What You Need to Know About Using Essential Oils Around Cats

For those of you who own a cat, one thing you know is that they have a certain way of getting into things they shouldn’t. Therefore, you’ve got be on your toes each day to make sure your beloved feline does not let curiosity kill the cat. This is especially true when it comes to essential oils, which while they can be used around cats do have some potentially dangerous pitfalls around cats. To learn more about these pitfalls, here’s what you need to know about using essential oils around your cats.

Cats are Sensitive to Certain Oils

Because cats lack an enzyme known as glucuronyl transferase, they are unable to process and break down key components found in essential oils. Because of this, they are prone to having toxic buildups of these components, which are phenol and monoterpene hydrocarbons. These are found in such essential oils as:

• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Pine oil
• Cajuput oil
• Thyme

While these oils are more dangerous to cats than some other oils, that doesn’t mean they can’t be used around them. By limiting the exposure your cats have to these oils, everything should be fine.

Don’t Pet Your Cat After Applying Essential Oils to Your Skin

For many people who use essential oils on their skin, they often forget to wash their hands before petting their cat. When they do, they allow the oil to get on the cat’s fur, where they later ingest the oil when giving themselves a bath. To keep this from happening, always be sure to wash your hands prior to petting your cat, no matter how demanding they are being about wanting some attention. And along with this, keep any skin that had oil applied to it covered, which will ensure it won’t get on your cat.

Pay Attention if Cooking with Essential Oils

If you use essential oils for cooking, you should also take certain precautions around your cat. For starters, make sure you wipe up any oil you may spill on the counter or floor since your cat could lick it up on the spot or walk through it and get it on its paws, where it might lick it up later during a bath. Along with this, make sure you wash and immediately put away any dishes you used for cooking that had oils on them since cats are often attracted to leftover food on plates.

Store Your Oils in a Safe Place

Even if you wipe off your bottles and make sure the tops are secure, it’s always a good idea to store your essential oils in a safe and secure spot. This can be a drawer, closed cabinet, or another spot, and preferably one that can be locked to ensure total security, since chances are your cat will try to be quite cunning in trying to gain entrance.

By following these helpful tips, you and your curious cat will be able to live harmoniously with essential oils.

admin