essential oils to calm cats

Yes, all eucalyptus products are toxic to cats. It will help if you avoid these at all costs. For instance, scents like lavender, geranium, or frankincense all have a soothing effect and are safe around cats. Diffusion and highly diluted topical uses will be addressed in this article as both have received support on their safety from various resources. Introduce Essential Oils: It is helpful to introduce the essential oil to the animal before he/she becomes stressed. By using our site, you agree to our. If you have any questions about whether an oil is safe, consult your veterinarian. To apply this to your cat, place a drop of the diluted oil on your hands, and pet your cat’s ears and tail gently. After this, allow your cat to get close to you, spray the air lightly with this recipe, and let your catwalk through it. Lavender can be used to help bring calm to your cat or dog. The most important factor to think about when using essential oils for cats is that you must first know your pet’s true state of health. Ginger provides cats with relief from arthritis and joint pain. The third method, using the oral application, is highly controversial and should be done at your own risk. Another great way to calm a nervous kitten down is to diffuse some calming oils. Avoid oils that contain ketones such as thuja, yarrow, pennyroyal, rue, hyssop, wormwood and mugwort. When trying an oil for the first time, make sure to keep an eye on your cat for any negative reactions. It's a real honor and pleasure to get the opportunity to talk with people today. 3) Just because paws have leathery pads that doesn’t mean it’s safe to apply essential oils to them. The essential oil of frankincense is produced by steam distillation of the tree resin and has a balsamic sweet fragrance. To read this article later, click “Save” on the picture to save to Pinterest so you can read this article later. People are nervous to use oils with cats, there's good reason for that. Cardamom is a sweetly aromatic fruit of a tropical plant related to ginger and can be used in its place, however, it is one the most expensive spices, after saffron and vanilla. Yet… 1. This oil is named “The Oil of Empowerment” as it is a warm, spicy and energizing oil. Many people consider it to be safe while others disagree. If your cat is anxious because of an upset stomach or a long car ride, you might find aromatherapy very helpful. Essential oils have many uses for cats as well as other animals. List of Essential Oils to Avoid for Cats. For cat owners especially, options such as natural herbs, acupuncture, and essential oils safe for cats are starting to become very popular. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. BUT before you proceed, please know that some essential oils like wintergreen, citrus, pine, cinnamon, and sweet birch are HARMFUL to cats. Most of the time, the reason for this is that their method of extraction was of low quality. If you do not know whether an essential oil contains phenols, you could ask an aromatherapist or consult with your veterinarian. Essential Oil Vet Janet Roark, DVM reports arborvitae as being a natural insect repellent. QVNY.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites This oil is extracted from the sap of trees by slashing the bark over an amount of time and allowing the resin to harden. This oil is a liver stimulator, acting as a detoxifier that also carries antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Research reports that, (glucuronyltransferase) that is responsible for assisting the liver to absorb and filter nutrients.Â, Cats digest and metabolize differently; therefore the use of diffusing and applying essential oils topically is the safest method. When trying an oil for the first time, make sure to keep an eye on your cat for any negative reactions. They cannot handle eucalyptol (a compound inside the oil) and it poisons them - try to keep your cat(s) as far away from eucalyptus as possible. 8. Geranium essential oil is a nice alternative to lavender for calming your cat during stressful events and situations, such as car rides. Cats like to rub against everything and it could easily rub off onto their fur. This oil doubles as a flea repellent and can be combined with lavender, cedarwood, or chamomile to provide a relaxation effect. These are guidelines only and each animal’s situation, health and condition should be evaluated and amounts adjusted accordingly. They are not harmful to cats when diluted thoroughly. The other six are peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove leaf and rosemary. For topical use, only do so when you are comfortable. Scents like lavender, cardamom and spearmint can be used to treat your cat’s stress or anxiety. Lastly, essential oils must also not be used around cats that are pregnant or nursing kittens. For this reason, essentialoilexperts.com recommends checking the label thoroughly before using cedar oil for fleas. However, the dried flowers are a better way to expose your cat to its stress relief benefits. Frankincense is also listed as one of the best essential oils safe for cats. Last Updated: October 23, 2020 and pet wellness explorers. You could use three drops of essential oil and 75 ml of carrier oil. To make your own essential oil blend for your pet, follow this recipe: Calming and Gentle Aromatic Essential Oil Blend for Kitty. This article has been viewed 45,725 times. We’d also like to mention that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary, medical, or professional advice on the subject matter. Lemongrass oil is most often found in the form of a hydrosol, a 100% non-alcoholic aroma that is made by steam-distilling or hydro-distilling plant matter. Use a quality essential oil brand that does not contain chemicals It is native to the mountainous regions of Nepal, China, and India. However, many essential oils are toxic and potentially fatal, so you will need to follow strict safety precautions. A few of these include helping with wounds, ticks, The North American Essential Oil and Aromatherapy Experts, has explored essential oils safe for cats, as well as many. Some carrier oils that can be used are coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, or almond oil. This article covers the best essential oils that are safe for dogs, cats, and rodents. If you own a feline, you must know how to take care of it. Essential Oils to Calm Dogs and Cats vs. You could begin by applying the oil to yourself. The oil is extracted from the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant. http://jenspringer.com Let's talk about using essentinal oils with cats! August 15, 2017 | Susanna Delman. