Essential oils bring a pleasant fragrance and freshness to your home. However, if you are a cat owner, you have to be careful with the oils. If your cat ingests the oil, it can severely affect its metabolism. This is because their liver is very sensitive. It does not contain the p450 cytochrome metabolic pathway, as a result of which their body cannot break down specific forms of medication, drugs, and essential oils.
Here are the top three worst toxic essential oils for cats.
1. Lavender oil
This is one of the best essential oils for humans. However, lavender oil is not safe for cats and is even more toxic than the actual plant. It can easily vaporize and, therefore, get absorbed by cats by ingestion or when rubbed on their skin.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, lavender plants contain two compounds – linalyl and linalool, which are highly toxic to cats. When a cat is exposed to lavender in any form, they can fall ill; however, it can be treated and is not lethal.
2. Peppermint oil
This oil is a common go-to option for many humans. It is used in treatments worldwide for different ailments. However, peppermint oil is also a natural pesticide for getting rid of fleas. It attacks the central nervous system and can cause gradual death, the reason why it is greatly used to get rid of fleas.
Unfortunately, peppermint oil affects cats as well. The peppermint aroma can cause breathlessness, increase the heart rate, and cause pneumonia through aspiration. This is due to the presence of toxic phenols in the oil. It can also cause skin irritation and enter the cat’s bloodstream if applied topically.
3. Tea tree oil
This is a common essential oil used to treat skin conditions in humans. Even pet skin care products claim to contain tea tree oil, but they are used in a highly diluted form and with restraint. It is best to avoid this ingredient in its totality for the simple fact that it contains terpenes, a toxic element which, even in the smallest amount of exposure, can cause health issues in cats. The symptoms that your cat exhibits will depend on the level of exposure and the amount ingested. It can be life-threatening when exposed in high doses.
You must be very cautious when you have essential oils or diffuses around the house. Try to avoid them as far as possible for the benefit of your cat. If you are looking to use an essential oil around or for your cat, speak to your veterinarian and see which ones they recommend.
