Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils Around Cats
1. Do Not Use Oil Diffusers
When you use an oil diffuser in your home around cats, they are much more likely to inhale the oils. It also enables the parts of the oils that are toxic to them to more easily enter their bodies. Be careful not even to let a cat sniff your skin if it has been in contact with essential oils.
2. Do Not Use Oils on Anything a Cat Might Touch
This may seem like overkill, but it is very important. If residue from an essential oil that is toxic to cats is left on an object that a cat might rub or lick, they may end up ingesting the oil.
3. Do Not Pet Your Cat After Using Oils
Be careful to always wash your hands after using oils, and if you have oils on your skin, keep any area that might touch a cat covered. Again, this is to prevent the cat from ingesting any of the oil.
4. Store Oils Where Cats Cannot Reach
This might be easier said than done, considering cats are cats and have been known to find their way to things they shouldn’t touch. Because of this, be sure to keep your oils in an enclosed space that a cat cannot find their way into.
Even closed bottles may have residue outside of them, so it is safer to simply keep them out of sight.
Warning Signs
If your cat has ingested toxins from essential oils, they may show the following symptoms:
- Pawing at the face
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Difficulty Breathing
- Muscle Tremors
- Vomiting
If you notice your cat showing any of these symptoms, please take them to a veterinarian immediately. Time is absolutely of the essence in this situation.
You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline, which is available 24/7. A $65 consultation fee may apply.
