essential oils to calm cats

You could also use cardamom or spearmint if the cat is showing signs of nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. Essential oil and aromatherapy diffusers, candles, liquid potpourri products, and room sprays are sources of airborne essential oils that cats can inhale or lick off their fur. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 45,725 times. Sniffing and then returning to the bottle. Try to use oils that are heavily diluted. This plant is steam distilled to produce a yellow-reddish essential oil and is popular for its fragrance. It’s no surprise that many pet owners today are deciding to find alternatives, such as. Another consideration to be mindful of is how to administer these oils properly to your cats. This article covers the best essential oils that are safe for dogs, cats, and rodents. Essential oils for calming cats There is a lot of dispute on this topic, mostly covering which oils are safe and which are toxic to cats. List of Essential Oils to Avoid for Cats. This article has been viewed 45,725 times. Aromatherapy often blends several oils together and you can do the same with hydrosols. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. wikiHow's. The Ginger essential oil is derived from the root of Zingiber, better known as ginger. The other six are peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove leaf and rosemary. Frankincense also has a positive effect on managing arthritic pain, has anti-cancer effects, and aids in wound healing. Dr. Shelton has created a full line of essential oils that are made specifically for use on animals for ailments from arthritis to stress. Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular for aromatherapy and household scenting.But in addition to their fragrant purposes, they’ve also been used in alternative health practices to help ease ailments like insomnia and depression.As humans use essential oils for alternative cures for non-life threatening ailments, we begin to wonder — are essential oils safe for pets? Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. Essential Oil Vet Janet Roark, DVM reports arborvitae as being a natural insect repellent. And some of the essential oils that, and doTERRA products that I use a lot are things like DigestZen for digestive health. 2) All it takes is 6/100th of a drop of lavender oil to calm pets down. % of people told us that this article helped them. In conclusion, essential oils are beneficial for cats as long as they are diluted appropriately, are administered either through a diffuser or topically, and stick to the list of essential oils safe for cats listed within this article. People are nervous to use oils with cats, there's good reason for that. It will help if you avoid these at all costs. The essential oil of frankincense is produced by steam distillation of the tree resin and has a … These are guidelines only and each animal’s situation, health and condition should be evaluated and amounts adjusted accordingly. There are various blends of essential oils that can be made at home. She also reports it is referred to as the “Tree of Life” and can safely be used around cats, as it is a powerful cleansing and purifying agent that protects against seasonal threats. To apply this to your cat, place a drop of the diluted oil on your hands, and pet your cat’s ears and tail gently. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Researchers have identified two major categories of essential oils that are more dangerous to cats than other mammals (such as humans, dogs or horses). Essential oils have many uses for cats as well as other animals. Diffusion is preferred and for topical application, dilute 1 drop in 15 ml of carrier oil. If you’re using essential oils on medium-sized animals—like large dogs—dilute 3:1 carrier oil to essential oil. If you are using the diffusion method, here are additional safety measures to consider: If applying directly to your cat’s coat, do not use the oils around their eyes, ears, nose, or genitals. Use calming oils and treats. While lavender is great for relaxing your pet cat by easing its pain, tension and anxiety, frankincense helps treat a variety of digestive problems and also offers anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. Cardamom is a sweetly aromatic fruit of a tropical plant related to ginger and can be used in its place, however, it is one the most expensive spices, after saffron and vanilla. and pet wellness explorers. According to essentialoildiffuser.io, it acts as an antiseptic, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, and helps with digestive problems. It should not, however, be ingested by cats or directly applied to their skin. The essential oil of frankincense is produced by steam distillation of the tree resin and has a balsamic sweet fragrance. With this in mind, essential oils are safe to use, and the higher the quality, the safer and more effective they will be. Because of this, we researched the toxicity of essential oils to cats. Learn more... Aromatherapy involves the use of particular scents derived from plant sources to treat a wide range of conditions. Flower Essences. ● Avoid oils high in phenols