Are essential oils safe for cats

Essential oils are made from the highly concentrated scents of plants, herbs, and flowers, which are steamed to extract the "essence" out of the plant. Essential oils are known for their beneficial uses in aromatherapy and alternative medicine. 

Some veterinarians advertise the benefits of using essential oils as natural solutions for cats and dogs but for cats, in particular, you need to be careful about what oils you use on them or expose them to because cats do not metabolize things the same way as other pets. A cat’s liver is different because it lacks the P450 cytochrome metabolic pathway which means that the liver in cats cannot break down or metabolize certain drugs, medications, and even some essential oils. So, use essential oils for cats only if it is directed and/or supervised by your veterinarian. And try to avoid essential oils that are high in salicylates or phenols for your cat. In general, the essential oils you should AVOID using with your cat include oils such as: 

• Clove oil

• Cinnamon oil

• Thyme oil

• Oregano oil

• Wintergreen oil

• Sweet birch oil

• Lavender oil

• Citrus oil

• Peppermint oil

• Pennyroyal oil

• Eucalyptus oil

• Tea tree oil

Using any essential oils for cats may pose a serious health risk, especially when used in excess. Some essential oils are safe for cats, but they should still be diluted or diffused before use. Always use essential oils in moderation to maintain a safe environment for your pet. Here is a list of safe essential oils for cats:

• Lavender

• Copaiba

• Helichrysum

• frankincense

• Before using essential oils for cats or adding them to your cat’s environment always consult the veterinarian. If you notice any strange behaviour such as drooling, muscle tremors, difficulty walking, lethargy, or redness on your cat’s skin, or if they may begin pawing at their face after being exposed to essential oils contact a vet immediately.