Sue Murray said in her 7 January 2018 post that she had unwittingly poisoned the cat, Ernie, by using a diffuser in her house with eucalyptus oil to alleviate her head cold. Fortunately, there are safe and natural alternatives to peppermint oil that will help to keep your cat free of fleas. We’d hate to say that something is safe if we aren’t sure about the sourcing of their essential oils. Cats are very sensitive to phenols, whether exposure comes via inhalation or ingestion. Peppermint is a cross between wintergreen and spearmint. The takeaway is clear: Avoid using peppermint oil to treat your cat’s fleas. And these compounds are commonly contained in pharmaceuticals and health products. Questions, what if using essential oils in humidifier? One other important note: many of these oils are also used to make liquid potpourri, which should also not be used around cats. However, cats dislike the smell even when diluted so it’s important to keep that in mind! When diffusing essential oils, there are some that pet owners should never use around their cats. It is best to keep your kitty in another room when you are diffusing. We take your words seriously. Try to fill up a glass spray bottle with water and mix in two to three drops of peppermint oil. Keep in mind that your furry friend can quickly inhale the vapor after the diffusion. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, you’ll get $100 cash. Since its not applied to my pets skin, could essential oil in humidifier still harm our pets?? Cats like catmint or catnip, so perhaps they'll enjoy the scent of peppermint, too. However, I’m glad I did my research first. But there are faster ways to kill fleas, and total extermination is crucial. Avoid any medication that has peppermint oil in its ingredient list to avoid these side effects. Featured Image Credit: mohamed hassan, Pxhere. They’ll also probably try to lick it off, which means that they will consume most of it as they clean themselves. Let’s get back to the “tail” of Boudica. I didn’t spray generously, just in certain spots and rather wide apart from each spray. Most essential oils contain phenols or phenolic compounds, so they cause an adverse reaction in cats, in addition to bothering their noses. However. So when she got fleas, I was confused and dismayed. Thus observation can be done within a few minutes. Like any other oil, peppermint oil is quickly absorbed both orally and through the skin. If your cat is exhibiting breathlessness, ataxia, or any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to get her checked out by a veterinary professional as soon as possible. Cultivating a New Level of Bathroom Clean With Public Goods, 5 Dermatologist-Approved Ways to Prevent Dryness from Overwashing Hands, How to Use Shaving Cream and Get the Smoothest Shave. There are various reasons that you should not use peppermint oil as a flea repellent for your cat. We’re happy to hear that we were able to help out, sounds like you have a troublemaker on your hands , We’re glad you found us too! Seeing our fluffy friends in turmoil hurts us, too. While you may find peppermint refreshing, evoking memories of Christmas, your cat does not share your fond affection for the oil. Cats don’t typically like the smell of peppermint oil, so having it on their fur can make your feline friend irritated and uncomfortable. Like fleas, cats dislike the smell of cedarwood oil. However, it is not always safe when you have pets at home especially cats. Its essential oil is traditionally used to treat irritable bowels, upset stomach and nausea. Enter your email for 10% off your first order. Lemongrass is very effective at helping to kill off fleas, so if your cat doesn’t mind the smell too much you can use a little of this oil around them. It is also advisable not to use them on your cat every day. And I knew I didn’t want to put my precious furball through any more grief. Once cleaned up, you can treat your home with rosemary powder and boil fresh or dried rosemary in water to create a “wash” for your cat. We appreciate you reaching out to ask! If you haven’t had a chance to try out our goods, you can use code BLOG15 for $15 off of your first purchase . If your cat has a mild flea infestation, a comb through with a stiff comb dipped in water and non-toxic liquid dish detergent could fix things. If you’re determined to find a natural remedy for your cat’s fleas, consult with your veterinarian about using cedarwood oil. Using diffusers instead of concentrates is one way to help avoid toxicity. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center wants you to know all the facts about these products, and what you can do to keep your pets safe! Your cat’s olfactory receptors are 14 times more powerful than your own. Lemongrass is safe to use around cats, yes. Watch out for these symptoms if you’ve applied peppermint oil to your cat. Immediately get her into the fresh air, and take her to the veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice: If you can’t reach your vet, call a pet poison helpline. But it’s crucial for you to be aware of the most toxic essential oils if you have feline friends living under your roof. I am not going to risk my cat's health for mine so I have my tiny list and will use those. When essential oils are actively diffused, tiny little oil droplets are inhaled and enter the lungs. Although some people choose to use peppermint oil on their cats, it isn’t a safe practice to get in the habit of. CatHealth.com recommended using a diffuser in an open space and keeping kitty away from it and its cords (note that diffused oil droplets can land on your kitty's fur, which they will ingest when grooming). She’ll be overwhelmed by it. As I researched, during breaks from watching her suffer and trying to calm her, I wondered, “Is peppermint oil safe for cats?”