Essential oils have recently become widely known and almost everybody is using them in one way or another. There are several options available, and each has its own physical and chemical properties. As famous as these oils are, there is growing evidence that it can be dangerous to pets, particularly cats. Cat owners have little understanding of these oils, together with what they are and ways they can protect their feline pals from its damaging effects.
What are essential oils?
These are plants extract oils, especially plants that contain a good quantity of oil. These oils can be extracted by distillation or cold-pressed process. After extraction, you can purchase them separately, mix them or add them to other products. They are usually added to diffusers, cosmetics, insecticides and, and other products.
Cats are sensitive to many substances
Naturally, cats are deficient in an enzyme known as glucuronyl transferase. This is important because this enzyme helps most animals break down phenol, a compound found in several essential oils. Phenol also called carbolic acid is processed in the liver. Cat’s failure to process phenol can cause severe liver damage and can even result in death.
In addition, they are very sensitive to some products that are safe to use on other pets like dogs, like permethrin used in a lot of dog fleas products. It is this sensitivity, together with the concentrated nature of essential oils that makes the use of essential oils on or around cats dangerous. Not only the oil, but care should also be taken when using any products that contain essential oils or fragrances around cats. Such products are liquid potpourri, scented candles, spray freshening products, and diffused air fresheners.
Cats are vulnerable to the damaging effects of most essential oils. But, because of their size and inability to correctly metabolize some chemicals, they are at greater risk than dogs. The major issue with felines is that their liver cannot perform glucuronidation, which is necessary to metabolize a wide range of chemicals, and those commonly found in essential oils, like phenols.
Their liver cannot metabolize phenols, which let them accumulate in their bodies to a threshold that results in poisoning. Just a little quantity is enough to cause damage, which can be deadly in higher doses. The most severe effects include seizures, liver, kidney, and heart failure. Moderate effects include asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and a general worsening of chronic diseases through contact with poisonous substances in essential oils.
Most cats can develop irritated eyes and noses if they breathe toxic substances, they can develop dermatitis if the poisonous substances are in contact with the cat skin. Because they like to groom themselves frequently, they are probably going to ingest any substance that touches their skin. In addition, they are extremely sensitive to inhaled irritants, since they have a delicate respiratory system.
Are all essential oils poisonous for cats?
Not all essential oils are poisonous for cats. It is important to understand that each cat is individual and can be allergic to some herbs and plants just as everyone can have different reactions. Also, a particular cat may have a reaction to plants at one time that they cannot have at another time. It is always good to discuss with your vet and animal aromatherapist before using essential oils around cats. The following are the best essential oils for your Cats.
- Cedar Wood:
Cat owners around the web commend Cedarwood essential oil. The oil is generally
safe when properly used, and may also contain properties that help kill fleas
and other pests.
- Rosemary: This
essential oil is known to kill fleas without harming the cats. It can also help
improve concentration and blood circulation.
- Lavender: This
essential oil provides a pleasant floral scent that can help calm anxiety. Some
cats may be happy with it. With all essential oils, try a very small amount
over a short period to see how your cat responds to the smell.
- Catnip – Researches have shown that catnip smell can act as a sedative to most cats. Cats under the influence of this oil seem to calm down and sleepy. Catnip has been found to be quite harmless. Having a sensitivity nepetalactone constituent is an inborn feature in cats.
The worst essential oils for cats:
Some essential oils have high levels of phenols and should always be kept out of cats, regardless of their concentration. These include:
- Tea
Tree:
There are a lot of reports on the web about the cats that are victims of tea
tree oil. It is known to be poisonous to cats.
- Peppermint:
Peppermint essential oil is known to be poisonous to cats. And even dogs are
also very sensitive to this essential oil, so it would be better to keep this
oil away from your feline pal.
- Citrus:
Citrus peels, leaves, stems, fruits, and seeds contain varying amounts of
citric acid and essential oils that can cause irritation and perhaps even
affect the central nervous system if consumed in large quantities.
- Pennyroyal: This is another unsafe essential oil that is derived from a plant of the mint family. This oil is high in a chemical known as beta pulegone, which has known neurotoxic, hepatoxic, and abortifacient effects.
The following are the warning signs
A Cat that is having a problem with essential oil usage may display some or all of the following signs of sickness:
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Drooling
- Hair loss that looks like skin burns (this is more common when using essential oil directly on your cat)
In conclusion, cats and essential oils have a complex relationship. If you are not careful, these oils can cause serious damage to your feline pal. But, if you make sure your cat is not in contact with essential oils or does not consume them, then it should be fine. Also, ensure to keep your cat away from any room with a high concentration of this unsafe essential oil in the air. And if your cat’s health is compromised, get rid of the essential oil diffuser.