With a recent boom in popularity, the use of essential oils for and around cats has become a hot topic. Essential oils are derived from plants and are thought to have a variety of uses medicinally in humans, as well as uses around the house and in aromatherapy. Their use in cats is a bit more controversial since studies regarding their safety are limited for our four legged friends.
Using essential oils at home
Many people choose to use essential oils in their homes. If you choose to do so, carefully consider the specific oil being used, as well as the method of use. If you opt to use a diffuser, be sure that your cat has an escape route so that they can avoid the aroma, if desired. A cat's nose is far more sensitive than our own, so even the faint aroma from an essential oil can be overwhelming to a cat. It may be best to avoid using diffusers if your cat has any preexisting respiratory conditions, such as asthma, or other chronic health conditions. Be sure to keep any diffusers well out of reach of any pets to prevent them from chewing on the reed diffuser sticks, or from directly ingesting or inhaling the oil.
Risk of exposure
Most commonly, essential oils are diffused or applied topically in people. Cats can become exposed to these oils by breathing in aromas from diffusers, absorption through the skin by contacting oils, or through ingestion. Some cats can be quite curious about essential oil diffusers and may try to ingest oils or chew on reed diffuser sticks, or may lick oils off of their owner's skin.
Regardless of the method of exposure, some oils can be toxic to cats at certain potencies. When using essential oils, the quality and concentration of the oil matter. Generally speaking, higher quality oils are often safer than those of a lower quality; yet determining the quality of an essential oil is not an easy undertaking. Most oils are not problematic for cats with normal use, but the variation in an essential oil's potency, quality, and type of oil matter greatly when possible toxicity is concerned.
Toxicity
Normally an enzyme within the liver metabolizes, or breaks down, most essential oils. However, unlike people, cats are deficient in this enzyme, resulting in a decreased ability to metabolize and eliminate essential oils appropriately. This results in an increased potential for toxicity.
Depending on the oil implicated, signs of toxicity can involve ataxia (a wobbly gait), drooling, trembling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or behavioral changes. The signs observed will vary based upon the type of oil in question, as well as the concentration and method of exposure.
Fortunately, most diffused oils are relatively safe for use around cats under most circumstances. Most toxicity occurs due to topical application of highly concentrated oils or the accidental ingestion of oils.
Oils to avoid around cats
While numerous essential oils are safe for use around cats, many oils have also been associated with toxicity. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the following list includes some of the most common essential oils that are toxic to cats: * Tea tree oil * Citrus oil * Eucalyptus oil * Pine oil * Peppermint oil * Oil of wintergreen * Oil of sweet birch * Ylang Ylang oil * Cinnamon oil * Pennyroyal oil * Clove oil
Conclusion
Studies are limited regarding the safety and efficacy of essential oil use in cats. As a result, it is not recommended to use essential oils in or around cats in a cavalier manner. When used with caution under normal circumstances, most essential oils seem to be fairly safe for use around cats. However, avoid using highly concentrated essential oils in cats, and keep all diffusers and oils out of your cat's reach. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian to discuss the safety and use of specific oils for and around your cat.