Essential oils can be harmful to your pets, especially cats. Since essential oils are volatile and concentrated plant extracts, they can pose a great risk to cats. Cats react to compounds like phenols which are found in essential oils. Their metabolic systems are highly sensitive and can be easily harmed by the aromatic essential oils if absorbed. Pet owners need to know the essential oils that are safe for cats and the precautions that should be taken.

Factors to consider before using essential oils on pets, especially cats:

Use essential oils that are safe for cats
Some essential oils like lemongrass, cedarwood, and rosemary are water-based and do not cause harm to your cats in diluted or moderated forms. They are safer than artificial fragrances and air fresheners.

Essential oils that are toxic to cats
Many essential oils are toxic to cats. Some of them that cause poisoning are wintergreen, sweet birch, pine, citrus, peppermint, pennyroyal, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, and tea tree. The lack of an enzyme in the liver makes it difficult for a cat to metabolize or eliminate a toxin. The symptoms of poisoning depend on the exposure and type of oil. However, the most common symptoms are drooling or vomiting or suffering from diarrhea, breathing difficulty, skin reactions, allergies, and weakness.

Diffuser hazards to cats
Passive diffusers evaporate the oil and spread a pleasant aroma. Such diffusers do not harm cats as much. If strong smells are inhaled, cats may experience watery eyes, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, leading to difficulty in breathing. Active diffusers, on the other hand, diffuse microdroplets of the oil in the air along with the aroma. This poses a greater risk to cats if they are close to the diffuser. The droplets can collect on your cat’s fur and be ingested, so always beware.

Symptoms
When cats absorb essential oils directly through the skin or ingest it, the poisonous effect of the oil can develop symptoms like drooling, vomiting, tremors, respiratory distress, wobbliness, low heart rate, and liver failure. Cats with a previous history of allergies and respiratory issues are at greater risk of developing respiratory difficulties than cats without such conditions. Breathing problems in a cat can be seen as fast breathing, panting, labored breathing, and wheezing or coughing. When cats suffer from such symptoms, they should immediately be moved away from the enclosed space to open space for fresh air. If the symptoms continue, take your cat to the emergency veterinary care.

What you should remember:

• Do not use essential oils that are toxic to cats
• Be careful while using diffusers. Passive diffusers are advisable rather than active ones
• Do not let the cat roam around in a closed room with the diffuser
• Let the cat out in open spaces if it shows any symptom of uneasiness
• Do not ever apply essential oil on your cat
• Do not ever let your cat drink water that has traces of the oils
• Keep an emergency number handy in case your pet suffers from allergies