It has a sweet, woody aroma and is used in many different products, including perfumes, incense, and skin care products. Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic benefits. Just make sure your pets don't find the bags and break them open. It can in fact cause serious damage to pets. Learn more about moving, transporting, and helping your cat settle into a new home with these tips on relocating with your pet. The short answer is, peppermint oil is sadly not safe for cats. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some people want to use essential oils around their pets, myself included. Your email address will not be published. Here are some tips for removing unwanted odors naturally: If you just cant get past those stinky odors, Preventative Vet recommends other, safer alternatives, such as Febreze, which has been reviewed by the ASPCA poison control center. It can also cause seizures and death. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Egyptian priests were believed to have used it in ceremonies and to fumigate tombs. If you have dogs in your home, speak with your veterinarian before treating them with tea tree oil, as your kitty may ingest the tea tree oil when grooming the dog. Cats have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so diffusing strong smelling oils (like eucalyptus or peppermint) can be irritating to them. All we can do is trust the research that has been conducted so far. People like to burn incense, whether it be a stick or a cone, for several different reasons. WebIs Sandalwood safe for cats? As for which scents your pets are more likely to be OK with beyond the fact that citrus scents tend not to be crowd favorites with felines, there really isn't a general rule here. For me, Sandalwood is such a strong scent, and by strong, I mean confident- grounded. Geranium promotes a healthy coat and skin Sandalwood essential oil has generally been considered to be safe around pets. Many people will burn scented candles to help set the mood, especially around the holidays. Some people believe that it is perfectly safe, while others believe that it can cause skin reactions and eye irritation. The truth is that we dont really know for sure. But I feel it is important that everyone, for the sake of their pets and themselves, is aware of the potential harms of scents. A thorough physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinary-patient-client relationship is required to provide specific medical advice. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The oils inside can end up on your cats paws or skin and be ingested that way. With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. Essential oils that are toxic to felines include: Owning a cat doesnt mean you can never use these oils. Meet, the Grounded Candle! And, as always, check with your veterinarian. People are capable of discriminating about one trillion different odors. The cationic detergents in liquid potpourri can cause a wide array of potentially serious problems for your pets, especially cats, including: If you use liquid potpourri, be sure to clean up all spills quickly and keep your pets (especially your cats) far away from them. With mindfulness and a few modifications, you can still enjoy the benefits of burning incense while protecting your favorite felines health at the same time. When compared to humans, their noses are 14 times stronger than ours. Essential oils are oils extracted from plants then concentrated and purified for different uses. You probably know that cats have some of the most sensitive noses in the pet world. Since pets have a more acute and powerful sense of smell, they are more susceptible to the effects of smoke. There are a few scents that are safe for cats and wont cause any adverse effects. Overall, sandalwood incense is safe for cats as long as you take some basic precautions. Cats are great at getting onto high surfaces and into small spaces, so you can never be too careful when storing essential oils. Sandalwood (dog-safe, not cat-safe) Vetiver (dog-safe, not cat-safe) ESSENTIAL OILS & PETS: WHAT WE RECOMMEND TO AVOID Though this is not an exhaustive list, below are a few of the expert agreed upon essential oils to avoid diffusing in the presence of animals: Tea Tree Nutmeg Pine Lemon Peppermint Sage Rosemary Potpourri gives the most relaxing scent to your home. Cats are very sensitive to these highly concentrated compounds. This warmer (inset photo) has a 112 hour auto-shutoff and doubles as a coffee cup warmer too. For some, it can irritate or even stress them out. Not only will your cat be affected by the toxic properties of the sandalwood essential oil, but theyll also be affected by the smoke from the incense. But even though there seem to be a lot of great reasons for us to use them, their use isnt safe for our pets. A diffuser being slow simply means that it lets out the essential oil at a slower rate. If you are interested in the best and safest ways to use essential oils on your cat, read on. If Wikipedia is anything to go by, sandalwood oil consists of 90% sesquiterpene alcohols. Sandalwood oil is known to be toxic to cats, and the smoke from incense sticks can cause respiratory problems. Why is my cat shedding so much? Top 8 Oils for Cats and Dogs and Their Benefits Fish Oil. Some people believe that they are perfectly safe, while others believe that they can be harmful. If you love the smell of incense but worry its not good for your feline friend, this is everything you should consider. Yes, lavender is very toxic to cats if applied in its concentrated form. Although cats are known for their self-grooming habits, sometimes they need a little help from us to stay clean and healthy. The reeds are placed in the bottle with the oil, and the idea is they soak up the oil like a wick and then diffuse the scent into the air. The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. Your experience with essential oils will vary depending on your cats breed, age, size, and health condition. There are essential oils that can be said to be safe. Sandalwood oil is also used as a natural perfume and incense. If you cant keep your cat away from the diffuser, its best not to use one at all. