Essential Oils
I’ve read at least a dozen articles and spoken to as many people only to discover that there are opposing points of view on the use of essential oils for your pets.
Essential oils can be great alternatives for treating many health issues without harmful and expensive pharmaceuticals. We treat ourselves to the benefits of essential oils and we want to treat our pets the same way. But pets are not people and some essential oils can be harmful to them.
The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also provides a list of essential oils and possible side effects. Visit the ASPCA for details.
The reality is that essential oils vary in quality; better quality products reduce harmful reactions. It is also important to dilute the oils in a water-based diffuser in accordance with instructions and to ensure that they are used aromatically, topically, or ingested, as recommended.
Essential Oils for Cats
Opinions range from those who believe that essential oils cannot be used safely for cats to those who use essential oils for their cats daily through diffusion or applied topically. But, that a cat’s liver does not filter nutrients the same as humans.
Aromatherapy around cats has had no adverse health impact, but topical application or ingestion of some essential oils may be harmful. Using a water atomizing diffuser is the best way to get essential oils to the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotions. Because cats have a keener sense of smell than dogs, never use more than 3 drops of essential oils at a time, and ensure your cat can leave the area.
Rosemary, thyme, and oregano essential oils were used in natural shampoos to treat fungal infection in cats’ ears and did not result in any adverse effects. The use of tea tree essential oil in high concentration is dangerous to cats and can cause seizures when ingested by the cat. However, in a concentration, less than 1% of a product may not be toxic to your pet.
Citrus and some tree essential oils can lead to toxicity and tumours in your cat. Cats are also sensitive to Cove Bud, Oregano, Peppermint and Thyme which contain high levels of phenols and White fir, Wintergreen, Rosemary, and Vetiver oils, with high levels of ketones which may result in toxic overload. Lastly, Cypress and Roman Chamomile can also be unsuitable for cats. [The Dog Oiler, Wellness Education or Your Dogs & Cats.]
Watch for our next article on Essential Oils for treatment of specific ailments and conditions, including fleas.
Susane Westinghouse from Cat Spray Stop lists her recommendations for the best essential oils for cats. Here are some of her suggestions with descriptions from doTERRA Essential Oils and comments from The Dog Oiler which also differentiates between use for cats and dogs, and the methods of disbursement: A-aromatherapy; T-topical; I-ingestion.
Not Recommended for Cats
Note: Peppermint essential oil is frequently used by veterinarians as a disinfectant.
The oil is toxic to cats as it is high in phenol, a corrosive organic compound. Do not use it on cats for fleas.
For safe natural remedies for fleas on cats, use a flea collar with a low concentration of marjoram and red cedar essential oils. Again, talk to your veterinarian first.
Essential Oils for Dogs
Dogs, being larger for the most part, and having the ability to process some ingredients, seem to have few problems with holistic treatments utilizing essential oils.
Not Recommended for Dogs
- Wintergreen
- Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil)
- Birch
- Thyme
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Oregano
Essential Oils for Humans
Peppermint, lavender, and tea tree essential oils help to relieve stuffed sinuses for humans who are allergic to cats while chamomile or frankincense essential oils are used to relieve congestion and allergy symptoms.
Cats dislike citrus smells so diffusing strong odours such as lime and lemongrass essential oils helps to keep cats from certain areas you wish to protect.