These oils are known to contain phenols and be toxic to cats: 1 Wintergreen oilPeppermint oilCitrus oil (including lemon oil)Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)Pine oilEucalyptus oilCinnamon oilPennyroyal oilSweet birch oilClove oilMore items There is no evidence that sandalwood is toxic to dogs. When inhaled, sandalwood oil can cause irritation to a cats respiratory system. It's also a good idea to regularly change your furnace and AC filters). That means that anything that has a mild scent to you is quite intense to your kitty. -Frankincense: This oil comes from the resin of the frankincense tree and has a wide range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immunity and promoting relaxation. Your email address will not be published. Keep your cat away from areas where sandalwood oil has been used. Be sure to choose only 100% pure essential oils and those that are safe for your pet. A diffuser being slow simply means that it lets out the essential oil at a slower rate. The answer appears to be yes, sandalwood oil is generally considered safe for cats. There are no definitive studies on the safety of sandalwood for cats. Additionally, your pet's age (puppy/kitten or senior), as well as their anatomy (brachycephalic flat-faced pets), impacts the effects smoke can have on them. People are incorporating them into everyday use: cleaning spray, hand sanitizer, fragrance, laundry and skin moisturizers, just to name a few. For dogs, popular oils can include lavender, frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood, geranium, chamomile and bergamot. The worst offenders in the ingredient list are volatile organic compounds (VOC). View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. She graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and following graduation, she began her career as an associate veterinarian and worked closely with the local shelter. Dry potpourri can contain a wide variety of fragrant dried herbs and flowers. Dogs can sense 100 million and cats 200 million. After you have given your cat a flea bath, try adding a drop or two of cedar If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Our mission is to provide pet parents just like you with the most up-to-date expert information and resources you need to make better, more informed decisions that support the health and happiness of your companion animals. WebIs Sandalwood safe for dogs smell? If you do choose to use essential oils, they should be heavily diluted to reduce the impact on your pet. That's aromatherapy. If, for personal reasons, you want to burn incense, please take some safety steps to help protect your pets. We'll share what you need to know about the most common reasons behind elimination issues, and we'll teach you how you can put an end to your fur baby's toilet troubles once and for all. Find out from the following posts: Hi! When it comes to eye irritation, there is some evidence to suggest that sandalwood can cause it. Sandalwood is a popular essential oil used in aromatherapy. Over time, showerheads can become clogged with deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals. However, if used responsibly and in diluted forms, the following essential oils are considered safe: As explained, almost all essential oils can be dangerous to cats. Copyright 2023 Kitty Devotees. While there are plenty of foods you won't be able to share with your feline friend, finding Thanksgiving food safe for cats is easier than you think. A pet lover, Oluwatosin is a biotechnologist and a professional writer and editor who has written about animals for many years. Tea tree is "never safe to use on cats. Burning incense produces smoke, which is not healthy for your cats respiratory system. A Refreshing, Citrusy Bergamot Oil That Lifts The Mood: Healing Solutions Bergamot Essential Oil. If you can't do without a regular flame candle, opt for "cleaner-burning" candles that are made from soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax. Beyond the dangers of incense, the sandalwood fragrance is also a problem for cats. You've come to the right place if you've been wondering, "Why is my cat peeing everywhere?" As the ASPCA pointed out, "In their concentrated form (100%), essential oils can absolutely be a danger for pets," including when the oil is placed on their skin, fur or paws. 249.76 million Americans used air freshener sprays and room deodorizers in 2020, cause health problems in 20% of the human population and 35% of those with asthma, less than 10% of their ingredients are disclosed, study that tested top-selling air fresheners and laundry detergents, 7 Ways to Reduce Litter Box Smell (and Messes). Using Sandalwood Essential Oil Safely. Required fields are marked *. Room sprays and deodorizers can also trigger asthma or coughing attacks in certain pets. Why Isnt Sandalwood Incense Safe for Cats? The diffuser uses very little oil and only releases a little at a go. Choosing a warmer with an automatic shut-off is much safer as well. Lavender is by far the most calming essence for your cat. Bergamot. If youre not sure how your cat will react to an essential oil, its best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian before using any new oil around them. Mood | Confident & When you share your life with cats, you expect to deal with some shedding. If you are diffusing essential oils around your house, make sure that your cat has a place to go that is free from the fragrance. It is extracted from the bark using steam distillation. Is incense bad for cats? Pet Safe Incense Sticks . The answer is "yes." Be sure to choose only 100% pure essential oils and those that are safe for your pet. Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce. All rights reserved. Alternative Ways to Keep Your Home Smelling Nice, Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Some of the benefits of essential oils reported include: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA in their concentrated form (100%), essential oils can absolutely be a danger for pets.. On the other hand, you have cat owners that swear essential oils even in the least doses are not only bad but also dangerous for cats. Yes, but some people may have religious or spiritual reasons for using it. I added some Coconut to give it an even warmer side and now it reminds me of the ocean on a warm summer night. Fortunately, sandalwood oil doesnt contain any of these toxic compounds. Pet accidents, dirty laundry, stagnant air, and garbage are all common causes of an unpleasant smell. NOTE: If you notice any of your pets experiencing breathing issues (panting, abdominal breathing, or abnormal gum color), contact a veterinarian immediately. But don't give your cat more than an ounce of turkey in one sitting, and make sure there aren't any bones in your fur baby's snack, as they can present a choking hazard. The oil is released all at once instead of in stages. Some essential oils are safe to be used for cats, including copaiba, helichrysum and frankincense. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to ask me in the comments below. It takes a bit more time to work than an air freshener that you can spray around the room, but it also absorbs the odor rather than masks it. What You Need to Know! Though these devices won't add a smell to your home, they can help clear the air of any lingering odors and smoke. Proper use involves using the oil in diluted concentrations and storing it safely afterward.The effects of essential oils on cats differ from cat to cat so it is very important to seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian. Cats are very sensitive to these highly concentrated compounds. Beth Turner is a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience. Avoid using diffusers that can be tipped over by an inquisitive feline. Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the bark of true varieties of the sandalwood tree. The candles use a natural enzyme to remove odor, and they're made in the USA. A primer on the centuries-old aromatic biotic material, Pet-friendly ways to make your home smell nice, Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? Do cats sleep more in winter because theyre depressed? The research on the subject of essential oils both in humans and pets is not concrete enough for us to definitively state that a cat will benefit from essential oils in a certain way. A comprehensive health check for your kitten at six months is an important step toward ensuring a long, healthy, life. Cats and incense have coexisted for years. It also works as a preventative measure against fleas. The answer appears to be yes, sandalwood oil is generally considered safe for cats. Sandalwood & Vanilla Fragrance Oil From 1.99 Quick Shop Fresh Featured Products. It is particularly helpful for cats that may suffer from inflammation of the skin. Featured Image Credit: Use at your Ease, Pixabay. All we can do is trust the research that has been conducted so far. European pennyroyal. Even better, you can use flameless candles, which will also eliminate the candle smoke that can irritate a cat or dog's respiratory system, leading to worsening of any existing asthma, bronchitis, tracheal (windpipe) problems, or other conditions of their respiratory system. Learn more about moving, transporting, and helping your cat settle into a new home with these tips on relocating with your pet. The reeds are placed in the bottle with the oil, and the idea is they soak up the oil like a wick and then diffuse the scent into the air. Cedar-wood essential oil - Since it does not contain phenols, this oil is safe for your cat. Not only will they suffer from smoke inhalation, but they could also have a bad reaction to the essential oils or plant materials used to make the incense. Sandalwood oil is known to be toxic to cats, and the smoke from incense sticks can cause respiratory problems. And, as much as possible, keep that room off-limits to Kitty. Continue with Recommended Cookies, The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, CBD for Dog Anxiety: Top 11 Products According to a Veterinarian, The Best Probiotics For Dogs in 2022 According to a Veterinarian, The Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats: Our Top 7 Picks, CBD for Cat Anxiety: Our Top 5 Picks + Reviews, The Farmers Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Ollie Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Open Farm Cat Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, By Katelyn Son | Updated February 01, 2023. Just make sure your pets don't find the bags and break them open. With an uptick in online retailers and a renewed interest in natural health care, essential oils are more accessible than ever. Sandalwood isnt the only oil that is toxic to cats. It is, therefore, safe to assume that cats can tolerate sandalwood oil. This gave her the opportunity to help improve the lives of many animals in her