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using essential oils around pets: Just like people, the amount a cat pees each day can vary. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to ask me in the comments below. Eucalyptus. When it comes to sandalwood, there is a lot of debate on whether or not it is safe to breathe. The oil can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage. Burning incense is among the various methods you can use to make your home smell nice. I started using it because I had a sample candle sent to me that I'd forgotten about. If you insist on using sandalwood for your cat, adhere to the following safety precautions: Aromatic, versatile, and effective, sandalwood essential oil is a useful product at home. To apply something topically means to apply something onto the skin. And animals dont always know that leaving a room or space will remove the discomfort theyre feeling anyway. After trying essential oils for your cat, you may join this group as well. Sorry, an error occurred during subscription. However, according to the ASPCA, Febreze is one of the few air fresheners that is safe for use around pets, including cats. Yes, it can if your cat decides so. It uses rock salts, organic cloves, medical-grade orange essential oil, and a (pet-safe) fabric softener (this fabric softener from Attitude Little Ones has a Chamoline scent, this one from Mrs. Meyer's is Honeysuckle, and it comes in Lavender too). When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Is incense bad for cats? link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? But does the benefit of having a pleasant-smelling home outweigh the potential health risk that burning incense poses for your cat? If you buy something from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. They Even though it would be great to have a simple definite answer to this question, there isnt one. You may be wondering why all the big numbers and facts, especially about humans. Be sure to choose only 100% pure essential oils and those that are safe for your pet. Making matters worse, the aromatic plant materials and essential oils used to create the scent in incense can also lead to all the other problems mentioned above. Essential oils are very concentrated and can be irritating to your pets skin if they are not diluted properly. Combining the two products into sandalwood incense might be a convenient way to make your home smell nice, but its extra dangerous for your cat. Essential oils are having a moment, turning up in everything from cleaning and personal products to medical treatment and more. You can also freshen the air by making your own air freshener. Essential oils arent always as harmless as they first appear, especially where pets are concerned. However, there are precautions you can take if you wish to use essential oils in the home. Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a tree native to India that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Essential Oils That Arent Safe For Cats The majority of essential oils, including many of the most popular types, are considered toxic and unsafe for cats. I then remembered the sample candle, and within an hour, the "smell of death" (the dog survived!) Aromatherapy often blends several oils together and you can do the same with hydrosols. While the scent of sandalwood may be pleasant for humans, it can actually be harmful to cats. Create your listing and get your search started today! What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? The smoke and particulates released when you burn incense can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. Make sure you know what oil you are using and that it is safe for your particular pet. Dogs are not affected by lavender. Sandalwood oil is toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems. The potential toxicity of such a mixture depends entirely on what plants are in it, but even nonpoisonous floral potpourri can irritate your dogs gastrointestinal system and cause vomiting or diarrhea. They really like the air quality sensor that indicates if the air is clean or dirty. Ensure that your cat is safe by limiting the use of the oils to one room of the house thats well-ventilated and inaccessible to your cat. Cats and incense have coexisted for years. Is Sandalwood Safe For Cats? Tea tree oil. