The oils extracted from plants are referred to as essential oils. These oils are used for various purposes, including relaxation, cleaning, and health. However, they can cause issues for cats. These oils’ strong smell can react with the compounds present in the cat’s body, making it sick. Moreover, when applied or inhaled by your pet, these oils can, in some cases, result in severe damage to the liver or death.
Here is a list of toxic essential oils for cats that you should refrain from using when you have pets.
1. Citrus oils
These oils are most often used in diffusers to give a refreshing feel to the home. However, they are one of the toxic essential oils for cats as they can cause respiratory distress, tremors, and vomiting. Furthermore, if your pet ingests these oils, it can result in liver damage and a drop in breathing rate.
2. Eucalyptus oils
Other oils that are on the list of toxic essential oils for cats are eucalyptus and germanium. These oils have a strong smell or fragrance that can cause distress in cats. Additionally, when these oils are ingested, they can lead to nausea, vomiting, anorexia, excess salivation, and skin issues.
3. Cinnamon oil
This essential oil offers a host of health benefits to humans. However, if your cat touches, inhales, or ingests this oil, it can lead to serious health complications. This is because cinnamon oil contains a compound known as coumarin that cats are unable to break down. This leads to damage of the liver and other organs.
4. Mint oils
Essential oils, such as peppermint, wintergreen, and spearmint, are used to treat various health conditions in humans, including nausea and stomach upsets. While these oils can help relieve pain and soothe symptoms of different health conditions, it poses a serious threat to cats. The olfactory receptors of cats are strong, and the powerful fragrance of these oils can result in severe breathlessness and elevated heart rate. Furthermore, cats do not have the enzyme that aids in the breakdown of the substance known as phenols present in these oils. This could lead to liver failure and death.
5. Tea tree oil
This is also one of the toxic essential oils for cats as it contains a compound known as terpenes. This compound gives this oil its antibacterial and antifungal properties, but it also makes it toxic for your pet. This substance can get quickly absorbed by your pet’s body when applied on the skin or ingested and causes vomiting, weakness, tremors, seizures, and more.
Avoiding these toxic essential oils for cats at home is essential in ensuring your pet’s safety and good health.