If you have any of these products in your home, you might want to consider the adverse effects they can have on your cat: essential oils, potpourri and aromatherapy. Sure, you enjoy using them, but the natural compounds within these products can be highly toxic to cats. If you do use them, be extra vigilant around your cat. Further, if your cat suffers from liver impairment, you should consider keeping these elements completely out of your cat’s environment. Why take chances?
Essential oils at one time were hailed as beneficial to cats. They were at one time recommended for ear mite infestations, upper respiratory conditions and even stress. New evidence suggests essential oils can be toxic to cats. Whether taken orally, topically or even inhaled, they represent a serious health matter for your cat.
Essential oils known to be toxic to cats (thanks to thesprucepets.com for this list)
Wintergreen oil
Peppermint oil
Citrus oil (including lemon oil)
Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)
Pine oil
Eucalyptus oil
Cinnamon oil
Pennyroyal oil
Sweet birch oil
Clove oil
Ylang ylang oil
Indications your cat may have been exposed to essential oils
The toxicity from these oils can occur immediately or over time. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your cat, see your veterinarian immediately:
Vomiting
Tremors
Drooling
Difficulty walking
Respiratory distress
But I only use essential oils for myself. How can this harm my cat?
If you have a cat, you know how curious he can be. Keep your essential oils in a cat-proof cabinet to ward off any potential access from your cat. And those potpourri pots can be knocked over, thereby exposing your cat to the liquid within that contains the oil. Further, if you have applied any essential oils to your skin, do not allow your pet to lick your skin.
Any essential oil and aromatherapy candles, diffusers or room sprays can become airborne sources of toxicity that a cat will either inhale or lick from his fur. If you can smell the fragrance of the oil, then it is in the air and can adversely affect your cat.
And don’t even consider wearing aromatherapy jewelry when you are around your cat. It’s just not a chance worth taking.
Final thoughts
Any exposure to these oils can lead to liver damage or liver failure; seizures; or in some cases, death. Remain vigilant and contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms in your cat.
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