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. If you do decide to use sandalwood essential oil around your pet, make sure to diluted properly and only use a small amount. -Helichrysum: This oil is extracted from the flower heads of the helichrysum plant and is effective in reducing inflammation and healing wounds. If the potpourri mix includes harder items like miniature pine cones or bark chips, these could potentially lodge in your dogs throat and cause breathing difficulties. After you have given your cat a flea bath, try adding a drop or two of cedar To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. What essential oils are toxic for dogs to smell? When it comes to using essential oils around pets, it is important to only use 100% natural oils that you are confident in. Today, the worlds main producer of incense is India, where it is a fundamental part of the Hindu religion. Some have even used essential oils to improve the quality of life for their cats. The diffuser uses very little oil and only releases a little at a go. Several complications can be caused to pets by exposure to liquid potpourri. Copyright 2023 Kitty Devotees. Is sandalwood incense safe for cats? Be sure to choose only 100% pure essential oils and those that are safe for your pet. All rights reserved, Top Cat Ear Wipes Picks: The Bestsellers of 2023, Cat DNA Test Reviews: Our Picks on Top Affordable DNA Tests, Cat Breed DNA Test: Find Out More About Your Feline, Cat Ancestry DNA Test: Learn More About Your Felines Lineage, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA, Cat DNA Test Cost: Our Top Picks on Affordable DNA Tests, The Best 5 Cat Eye Drops Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Best Cat DNA Test Reviews: Pros, Cons, and More. If you live with cats, there's a good chance that there are unpleasant smells in your home you'd like to mask. While sandalwood incense might be a fun way to make your house smell nice, there are plenty of other options that are safer for you and your cat. This email address is currently on file. Or you can make your own fragrances with cat-friendly items. Why Are Cats Sensitive to Essential Oils? So far, the research on skin reactions to sandalwood has been inconclusive. Sadly, potpourri and potpourri products are not as relaxing for pets. The Environmental Protection Agency provides a list of health effects that VOC can cause: The Environmental Impact Assessment Review published a study that tested top-selling air fresheners and laundry detergents. This candle comes in many scents and works well at eliminating pet odors, as well as other smells. When you have kitty roommates, you want to create a safe household for cats, which means keeping harmful substances, such as essential oils, out of reach. Here is a more detailed explanation of each oil and how it can be used: -Copaiba: This oil is derived from the resin of the copaiba tree and is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), Essential Oils for Cats: Are They Safe? Since pets have a more You can also use bamboo charcoal bags in rooms, closets, cars, etc., to help purify the air too. Essential oils can be toxic through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion for your cat. When incense is burned, it releases polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene, which are suspected carcinogens. Pennyroyal oil. Before we talk about the safety and benefits of essential oils, we must first understand what qualifies as an essential oil. But is it safe to use around cats? All of these scents are safe and non-irritating to cats. Using Sandalwood Essential Oil Safely. WebCalming Scents. Lavender contains a small amount of linalool, which is toxic to dogs and cats. All of these "smelly goods" that we love to use have been found to cause health problems in 20% of the human population and 35% of those with asthma. When diffusing oils in your home, it should be safe for cats as the oil is typically diluted rather than being applied directly to skin or used as a dietary supplement. Sandalwood is a tree that is native to India. If your pet has any respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, the smoke and smell can easily trigger a flare-up or make them worse if they are actively sick. Although these results are based on human beings, cats can heavily benefit from them too. They are used in At 100% concentration, any essential oil can potentially harm your cat. The truth is that we dont really know for sure. Avoid using strong fragrances around your cat as these could be irritating or even harmful. Several cat owners swear by essential oils as a way to improve a cats life. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. link to Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? She sold her practice in 2019 to move across the country. Its also non-toxic to animals, although precautions should be taken to ensure your cat does not eat it. A pet lover, Oluwatosin is a biotechnologist and a professional writer and editor who has written about animals for many years. The wood has a natural woody odor and is often harvested for use in cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, and burning incense. Dont get me wrong; I like things to smell as wonderful as the next person. Depending on what is in an oil, heat may change its composition forming more toxic compounds. Cats are curious creatures and may want to play with the sticks or ashes. Sandalwood oil is known to be toxic to cats, and the smoke from incense sticks can cause respiratory problems. Jasmine has calming and soothing properties. To avoid the flame but keep the smell, you can place a jar candle on a warming plate. If you do choose to use essential oils, they should be heavily diluted to reduce the impact on your pet. A pet owner should always consult their veterinarian before The ultrasonic diffuser is an excellent choice for a diffuser suitable for use around cats. Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life. There are no definitive studies on the safety of sandalwood for cats. If possible, reach out to your vet as well and consult him/her on any possible first aid. With Thanksgiving upon us, you may be asking yourself, "Can cats eat turkey?"