Is it Safe to Use Essential Oils With Cats?
Posted on December 2, 2015 by Lea Harris Jacobson, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist
We get asked almost daily in our safety group about using essential oils with pets (usually cats and dogs). Because the usage information for cats and dogs is not the same, I have split the information in two posts: this one for cats, and that one for dogs.
It has been recommended that if you decide to diffuse around your cats that you leave the door open and allow them to leave. Unfortunately, some cats don't leave, and some safety group members have reported having to put their cats down due to liver failure, even after just a couple of weeks of diffusing.
Cats simply are unable to metabolize essential oils due to the lack of glucuronyl transferase, a liver enzyme.
I know, I know, some of you have been diffusing around your cats, and they are fine (so far). There are real risks, and it's up to you as the pet owner to decide if you want to risk diffusing around your cats or not. Ideally, diffuse in a room where your cat can't enter. If this won't work, then use a personal inhaler for yourself, so you don't have to expose your pet.
Bottom line: I don't recommend exposing your cat(s) to essential oils, but the choice is ultimately up to you. Keep in mind inhalation intensity + inhalation duration + inhalation frequency = higher risk of adverse reactions.
Using hydrosols with cats instead of essential oils
Hydrosols are a great way to enhance your feline's health without the risks associated with essential oils. They can be added by drops into their water bowl, and in some cases can be applied topically. I suggest looking at the resources listed at the bottom of this post for more information on usage.
Essential oils to especially avoid around cats
Although it is recommended that all essential oils be avoided with cats, there are some that are especially problematic due to high levels of 1,8-cineole, camphor, limonene, methyl salicylate, pinene, as well as essential oils with significant ketones and phenols.
Some of these include:
- Bergamot Citrus bergamia, Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia
- Camphor Cinnamomum camphora
- Clementine Citrus clementina, Citrus reticulata var. clementina
- Clove (Bud, Leaf, Stem) Eugenia caryophyllata
- Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, and other species
- Fir Abies balsamea and other varieties
- Frankincense Boswellia carterii, Boswellia frereana, Boswellia papyrifera, Boswellia serrata, and other speicies
- Grapefruit Citrus paradisi
- Juniper/Juniper Berry Juniperus communis
- Lavender (Spike) Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula spika
- Lavandin Lavendula x intermedia, Lavandula hybrida, Lavandula hortensis
- Lemon Citrus limon
- Lime Citrus aurantifolia
- Mandarin Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis
- Orange (Bitter, Blood, Sweet) Citrus sinensis, Citrus sinensis var sinensis, Citrus aurantium var. sinensis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare, Origanum onites
- Peppermint Mentha piperita
- Pine Pinus sylvestris, and other varieties
- Rosemary Rosemary officinalis
- Sage Salvia officinalis
- Spearmint Mentha spicata, Mentha cardiaca, Mentha crispa, Mentha viridis
- Spruce Picea mariana, Picea nigra, and other varieties
- Tangerine Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis, Citrus tangerine
- Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia, Melaleuca linarifolia var. alternifolia
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis
- Yarrow Achillea millefolium
It goes without saying (but I am going to say it anyways) that the essential oils in the following lists should also be avoided: Essential Oils to Avoid Using Internally and Externally, Essential Oils and Cancer, and Essential Oils Which Inhibit Blood Clotting.
Additional resources
The following are highly respected references for using essential oils, all of which I own (books) or completed (courses): this book, and this one, and this free course.
Please also read our post Is it Safe to Use Essential Oils With Dogs?
Want to learn more? View our website index here.
Have a question or comment? Leave it below, ask in our Facebook group, or e-mail Lea.
Lea Harris is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist Scholar's Program graduate from Aromahead Institute. This website is home to educational advice and information about using essential oils safely. Lea founded and runs the Using Essential Oils Safelyfacebook group, with hundreds of new members joining each week. Lea is the author of The TRUTH About Essential Oil Safety, and the creator of Safe Essential Oil Labels and apps for essential oils and carriers. You can find FREE classes here: Free Essential Oil Classes.
Lea is Professional level member of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists and received her herbalist certification through The Herbal Academy of New England.
Businesses, groups, and individuals can hire Lea to consult on safety, product formulation, and more on her website Lea Harris CCA.