and eugenols for direct application (topical or internal) such as, Basil, Birch, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Thyme, and Wintergreen as well as oils high in d-limonene which includes all Citrus oils (Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine and Wild Orange). Spikenard is part of a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oils safe for cats, with a sweet and earthy aroma. We suggest a 9:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil. Diffusion and highly diluted topical uses will be addressed in this article as both have received support on their safety from various resources. The oil is extracted from the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant. BUT before you proceed, please know that some essential oils like wintergreen, citrus, pine, cinnamon, and sweet birch are HARMFUL to cats. Use Calming Essential Oils In addition to your cat’s own personal musk, there are other natural scents, particularly essential oils, that can create an aura of kitty-calm—and they work on humans as well. If you are still unsure, we recommend that you see a veterinarian for better guidance. The use of essential oils for cats is becoming more common due to its effectiveness and ability to heal a wide range of issues. Always consult with your veterinarian first before using essential oils with your cat or any pet. As a responsible cat owner, remain mindful of any changes in behavior and introduce essential oils gradually to your pet. Cats have a unique genetic make-up that gives pause to the use of aromatherapy around them. Spikenard is known to act as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory oil. A lot of things can be toxic to cats and humans if it is sourced incorrectly and poorly. http://jenspringer.com Let's talk about using essentinal oils with cats! If essential oil gets in their eyes, you should take them to the veterinarian. If your cat accidentally ingests tea tree oil, you should take them to the veterinarian. This oil is for short-term intervention only and can be used on small wounds as a blood purifier, eliminating blood impurities through the urinary tract system. This oil is a liver stimulator, acting as a detoxifier that also carries antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Another essential oil safe for cats is Helichrysum. Veterinarian Dr. Melissa Shelton - has been regarded with many questions about essential oils and cats. Geranium is native to South Africa and is a perennial shrub with small pink flowers and pointy leaves. Despite all of their benefits, however, there are several oils that are toxic and should be avoided.Â. , to prescription drugs. While the essential oils listed here are safe for human use, they can be quite the opposite for felines. to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can spritz your kitty’s hangout spot with a little bit of hydro-sol (“flower waters”) or even use it as a room freshener to calm a cat. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. This oil is commonly used for cats who are anxious and is recommended to be diffused. Another reason could be that these oils have been diluted with something else, which is completely dishonest.Â. As mentioned before, this article was intended for informational purposes only. There is a lot of misunderstanding about the differences between flower essences and essential oils. A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. Cats like to rub against everything and it could easily rub off onto their fur. With this in mind, essential oils are safe to use, and the higher the quality, the safer and more effective they will be. Vapor from the plant is then passed through a coil where it is condensed into its oil form. t’s a common situation for cat owners to discover their …, You may be wondering what can cats eat beyond their …. Before We Begin. If you have just started using essential oils, we recommend first using a diffuser. 8. If your cat is anxious because of an upset stomach or a long car ride, you might find aromatherapy very helpful. You could begin by applying the oil to yourself. There are numerous ways to do this. Keep reading to learn how to administer the oil to your cat! Thyme oil ; Sweet birch oil ; Citrus oil ; Lavender oil ; Wintergreen oil ; Garlic oil; Cinnamon oil http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-palmquist-dvm/pet-aromatherapy_b_877199.html, http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/essential-oils-for-cats.html, http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/natural-stress-remedies-for-dogs-and-cats/, http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ken-tudor/2014/january/tea-tree-oil-safe-pets-31282#, http://roberttisserand.com/2011/06/cats-essential-oil-safety/, https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/a-scent-sitive-subject-essential-oil-diffusers-and-your-cat/, http://www.essentialanimals.com/library/safe-use-of-essential-oils-for-cats/, https://www.youngliving.com/blog/essential-oils-for-pets-a-quick-how-to/, https://www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/best-essential-oil-diffuser/, Deine Katze mit einer Aromatherapie beruhigen, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Quality is another reason why you are paying a premium. Here are some suggestions on the amount of Peace & Calming or lavender essential oil to use. Research reports that, (glucuronyltransferase) that is responsible for assisting the liver to absorb and filter nutrients.