Essential Oil Acclimation A cat has a deficiency of the enzyme, glucuronyl transferase, resulting in a reduced ability to metabolize certain toxins. IF you follow these simple 3 rules, then YES, you can use essential oils around dogs: KNOW YOUR PET's HEALTH STATUS - CHECK WITH YOUR VET. If adding essential oil to their drinking water or litter box (via a drop of oil into a jar of baking soda and then sprinkling the baking soda into the litter) always have a second option of water or litter box that does not contain any oil. For me, smell is the most powerful memory trigger. By doing this, you can protect your pets. Symptoms that develop depend on the type of oil involved in the exposure and can include drooling, vomiting, tremors, ataxia , respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature, and liver failure. HOWEVER, if you have a cat and are uneasy about using peppermint or if your cat is very sensitive to things, you can just omit the peppermint from the ingredient list. The use of herbal and botanical medicine for healing and spirituality goes back thousands of years. Which essential oils are toxic to dogs? Please note that these are general recommendations for use. In the brain, the areas that process smells, memories, and emotions are very closely intertwined. Since it cannot breakdown some of the compounds, take care to avoid essential oils containing them in too high concentration. Can I still use the citrus oils in my Ultrasonic diffuser? 3 drops Lemon. Please don't use oils on anyone including your pets without knowing the oil and if it's safe). Additionally, when it comes to the complete consumption of thieves oil, you should never attempt to make your dog vomit because this will make the situation worse, and it can also block your pet dogs lung. Is thieves oil safe for cats? 2) All it takes is 6/100th of a drop of lavender oil to calm pets down. Dr. Shelton believes that a lot of the information about the use of essential oils around cats is a result of misinformation and essential oil misuse. All the recipes listed below are based on the use of 100% pure essential oil. Mix with a tablespoon of water, gargle and swallow for a sore throat. Over the years, thieves oil has been used to help fight off infection, improve moods, boost immunity, massage, and wound care. When you water diffuse essential oils, if they are pure and of good quality, it is safe in a ventilated and open room. Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) The oils can cause some severe liver problems." And, every pet and household is different. Methods of application include diffusing, petting (which is absorbed through their skin and hair follicles, but also ingested when grooming), and adding to their water or litter box. The answer, though, is both a yes and a no.. Thieves is a blend of multiple oils. You can dilute your oils using pure vegetable oil, make sure this is high grade, as recommended by Dr. Mary Hess, DVM. Other oils toxic to cats via the Pet Poison Helpline include: The liver of your cat absorbs and metabolizes nutrients differently than yours. Additionally, some essential oils contain phenols and phenolic compounds, which cats are highly sensitive to. After the thieves were punished for their crimes, doctors who treated plague victims used the essential oil recipe to reduce the chances of infection. It has not been found to cause death, but rather digestive problems. So, the short answer to the above question is: thieves oil isn't safe for dogs. Unfortunately, essential oils can be rapidly absorbed orally or through a cats skin, courtesy of our feline friends grooming habits and sensitive skins. Its still airborne, and it still gets in their system, and it can fill the whole house even if you dont smell it. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA), Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (CVMA), How Much Do Kittens Sleep? Oils that should be avoided or used with caution are Wintergreen, Basil, Clove, Oregano, Melaleuca Quinquenervia, Thyme, Mountain Savory, Tea Tree, Laurus Nobilis, and Cinnamon Bark. Cats are sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds which are found in many essential oils. Oh my god. There is always further information to be examined before coming to a conclusion. Now that you've ready some safety guidelines check out my top 6 oils to use with cats. But being a veterinarian, almost everyone I knew had pets. Yes, you can diffuse oils around your cat, provided they are safe. You can do this by taking your cat to a health professional first just to make sure there are no other underlying illnesses. Another way to dilute your oils is to add 3-5 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle filled with water , shake the sprayer then finally, spray gently on your cat. Because of this, it is crucial that you first try out to see how your pets will react. When your dog eats, smells, or inhales thieves oil, then chances are that your pet dog will be exposed to different types of bodily changes including changes in behavior or nature, respiratory problems, liver problems, and central nervous system problems. Yes, thieves oil is a blend of multiple oils like