What Essential Oils Are Safe To Diffuse Around Cats?
Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular, especially among pet owners who want to give their furry friends a little extra care. However, it's important to know what you can safely diffuse near your cat before you start adding these oils to the air. The natural oils of plants and herbs have been around for thousands of years, but we have only recently begun to learn about the benefits of certain essential oils for our health and well-being. The West almost exclusively uses synthetic chemicals as medicines, so it's no surprise that we are now looking at natural solutions to common ailments. Essential Oils have been used in folk medicine for centuries, and they are still used today to treat a variety of conditions.
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But how are essential oils safe when used to treat animals? There's been some confusion about the safety of this practice, so we decided to put together a list of articles and resources about essential oils for cats, essential oils for kids and other pets, and essential oil safety. Cats are highly vulnerable to many different toxic substances, including synthetic chemicals. While the majority of people will not hurt their cats by using safe essential oils around them. There is a huge lack of scientific research into the effects or safety of essential oils on our pets, however, there are many anecdotal claims. Many pet owners who try to use these essential oils claim their animals now live much healthier lives. One such essential oil is called eucalyptus oil.
Essential Oils Safe To Diffuse Around Cats
1. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood Oil has a fresh, clean scent that can be used to draw out congestion. A common recommendation for using eucalyptus oil with cats is to place 1-2 drops of concentrated cedarwood oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil. Massage this mixture into your cat's chest, behind the ears, and on the bottoms of the paws before bedtime. You can reapply this essential oil blend two or three times a day, as needed. Cedarwood is also safe to use directly in a diffuser, as well.
2. Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum oil is a safe essential oil to diffuse around cats and provides several benefits. The scent can help calm anxiety and encourage relaxation. It also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so it can be effective when used topically on cuts or infected wounds. Research shows that helichrysum is also effective at stopping the growth of MRSA, which is a very beneficial property for pets as well as humans. Diffuse 1-2 drops in your diffuser or apply directly to the skin for topical use.
3. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil is very effective at killing bacteria and viruses. It's one of the most effective essential oils when used to treat bacterial infections such as MRSA. The exotic scent can help with respiratory issues and nervousness, so cats will naturally prefer to smell this oil when they need a little extra help calming down.
4. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile is especially effective at preventing bacteria, which is why it's used in so many anti-bacterial products. It's also very effective at bringing relief to cats suffering from congestion and lack of appetite. It is amazing to note that chamomile oil is effective in handling overactive and joyous pets. If your cat has a stomachache or is feeling nauseated, you can use chamomile oil to naturally soothe your pet. Chamomile is also very effective at killing viruses and bacteria, which makes it a great option for those who have cats suffering from the herpes virus. You can use chamomile both topically and through diffusion to treat various ailments in cats. However, it is important to dilute it before using topically.
5. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is excellent at treating hairballs in cats, as well as slowing down shedding. It's also effective at bringing out the natural oils that are important for healthy skin. Geranium oil is safe for cats to use directly on their skin, but it's also an excellent choice for diffusing. It has a very calming and floral scent which pleases cat’s senses.
6. Turmeric Essential Oil
Turmeric essential oil is a great option for indoor cats who suffer from upper respiratory infections and/or allergies. It can be used topically as well as through diffusion to treat these ailments. Certain species of cats may be more sensitive to this essential oil though, so you'll need to test it out before using it on your cat or dog. It is always a hit or miss while using safe essential oils for cats.
Benefits Of Using Essential Oils That Are Safe To Diffuse Around Cats:
1) Chamomile and turmeric oil can both be used topically to treat cuts, wounds, rashes, and other skin conditions. Lavender is especially good for treating external wounds.
2) Cedarwood oil can help cats suffering from wind allergies and upset stomachs. It's also effective at killing bacteria and viruses, which is a great option when you have a cat suffering from the herpes virus or other illnesses picked up from an infected animal.
3) Frankincense essential oil has antibacterial properties that make it very effective at killing MRSA bacteria when used topically. It's also effective at bringing relief to cats suffering from chest congestion, ear infections, digestive problems, and any other ailment that makes them more sensitive to their environment.
4) Copaiba essential oil is a good option for cleaning cat cages, litter boxes, and any other area where bacteria might be lurking. It also kills viruses and bacteria that can be dangerous to cats such as the herpes virus and feline leukemia virus.
5) Turmeric essential oil has antibacterial properties that make it effective at killing bacteria, including MRSA when it's used topically.
6) Helichrysum essential oil is one of the most powerful choices for preventing colds in cats since it can help provide soothing anti-inflammatory effects when you diffuse this essential oil around the cats.
Is It Safe To Diffuse Essential Oils Around Cats?
The best oils to diffuse around cats are Helichrysum, Cedarwood, Frankincense, and Chamomile. Most of the safe essential oils have a sharp smell. It is recommended that you do not use any of these essential oils on cats that are younger than 5 months old as they may be more sensitive to the smell of certain oils. Cats that are sick or on medication should also be avoided using essential oils around them. Also if your cat has allergies or asthma you should avoid diffusing essential oils around them.
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FAQs
1) Are there any essential oils that should not be used around cats?
Cats are very sensitive to environmental odors. Cats do not like the smell of citrus and wintergreen. In general, avoid using citrus oils around cats. Also, certain brands of peppermint contain high amounts of menthol that can be toxic to cats so don't use those brands of peppermint oil around cats as well. Also if your cat is older than 5 months old avoid using rosemary oil as it can cause them respiratory distress.
2) What should I look for when buying a diffuser?
The most important thing when buying a diffuser is to make sure that it is safe to use around animals. There are certain diffusers made especially for use around cats. Another thing to look for is whether or not the diffuser can be used in an open space or if it must be enclosed in some kind of room like a bathroom.