Using essential oils for cats may not seem like the most natural way of boosting feline health, but it can have a surprising number of benefits!
Essential Oils for Cats
Essential oils are popular for treating everything from depression to toothaches, and many people believe that they are beneficial to animals as well. If you’re thinking about using essential oils to treat your feline friend, there are very specific oils that are considered safe for cats, as well as certain potentially dangerous ones to avoid.
Safe Essential Oils for Cats
There are many uses of essential oils for cats, including geranium oil for reducing stress, frankincense oil for better digestion, & lavender oil for inducing calmness.
Not all essential oils are safe for your pets. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
- Stress: Geranium oil is known to reduce stress and regulate mood
- Digestion: Frankincense oil helps with digestion
- Calming Effect: Lavender oil induces calmness
- Detoxify: Helichrysum oil stimulates liver detoxification
- Prevent Fleas: Cedarwood oil helps to kills fleas
- Protect against insects: Use of catnip oil makes the cat happy and also protects it against insects. Lemongrass oil has a similar effect to catnip
- Prevent fungal infections: Rosemary oil can work as a great antifungal agent
Cats have several sets of scent glands, which are extremely sensitive, so it’s important to apply very small amounts of these oils when using them on your cat. [1]
The recommended method of using essential oils on cats is through a diffuser or putting a small drop on their collar rather than directly on their skin. Topical application of this oil is not advised.
Toxic Essential Oils for Cats
All oils, even the safe ones listed above, can be potentially toxic and should be stored carefully. However, these oils, in particular, should never be used on or around your cat.
- Basil
- Clove
- Fennel
- Melaleuca
- Birch
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Thyme
- Cassia
- Wintergreen
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Wild orange
- Tangerine
- Citrus bliss blend
- Grapefruit
- Lime
- Bergamot
Word of Caution: Cats do not process oils in the same way as humans and are very susceptible to toxicity. Only use essential oils sparingly with your cat, and make sure that your cat has a way to leave the room when using a diffuser. If you are using the oils topically or internally, use the smallest amount possible. Dilute all oils well, and be sure to use pure brands that you trust.
