Essential oils are trending these days. It is widely used for many different purposes, like skincare, health care, and cosmetics. Essential oils are plant extracts that possess medicinal properties. It has a fragrance that humans love. But
What about cats or any other pets?
Do they like essential oils?
Are essential oils safe for cats?
These questions always haunt cat owners.
Humans' use of essential oils helps them release stress, anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, acne, and other skin issues. Certain essential oils are safe to use for cats. But there are many essential oils that are not safe for cats. Essential oils that can do wonders for humans might not have the same benefits for cats.
The article below has discussed in detail the best essential oils that are safe for cats and can be used for other pets. And it also identifies the list of essential oils that should be avoided for cats.
Best Essential Oils That Are Safe For Cats
Essential oils with high plant-based compounds might not be good for cats. Also, cats detoxify themselves differently from other pets. Therefore, selecting the right essential oil is very important when it comes to using it for cats. Essential oils have therapeutic and medicinal benefits that can help cats to a great extent. Essential oils are safe when used appropriately after diluting with carrier oils.
Following is the list of best essential oils safe for cats:
1. Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil has calming properties and a decent scent that won't disturb your cat. It has antibacterial properties and can be used as an insect repellant. It can also be used to treat fleas and ticks on cats. Always ensure to purchase pure essential oil from the right source, especially when using it for your pets.
2. Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense oil is safe to use for cats. It has properties that help with the emotional health of cats. It is also useful for cats suffering from cancer. If diffused, it can also help boost the immune system of cats. Frankincense essential oil helps calm the cats. Frankincense essential oil can be used for topical application after diluting it with carrier oil or water.
3. Roman Chamomile essential oil
Roman chamomile oil is one of the best oils for cats that are prone to anxiety and stress. This oil is good for cats that are very reactive or jumpy in nature. This oil helps deal with the urinary issues cats face, like cystitis. Roman chamomile can be diffused to treat upset stomachs and soothe them.
4. Cedarwood essential oil
Cedarwood essential oil is best for fearful cats. It is a very grounding essential oil that can help cats feel at home. Cedarwood oil helps in repelling fleas that bother cats. This is also a calming essential oil.
5. Copaiba essential oil
Copaiba essential oil is safe for cats. Copaiba oil is very effective without having any strong scent, thus making it an appropriate choice for cats. As it does not have a strong scent, it does not irritate cats. Copaiba oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation. It offers relief from joint pains and osteoarthritis suffered by cats. This essential oil is considered the best essential oil for senior cats.
6. Helichrysum essential oil
Helichrysum essential oil has antimicrobial properties that help fight gram-positive and negative bacteria [1]. It has antifungal properties that help in killing fungi bothering cats.
Avoid These Essential Oils For Cats | List Of Essential Oils Bad For Cats
Essential oils are toxic to cats. Experts state that essential oils with high phenols might irritate the cats and are not considered safe for cats. Phenols in essential oils tend to build up in cats, and this can make them sick. Following are some of the essential oils that have high phenols and are considered not safe for cats:
- Basil
- Tea tree oil
- Marjoram
- peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Clove
- Citronella oil
- Cinnamon
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
- Ylang Ylang
- Juniper
- Pine
- Nutmeg
- Myrtle
- Cypress
- bergamot
- Black Pepper
- Spearmint
- Mandarin
- Lemon
- Sweet orange
- Lime
- Fennel
- Hyssop
- Jasmine
- Myrrh
- Sage
- Vetiver
- Yarrow
What Are The Benefits Of Essential Oils For Cats?
Essential oils, if used properly, can help cats to a great extent. Essential oils are high in concentration and have a strong aroma, due to which it is not commonly used for cats. But it has medicinal and therapeutic properties, due to which it is being used for cats after diluting the essential oils. Following are some of the benefits of essential oils for cats:
1. Reduced Inflammation
Essential oils are rich in anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in cats. So, cats that suffer from arthritis or joint pains can gain relief from essential oils. Also, there are certain injuries that cause inflammation [2].
Using essential oils can help reduce inflammation from injuries and bruises. Frankincense essential oil is the best oil for reducing inflammation as it has high anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Repelling Ticks And Fleas
Ticks and fleas bother cats a lot. There are certain essential oils that act as tick and flea repellents. However, it is necessary to identify essential oils that have a less negative impact on cats and can help them get rid of ticks and fleas. There are certain essential oils for flea repellents, like cedarwood essential oil is one of the best gentle oils that can be used to get rid of ticks and fleas [3].
3. Treating Infections
Essential oils are rich in antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties that help in treating infections effectively [4]. Helichrysum essential oil can be used to treat infections in cats.
How To Use Essential Oils For Cats?
Diffusing
This is one of the best ways to use essential oils for cats. Diffusing cat-safe essential oils releases minute particles of essential oils in the air, which can be inhaled by cats. The medicinal and therapeutic properties of essential oils help cats in varied manners.
Avoid using excess essential oils in diffusers, as it might irritate your cats. Using excess essential oil can cause liver damage in cats. Also, whenever using essential oils, look for behavioral changes in the cats. Diffuse essential oils that calm your cat. Diffusing is the safest way of using essential oils for cats. Make sure that your cats are not very close to diffusers. You can use essential oil diffusers for this purpose.
Topical Application
Whether one can apply essential oils directly or not on cats is a major question. Essential oils can be topically applied after diluting them with carrier oil. It is to be noted that the dilution rate should be very high.
You can dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil like almond oil, coconut oil, etc. However, it is recommended that essential oils should be diluted with water to make them safe for cats. This means that you can also add essential oil in the bath or in a spray bottle.
Avoid using toxic essential oils completely around your cats and dogs. Citrus oils should be completely avoided around cats. Cats may respond differently to different cats. You need to see which essential oil best suits your cat and which oil is not tolerated by your cat.
What Are Some Of The Possible Side Effects Of Using Essential Oils On Cats?
To use essential oils safely, it is important to find the potential side effects and then take precautionary measures to avoid these risks. It is recommended not to use essential oils around your pets unless it is very necessary to do so. And if you are doing so, it is important to use the right oils, as cats are highly sensitive to essential oils [5].
You should ensure that the concentration of safe essential oils is appropriate for use on cats. Even if the essential oils are safe for cats, there are certain potential side effects that cats can experience. Like dizziness, muscle stiffness, drooling, drowsiness, fatigue and weakness, red gums, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. To avoid the risks of essential oils, follow certain precautionary measures.
Precautions
If you witness any of the above symptoms of essential oil poisoning in your cats, immediately discontinue the use of essential oils, bathe your cat and consult a vet.
Seek expert advice before using essential oils for senior cats. It is recommended that if your cat is breastfeeding or pregnant, then essential oils should not be used around your cat. Also, cats suffering from chronic diseases might not be in a position to metabolize essential oils.
It is believed that essential oils are bad for cats. So, it is advised to use therapeutic grade essential oils that are considered safe for cats.
Avoid using essential oils for cats with pre-existing respiratory issues or cats with health problems, as it might further worsen the situation.
Identify the essential oils toxic to cats. Try to use essential oils at home that are safe for cats and dogs or any other pets that you have.
Never leave essential oils out in the open.
Conclusion
Essential oils are becoming very famous mainly because of their therapeutic properties. It is an excellent option to keep essential oils in your home as they can come in very handy for different skin and health conditions. However, you need to identify the right essential oils for your cat and try to use them if you have cats. There are certain essential oils bad for cats and should be avoided. Avoid using essential oils directly on your cat's fur, as it is not safe for your cat. Being directly exposed to essential oils is not considered safe for pets.