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-palmquist-dvm/pet-aromatherapy_b_877199.html, http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/essential-oils-for-cats.html, http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/natural-stress-remedies-for-dogs-and-cats/, http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ken-tudor/2014/january/tea-tree-oil-safe-pets-31282#, http://roberttisserand.com/2011/06/cats-essential-oil-safety/, https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/a-scent-sitive-subject-essential-oil-diffusers-and-your-cat/, http://www.essentialanimals.com/library/safe-use-of-essential-oils-for-cats/, https://www.youngliving.com/blog/essential-oils-for-pets-a-quick-how-to/, https://www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/best-essential-oil-diffuser/, Deine Katze mit einer Aromatherapie beruhigen, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Take extra precautions when using essential oils with your cat. A member of the mint family, lavender is a flowering plant known for its sweet fragrance and beauty. For cats, small dogs, and other smaller animals, use a carrier oil—such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex—to dilute the essential oil before application. Frankincense oil has a calming and centering effect. References. According to essentialoildiffuser.io, it acts as an antiseptic, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, and helps with digestive problems. The use of essential oils for cats is becoming more common due to its effectiveness and ability to heal a wide range of issues. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. This oil is for short-term intervention only and can be used on small wounds as a blood purifier, eliminating blood impurities through the urinary tract system. A few of these include helping with wounds, ticks, fleas, dog anxiety, mosquitos, ear mites, and much more.Â. For cat owners especially, options such as natural herbs, acupuncture, and essential oils safe for cats are starting to become very popular. Ginger also works as a digestive aid helping to prevent and eliminate gas while relaxing the smooth muscles of the intestines. The essential oil of frankincense is produced by steam distillation of the tree resin and has a … We suggest a 9:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil. If you are sure they like the smell of the essential oil, you could put a few drops of the diffused oil on your hands and then pet your cat. There are several common oils that can be used for pets. Helichrysum essential oil has many benefits to pets thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lavender is by far the most calming essence for your cat. Or you can spray your palms and then run your fingers through your cat’s fur. Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular for aromatherapy and household scenting.But in addition to their fragrant purposes, they’ve also been used in alternative health practices to help ease ailments like insomnia and depression.As humans use essential oils for alternative cures for non-life threatening ailments, we begin to wonder — are essential oils safe for pets? Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. There are various blends of essential oils that can be made at home. % of people told us that this article helped them. Flower Essences. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. A cat's liver is simply incapable of breaking down the chemicals in essential oils. If essential oil gets in their eyes, you should take them to the veterinarian. first before using essential oils with your cat or any pet. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker. Essential oils safe to use topically on cats … Diffusion is preferred for cats. With this in mind, essential oils are safe to use, and the higher the quality, the safer and more effective they will be. And some of the essential oils that, and doTERRA products that I use a lot are things like DigestZen for digestive health. Learn more... Aromatherapy involves the use of particular scents derived from plant sources to treat a wide range of conditions. Use calming oils and treats. Juniper oil is derived from juniper berries that are harvested from the coniferous juniper which grows as a bush or medium height tree, a member of the pine family. Juniper berry is one of the best essential oils safe for cats and can be used as a topical antiseptic. All oils mentioned in this article have been carefully researched and selected for their purity and company reputation. 