. We would love to hear your feedback in our comments section! We’d hate to give advice that could potentially harm your pet, so we wouldn’t recommend it. . While it's a logical assumption, peppermint bothers cats and poses a significant health risk, so vets recommend against it. However, peppermint oil can actually be dangerous for cats. Diffusing Essential Oils Around Cats. Fleas are repelled by the strong scent of peppermint, and they may die if they come into contact with it. Lavender (where to get it) 2. However, we can’t comment on the safety of a specific product like a cat collar, since there are so many different brands available on the market. Yes, essential oils can be safe for felines. Your email address will not be published. Although peppermint essential oils and other essential oils, for that matter, aren’t healthy flea control options for cats, there are other natural options to consider that won’t harm your cat in any way. Diffusing oils around pets may worsen existing respiratory or liver problems, particularly in cats. It goes the same with diffusing the oil, which means you have to be careful in dispersing essential oil in your home when you don’t know what it … It’s recommended using peppermint oil topically for dogs by adding it to dog-friendly shampoos. Peppermint (where to get it) 6. And since cats groom themselves by licking, they may do so more vigorously to get the odor out of their fur. I’m including a link to another resource for you so you can take a look: ESSENTIAL OILS AND CATS Diffusing essential oils around pets may cause or worsen respiratory or liver problems in certain cats and other pets, so use them with caution. If you haven’t had a chance to give our products a try, feel free to use BLOG15 for $15 off of your first order. He’s a little huffer. Peppermint oil for dogs can also be used to cool sore muscles and soothe upset stomachs. There are very few essential oils that are safe for cats, but we can recommend Cedarwood oil so long as it has been sourced from a company that dilutes it properly, and removes the harmful additives. She will hate it and stomp around, but better safe than sorry. However, you can dip a flea comb into the diluted mixture and then comb it through your cat’s fur. Roland has been an animal lover all his life, with cats holding a special place in his heart. So, it makes sense to apply the oil to your cat so fleas won’t even try to take over. Not quite. That’s because diffusers emit microdroplets of essential oils into the air, and your cat could inhale or ingest them after the droplets land on their fur. Indeed, fleas don’t want to go anywhere near peppermint oil. hello ! Cats can smell much better than us humans can, which means that peppermint oil is probably going to be way too powerful for your cat’s senses. →, Male vs Female Cats: Is There a Difference in Personality? Is this still dangerous to my cats or is this (hopefully) diluted enough that it shouldn’t cause harm? Omg! There are various reasons that you should not use peppermint oil as a flea repellent for your cat. While this method of essential oil use poses little to no risk to humans for the most part, we do need to make special considerations for the pets in our lives. Is Lemongrass Oil Safe for Cats? The most toxic undiluted essential oils for cats are: Cinnamon oil; Eucalyptus oil; Peppermint oil; Tea tree oil; Citrus oil; Pine oils; Clove oil; Pennyroyal oil when diffusing, observe the reaction of your pet cat, use the clues and symptoms to tell if the cat is comfortable. We can’t comment if it’ll be safe after drying for your cats, as their noses are way more sensitive than ours! These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin OR used in diffusers. Unfortunately, if the oil you like the most is toxic for cats, you should not spread it in your home in any way. Based on this, we would not recommend using peppermint leaves or oil in areas where your cat is allowed access." Watching her hunt my hair ties only to be interrupted by aggressive scratching broke my heart. I bought a all natural flea collar with peppermint oil and cederwood, will it harm my cat? Never apply peppermint oil without consulting your vet first. Before topical application to a pet’s skin, Essential Oils should always be diluted. “Not only are these oil droplets dangerous themselves, but the inhalation of these oils can cause a foreign body pneumonia in cats.” Symptoms of respiratory irritation include a watery nose and eyes, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Peppermint oil from your diffuser can still be harmful to your dog considering that diffusers use water vapor to diffuse tiny droplets of the oil into the air. These companies make sure to use oil from non-toxic cedar (namely Juniperus ashei), and take special care to remove harmful phenols. A peppermint plant should be alright, especially if your cats aren’t trying to eat it. Thanks for your comment, we so appreciate it! Never apply essential oil directly to your cat’s skin, even if it’s diluted, as it can cause severe irritation. This list contains many common essential oils that are toxic to cats, but it’s not exhaustive. © 2021 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. Keep reading to learn why peppermint oil isn’t the safest choice for flea control and to find out which natural flea repellent options are safe for your cat. Besides isn’t catnip apart of the mint family? Using essential oils is one of the best ways to get your body and mind relaxed. Some peppermint oil formulations also contain aspirin derivatives, which could result in additional toxicity. If you haven’t given our products a try, feel free to use BLOG15 for $15 off of your first order. Plus, there is the benefit of spending time around a cat that smells good all the time. However, diffusing peppermint oil into the air is very likely to cause toxic buildup in your cats because the oil is so much more concentrated than the tiny bit in the plant. . The reason? Thanks so much for visiting our blog. Wismer advises monitoring your pet after applying a new medication. