Lately, we get a common question about which essential oils are suitable for cat pets. Considering that cats are very sensitive animals and at the same time have a low ability to process the different components of essential oils due to their lack of liver enzymes, this is a very deep topic. I will try to open it up in this article and at the same time illuminate some of the question marks arising from the divergence of sources.
The super “power” of essential oils?!
The fact that essential oils are highly concentrated plant substances is an obvious fact. In just 1 drop of these treasures there are about 3-4 cups (121-161 g) of plant material. In other words, 1 drop of rosemary oil equals a full 3-4 cups of the herb. Therefore, the oils abound with a strong aroma that urges us to handle them with discretion.
Cats are often bothered by their strong smell. They have almost 4 times more olfactory cells in their nasal mucosa compared to humans. In feline aromatherapy we are not only limited by this interesting fact, but also by the fact that furry pets lack important liver enzymes, which are used for the metabolic processing of the individual components of essential oils in the liver. Now you may be asking yourself, what is the connection between the liver and scent?
Why are most essential oils toxic to cats?
Whether we or our four-legged friends enjoy the scents of essential oils by diffusing or applying them to the skin/coat in diluted form or the questionable internal use (which SoZoLe Rose does not recommend!). Their final path is always through the bloodstream to the liver where they are broken down into water soluble components by liver enzymes. These metabolic residues, as toxins, are then carried out of the body through urine and stool. Because cats in particular lack the liver enzymes UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (according to a 2013 study, these three enzymes are UGT1A6, UGT1A9 and UGT2B7), contact with most essential oils is toxic to them, often resulting in permanent liver and kidney damage and, in the worst cases, death of the animal.
What to avoid in cats
Information on the safety of individual essential oils varies from source to source. And finding truly credible sources, backed by studies or practice, is somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, after a little research, I bring you some interesting facts. Did you know that the menthol in peppermint oil is dangerous not only for children under 3 but also for cats?! R. Tisserand mentions on his website a study from 1976, which proved that menthol is 3-4 times more harmful to cats than to rodents. And that’s probably because of a missing liver enzyme.
Also avoid any citrus oils in cats. Monoterpenols are problematic for these pets. And one of them, d-limonene, is what makes citrus smell so good! Cats are also sensitive to the phenols contained in oregano or thyme oil. And also to the polyphenols present in cinnamon, clove or birch oil. Other excluded essential oils, according to Amy Joyson and her book Essential Oils For Cats, include pine and fir oil, clary sage and niaouli.
And what about the often mentioned tea tree oil? That’s what an investigative veterinary study from 1998 refers to, when three cats were poisoned after 20 ml of this undiluted essential oil was applied to the skin of each cat to cure nasty flea bites. All three cats were poisoned, two were rescued after intensive treatment, unfortunately one died. Here you can see how even a good intention can turn into an irreversible disaster.
It would seem that there aren’t many safe essential oils left then?! Or is there?
Safe essential oils for cats
Which oils can we use for our pets with peace of mind? After consultation with cat psychologist Klara Nevečeřalová and based on its recommendations, based on the foreign authors A. Joyson and Dr. Philip Ozzo, are in particular the following:
Lavender, immortelle, frankincense, Damask rose, geranium, clary sage, german chamomile, roman chamomile, rosemary, jasmine, neroli and marjoram
But be careful not to overdo anything, so let’s be considerate to our animal friends. Let’s diffuse a maximum of 1 hour a day. Ideally, let’s divide this time into 2 x 30 min or 3 x 20 min, which also applies to ourselves. Afterwards, air it out thoroughly and if we are diffusing for our own pleasure and enjoyment, do it in a room where the cats do not have access and air it out thoroughly again. If you need to mix up some feline aromatherapy lubrication, always remember to dilute the safe essential oils with a carrier oil in a safe ratio for them. Clara advises 1:50, so for every 1 drop of essential oil, 50 drops of carrier oil (any vegetable oil).
Flower waters or hydrolats as safe cat aromatherapy
Personally, for animals, I prefer flower waters or hydrolats, which are safer and gentler than concentrated essential oils alone! Feel free to reach for Cornflower flower water for eye care, lavender for calming and relaxing, and rose water for harmony. Chamomile is good for grief and depression from loss. How to German chamomile Trueas well as Roman chamomile can be used for gingivitis in a ratio of 20% chamomile hydrolat + 30% flower water immortelle and 50% water. Apply 2-3 drops of this mixture 4-6 times a day for 3 weeks to the pet’s gums. You can then apply a small amount of undiluted lavender hydrolate once to the bites and scratches to cleanse the wound ( S. Catty – Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy, s. 193 ). A nesmíme zapomenout, že hydroláty můžete využít jako zcela přírodní osvěžovač prostoru či finální fáze oplachu kočičí toalety.
I believe I have brought some light into the tangle of information about cat aromatherapy. Always be careful to note how your cat reacts to the oils or hydrolats you offer. If you are unsure about essential oils in yourself, don’t use them on your pets either. Consult with experts. In the Czech Republic, the cat psychologist Klára Nevečeřalováwho many of you know from the CT programme “A cat is not a dog” and who was a guest on one of our live broadcasts. Watch the recording here.
Sources:
S. Catty – Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy, 2001
R. Tisserand, R. Young – Essential Oil Safety, 2014.
KG STILES – Essential Oils Complete Guide, 2019.
R. Tisserand: Cats and Essential Oil Safety(14.6.2011)
Bischoff K., Guale F. 1998 Australian tea tree oil poisoning in three purebred cats.
A. Joyson – Essential Oils For Cats, 2015
Dr. P. Ozz – Essential Oils for your cat, 2015
