Is Rose Essential Oil Safe For Cats? (My Thoughts)
After writing about jasmine essential oil being safe for cats, I did a bit of research on other essential oils and their effects on felines. So, I though rose essential oil may be a good topic to write about as well. And guess what I found out?
No, rose essential oil is not safe for cats. Rose essential oil contains phenethyl alcohol, which is toxic to cats. Cats are also sensitive to essential oils in general and can experience adverse effects from exposure to them.
In this blog post, I’ll be discussing why rose essential oil is not safe for cats, as well as some of the adverse effects that exposure to this essential oil can cause in felines. I’ll also provide what treatment options are available if your cat does come into contact with rose essential oil.
Why Rose Essential Oil is Not Safe for Cats?
When it comes to essential oils, cats are not like dogs. Dogs can tolerate a wider variety of essential oils than cats can. Rose oil is one oil that is not safe for cats.
1. It is a Potent Oil
When it comes to rose essential oil, there are two camps: those who swear by its therapeutic properties and those who warn against its use, especially around cats.
The reason for this discrepancy is that rose essential oil is a potent oil and can be harmful to cats if ingested in high quantities.
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care looked at the effects of rose essential oil on cats. The study found that while rose essential oil has therapeutic benefits for humans, it can be toxic to cats.
In fact, the study found that even small amounts of rose essential oil could cause serious health problems in cats, including liver damage and death.
2. It Contains Phenethyl Alcohol
As essential oils become more popular, more and more people are using them on their pets. However, not all essential oils are safe for cats. Rose oil, for example, contains phenethyl alcohol which can be toxic to cats.
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care looked at the effects of rose oil on cats. The study found that rose oil can cause respiratory depression and central nervous system depression in cats. In some cases, the cats even died.
This research confirms that rose oil should not be used on cats. If you are using rose oil on your cat, stop immediately and consult your veterinarian. There are many other essential oils that are safe for cats, so there is no need to take any risks with this dangerous oil.
3. It is a Skin Irritant
Rose essential oil is also a skin irritant. If your cat comes into contact with rose oil, it could lead to skin irritation and redness. In some cases, the irritation can be so severe that it leads to second-degree burns.
A study from the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that rose essential oil is a skin irritant for cats. The study found that all of the cats in the study had skin irritation after being exposed to rose essential oil.
The study also found that the amount of skin irritation increased as the concentration of rose essential oil increased.
4. It is an Eye Irritant
Rose essential oil is also an eye irritant. If your cat comes into contact with this oil, it could lead to redness, watering, and swelling of the eyes. In some cases, the irritation can be so severe that it leads to corneal ulcers.
A study from the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that rose essential oil is an eye irritant for cats. The study found that all of the cats in the study had eye irritation after being exposed to rose essential oil.
The study also found that the amount of eye irritation increased as the concentration of rose essential oil increased.
5. It Can Cause Gastrointestinal Upset
Rose essential oil can also cause gastrointestinal upset in cats. If your cat ingests this oil, it could lead to vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, the gastrointestinal upset can be so severe that it leads to dehydration and death.
In one study, of the 54 cats that were exposed to rose oil, 47 displayed at least one sign of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
The study also found that the higher the concentration of rose oil that the cats were exposed to, the more severe their symptoms were.
Also, check out Is Jasmine Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
Symptoms of Rose Essential Oil Poisoning in Cats
If you are a cat owner, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of rose essential oil poisoning in cats. This type of poisoning can be deadly, so it is important to seek medical help right away if you think your cat has been exposed to this oil.
The most common symptoms of rose essential oil poisoning in cats include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy and
- Weakness
In some cases, cats may also experience seizures or respiratory failure. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, take them to the vet immediately.
Interesting Read: Is Sandalwood Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
Treatments You Can Expect on Vet Visits
If your cat has been exposed to rose essential oil, it is important to take them to the vet immediately. There are a few different things that your vet will do in order to treat your cat.
1. Decontamination
The first thing that your vet will do is to decontaminate your cat. This means that they will remove any rose essential oil that is on your cat’s fur or skin. They will also flush your cat’s eyes and mouth with water to remove any oil that may be there.
2. Supportive Care
Your vet will also provide supportive care for your cat. This may include IV fluids to treat dehydration, antibiotics to prevent infection, and pain medication to help with any pain or irritation.
3. Monitor for Complications
Your vet will also monitor your cat for any complications that may arise from their exposure to rose essential oil. This may include monitoring their respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure. They will also perform blood tests to check for liver damage.
4. Treatment of Complications
If your cat does develop any complications, your vet will treat them accordingly. This may include giving them oxygen therapy or steroids if they are having trouble breathing. If they develop liver damage, they may be given a liver transplant.
5. Follow-Up Care
After your cat is discharged from the hospital, your vet will give you instructions on how to care for them at home. This may include giving them baths with a mild shampoo, applying a topical cream to their skin, and feeding them a special diet.
You will also need to take your cat back to the vet for follow-up appointments. During these appointments, your vet will check to see how your cat is doing and if they are having any problems.
Interesting Read: Is Chamomile Essential Oil Safe For Cats?
How to Prevent Rose Essential Oil Poisoning?
Here are some tips to help you prevent rose essential oil poisoning in your cats:
1. Keep Rose Essential Oil Out Of Reach
It is important to keep rose essential oil out of reach of cats, as if ingested it can be toxic. If you have cats in your home, make sure to store any rose essential oil in a safe place.
2. Avoid Direct Contact with Skin
It is also important to avoid direct contact with the skin as this can cause irritation and other health issues. If you have an open wound or break in the skin, it is best to avoid using rose essential oil.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention if You Suspect Poisoning
If you suspect your cat has been exposed to rose essential oil, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Your vet may recommend treatments such as activated charcoal or other medications to help reduce the effects of poisoning and help your cat recover.
My Final Thoughts
It is important to be aware of the potential danger that rose essential oil poses to cats. If your cat has been exposed, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to keep all essential oils out of reach of your cats and make sure they are stored safely in a cool, dry place.
By being proactive about safety and understanding the risks of essential oils, you can ensure that your cat is safe and healthy. Besides, it is always a good idea to consult your vet before using any essential oil around your cats.