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. →, Kitten Food vs Cat Food: What’s the Difference? Veterinarian, Beth Malinich told Fox News, “They just don’t mix. Cats can’t process essential oils in the same way that we can because they’re missing an enzyme in their liver making it difficult for them to metabolize. Many cats express dislike for the smell of peppermint and may not even want it. Essential oils safe to use topically on cats … Diffusion is preferred for cats. We don’t recommend using an essential oil diffuser with cats, rabbits, birds, fish and other small animals close by. I saw recommendations for “all natural” remedies, like cedarwood oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and other essential oils for cats. Veterinarians don’t recommend it either. Wismer reminds us that the smell of the oil can quickly saturate a cat’s fur. Specifically, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil and oil of wintergreen, among others, have been known to cause poisoning in cats. Together with your vet, you can decide on the best treatment and dosage for your cat. It’s believed to help with digestion, fight insomnia, relieve spasms and detoxify the body. Many pet owners fail to recognize that some essential oils aren’t safe to use directly on their beloved pets. https://blog.publicgoods.com/is-peppermint-oil-safe-for-cats As the creator of ExcitedCats, his mission is to assist in the search for the best gear to help improve the health and wellbeing of cats everywhere. Phenol is considered highly toxic to cats. Essential oils are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. It must not be ingested, inhaled or applied topically. If used topically dilute 1 drop of essential oil per 100-200 drops of carrier oil. A safe ratio is 1 drop of Essential Oil for 1.5 tablespoon (approx. By Kia Benson, DVM Peppermint oil is, quite simply, not safe for cats. Yes, diffusing essential oils around cats can cause the cats get poisoned. Tell your friends! Low toxicity exposure could result in an upset stomach and/or a missed meal, which many cat parents could overlook or pass off as a cold or just an “off day.” Even diffusing essential oils into the air can cause health problems, as well as nervous system disorders over time. I love the smell of diffused lavendat oil but want to make sure its safe… After doing some online research, I realized that fleas were more difficult to get rid of than I had thought. My three cuties like chamomile and sweet basil essential oils, too. The reason why we even considered recommending this set is because Majestic Pure oils are 100% pure and natural. Ask your vet before using any essential oils around your cat. 5 Never use peppermint oil for fleas on cats. The information found on ExcitedCats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. Great question. Peppermint; Thyme; Wintergreen; Diffusing Is the Safest Form of Dispensing Essential Oils Around Cats. Are all essential oils bad for cats? Lavender essential oil - Whether it will be safe or not for your cat, depends on the level of its sensitivity. My cat couldn’t get enough of it so being the cautious pet mom I am I found your site and glad I did! Just smelling the aroma can cause your kitty to develop difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and aspiration pneumonia. Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT and Medical Director with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, strongly suggests that cat owners take their pet to the vet before trying any at-home treatment. Just the smell can cause negative side effects, especially because their little noses are much stronger than ours! We wouldn’t recommend using peppermint oil at all when you have cats at home. After all, one female flea can lay up to fifty eggs per day. Peppermint oil, like many essential oils, contains phenols and phenolic compounds. Peppermint oil has been touted as an effective flea repellent for cats. Peppermint oil simply is not good for cats in any form. Orange (where to get it) 4. Topically, this essential oil can be applied to relieve itch and muscle aches. We do our best to help you better understand your cats; however, the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The other six are peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove leaf and rosemary. The quick absorption makes it almost impossible for a cat’s liver to keep up when it comes to cleansing the toxins from the oil out of their body. What Essential Oils Are Safe for Rabbits? what is the harm in spraying peppermint oil mixed with water around the house to repel bugs (centipedes specifically in my case) what harm will it do if I let it dry before my cats come round? This can result in health problems such as drooling, tremors, trouble breathing, and even complete liver failure. Without further ado, let’s get your kitty flea-free and healthy. Associate Veterinarian, Clinical Toxicology, Thanks so much for reaching out about this! These can be used alone, in combination with one another, or along with flea control treatments that your veterinarian prescribes. But is it safe to do that though? I also love peppermint essential oil, so I was sad to learn that peppermint oil is a no-go for kitties. Then misted onto my cat or droplets mixed into food? Stick to the safe oils. As for a related question you may be wondering: Is peppermint oil safe for cats? Wismer adds, “Keep in mind that your pets have a much stronger sense of smell than we do, so something light to us may be overwhelming to them.” Even if you find an essential oil that won’t harm your cat, you may still be putting it through unnecessary discomfort. He is owned by three felines: Wheely, KitzKitz, and Nugget (all rescues) who bring all the laughter and mischievousness one can expect from the feline master race. If you’re looking for a cat-safe option to use in your diffuser, there’s a little-known one you may want to try: catnip essential oil. Lastly, your cat’s skin is very delicate and thin. Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to pets. Veterinary care for cats that inhale or ingest peppermint is expensive and time consuming. In this respect, cats and dogs are quite different. For $15 off of your first order, use code BLOG15 at checkout . Since then, I have set up a designated meditation room in which to enjoy my essential oils.