Diffusing Essential Oils Around Cats
Using essential oils is one of the best ways to get your body and mind relaxed. However, it is not always safe when you have pets at home especially cats. Yes, diffusing essential oils around cats can cause the cats get poisoned. Therefore, it is very important to be more careful and considerate in using the oils. It doesn’t mean that all essential oils are toxic although most of them are. The toxic oils usually have certain components that make it very toxic to your cats. In fact, a long term of expose can make the cat suffers from serious illnesses. As a pet owner, you certainly have to protect your lovely cats regardless of anything.
Dangerous Components in Essential Oils
Apparently, there are two components of diffusing essential oils around cats that are very toxic to cats. What you have to do as a cat owner and fan of essential oils is to beware of these two components. It is necessary to avoid oils containing the related components for the sake of your four-legged friends.
- Phenol. The first toxic component is Phenol which is also known as carbolic acid. It basically refers to a group consisting of organic compounds such as hydroxyl and phenyl. This particularly component is not only toxic to cats but also human. According to the research, it is corrosive to the eyes, skin and it also becomes the irritants to respiratory tract. It can be easily found in clove, oregano, cinnamon, thyme and savory essential oil. This component is toxic to the liver so make sure to prevent your cats from being exposed to this oil.
- Monoterpene Hydrocarbons. It is the second toxic component that consists of two different isoprene units. Apparently, a lot of essential oils contain this dangerous component including the pine oil, cajuput oil, petigrain oil, citrus oil, and also pine oil. Therefore, make sure to read the label before purchasing.
If you are curious of what dangerous diffusing essential oils around cats that you should avoid buying for the sake of your cats’ health and safety, read on this list of the toxic essential oils for cats. This list can be quite long so make sure to make a note.
- Pine
- Oregano
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Orange
- Lime
- Cypress
- Lemon
- Mandarine
- Tangerine
- Peppermint
- Lemon
- Tea Tree
- Eucalyptus
- Mustard
- Grapefruit
- Bergamot
- Wintergreen
- Tansy
- Fir
- Juniper
- Garlic
- Camphor
In the meantime, there are also several essential oils safe for your cats that you can consider buying. Some of the oils are also designated to treat your cats’ fleas. The oils include lemongrass, cedarwood and also citronella. These are excellent choices of essential oils that can prevent and kill the fleas. However, avoid applying the oil directly on your cat’s skin as your car has a very sensitive skin. So, it may cause painful reaction.
With many diffusing essential oils around cats being toxic for your cats, you certainly have to always beware before purchasing any essential oils. However, it doesn’t mean you should avoid the oils at all. Your best solution is to find natural oils with less chemical compounds.