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Can I Use Essential Oils for Cats?
Animal Scents Oils for Animals

Essential oils for cats is a highly controversial topic but it really is an argument that boils down to the quality of the oil. I can assure you that 90% of the oils I recommend and use on my site have been used for cats on a daily basis.

Animal Scents Paragize

Cats are sensitive to most synthetically made products and "natural products" as well as some essential oils. Even if you don't know about it!

I say that because a lot of people have sensitivities to food, household cleaners and, hair and skin products. But they aren't aware of it because most of people are just not that tuned into their bodies and their environment to know. Often times, people only recognize a change, when they stop using a product or eating a particular food item!

Seriously, where is your pet when you bomb the house full of synthetic air fresheners, household cleaners or carpet cleaner?

They are right there with you breathing it in! Honestly, this is not good for you and NOT good for your pets. Toxicity is a big "silent" problem that goes under the radar. Cats are one-tenth or less of our size, yet their bodies have to tolerate a huge amount of man-made toxicity in their food and their environment.

Minimizing Toxic Overload?

Make a commitment to using green cleaning supplies and diffusing healthy essential oils in our home and work place for yourself and your pets.  Check what you are putting on your animal and make sure it's not intoxicating them rather than supporting them! This includes shampoos, ointments, pet deodorizers and even supposed "healthy" treats.

What Can I Do for My Animals?

Essential oils that are not adulterated are a perfect solution for you and your animals. Use essential oils for cats, dogs, horses and any other living creature. There are certain oils that we can not use on certain animals, cats included, so please do be careful and learn the ins and outs.

What Oils Can I Use?

But besides the fact that therapeutic grade oils must be used there are other precautions that can be taken to assure that your feline can use the oils safely.

Dr. Mary Hess, DVM, a holistic veterinarian has used essential oils for over 20 years in her practice safely and effectively. Other vets that have use oils regularly in their practice, speak and lecture on oils and animals include Dr. Barb Fox, DVM and Dr. Nancy Brandt, DVM.

Why Can't I use Certain Oils on My Cat?

Cats metabolize and excrete things very differently than the rest of the animal family. The reason behind this is the cats liver. Cat's do not have liver enzymes that break down P450 class of compounds, and therefore will become ill from toxic overload when exposed to certain synthetics.

So What May Happen?

When the liver (and the body) does not recognize a substance, as with most synthetic compounds, it immediately stores it somewhere until it can figure out what to do with it. This can leads to toxicity which can place stress on  body systems.

For cats, toxicity can be a slow build up over time, or it can be so quick that it leads to death, so please be cautious.

Animals can tell us what they are feeling however you may now pick up on what they are trying to show you and tell you. They will be constantly faced with your lifestyle choices. So it is important to be aware of and recognize  the signs of toxicity in our animals!

What are Signs of Toxicity?

Here are some common signs:

• There is a change in their sleeping or eating habits;
  
• Behavioral changes such as lethargy, lack of energy, or not wanting to be play;
  
• Possible digestive imbalance; or
  
• Confusion.
  

Watch for the signs - you know your animal the best! And also trust your gut!

Experience Essential Oils for Cats - What's Different?

What is Different about Cats?

Cats seem to have a disregard for strong odors and definitely have thin skin. So again, when you are diffusing oils in your home, think of and consider your pets. Also make sure you use the oil correctly and use dilution when applicable.

What Will Support a Cat's Healthy EO Metabolism?

Supporting the cat with Ninxgia Red Wolfberry Antioxidant Drink may be the best way to ensure that your cat can metabolize essential oils. Antioxidants support liver detoxification pathways which in turn will help cats detox more efficiently.

What Essential Oils for Cats Can I Use?

First, let's start with the essential oils for cats that you should use with caution. Meaning make sure these oils are diluted. This is where knowing your essential oil chemistry is helpful.

Cats are particularly sensitive to a group of oxygenated compounds called ketones and phenols, and some monoterpenes. It is the thujone content in ketones and carvacal in phenols that seem to create most of the challenges when not used with dietary antioxidants. Carvacrol is a byproduct of d-limonene which is found in all citrus fruits and in many tree oils.

Examples of essential oils for cats that should be used with caution meaning highly diluted are shown below. Ultimately you will have to choose what is right for you and your cat. When in doubt either don't use it, diffuse and observe, or dilute up to 90%.

Remember, each animal's chemistry, blood type, genes and frequency are different so the animal's response will be different!

Examples of Phenols – Wintergreen, Anise, Clove, Basil, Tarragon, Fennel, Oregano, Thyme, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Cinnamon Bark, Citronella, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Ylang Ylang. These oils all contain greater than 8% phenols.

Please note that I have performed Raindrop Technique on cats which include many of these oils---so there are many factors to evaluate when using essential oils for cats.

Examples of Ketones – Idaho Tansy, Spearmint, Thuja, Hyssop, Sage, Dill, Peppermint. All these oils contain greater than 20% ketones.