rosemary, lemon, clove, and eucalyptus. Before we dive in, I must point out some crucial precautions. Thanks for stopping by! You also need to make sure you dont spend any more time observing the symptoms that may indicate that your dog is having negative effects from the consumption of thieves oil rather the sooner you contact your veterinarian, the better it is for your dogs chances to survive. It is much safer to stick with gentler solutions like hydrosols. Moreover, cats especially dont have the necessary enzymes to metabolize thieves oils chemicals, therefore, it is best not to use thieves oil for fleas or ticks control. If you have to diffuse thieves oil (or any other essential oil for that matter) around the house, there are a few precautions that you should take, including: The short answer is: there isnt any essential oil thats 100% safe for catsall of them have the POTENTIAL to be toxic to your kitty. Dr. Shelton decided to begin monitoring her cats blood and urine for abnormalities. Your first resource even states this, as do numerous other places. Accordingly, if you detect that your dog has eaten thieves oil then you need to make sure to observe your pet dog very carefully. Cats, for example, can experience liver damage from exposure to essential oils. Because hamsters react very adversely to thieves oil, it should not be used around or on your pet hamster. Plus, you cat might just not like the smell. Do not allow your cat to ingest tea tree oil and do not apply it to their skin. Just don't use them on your cat and when diffusing allow the cat to leave the room or even put him in a different room while you are using these oils and products. I've included Young Living Oils, recommended to be safe by a holistic veterinarian who extensively tested and used these oils themselves. Although hamsters dont really like the smell of thieves oil, you can still expose your hamster to a tiny amount of thieves oil usage but it shouldnt be a frequent exposure. Smells not only trigger memories but can lift our mood and generate a flood of feel-good emotions. Essential oils can be poisonous to pets. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil for dilution. Cats are wired very differently from humans so what may be safe for you may impact your cat in a totally different way. Annie Walther. She sold her practice in 2019 to move across the country. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) Japanese yew (Taxus spp.) These toxins then build up in your cats system and cause damage. So keep your oils in a closed cabinet or drawer that you are 100% certain your cat cannot break into. Even Lavender oil is toxic to cats. It's a good . This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. But Dr. Shelton cautions that because cat physiology is different from other animals, improper essential oil use could have devastating health effects. In that regard, while your dog might not have any reaction when you diffused an essential oil, it doesnt mean that the other pet wont have any reaction at all. If you're wondering about the safety of essential oils for pets, the answer is that some essential oils are considered OK for use with pets. Always err on the side of cautionHolistic veterinarian Dr. Melissa Shelton is just one member of the profession who believes that as long as a cat parent takes care to use essential oils properly, there is no reason why felines wont benefit from them. Essential oils and animals can be a harmful combination. Now, today, Young Livings propriety Thieves Oil blend is derived of clove, cinnamon bark, rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus, blended to offer the same kind of defense. 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. If you have a domestic pet cat and you want to use essential oils, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of your pet. (All You Need to Know), Why Wont My Dog Pee on the Pad? Hi Christina, thank you for your question! Scanning through testimonies and research studies, science elaborates on the possible effects of several essential oils to the feline species. Below, brush up on the differences between phenol-based and water-based oils, and make sure your favorite essential is safe for use around your cat. How to Use Essential Oils around Your Cat (Quick Guide), Toxicity and Danger Symptoms of Essential Oils to Cats, Things to be Wary Of When Using Oils on Cats, How To Diffuse Essential Oils In Your Home, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Gratitude, Best 7 Essential Oils for Cuts, Scrapes and Wounds . Essential oils come in many forms and are found in some household products. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. In fact, eucalyptus oil, which is a component of thieves oil, can be toxic when ingested. ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CATS: Uncommon Ways To Safely Use Cat Essential Oils With Natural Cat Remedies For Optimal Health: Aromatherapy For Cats, How to Use Facial Oil In Your Skin Care Routine (Tips for Dry, Sensitive, and Oily Skin Types), Exfoliating Facial Soap Recipe with Shea Butter, 10 Diffuser Blends with Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, 10 Romantic Essential Oil Diffuser Blends. Science tells us that cats lack a liver enzyme that is important for metabolising certain things, so it really isn't a bad idea to use a bit more caution with felines. Essential oils are volatile, organic constituents of plants that contribute to fragrance and taste. You cannot use thieves oils for fleas and ticks on dogs and cats because essential oils like thieves oil which contain harmful ingredients for cats and dogs such as lemon, eucalyptus, and so on are not to be directly put on cats/dogs skin as it can cause skin irritation. This means that your cat cannot metabolize some medicines or certain metabolites of essential oils. Peppermint oil has been found to be toxic to cats as it contains both oxygenated compounds called ketones and phenols. Cats are deficient in an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase, which is responsible for breaking down phenol. Unfortunately, cats and most essential oils are not a good mix. Is thieves oil safe for other animals or pets? Lemongrass is actually one essential oil that cats do not like the scent of, and it has been used to deter cats away from certain areas. And researchers are investigating the effectiveness of the blend. Lastly, essential oils must also not be used around cats that are pregnant or nursing kittens. I was hoping for an answer to this question but didnt find it. Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs? While hydrosols are safer for use on human skin since they do not have to be diluted, they still are dangerous for cats and other pets. On a quest to feel better and improve my health, I turned to the benefits of essential oils. Thieves Household Cleaner is safe and effective for use with pets, including cats, dogs, horses and many other animal companions we share our homes and hearts with. Cats may show signs through changing their habits in sleeping and eating; behavior changes such as tiredness, and lack of energy; digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea or vomiting; and light-headedness. This gave her the opportunity to help improve the lives of many animals in her community as well as work with the rescue she loved. So you've been bitten buy the essential oil bug and are addicted or maybe you're just dipping your toes into the wonderful world of essential oils. Another way to dilute your oils is to add 3-5 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle filled with water (can be halfway or less), shake the sprayer then finally, spray gently on your cat. There has been quite a debate raging in recent months over the use of essential oils on cats. Though there are many cases where certain essential oils have been applied directly to eliminate fleas, heal wounds, and improve joint pain in cats, it is a personal choice best left to the owner and the vet to determine. Thieves Household Cleaners formula has the most effective, 100 percent plant and mineral-based ingredients available. 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. As a result, concentrated essential oils should never be directly applied to cats. Plus, it may kill adult fleas, which will help you get rid of these horrible creatures without using chemicals. The ingredients with which thieves oil is made such as lemon, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, and eucalyptus can cause an allergic reaction in your dogs because your dogs can definitely smell thieves oil. Smell well, and best wishes! This is especially important with cats. Here's what you need to know about the dangers of this essential oil blend. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Our mission is to help save dogs' and cats lives through our educational content. If your pet is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical condition, consult a veterinarian prior to use. With Litteroma, we mimic what happens in the wild, by exposing kitty to small quantities of essential oils in their litter tray. However, in general and summarized, these symptoms include: Consult your veterinary doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs; they are suggestive of essential oil poisoning. I have read such conflicting information regarding essential oil in cats. The saying "a little goes a long way" applies here. Secondly, because of the sensitive skin of your cat, micro-droplets of oil that are diffused into the air may exacerbate allergy symptoms. When it boils down to the questions of the toxicity of these oils to your cats, the bottom line assures that it all depends on the quality and specific chemical elements of the oil being used. Once properly mixed, you can place a drop of this mixture into your hands and begin to pet your cat. This made it important to find recipes that we all could use that would benefit our lifestyles and not harm our dogs and cats. The cat might start panting heavily, which means theyre trying to process, but its too much. The first question that always comes to mind when using essential oils oncats is in regards to the safety of using them on your pet. 2023 Preventive Vet. If you use essential oils, here are some rules of thumb to help keep your pet safe. 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