Is Orange Essential Oil Safe For Cats? (Must Read)

I know that many people are using essential oils to help with a variety of issues and that there is a lot of information out there on the topic. I have seen a few people ask if orange essential oil is safe for their cats, so I did some research to find out. Although orange essential oil is often used to scent products like air fresheners and cleaning supplies, it can be dangerous for cats.

Orange oil contains a compound called limonene, which is toxic to cats if they inhale it or ingest it. Ingesting even a small amount of orange oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats.

Here in this blog post, I’ll be discussing the safety of using orange essential oil around cats, what’ll happen if they ingest it, and what you can do if your cat comes into contact with it.

Why Orange Essential Oil is Toxic to Cats?

As I already gave you little glimpse in the upper section that why orange essential oil is bad for the cats, here I’ll be describing it in detail. So, let’s get started!

1. Limonene Can Be Fatal If Inhaled By Cats

Orange essential oil is toxic to cats because it contains a high level of limonene, which can be fatal if inhaled by cats. A study published in the journal “Veterinary Record” found that limonene can cause serious respiratory problems in cats and can even lead to death in some cases.

Another study published in the journal “Toxicology” found that limonene can also cause liver damage in cats. If you are using orange essential oil around your cat, be sure to keep it out of their reach and avoid using it near them.

2. Can Cause Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea

Yes, it’s true that even a small amount of orange essential oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats. If your cat ingests any essential oil, they may experience these symptoms.

In some cases, ingesting essential oils can also lead to liver damage or failure. If you think your cat has ingested any essential oil, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately.

3. Orange Essential Oil is an Irritant

Orange essential oil is also an irritant, which means it can cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling. If your cat comes into contact with orange essential oil, they may experience these symptoms.

If you think your cat has been exposed to orange essential oil, it’s important to wash their skin with soap and water immediately. You should also take them to the vet to be checked out.

Also, check out Is Sandalwood Essential Oil Safe For Cats?

Do Cats Like the Smell of Orange Oil? 

Most cats don’t seem to like the smell of orange oil, although there are a few that appear to be attracted to it. The vast majority of cats will avoid it if they can, and will often show signs of discomfort when exposed to it.

This is likely because the smell is quite strong and overwhelming for them. Cats have a very acute sense of smell, and what might seem pleasant to us can be quite overwhelming for them.

Interesting Read: Is Lemon Essential Oil Safe For Cats?

Is Orange Essential Oil Safe to Diffuse Around Cats?

While orange essential oil is a safe and nontoxic oil to diffuse around humans, the same cannot be said for cats. Cats lack the ability to metabolize essential oils properly, which can lead to toxicity.

A study done by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found that diffusing citrus essential oils like orange oil can be harmful to cats. The study found that diffusing these oils can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage in cats.

If you have a diffuser, it’s best to avoid using it around your cat. If you must use a diffuser, be sure to keep it out of your cat’s reach and avoid diffusing any citrus essential oils.

You might also like to read: Is Diffusing Essential Oils Safe for Cats?

Treatment You Can Expect on Orange Essential Oil Poisoning

If your cat has been exposed to orange essential oil, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately. There is no specific antidote for orange oil toxicity, so treatment will be based on your cat’s symptoms.

Your vet may give your cat activated charcoal to help bind the essential oil and prevent further absorption. They may also give your cat IV fluids to help flush the essential oil out of their system.

In severe cases, your vet may need to do a blood transfusion or give your cat oxygen therapy. If your cat has ingested orange essential oil, do not try to make them vomit. This can cause more damage and make their symptoms worse.

If you think your cat has been exposed to orange essential oil, call your vet immediately.

How to Prevent Orange Essential Oil Poisoning in Cats?

The best way to prevent orange essential oil poisoning in cats is to keep the oil out of their reach. Here are some tips to help you do that:

1. Keep Essential Oils in a Safe Place

From my experience, the best way to keep essential oils safe from cats is to keep them in a safe place. I like to keep mine in a cupboard or drawer that my cat can’t get into. You can also keep them in a box or container with a lid.

2. Keep Your Cat Away from the Area When Diffusing

If you are diffusing essential oils, it’s important to keep your cat away from the area. I like to put my diffuser in a room that my cat doesn’t go into often. You can also put it on a high shelf or in a closet.

3. Keep Essential Oils Out of Reach

It’s also important to keep essential oils out of your cat’s reach. I like to keep mine in a cupboard or drawer that my cat can’t get into. You can also keep them in a box or container with a lid.

4. Monitor Your Cat When Around Essential Oils

If you are using essential oils, it’s important to monitor your cat’s behavior. If you notice any changes in their behavior, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.

My Final Thoughts

While orange essential oil is safe for humans, it can be harmful to cats. If you think your cat has been exposed to orange essential oil, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately. As a general rule, it’s best to keep essential oils out of reach of cats.

If you must use essential oils, be sure to keep them in a safe place and monitor your cat’s behavior. If you notice any changes in their behavior, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.