4. Keep reading to learn how to administer the oil to your cat! A 100% Pure and Natural Certified Organic Frankincense Oil can be found on Amazon. If you diffuse oils in your home, it should not cause a problem for your cat, as oil used in a diffuser is highly diluted (versus direct topical application or dietary supplementation). First, test a very small amount to determine your pet’s tolerance of the fragrance. Digestive health is really huge in the animal world when we're talking about, whether we're talking about dogs or cats or horses or cattle, all of them. While the essential oils listed here are safe for human use, they can be quite the opposite for felines. Vapor from the plant is then passed through a coil where it is condensed into its oil form. Essential oils have many uses for cats as well as other animals. If you are still unsure, we recommend that you. doTERRA: Thank you so much. Essential oils are only safe at highly diluted levels of at least 50:1 (50 drops of high-grade carrier oil to one drop of essential oil). You could also use cardamom or spearmint if the cat is showing signs of nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. This oil is commonly used for cats who are anxious and is recommended to be diffused. Keep reading to learn how to administer the oil to your cat! Johnson recommends scents such as honeysuckle and lavender, which can have a calming effect on cats. Symptoms of ingesting tea tree oil in toxic amounts may include vomiting, seizures and muscle tremors. The effect promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Spikenard is known to act as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory oil. This oil is extracted from the sap of trees by slashing the bark over an amount of time and allowing the resin to harden. Who doesn’t love cats, of course, everyone does! It’s no surprise that many pet owners today are deciding to find alternatives, such as. Essential oil and aromatherapy diffusers, candles, liquid potpourri products, and room sprays are sources of airborne essential oils that cats can inhale or lick off their fur. Because this process is very delicate and expensive to manufacture, you will notice that price may seem a bit much. As a responsible cat owner, remain mindful of any changes in behavior and introduce essential oils gradually to your pet. Researchers have identified two major categories of essential oils that are more dangerous to cats than other mammals (such as humans, dogs or horses). Opt For A Hydrosol Since cats are so much more sensitive than their human companions when it comes to scents, try out a hydrosol instead of a concentrated essential oil. Sniffing and then returning to the bottle. And if you must use them for yourself with cats in the house, you should keep it inaccessible and use it far away. The variety of geranium in which the essential oil is derived is called Pelargonium graveolens. You should be skeptical of marketing that contains these kinds of terms. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Read on for 6 essential oil safety tips to keep your cat safe (without throwing away all your essential oils). Here is a partial list of other essential oils that can calm your kitty: Clary Sage; Frankincense; Geranium; Rosemary; Valerian; When it comes to using essential oils, it’s important to make sure that you’re using oils that are appropriate and safe. Try to use oils that are heavily diluted. The Ginger essential oil is derived from the root of Zingiber, better known as ginger. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 45,725 times. Geranium is native to South Africa and is a perennial shrub with small pink flowers and pointy leaves. Another essential oil safe for cats is Helichrysum. Lavender. Spikenard is part of a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oils safe for cats, with a sweet and earthy aroma. Your animal’s size affects the amount of oil you should use and how much you should dilute for topical application. Thyme oil ; Sweet birch oil ; Citrus oil ; Lavender oil ; Wintergreen oil ; Garlic oil; Cinnamon oil She's had 7 cats and had great success with maintaining their health and vitality. A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. Like any essential oil, it must be properly diluted prior to application. In conclusion, essential oils are beneficial for cats as long as they are diluted appropriately, are administered either through a diffuser or topically, and stick to the list of essential oils safe for cats listed within this article. 3. If you are using the diffusion method, here are additional safety measures to consider: If applying directly to your cat’s coat, do not use the oils around their eyes, ears, nose, or genitals. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Unlike us, they can’t process the strength of the essential oils. Always consult with your. If you are still unsure, we recommend that you see a veterinarian for better guidance. It’s best described as a mixture of burnt sugar and ham. Give them a relaxing massage with the oil and hopefully they will calm down. Cats and doTERRA essential oils. 2) All it takes is 6/100th of a drop of lavender oil to calm pets down. Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils with polyphenolic compounds, like anise, clove, and basil, to name a few. Avoid phenol-rich oils such as oregano, savory and thyme (CT thymol). If you’re using essential oils on medium-sized animals—like large dogs—dilute 3:1 carrier oil to essential oil. You can do this by taking your cat to a health professional first just to make sure there are no other underlying illnesses. Cats digest and metabolize differently; therefore the use of diffusing and applying essential oils topically is the safest method. For ver… Cats can not effectively metabolize phenols because they lack an enzyme in their liver to digest the phenols. The oils of this berry are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and carminative. Lavender and Roman Chamomile essential oils ARE safe for cats. Essential oils for calming cats There is a lot of dispute on this topic, mostly covering which oils are safe and which are toxic to cats. While lavender is great for relaxing your pet cat by easing its pain, tension and anxiety, frankincense helps treat a variety of digestive problems and also offers anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. Diffusion is preferred and for topical application, dilute 1 drop in 15 ml of carrier oil. Despite all of their benefits, however, there are several oils that are toxic and should be avoided.Â. Because of this, we researched the toxicity of essential oils to cats. Is diffused eucalyptus oil harmful to my cat? The use of essential oils has been a debate for a long. