Aromatic Oils Used in Cat Care

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There are benefits of using essential oils in pets as well as in humans. However, when using these oils, it is necessary to know which oils are used, how to use them, and to consider that each animal is different. And it’s also very important to remember that it can react uniquely to a particular essential oil. In this article, there is information on aromatic oils and their effects that can be useful in the care of cats, which have the largest share in domestic pets.

Oils Used in Cat Care

According to experts, the following oils can generally be used safely with cats (and dogs) for a short time:

Mint oil

With a high reputation for its fragrance and uses, peppermint oil can really come in handy with cats for many different concerns such as nausea and diarrhea. Some vets use peppermint oil to balance their metabolism in cats that are overweight and try to reduce unwanted complaints in cats with gastrointestinal complaints. Like most essential oils, peppermint oil needs to be diluted with a carrier oil before application.

Frankincense Oil

According to experts, frankincense essential oil has shown to be helpful in some cases of cancer. It has also been found to reduce tumors and external ulcers. Frankincense oil can also increase blood flow to the brain, but it can make high blood pressure worse, so care must be taken when using it. If the cat has a history of hypertension, it’s probably best to avoid using this oil.

Cardamom Oil

Just like humans, cardamom oil is a great digestive aid for pets. It can help relieve heartburn while promoting a healthy appetite level. In addition, due to its natural antimicrobial ability, it may benefit cough complaints.

Evergreen Oil

The essential oil of evergreen can bring many benefits to cats due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It reduces the bleeding of pets due to accidents and reduces the effects of aging. Evergreen oil is also used to support the nervous system and increase heart health.

Fennel Oil

Fennel essential oil is an oil with a pleasant scent, like licorice root, and is widely used in humans to reduce digestive complaints. It is effective in balancing the thyroid, pituitary and pineal glands in cats. If there is toxin and fluid accumulation in the tissues of the cat, local application with diluted fennel can help remove this accumulation and return to normal.

How to Use Essential Oils in Cats?

It should only use 100 percent pure essential oils for pets and should always be diluted before application, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. Recommendations on how much oil to use vary. In addition, to give a safe suggestion, it can be used with a single drop of essential oil in 50 drops of carrier oil such as coconut, olive or almond oil. Another recommendation is to use three to six drops of essential oil (s) per ounce of carrier oil.

Of course, it is important to adjust the amount of oil used depending on the size and age of the pet. Diluted oil should be used for smaller dogs and cats. To allow the pet to benefit from the scent of essential oils, one to two drops of essential oil should be put into a diffuser and the aroma should be allowed to penetrate into the living space for 10 to 15 minutes. Here are some cautions on using essential oils for cats and pets:

• The pet’s health status should be determined and the veterinarian consulted to make sure that any essential oils are not contraindicated due to their breed or health condition.

• The reaction of the pet to essential oils should be observed and if any adverse reaction is observed, use should be discontinued.

• Essential oils should never be used for pets in sensitive areas, including eyes, ears, nose and genitals.

• Essential oils should not be added to pet’s food or drinking water unless instructed by the veterinarian.

• Essential oils with puppies younger than 10 weeks should not be used.

• Oil should not be used in epileptic pets prone to seizures.

• If the pet is pregnant or breastfeeding, your veterinarian should be consulted before using any essential oils.

To ensure that essential oil is safe for cats, it should always be discussed with your veterinarian before using it. Cats are particularly at risk for aromatic oil reactions. It is essential that you choose 100 percent pure, treatment-grade and certified USDA organic essential oils that are free of mixers and additives for use with pets. The senses of cats and dogs are sensitive, so essential oils should be used in small amounts and should be diluted with carrier oil if possible. It is also important to remember what oils the pet can and cannot use in an oil diffuser around it. When using aromatools such as diffusers, make sure that they provide an escape route so that the cat does not feel stuck. Also, it is not recommended to force the use of any oils on pets when they clearly do not like it.

The list of toxic essential oils varies between cats and dogs. It is important to remember that every pet can react differently to different aromatic oils and have a negative reaction. The following two lists are not exhaustive, but contain some common essential oils that are known to be problematic for dogs and cats.

Essential Oils That Are Toxic For Cats

Cinnamon cassia
Cinnamon
Clove
Eucalyptus
Lemon
Lavender
Mint
Spruce
tea tree
Thyme

In addition, there are some oils that should never be used in pet care, not only for cats. These oils are:

Anise
Birch
bitter almond
Boldo
Calamus
Camphor
Cinnamon cassia
Chenopodium
Clove
Garlic
Goosefoot
Horseradish
Hyssop (Hyssopus sp. Except Decumbens)
Juniper (Juniperus sp. Except Juniper Berry)
Pelin
Mustard
Thyme
Watermelon
Red or White Thyme
Rue
Santolina
Sassafras
Tansy
tea tree
Gum tree
Thuja tree
of Wintergreen
Yarrow

Symptoms of Essential Oil Poisoning in Pets

Signs and symptoms of essential oil poisoning in pets can include:

Difficulty breathing
drooling
Lethargy or weakness
Muscle tremors
Claw on mouth or face
Redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue or skin
Trouble walking or walking uncoordinated
Vomiting

Essential oils should always be kept out of the reach of pets and children. If you suspect that the pet has been poisoned with essential oils, your veterinarian should be contacted immediately and take the suspected essential oil to the veterinarian in a sealed container. It should be acted quickly, considering that getting treated as quickly as possible will provide a better result for poisoning. If the pet believes that the oil has swallowed it, it is not recommended to induce vomiting or give activated charcoal, as this can make the situation worse.

Knowing about oils that should not be used with dogs, cats or animals in general, certain essential oils can be safely used for pets to increase their physical and emotional well-being. It is essential to know which essential oils are beneficial for cats and choose 100 percent pure, therapeutic grade and certified USDA organic essential oils for pets. There are many important tips to know before using essential oils for pets, and it is also best to consult your veterinarian to make a choice.