In short
Essential oils need great care around pets. Cats can't break down many oils, so some are dangerous to them; dogs differ but still need care. Claire shares her own near miss and her advice: never put oils in pet food or water, diffuse briefly in a ventilated room, and check with your vet.
I frequently get asked if it’s safe to use essential oils on your pets, so I thought I’d make my life simpler by blogging about it
Nearly Killed my Kitty
I also have to confess a very recent near miss with our new little kitty, randomly deciding to scoop her into the bath one evening to see if she had a taste for it rather than just wanting to hang around the sides poking us all.
In that moment I forgot that I’d put lavender oil into the bath as well, albeit low quantities and not my super potent stuff, but a much cheaper alternative. She unsurprisingly leapt out again in horror and we dried her off, not thinking much more of it….
Until she stopped really eating, she’s a piggy, for around 3 days and lost a stack of weight. The small penny did kind of smash through my conscience at that point, though she didn’t have any signs of toxic poisoning other than the loss of appetite, and I knew we had to scarper off to the vets rapido.
Yep, I was looked at and severely judged for my stupidity, in my defence I’d just undergone a deep medium session so was on another plane of consciousness. AND, she is totally fine and back to her chunky little self, turns out she just had a sore throat!
Essential Oil for Cats and Dogs
So, what can I tell you that will be of use…. Firstly, I am going to restrict this blog to cats and dogs, being that they are the most popular household pet more than anything else.
Cats are Different to Dogs
Given that even they differ in the impact essential oils have on them, demonstrates that you need to research before you use essential oils on any animal.
Plus, the information out there varies greatly, so be informed before you take this oily path. Plenty have and do very successfully…
Cats and Essential Oils– The Facts
Why Some Are Toxic
Cats, for instance, lack an essential enzyme in their liver, which means they can’t metabolise and eliminate certain toxins.
Purer is Stronger
They are also super sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils, the purer the oil the bigger the problem!
Death by Oil
Some essential oils are therefore deadly to cats, Basil, Oregano, Wintergreen, Sweet birch, Citrus oils (d-limonene), Pine, Ylang Ylang, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Pennyroyal, Clove, Eucalyptus and Melaleuca/Tea tree.
Given that I am a purveyor of 100% pure essential oils and make my own oily cleaning products, my poor kitty cats apparently live in highly risky circumstances!
Toxicity Looks Like
Thought, to be fair, I’d know if they’d been spiked because toxic poisoning looks drooling, vomiting, tremors, ataxia (wobbliness), respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature and liver failure.
Natural Instincts
They’re wise enough to keep clear of the dangerous smells, fortuitously essential oils are by their very nature highly fragranced, and I keep the areas in question well ventilated so nobody gets gassed.
Essential Oils that work with Cats
There are some essential oils that work well with les chats, usage involves gently diffusing the oils in an opened space, escape routes a plenty.
If you diffuse oils at home, keep it brief, use a well-ventilated room and make sure your cat can always leave. Check with your vet first.
Other oils that are safer to use/diffuse around them are Lavender, Copaiba, Helichrysum, and Frankincense.
Diffusing is Best
I would never recommend applying oils to a cat's fur or skin.
To learn more about diffusing, read my blog on How to diffuse essential oils.
Essential Oils and Dogs
Les chiens, are seemingly different because they don’t experience the same metabolising problem.
Anti-Flea
You can make up a nice anti-flee spray using rosemary oil or lavender.
Oral Excellence
You can use the doTERRA On Guard blendif they have teeth or gum problems.
Never add essential oils to your dog's food or drinking water. For bad breath, ask your vet about dental care that is safe for dogs.
And Relax
Some people diffuse Lavender, Cedarwood or Chamomile to help a stressed dog relax; keep it brief, in a ventilated room your dog can leave.
Natural Wound Care
And, you can also use Frankincenseand Helichrysum, but ask your vet first, especially for wounds or any health problem. Given the price of these special oils, I’d be wary but I know some of you love to spend, spend, spend on your beloved pet. Oh, hang on, veterinary medicine costs a small island in the Pacific, this will feel cheap at half the price!
Essential Oils a Natural Alternative
Thus, I conclude essential oils can have a place in a pet-friendly home, used carefully and with your vet's advice, and I certainly know there is a lot of people across the world using doTERRA oils successfully on their pets…. There is a whole Facebook group for it.
Lots of Evidence Out There
Indeed, this mass usage means there is a lot of information around on what works etc that’s worth delving into. If you favour natural wellbeing for yourself, ask your vet how your pet can share it safely! But it is really down to personal choice…. Always check with your vet before using any oil around your pet.
I found this site, which looks very comprehensive:
Buying Essential Oils
The world of essential oils is not equal, it is unregulated and only 8% of the ingredient needs to be present for it to be marketed as pure. This means that if you are thinking you’re getting an absolute bargain by paying next to nothing, which I used to think, you’re really not.
They are extremely versatile and magical, so what appears expensive in the first instance is actually very cheap. I’ve done the research for you, I sell the very best, purest Essential Oils, you can buy them directly from me.
It’s always best to purchase essential oils from someone you can trust, who knows what they’re talking about and can be contacted for additional information.
Oily Workshops
I teach essential oil workshops, which can be done online, for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of essential oils and the best ways to use them in your life. Or, if you prefer to learn in your own time, you can access my essential oil workshops online at www.oilywitch.com
Frequently asked questions
Are essential oils safe for cats?
Many aren't. Cats lack a liver enzyme to break them down, so oils like Tea Tree, Peppermint, citrus and Eucalyptus are dangerous to them.
What are signs of essential oil poisoning in pets?
Drooling, vomiting, tremors, wobbliness, breathing difficulty and low temperature. See a vet straight away.
Can I put essential oils in my dog's water?
No. Never add oils to a pet's food or water. Ask your vet about safe options.
Learn to use oils safely
My aromatherapy workshops cover using essential oils safely at home, including around pets.