In fact, exposure to some essential oils can cause liver failure, respiratory problems, or even fatality in the worst cases. Like any essential oil, it must be properly diluted prior to application. Essential oils diffused in a room that your cat may frequent, is much less of a safety hazard than trying to treat your cat with oils by applying them to his or her body. If your cat is showing respiratory changes like rapid breathing, coughing and/or watery eyes after coming into contact with lavender oil/spray/diffuser, Richardson suggests moving the pet somewhere with fresh air and contacting your veterinarian. If you use a lavender lotion, make sure it's fully absorbed before touching your cat, as you should with any lotion. The Pet Poisons Helpline in America makes it clear that essential oils are a danger to domestic cats. Essential oils can be harmful to cats – especially if they are used neat rather than diluted. Dr. Emily Swiniarski is Chief Medical Officer of PAWS Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. Lavender oil diffusers and sprays, tend to have low levels of lavender, but they can still enter your cat’s respiratory system. Lavender oil is a popular choice among humans so maybe you already have this incredible essential oil on hand for your furry friend. Fresh and dried lavender sprigs should be kept out of reach of your cats. Cats have a unique genetic make-up that gives pause to the use of aromatherapy around them. If you’re looking for essential oils for dog odor, lavender is a great scent that pet owners tend to love too. My cats are usually satisfied with the lavender fragrance, and they have never shown any signs of poisoning. It has a calming effect, so it’s great for car rides, vet visits or other commonly stressful situations. Safe Use of Essential Oils for Cats Any essential oil can pose a health risk to cats, especially when used in error or excess. Lavender, while not the most toxic substance, is not really something your cat needs. The flower has a sweet, softly musky scent. This article is a complete guide for cat owners to understand how to ensure the safety of their pets because essential oils are becoming an invaluable commodity in our homes. Okay, there were a few takeaways that I got from researching this article! 8 things to know about cats and essential oils 1) Essential oils are not meant to be used near the eyes and ears of humans or cats. Lavanya Sunkara is a NYC-based writer who is passionate about animal welfare. Using lavender scented products yourself may not harm your cat. “Besides the dermal absorption that can occur rapidly, cats will often groom off foreign substances that have been applied to their coat, therefore, ingesting the oil.”. lavender essential oil; ylang-ylang essential oil; citrus essential oil; wintergreen essential oil ; peppermint essential oil; eucalyptus oil; tea tree oil (note: tea tree oil is also poisonous to humans if ingested) Essential Oils Safe for Cats. Essential oils safe to use topically on cats … Diffusion is preferred for cats. Is Lavender Oil Safe For Cats? When lavender oil and cats are mixed only the most utmost of caution should be practiced. When you suspect lavender poisoning based on the above symptoms, bring your cat to a veterinarian for a thorough examination and treatment. Only use the mildest of soaps if you must bathe your cat such as mild dish detergent, (Not naming names, but think of a sunrise.) Yet… 1. “I would recommend complete avoidance of essential oil active diffusers or sprays,” says Richardson. Lavender. The leaves are simple, often covered in fine hairs. In fact, lavender essential oil is perhaps even worse for a cat than the plain plant. I am bummed that so many essential oils are not good for cats, but it … Be sure to stick to essential oils made from plants that aren’t toxic to felines. Lavender essential oil - Whether it will be safe or not for your cat, depends on the level of its sensitivity. Essential oils are 500-2,000 times stronger than the flower or plant from which they came. The reason for that is that lavender oils are effectively lavender flowers in concentrated form. Don’t let your pet lick diffuser sticks or your skin after applying any lavender skin products. “Oils are the most potent because they can be vaporized and inhaled or absorbed quickly through the skin resulting in acute toxicity.”. Animals are generally more sensitive to essential oils than humans are. They don’t specifically mention lavender but I would take their advice on board and avoid an essential oil made from lavender if you have a domestic cat or … Some collars are infused with lavender and advertise as being good for calming cats. Cats are sensitive to essential oils for two reasons. Below is a short list of essential oils that experts say are safe to use on dogs: 1. Essential oils vaporize easily (this is also why we love using them in diffusers), which means they absorb quickly if ingested or rubbed on skin. Treating cats with essential oils is a totally different subject for another post, but I wanted to address, without going into detail, what the concern over essential oils is. It would be reasonable to assume then that essential oil benefits could work just as well for our pets. If she'll put up with a bath, try that. Is it safe for my pet to ingest and inhale lavender essential oil? 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