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. Another reason could be that these oils have been diluted with something else, which is completely dishonest.Â. Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you use essential oils for yourself or around the home, try to make sure they are diluted first to minimise the risk to your cat. Quality is another reason why you are paying a premium. Before using essential oils on your cat or dog, it’s important to do your homework and make sure that a particular oil is safe for their use. Eucalyptus oil may also be used as a spray for the air around a cat and signs and symptoms should improve within 2-3 days. Because an essential oil is so concentrated, the natural enzymes in them can be anywhere from 500 to even 2000 times stronger than the original plant. This oil blends well with cedarwood and frankincense. In this article, you will get to know the gist of the topic. When applying topically, there may be some side effects such as burning, irritation, redness, and swelling. If you have just started using essential oils, we recommend first using a diffuser. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Essential oils are made by placing herbs, leaves, and flowers through a steam process that involves using an alembic (distillation apparatus). Avoid the following oils: Basil, cinnamon, clove, fennel, melaleuca, peppermint, oregano, thyme, wintergreen, and any citrus oil. The oils must be diffused for a short period of time (ideally 15-20-minute increments throughout the day), The cat must be exposed to the oils in a space that allows for easy access to be able to escape the room if needed. Cats are Sensitive to Certain Essential Oils. Helichrysum oil promotes healthy metabolism and improves vitality and energy. Cats are extremely sensitive to essential oils containing phenols, such as oregano and thyme. For medium sized dogs dilute 4:1 carrier oil to essential oil. This oil, also called nard, is derived from the flowering plant Nardostachys Jatamansi. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It’s known also for the many benefits it provides to the skin, gut, heart, and more. Because of this, probably very few essential oils are safe for cats … The terms ‘therapeutic’ or ‘clinical grade’ are unregulated in the essential oil business. You can spritz your kitty’s hangout spot with a little bit of hydro-sol (“flower waters”) or even use it as a room freshener to calm a cat. In some cases, topical application of tea tree oil has resulted in cat fatalities. And, Dr. Yamamoto, would you introduce yourself, the area you service and your history with essential oils and animals. This oil is extracted from Helichrysum flowers which is a member of the plant family called Asteraceae. Among the many great oils to choose from for your cat is ginger. If a cat is having respiratory problems, congestion, or trouble breathing, eucalyptus is beneficial and safe to diffuse. It is very important to dilute essential oils if you are planning to use them topically to best avoid any adverse reactions. As mentioned before, this article was intended for informational purposes only. Geranium oil may be used to balance a cat’s hormones and boost their emotions. You will notice that lots of generic-branded oils in stores claim to be 100% pure but do not have the same potency and smell. Another consideration to be mindful of is how to administer these oils properly to your cats. Lemongrass is a safe essential oil to use around cats at a low concentration. It should not be used as veterinary, medical, or professional advice. This plant is steam distilled to produce a yellow-reddish essential oil and is popular for its fragrance. Dr. Shelton has created a full line of essential oils that are made specifically for use on animals for ailments from arthritis to stress. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. The third method, using the oral application, is highly controversial and should be done at your own risk. A lot of things can be toxic to cats and humans if it is sourced incorrectly and poorly. What we found was a lot of contradictory information, with some sources claiming that all essential oils are toxic to cats. , to prescription drugs. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Frankincense also has a positive effect on managing arthritic pain, has anti-cancer effects, and aids in wound healing. 2. Pets metabolise essential oils differently than humans, so if you decide to use this gift of nature in your apartment, for yourself, your family, or for your furry friend, you should be sure that the essential oils are of the best quality. wikiHow's. I've been using essential oils on my pet and with my patients for over two years. There is a lot of misunderstanding about the differences between flower essences and essential oils. To use Frankincense, drop or swab 1 drop onto the cat’s collar or apply to the palm and gently massage. Hydrosols are collected from the steam that is released during the production of essential oils. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Please remember to dilute your essential oils for pets. She also reports it is referred to as the “Tree of Life” and can safely be used around cats, as it is a powerful cleansing and purifying agent that protects against seasonal threats. Always consult with your veterinarian first before using essential oils with your cat or any pet. We’d also like to mention that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary, medical, or professional advice on the subject matter. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Calm-Your-Cat-with-Aromatherapy-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Calm-Your-Cat-with-Aromatherapy-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Calm-Your-Cat-with-Aromatherapy-Step-1.jpg\/aid8606751-v4-728px-Calm-Your-Cat-with-Aromatherapy-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"