Example of Oils containing D-Limonene - Grapefruit, Bitter Orange, Orange, Tangerine, Mandarin, Lemon, Celery Seed, Lime and Bergamot

Examples of Oils containing Alpha-pinene – Cypress, Cistus, Pine, Douglas Fir, Juniper, Myrtle, Rosemary Verbenon, Silver Fir, Eucalyptus, and Spruce. These are all monoterpenes that have alpha-pinene concentrations greater than 15%.

Here is a list of single oils that I use infrequently or not at all with cats in particular: Black Pepper, Cardamon, Carrot Seed, Celery Seed, Citronella, Clove, Galbanum, Ginger, Juniper, Melaleuca species (use with caution and monitor cat), Palmarosa and Petitgrain

Once again, any blends that contain these oils I DO USE and I tend to see way less concern as they tend to be balanced with other groups of compounds.

I did not give you that list to scare you, but to provide you with more information. When we have good information it is easier for us to make better choices for our self as well as our pet.

What Essential Oils for Cats can You Definitely Use?

Here are the essential oils for cats that I feel are very safe for cats although be aware that lavender and frankincense are frequently adulterated. Here is my top 6 list:

• Cedarwood Essential Oil
• Frankincense Essential Oil
  
• Geranium Essential Oil
  
• Helichrysum Essential Oil
  
• Lavender Essential Oil
• Copaiba Essential Oil
  

Also remember that Young Living has the Animal Collection Oils that are pre-diluted and safe for all animals!

Can I use any Type of Essential Oil for Cats?

Essential oils for cats need to be therapeutic grade essential oils. This is extremely important!

Most of the problems associated with essential oils whether they are for human or animal use stem from the fact that people use perfume quality oils in the same way that they use therapeutic grade oils. These are totally different and cause more harm than good! Particularly with cats!

For instance, there are many people who I know that use Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Eucalyptus oils routinely on their cat and have no problems. But it is cited in most aromatherapy books not to use these essential oils for cats. And they give examples of where the cat is rushed to the vet!

To learn more about this subject, get FREE INSTANT ACCESS to my video Using Essential Oils for Animals: Debunking False Facts and Finding Truth PLUS  a FREE animal oil demonstration video! (coming soon)

Did you Know that Many Veterinarians Recommend Professionally Oil Blends on this Website?

Yes, they are used routinely in their practice and they contain many of the oils that are not for use on cats. One example is Peace & Calming blend which contains several different citrus oils. 

If your animal has a serious medical condition or if you are not sure about applying any essential oil to your animal please consult your vet or practitioner. There are holistic vets who routinely use essential oils in their practice with great success!

What is the Difference in Essential Oils for Cats?

It is the quality of the oil. If the oil is adulterated which means cut with synthetics, of course your animal is going to have a reaction! I'm not saying that certain oils should not be used, but this should be the first factor when deciding to use an essential oil or not.

How Do I Use Essential Oils for Cats?

Essential oils for cats should be highly diluted with a high grade pure vegetable oil. Dilute essential oils for cats (and all other smaller animals) at least 50:1 (fifty drops of dilution oil to one drop of essential oil). Dr. Mary Hess, DVM, recommends that Peace & Calming be diluted at 80-90% for felines.

Place a drop of the diluted oil on your hands and pet your cat gently head to tail.

Diffusing oils is a great way to use essential oils for cats. Lastly, you could place a few drops in a sprayer with some water, shake it up and gently mist--but most cats usually don't like this method of application.

I was Told to Use Hydrosols Only? What are Hydrosols?

Hydrosols are the water based byproduct of the essential oil distillation. They are also called hydrolats or floral waters. They are perfectly safe to use for cats. But again, just like with essential oils, it is NOT the oil or hydrosol; it is the quality or source of the essential oil!

Use either Cedarwood and Lavender oil or a combination of the two. You could also make a spray mist with water and gently spray around your cat if they would allow it. Be very cautious of any oils around the eyes.

My Cat is Scared to go the Vet or the Groomer, What Oils Do I Try?

Use Valor for courage and Peace & Calming blend for calming and fear! And don't forget the Animal Scents Shampoo!

These are just a few suggestions on how to use the oils. Browse through the site to select oils or blends for your cat as you would yourself. Remember to follow the instructions on the oils and enjoy a non-toxic way of living for you and your cat!

Are there Specific Oils for Animals?

Yes there is! The Animal Collection Oils may be a great place to start. Easy and have been pre-diluted!

Enjoyed this Article on Essential Oils for Cats?

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I hope you enjoyed this section for essential oils for cats. Here are the other sections that are specifically written for cats and essential oils. Please scroll through them as well as the human pages!

Just click on the page and it will tell you what essential oils you can use!

• Natural Pet Shampoo
• Natural Animal Ointment
• Clean Dog Ears
• Oils for Emotions (people and animals)
  

Return from Essential Oils for Cats to Experience Essential Oils