community as well as work with the rescue she loved. Avoid using strong fragrances around your cat as these could be irritating or even harmful. While you don't want to serve your cat the crispy skin from a Cajun-fried turkey that's been heavily seasoned with spices, a few bites of turkey meat provide your fur baby with a protein-packed snack. They contain compounds (terpenes, ketones, and phenols) the cats liver cannot metabolize. If you are concerned about your dogs safety, please consult with your veterinarian before using any products containing sandalwood. Out of these, 50-60% are santalols. Some incense sticks may contain chemicals or fragrances that are toxic to cats. The truth is that we dont really know for sure. As for which scents your pets are more likely to be OK with beyond the fact that citrus scents tend not to be crowd favorites with felines, there really isn't a general rule here. Cats are very sensitive to smoke. Brushing your feline is a great way to eliminate dirt, dander, and dead hair from his coat. These essential oils are: With that being said, we should note that some essential oils for cats are directly toxic, even if used in their diluted form. There is a lot of debate surrounding the safety of essential oils around pets. Some of the signs and symptoms that may occur in cats after being poisoned include: If you think your cat has been poisoned, contact the pet poison helpline immediately. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Ensure you keep the diffuser out of reach of all pets to reduce the chances of poisoning. All we can do is trust the research that has been conducted so far and hope for the best. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe ways to keep Headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea, Damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system, Some organics can cause cancer in animals, Some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. They can affect our mood, behavior, and even our work performance. More good news, the better ones also help to remove fine particles from the air that could irritate your pet's lungs. Many dogs and cats derive comfort from being close to their people. However, just because these oils are derived from plants doesnt make them healthy, or even safe, for your cat. While the scent of sandalwood is often thought to be calming, some cats can be sensitive to strong smells. WebThese Essential Oils Are Dangerous for Cats: ( Source ), ( Source ), ( Source ), ( Source) Dilution for Cats The recommended dose is to use 1 Tablespoon of a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil) to one drop of essential oil. Is chocolate toxic for cats like it is for dogs? If you buy something from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. Essential oils in potpourri pose the same risks to pets mentioned above. For cats, you might consider using lavender, frankincense or chamomile. The opposite is also true. -Helichrysum: This oil is extracted from the flower heads of the helichrysum plant and is effective in reducing inflammation and healing wounds. But even though there seem to be a lot of great reasons for us to use them, their use isnt safe for our pets. When getting a diffuser, it is best to get a slow one. Sandalwood is a tree that is native to India. Lavender oil. A pet owner should always consult their veterinarian before Before you go looking for something to light or spray to cover up the smell, take a few simple "housekeeping" steps to eradicate and prevent those nasty smells in the first place. Essential oils that are toxic to dogs Although dogs do not have the enzyme deficiency seen in cats, they can still be at risk when encountering essential oils. Lavender contains a small amount of linalool, which is toxic to dogs and cats. It consists of small flowers with short stalks and its bark is smooth and brown in color. The potential toxicity of such a mixture depends entirely on what plants are in it, but even nonpoisonous floral potpourri can irritate your dogs gastrointestinal system and cause vomiting or diarrhea. Our mission is to help save dogs' and cats lives through our educational content. Final thoughts: Essential oils can be a great way to improve your cats health and wellbeing, but its important to use them safely and sparingly. If possible, reach out to your vet as well and consult him/her on any possible first aid. However, sandalwood oil is generally considered to be non-toxic to animals. The cationic detergents in liquid potpourri can cause a wide array of potentially serious problems for your pets, especially cats, including: If you use liquid potpourri, be sure to clean up all spills quickly and keep your pets (especially your cats) far away from them. About our Ads. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? The concentration (i.e., amount of dilution) and type of oil are extremely important, but so too is the quality of the oil, the ventilation in the room, and a host of other factors. A thorough physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinary-patient-client relationship is required to provide specific medical advice. Essential Oils for Cats: Benefits, Risks, & Considerations, 2022 Veterinarian.org, LLC. -Dilute, dilute, dilute! Some people want to use essential oils around their pets, myself included. Please provide a valid email address to continue. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. While the scent of sandalwood may be pleasant for humans, it can actually be harmful to cats. Yes, eucalyptus oil is toxic for cats. Essential oils like eucalyptus oil, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled, have been shown to be toxic to cats in studies. Severe liver damage, liver failure, respiratory failure, seizures, and even death can occur as a result of exposure. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Kitty Devotees is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Your email address will not be published. Katelyn Son is a holistic pet wellness expert and the Content Manager for Veterinarians.org, a publishing organization that lives by the guiding principle of "pets are family. You can also use bamboo charcoal bags in rooms, closets, cars, etc., to help purify the air too. If you are to use lavender, dilute it in a bath or use a diffuser. However, it is important to keep in mind that some dogs may be allergic to the oil. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. However, the area of the brain that analyzes odor is 40 times larger in dogs than in people. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? These oils are so high in concentration that cats and other pets find them overbearing. Is incense bad for cats? Another hazard to keep in mind is if pets decide to chew on a plug-in air freshener. Using Sandalwood Essential Oil Safely. Essential oils that are toxic to felines include: Owning a cat doesnt mean you can never use these oils. WebThe fastest, safest, and free way of finding your next roommate. The reason I mention them is that if these products can impact people (which we know to be true since they can speak! When a pet comes into contact with potpourri, it can cause vomiting, fever, drooling, difficulty breathing, and lack of appetite. Several complications can be caused to pets by exposure to liquid potpourri. This type of application is mostly used for those looking to get rid of fleas and other insects or parasites on the cats skin. Check out our safe essential oil recipes to use in a diffuser around pets. ft. home is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath property. Some studies have found that sandalwood can cause skin reactions, while others have found that it is perfectly safe. Essential oils, in general, arent considered to be friendly around cats. Veterinarians.org does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Your senior cat could be hiding something other than your car keys. This is according to this article on the ASPCA website. Incense is made of plant materials and essential oils that are pressed onto a bamboo stick or shaped into a cone or block. When you have kitty roommates, you want to create a safe household for cats, which means keeping harmful substances, such as essential oils, out of reach. Or you can make your own fragrances with cat-friendly items. A diffuser is a device that converts the oil into a mist and disperses the mist into its surroundings. The Pet Odor Exterminator is a great candle option to use with the warming plate solution mentioned below. Many cleaning and beauty products contain essential oils and such products need to be handled with just as much care as pure essential oils. Use fragrant plants, such as rosemary, sage, or lemon balm. Cats are great at getting onto high surfaces and into small spaces, so you can never be too careful when storing essential oils. Lemon, lime and orange. We have mentioned things like phenols and phenolic compounds above. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. However, it is not advisable to apply essential oils in their concentrated form directly onto a cats skin. It can also cause seizures and A note for our readers: If you have an urgent question and are unable to ask your veterinarian, you can use the Ask a Vet service that will give you access to a veterinarian for 7 days for $1. Are essential oils safe for cats? However, the experiences of other cat owners can not be ignored. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. For more detailed information on the safe use of essential oils on or around pets, you may want to refer to Dr. Melissa Shelton's website and Animal Desk Reference book. | Hill's Pet, common houseplants that are toxic for cats, Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (CVMA), Cats are great at getting onto high surfaces, What to Expect at Your Kitten's 6-Month Health Check, Moving & Relocation with Your Cat: Tips & Suggestions, The Importance of Wellness Visits for Your Senior Cat, Wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint and mint. When it comes to skin reactions, the jury is still out on whether or not sandalwood can cause them. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Here's how you can make a DIY air freshener. As an Amazon Associate, we may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. Immediate attention is key to survival and recovery when dealing with poisons. And, as always, check with your veterinarian. Essential oils have never been as popular as they are today. The most dangerous essential oil is tea tree oil. Sandalwood oil is toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems. You can also follow Dr. Janet Roark "The Essential Oil Vet." Avoid cleaning with Vetiver: cats love rubbing on surfaces and may come in contact with the oil. The good news? Not only is cedarwood safe for cats, but it actually has been proven to be lethal to adult fleas. They also recommend simmering things such as cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, or mint tea to create a pleasant odor in your home. One study found that sandalwood oil was more likely to cause eye irritation than other essential oils. There's always bound to be a bit of cat hair on your furniture and clothes, and this is especially true when your cat is actively shedding. We've rounded up a list of the best Thanksgiving foods you can safely share with your cat. Since cats have a much lower number of liver enzymes that are capable of metabolizing the oils, theyre more susceptible to bad reactions to the oils when they come into contact with them. See our list below. WebSandalwood Sassafras Tarragon Thyme Wormwood Ylang Ylang In addition to this list, the ASPCAhas a complete list of plants and other substances toxic to cats. I then remembered the sample candle, and within an hour, the "smell of death" (the dog survived!) Geranium is a sweeter-smelling option that heals wounds and has an overall calming action. Its also non-toxic to animals, although precautions should be taken to ensure your cat does not eat it. Geranium. Unfortunately, like all candles, the scented varieties can pose a burn risk for your inquisitive pets and a fire risk for your home and family (in other words, your dog or cat can tip the candle and start or fire or even light themselves on fire). The reeds are placed in the bottle with the oil, and the idea is they soak up the oil like a wick and then diffuse the scent into the air. Making matters worse, the aromatic plant materials and essential oils used to create the scent in incense can also lead to all the other problems mentioned above. Keeping the house clean is a surefire way to tackle bad smells before they have a chance to set in. The diffuser doesnt use heat therefore it doesnt change the composition of the oil. Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. All we can do is trust the research that has been conducted so far. Is Sandalwood safe for dogs? The wood from this tree has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. When it comes to essential oils, there are a few that are safe to use around cats. A natural fabric refresher is Bac-Out Fabric Refresher in Lemon Thyme or Lavender. If you do decide to use sandalwood essential oil around your pet, make sure to diluted properly and only use a small amount. WebMAUI JIM MAUI CAT III 209 MAUI JIM MAUNA LOA 311 MAUI JIM MAVERICKS 264 MAUI JIM MCGREGOR POINT 291 Our secure checkout is guaranteed to make sure your information is safe and is never shared with third parties. Examples are cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil, and jasmine oil. When they go through a cats skin or get ingested, they damage a cats major organs including the liver. Sprinkle some on the affected carpet or cushion, leave for 12 days, and then vacuum. You can buy these candles on Amazon this is one of my favorite scents or on Chewy.com. This poses a danger of ingesting potentially harmful oils or causing them to short-circuit, resulting in a potential fire. Is Rosemary toxic to cats? Manage Settings 2023 Preventive Vet. These oils are used for a variety of reasons. People are capable of discriminating about one trillion different odors. So it's a bit of trial-and-error, I'm afraid. But is it safe to use around cats? Ensure that your cat is safe by limiting the use of the oils to one room of the house thats well-ventilated and inaccessible to your cat. The holiday season is a time of gratitude, togetherness, and good food. These machines trap and destroy offensive odors before they have a chance to settle into the soft furnishings of your home, namely the furniture, drapery, and carpeting. What does this all have to do with cats? Some love how it freshens up the room with a smell that lingers for hours; others do it for spiritual purposes and for some health reasons. Bonners peppermint castile soap has just a 2% concentration of essential oils making it safe for I LOVE this candle!! Sometimes, the bad smell is a result of your cat vomiting or another pet-related accident that left an odor clinging to the carpet or couch. A cats sense of smell is 14 times stronger than that of a human being, making them more sensitive to strong odors. Sandalwood oil is known to be toxic to cats, and the smoke from incense sticks can cause respiratory problems. If its ingested or gets on your cats fur, it can cause several health problems. -Pay attention to how your pet is reacting. When incense is burned, it releases polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene, which are suspected carcinogens. Just like with people, cats and dogs can all have their scent preferences and aversions. Buy now! Many artificial air fresheners, even some that are green or organic, actually dont freshen or clean the air. The scents themselves can also cause stress or airway irritation for your cats and dogs, depending on how strongly scented the candles are and with which scents. Although cats are known for their self-grooming habits, sometimes they need a little help from us to stay clean and healthy. It can also support wound healing and protect against cancer. However, there are some concerns about whether or not sandalwood is safe for cats. For dogs, popular oils can include lavender, frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood, geranium, chamomile and bergamot. We often feel they are safer since they burn without an active flame, like a candle.