diluted (versus direct topical application or dietary supplementation). A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. If you love these oils, take heart. Comments must be approved before appearing. Is it OK to diffuse your bedtime lavender when Kitty is in the room? If you've recently started using essential oils, you might be wondering about the relationship between oil diffusers and cats. You can review affects and dangers of specific essential oils … With this size of reservoir, it can run for more than 13 hours before needing a refill! Today, we're diving into ways to use your diffuser safely, so you and your beloved cat can both enjoy the therapeutic benefits of this household hobby! But, she's likely absorbing more of the oil than you think. Or, they could take a while to manifest. Are essential oil diffusers safe for cats? Conclusion. But there is a vast difference between a cat eating a large amount of a toxic plant, such as lemongrass, and being exposed to lemongrass essential oil that is being diffused in a room of the home. Essential oils can be great natural alternatives for treating a wide array of health concerns without having to resort to expensive and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals. Traveling for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. Avoid direct contact with the cat's skin. Cats also have difficulty metabolizing d-limonene, a terpene found in many citrus essential oils. The same applies if you pet your cat right after using your diffuser when your hands might be coated with a little oil. Just make sure to close the door behind you and put all of the equipment away when it's not in use. In addition, this diffuser also boasts a sizable 400mL tank. A few of these include helping with wounds, ticks, fleas, dog anxiety, mosquitos, ear mites, and much more. Before you make any purchase, take the time to read the label on the bottle. The key is understanding how your pet's sensitive nose reacts to different oils. It can cause an adverse reaction. The same holds true for candles, room sprays, plug-in air fresheners, and liquid potpourri products. Next, let's take a look at the oils to avoid using around your cat. If your cat has a health condition that you want guidance about, always talk to your veterinarian about recommended options. Kittens, elderly cats, or cats who have liver or respiratory problems should be kept out of any room where essential oil diffusers are used. That way, if your kitty does wander into off-limits territory, the threat is still eliminated. Nearly 30% of Americans own a cat. Furbabies are like family, and you naturally want the very best for yours. Due to the concentrated nature of essential oils, toxic buildup of these components occurs and can ultimately be fatal. We don’t recommend using an essential oil diffuser with cats, rabbits, birds, fish and other small animals close by. Applying essential oil on the pet’s fur or skin is not advised. Even if you think your oil diffuser is safe on a high shelf, it might be no match for her pouncing prowess. You do not have to discard your oil diffuser just because you bring a kitten home or you want to add a cat to the family! They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. It has a calming effect, so it’s great for car rides, vet visits or other commonly stressful situations. The most common symptoms for cats exposed to essential oils, she said, were drooling, vomiting, coughing, and sneezing. When essential oils are actively diffused, tiny little oil droplets are inhaled and enter the lungs. The key is understanding how your pet's sensitive nose reacts to different oils. This diffuser is designed to be as sleek as possible, making it a welcome and discreet addition to any room in your house. Otherwise, you run the risk of your cat finding the perfect perch, taking a perfect swing, and catapulting everything to the floor. Instead, essential oils can build up in the cat’s system and lead to poisoning. Occasionally cats will die from exposure to tea tree oil thanks to organ failure. Much of the fear that has come out against essential oil usage around cats comes from the plants that are deemed as toxic if your cat were to eat it. Essential oils can be harmful for dogs too. However, in delicate health or with respiratory conditions such as airborne allergies , asthma, and even those exposed to long-term second-hand smoke, cats with … Warning! Close. Rather than packing up your diffuser forever, just keep these important safety tips in mind. If you plan to run your diffuser all day, you can choose a low mist output of 30mL per hour. Take passive reed diffusers and potpourri pots, for instance. Thankfully, you don't have to second-guess your next purchase or wonder if you've chosen the wrong bottle. Not all cats will not have the same reaction to essential oil or any other scented substance. To stay safe, you can also restrict your oil activities to rooms where your cat is not allowed to roam, such as your master bathroom. This way, you can help make sure your cat isn't ingesting too much without your knowledge. Owners should be cautious using essential oils and diffusers in their homes in order to protect their cat(s) from a toxic risk. First, let's deliver the good news. Contact with certain essential oils should be avoided and used with caution in diffusers due to their chemical properties. Rather, you can strategically set this diffuser to run on a timer that meets your needs and accommodates your (and your cat's) schedule. However, if your cat happens to be strutting by at the right time, she could rub her fur up against that droplet, or even against the diffuser. You also don't have to wonder if your cat is ingesting too much oil because you went to work and left it running. Also, start this process with one essential oil, you can blend later when the cat feels at home with it. The timing options include: When your diffuser is running, you can also control the level of mist it's delivering. When we speak about cats ingesting essential oils, it's important to understand what we mean. Because many of the oils commonly purchased in stores can be toxic to cats, if a cat breathes in a harmful oil, it may cause respiratory irritation. In general, there are certain kinds of diffusers that are more pet-friendly than others. Contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested an essential oil and discontinue the use of any essential oil that causes irritation or discomfort for your kitty. Not only is this high-output diffuser offered at an economical price point, but it's full of innovative features that make it remarkably feline-friendly. If so, you know the joy that your favorite feline brings into your life! Veterinarians don’t recommend it either. Nor do you have to send your cat outside when you're ready to freshen your home with a new scent. If you decide to diffuse essential oils in your home, it's wise to choose a diffuser that can help keep your kitty as safe as possible. Other oils are safe because the plants they're derived from are safe and considered non-toxic to pets. Advice. As always, when it comes to your beloved pets, err on the side of caution, and thoroughly research different essential oils and their use in diffusers; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Cats can’t metabolize appropriately since they don’t have liver enzymes and ingesting essential oils can increase the risk of toxicity. Use a prescription flea product. Want to outfit your home with cushy, plush accessories? Before using essential oil products and diffusers in your home, speak with your vet to ensure the health and safety of your furry friend. 10) Avoid low quality, adulterated or synthetic oils to be sure your cat doesn’t develop liver toxicity. Keeping all of this in mind, you need to understand the key warning signs of phenol toxicity. Diffusing essential oils around pets may cause or worsen respiratory or liver problems in certain cats and other pets, so use them with caution. Keep cats out of rooms with a high concentration of essential oils (when paint thinner is used, floors are washed, or diffusers are used without open windows, for example). What to do about exposure? Texas CREWS (PDF), Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (VIBS), Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology (VTPP), VERO (CVMBS + West Texas A&M Partnership), Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), Mint (Including wintergreen, spearmint, and peppermint). If you’re new to essential oil diffusers or you’re thinking about getting one, you’re going to be incredibly happy. If any of these symptoms appear, it suggests that your cat has ingested too much of the dangerous phenol chemicals and needs immediate medical attention. Cats are excellent climbers. A cat coming into contact with oil-soaked reeds suffered awful chemical burns. 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