Â, Cats digest and metabolize differently; therefore the use of diffusing and applying essential oils topically is the safest method. A cat's liver is simply incapable of breaking down the chemicals in essential oils. 3) Just because paws have leathery pads that doesn’t mean it’s safe to apply essential oils to them. You should be skeptical of marketing that contains these kinds of terms. 1. And if you must use them for yourself with cats in the house, you should keep it inaccessible and use it far away. And, Dr. Yamamoto, would you introduce yourself, the area you service and your history with essential oils and animals. For instance, scents like lavender, geranium, or frankincense all have a soothing effect and are safe around cats. The terms ‘therapeutic’ or ‘clinical grade’ are unregulated in the essential oil business. Juniper berry is one of the best essential oils safe for cats and can be used as a topical antiseptic. Eucalyptus oil may also be used as a spray for the air around a cat and signs and symptoms should improve within 2-3 days. This oil, also called nard, is derived from the flowering plant Nardostachys Jatamansi. 4. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Cats digest and metabolize differently; therefore the use of diffusing and applying essential oils topically is the safest method. Another great way to calm a nervous kitten down is to diffuse some calming oils. Lemongrass is a safe essential oil to use around cats at a low concentration. Give them a relaxing massage with the oil and hopefully they will calm down. QVNY.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites Cats are extremely sensitive to essential oils containing phenols, such as oregano and thyme. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Essential oils are made by placing herbs, leaves, and flowers through a steam process that involves using an alembic (distillation apparatus). For topical use, only do so when you are comfortable. Read on for 6 essential oil safety tips to keep your cat safe (without throwing away all your essential oils). You could use three drops of essential oil and 75 ml of carrier oil. Opt For A Hydrosol Since cats are so much more sensitive than their human companions when it comes to scents, try out a hydrosol instead of a concentrated essential oil. It’s known also for the many benefits it provides to the skin, gut, heart, and more. Lavender and Roman Chamomile essential oils ARE safe for cats. It is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian first before using essential oils on your cat or any pet. To use Frankincense, drop or swab 1 drop onto the cat’s collar or apply to the palm and gently massage. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Lavender can be used to help bring calm to your cat or dog. You can do this by taking your cat to a health professional first just to make sure there are no other underlying illnesses. The third method, using the oral application, is highly controversial and should be done at your own risk. 4) Got a Norwegian Forest cat? Some adverse reactions to look out for are: When diluted properly, Cedarwood is a great essential oil safe for controlling fleas and ticks on cats. Before using essential oils on your cat or dog, it’s important to do your homework and make sure that a particular oil is safe for their use. The use of essential oils has been a debate for a long. Introduce Essential Oils: It is helpful to introduce the essential oil to the animal before he/she becomes stressed. Geranium essential oil is a nice alternative to lavender for calming your cat during stressful events and situations, such as car rides. The most important factor to think about when using essential oils for cats is that you must first know your pet’s true state of health. It’s no surprise that many pet owners today are deciding to find alternatives, such as natural remedies, to prescription drugs. To read this article later, click “Save” on the picture to save to Pinterest so you can read this article later. Frankincense is also listed as one of the best essential oils safe for cats. It can also be used to relieve allergies and skin problems. There are several common oils that can be used for pets. Cats and doTERRA essential oils. Cats are Sensitive to Certain Essential Oils. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. You can find essential oil diffusers for under $40. Like any essential oil, it must be properly diluted prior to application. Here is a partial list of other essential oils that can calm your kitty: Clary Sage; Frankincense; Geranium; Rosemary; Valerian; When it comes to using essential oils, it’s important to make sure that you’re using oils that are appropriate and safe. Consider the size of the diffuser and try to find one that will not fall over easily, since your cat could knock it over. It is one of the few essential oils that are definitely safe to use with cats, alongside cedarwood, geranium, helichrysum, lavender, cardamom and spearmint. This herb is derived from leaves and twigs of the western red cedar tree. She's had 7 cats and had great success with maintaining their health and vitality. The third method, using the oral application, is highly controversial and should be done at your own risk. This oil is extracted from the sap of trees by slashing the bark over an amount of time and allowing the resin to harden. If you use essential oils for yourself or around the home, try to make sure they are diluted first to minimise the risk to your cat. Your animal’s size affects the amount of oil you should use and how much you should dilute for topical application. Yet… Lastly, essential oils must also not be used around cats that are pregnant or nursing kittens. If you can smell the fragrance of the oil, there is oil in the air and it can affect your cat. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. For cats, small dogs, and other smaller animals, use a carrier oil—such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex—to dilute the essential oil before application. Johnson recommends scents such as honeysuckle and lavender, which can have a calming effect on cats. 2. The oils of this berry are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and carminative. Avoid Peace & Calming essential oil blend on your cat, as it does contain phenols. They are not harmful to cats when diluted thoroughly. Geranium oil may be used to balance a cat’s hormones and boost their emotions. Many people consider it to be safe while others disagree. They cannot handle eucalyptol (a compound inside the oil) and it poisons them - try to keep your cat(s) as far away from eucalyptus as possible. You will notice that lots of generic-branded oils in stores claim to be 100% pure but do not have the same potency and smell. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Because of this, probably very few essential oils are safe for cats … The effect promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Lavender is by far the most calming essence for your cat. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Roman chamomile has a soothing effect -- like chamomile tea -- and is also useful for keeping your kitty's skin free from rashes. For this reason, essentialoilexperts.com recommends checking the label thoroughly before using cedar oil for fleas. Digestive health is really huge in the animal world when we're talking about, whether we're talking about dogs or cats or horses or cattle, all of them. Studies in animals have shown that chamomile contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs do. If you are still unsure, we recommend that you. What we found was a lot of contradictory information, with some sources claiming that all essential oils are toxic to cats. Avoid oils that contain ketones such as thuja, yarrow, pennyroyal, rue, hyssop, wormwood and mugwort. Avoid using undiluted essential oils for cleaning. Scents like lavender, cardamom and spearmint can be used to treat your cat’s stress or anxiety. This oil doubles as a flea repellent and can be combined with lavender, cedarwood, or chamomile to provide a relaxation effect. Jen has used essential oils on cats for over 15 years, she's never killed one. This oil blends well with cedarwood and frankincense. Please remember to dilute your essential oils for pets. To make your own essential oil blend for your pet, follow this recipe: Calming and Gentle Aromatic Essential Oil Blend for Kitty. Among the many great oils to choose from for your cat is ginger. After this, allow your cat to get close to you, spray the air lightly with this recipe, and let your catwalk through it. Essential oils safe to use topically on cats … Diffusion is preferred for cats. Lemongrass oil is most often found in the form of a hydrosol, a 100% non-alcoholic aroma that is made by steam-distilling or hydro-distilling plant matter. A 100% Pure and Natural Certified Organic Frankincense Oil can be found on Amazon. Frankincense oil has a calming and centering effect. It may take up to 72 hours to treat poisoning from tea tree oil. 3. Lavender. Essential oils are only safe at highly diluted levels of at least 50:1 (50 drops of high-grade carrier oil to one drop of essential oil). When trying an oil for the first time, make sure to keep an eye on your cat for any negative reactions. For cat owners especially, options such as natural herbs, acupuncture, and essential oils safe for cats are starting to become very popular. In this article, you will get to know the gist of the topic. Eucalyptus oil comes from the oval-shaped leaves of the trees which are then dried, crushed, and distilled to create the oil. The variety of geranium in which the essential oil is derived is called Pelargonium graveolens. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Calm-Your-Cat-with-Aromatherapy-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Calm-Your-Cat-with-Aromatherapy-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Calm-Your-Cat-with-Aromatherapy-Step-1.jpg\/aid8606751-v4-728px-Calm-Your-Cat-with-Aromatherapy-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"