Is Diffusing Essential Oils Safe for Cats? (Answered)

There are a lot of different opinions out there about whether or not diffusing essential oils is safe for pets. Some people say that it’s perfectly fine, while others claim that it can be dangerous. So, what’s the truth? Is diffusing essential oils safe for cats?

No, diffused essential oils is not safe for cats. Cats have a very different physiology than humans and they are much more sensitive to the effects of essential oils. In fact, diffused essential oils around your cat can be fatal.

Here in this blog post, I’ll take a look at the dangers of diffusing essential oils around cats, what symptoms to watch out for, and what you should do if your cat has been exposed to essential oils.

Why Diffusing Essential Oils Around Cats is Dangerous?

Here are some of the reasons why diffusing essential oils around cats is so dangerous:

1. Diffused Essential Oils Can Be Inhaled by Your Cat

Yes, when you diffuse essential oils into the air, your cat will inevitably end up inhaling some of them. And since cats have a much higher respiration rate than humans (about 30-40 breaths per minute), they are at a greater risk of developing health problems from inhaling diffused essential oils.

2. Essential Oils Can Be Absorbed Through Your Cat’s Skin

Cats groom themselves constantly and when they do, they can end up ingesting small amounts of essential oils that have been absorbed through their skin. Ingesting essential oils can be just as dangerous as inhaling them.

3. Essential Oils Can Be Toxic to Cats

Many essential oils contain compounds that are toxic to cats. When diffused into the air, these toxins can be inhaled or absorbed through your cat’s skin, leading to serious health problems.

4. Cats Have a Hard Time Metabolizing Essential Oils

Cats lack the enzymes necessary to break down and metabolize essential oils. This means that when they are exposed to essential oils, the oil can build up in their system and potentially lead to toxicity.

5. Some Cats are More Sensitive to Essential Oils Than Others

Just like humans, some cats are more sensitive to essential oils than others. If you have a particularly sensitive cat, even exposure to small amounts of diffused essential oils can be dangerous.

You might also like to read: Is Orange Essential Oil Safe For Cats?

Symptoms of Diffusing Essential Oils Around Cats

If you have diffused essential oils around your cat, watch for these symptoms:

1. Respiratory Distress

If your cat is having difficulty breathing, this is a sign that they are suffering from respiratory distress. This can be caused by inhaling too much of the diffused essential oils.

2. Skin Irritation

If your cat’s skin becomes red, inflamed, or starts to itch, this is a sign that they are suffering from skin irritation. This can be caused by either inhaling the diffused essential oils or by absorption through the skin.

3. Gastrointestinal Upset

If your cat starts vomiting or has diarrhea, this is a sign of gastrointestinal upset. This can be caused by ingesting essential oils that have been diffused into the air or absorbed through the skin.

4. Neurological Symptoms

If your cat becomes agitated, dizzy, or uncoordinated, this is a sign of neurological toxicity. This can be caused by either inhaling the diffused essential oils or by absorption through the skin.

5. Seizures

If your cat has a seizure, this is a sign of severe toxicity and requires immediate medical attention. Seizures can be caused by either inhaling the diffused essential oils or by absorption through the skin.

Has your Cat Been Exposed to Diffused Essential Oils?

I know it can be scary if you think your cat has been exposed to diffused essential oils, but don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:

1. Remove Your Cat from the Area

If you think your cat has been exposed to diffused essential oils, the first thing you should do is remove them from the area. Get them into fresh air as soon as possible.

2. Call Your Vet

If your cat is showing any signs of toxicity, call your vet immediately. They will be able to give you further instructions on what to do and whether or not you should bring your cat in for an examination.

3. Monitor Your Cat

Even if your cat isn’t showing any signs of toxicity, it’s important to monitor them closely. Watch for any changes in their behavior or health. If you notice anything unusual, call your vet right away.

4. Keep Essential Oils Out of Reach

If you diffused essential oils while your cat was in the room, it’s important to keep them out of reach in the future. Store them in a safe place where your cat can’t get to them. This will help prevent any accidents from happening in the future.

5. Talk to Your Vet About Safe Alternatives

If you’re looking for safe alternatives to diffusing essential oils around your cat, talk to your vet. They may be able to recommend some safe and effective options.

Treatments for Diffusing Essential Oils Around Cats

If your cat has been exposed to diffused essential oils, immediate veterinary attention is required. Depending on the severity of the toxicity, your vet may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

1. Fluid Therapy

Yes, cats can receive fluids just like humans. Fluid therapy is a common treatment for essential oil toxicity. It helps remove the oils from their system and keep them hydrated. A cat suffering from essential oil toxicity may require fluids for several days.

2. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal works by binding to the oils and removing them from your cat’s system. It can be administered orally or through a stomach tube. From a veterinary perspective, this is one of the most effective treatments for essential oil toxicity.

3. Antiseptic Wash

From my experience, an antiseptic wash is often very effective in treating skin irritation caused by essential oils. Depending on the severity of the case, it may only be administered once or multiple times.

4. Steroids

In some cases, steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and help relieve any discomfort your cat is feeling. Besides, it can help improve their breathing if they are having difficulty due to inhaling the oils.

5. Oxygen Therapy

If your cat is having difficulty breathing due to the essential oils, oxygen therapy may be recommended. This helps increase their oxygen levels and relieve any respiratory distress. In addition, oxygen therapy can help reduce any neurological symptoms your cat is experiencing.

My Final Thoughts

It’s important to remember that cats are much more sensitive to essential oils than humans. Therefore, it is essential to take the necessary precautions when diffusing them around your cat. If you believe your cat has been exposed, seek immediate veterinary attention.

The sooner you get help, the better chance your cat has of making a full recovery. I hope this information was useful and that it helps you keep your cat safe and healthy. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Best of luck!