Last Updated on May 4, 2023 by ellen
Have you ever wondered what essential oils are safe to diffuse around cats? Learn more about essential oils for cats to make a safe decision.
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Essential Oils for Cats
Having a cat as a pet can be such a rewarding experience. And, I love treating our cats by making them homemade toys like these cork cat toys.
I have so much fun watching ours play with his catnip toys. So, I have been wondering if using essential oils in his bedding area would be safe or not.
Essential oils can be used for so many different things around the house from aromatherapy to cleaning. But, lots of people are curious about whether essential oils are safe for pets.
Using essential oils for animals is not the same as using them for people. Their bodies aren’t the same as ours and they don’t react the same way.
Can I diffuse essential oils around my cat?
This really depends on the type of oil that you want to diffuse. There are several essential oils that are toxic to cats.
They should not be used in the diffuser or anywhere in your home that your cat may come into contact with them. Be very careful what oils you use around your cat and never apply them directly to their fur or skin.
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What essential oils are bad for cats?
Never use these scents in a home with cats:
- Bergamot
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- European pennyroyal
- Geranium
- Lavender (orally unsafe)
- Lemon, lime, and orange
What scent relaxes cats?
One of the big reasons that people use EOs is that they hope it will relax their cat. But, the standard choices for people just aren’t the best options for your pet. Instead, try using copaiba.
Many people wonder about lavender. The plant itself including any properties in the oils is not safe for cats. Be sure that they don’t come in contact with it if they may lick it or get it on their paws and then ingest it.
Diffusing it is generally considered safe for cats.
Is peppermint essential oil safe for cats?
Peppermint is considered to be toxic to cats. You should not use it in your diffuser or in any area of your home that your cat will come in contact with.
It is considered toxic when used in a diffuser, applied to the fur, or licked up and ingested. Do not use this scent.
Just smelling this scent whether from an herb or oil can be toxic. It can cause breathing problems and an increased heart rate.
Cat safe essential oils for cleaning
I love cleaning with EOs because they are natural but I am very careful not to use scents that are harmful to my cat. These are some good options:
- Lavender (in areas they won’t be standing, sitting, laying on)
- Copaiba
- Helichrysum
- Frankincense
Doterra essential oils for cats
These blends are generally considered safe for cats.
But I’ve been doing it for years with no problems
One of the most common responses I hear when it comes to using essential oils for cats is that the person has been doing it for years with no problems. That may be true.
But, like any other unsafe behavior, it only takes once for it to be toxic. It is possible that when diluted quite a bit, your cat may not get an immediate response.
However, if they lick or ingest these oils, they can be toxic immediately or it can build up over time.
Eventually, any of these essential oils that are toxic to cats can result in a dangerous situation.
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Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.