There have been numerous stories in the news about the effects of essential oils used in diffusers on pets in recent times. Plant essential oils are concentrated liquids.
Aromatherapy, alternative medicine, cleaning, and personal care products, and home air fresheners are all popular uses for them. Essential oil diffusers are used by many people to improve their health.
When you have a cold, lavender is said to help with relaxation and sleep, while eucalyptus and peppermint oils are said to help clear a stuffy nose.
However, is eucalyptus oil safe for cats?
No, eucalyptus oil is not safe for cats. Eucalyptus oil is extremely toxic to cats. It is toxic when applied to the skin, diffused, or licked up in the event of a spill.
This article will talk about is eucalyptus oil safe for cats and can you use eucalyptus oil around cats.
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Is Eucalyptus Oil Toxic For Cats?
Yes, eucalyptus oil is toxic for cats.
Essential oils like eucalyptus oil, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled, have been shown to be toxic to cats in studies.
Severe liver damage, liver failure, respiratory failure, seizures, and even death can occur as a result of exposure.
Felines lack specific enzymes that allow them to properly process various compounds found in essential oils (a process known as “gluconuridation”), particularly phenols.
Because phenolic compounds are found naturally in plants and are concentrated in essential oils, the liver is the organ most susceptible to failure.
Airborne essential oils can be inhaled or licked off their fur from essential oil and aromatherapy diffusers, candles, liquid potpourri products, and room sprays.
If you can smell the oil, it means that there is oil in the air, which can cause respiratory problems.
The following are some general guidelines for using eucalyptus oil in your home with your feline companions:
- Eucalyptus oil should not be applied or fed directly to cats, nor should it be left in areas where they may come into contact with them. While some oils are insect repellent and smell wonderful, there is a high risk of serious or fatal reactions in your cat. Your curious pet will appreciate it.
- Avoid using eucalyptus oil if your cat suffers from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.
- Keep cats out of rooms with a lot of eucalyptus oil in them. Kittens, elderly cats, and cats with liver or respiratory problems should not be allowed in rooms with essential oil diffusers.
Why Is Eucalyptus Oil Bad For Cats?
Eucalyptus oil is bad for cats as cats do not have the enzymes to break eucalyptus oil which can cause severe problems.
Direct contact with eucalyptus oil on the skin can cause chemical burns in cats.
Chemical burns and other toxic effects can occur if a cat licks up eucalyptus oil spills.
Eucalyptus oil is particularly toxic to cats, and even a couple of licks can be fatal.
Many essential oils are toxic to pets, including eucalyptus oil. Whether applied to the skin or used in diffusers, these are toxic.
Always keep all essential oils out of reach of curious cats. Never leave essential oils unattended because sweet-smelling liquids may tempt your cat.
Never use essential oils on your cat without first consulting a veterinarian.
Consult your veterinarian to determine whether the oil you’re using in your diffuser could be harmful to your cat.
Essential oils like eucalyptus oil, contain a high concentration of phenols, which are compounds found naturally in certain plants.
The enzymes required to efficiently metabolize phenols and other compounds in essential oils are lacking in our furry friends.
You simply want the best for your fur baby as a kitty parent. It’s not always easy to figure out what you should keep and what you should get rid of in your home.
According to the ASPCA, certain essential oils can cause “gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression, and even liver damage if ingested in significant quantities.”
If you use eucalyptus oil, make sure your kitty cat doesn’t come into contact with, ingest, or inhale it. If you want to use eucalyptus oil, only diffuse them outside of the house, such as at the office, or keep them in a room where your cat isn’t allowed.
If you use it on your skin, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands before cuddling your beloved feline.
Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe For Cats To Breathe?
No, eucalyptus oil is not safe for cats to breathe as it can cause several complications to a cat’s health.
Cats, especially fluffy ones, can absorb eucalyptus oil by rubbing their fur against oil-coated surfaces, such as your hands, the side of your essential oil diffuser, or even a stray droplet on a counter.
Cats, on the other hand, can absorb them by inhaling diffused oil droplets that float around in the air.
Diffused eucalyptus oil can also land on your cat’s fur, where they can be ingested while she bathes and cleans herself.
Depending on the level of exposure, phenol toxicity can occur over a long period of time or occur quickly.
Because the liver is where the body tries to process the compounds, it is frequently the organ that is most affected by harmful essential oils.
As you can see, eucalyptus oil placement can be dangerous to your cat.
It is your responsibility as a pet parent to learn which essential oils are toxic to cats so that you can protect your four-legged friend.
The following are some common signs that your cat has been exposed to eucalyptus oil:
- Watery nose
- Watery eyes
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Low Heart Rate
- Low blood pressure
- Ataxia (wobbliness)
- Difficulty Breathing
- Liver failure
If you use eucalyptus oil and your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, take her to the vet right away to be treated for essential oil poisoning.
In an emergency, call the ASCPA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435 for assistance. They’re open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, bless their feline-loving hearts.
Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe For Cats In Diffuser?
No, eucalyptus oil is not safe for cats even in a diffuser.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil are toxic to cats. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin or used in diffusers.
Diffuser oil can still be harmful because it diffuses tiny oil droplets into the air using water vapor. If the diffuser is used in a small space or for a long time, inhaling diffused eucalyptus oil can cause aspiration pneumonia, as well as other toxic effects.
If you’re going to use a diffuser in your home, make sure it’s in a place where your cat can’t get to it, and consult your veterinarian about which oils are safe to use.
Using a diffuser anywhere in the house, on the other hand, is not a good idea if your cat has breathing problems.
If you have kittens or curious cats, you might want to think twice about using an oil diffuser. Inhaled toxins have a negative effect on cats because they have a sensitive respiratory tract.
Kittens and curious cats have been known to knock the diffuser over, spilling the oil. If the oil gets on the cat’s fur (which it could ingest later while grooming) or if the cat licks the spill, toxic effects can occur.
Remember that cats are much more sensitive to scents than humans. To a cat, what we consider a mild scent may be overwhelming. Even if the essential oil you’re using isn’t toxic to pets, it could be too much for them.
If eucalyptus oil gets on your cat’s skin or fur, wash it off as soon as possible with hand dishwashing soap. Take your cat to the veterinarian right away if you suspect your cat has consumed eucalyptus oil or is having a reaction to eucalyptus oil vapors.
Always keep eucalyptus oil out of reach of curious cats. Because sweet-smelling liquids may tempt your cat, eucalyptus oil should never be left unattended.
Never use eucalyptus oil on your cat without first consulting a veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian to determine whether the oil you’re using in your diffuser could be harmful to your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diluted eucalyptus oil safe for cats?
When applied to the skin: It’s possibly unsafe to use pure eucalyptus oil. It can cause serious problems with the nervous system. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if diluted eucalyptus oil is safe for cats.
How is eucalyptus oil made?
Eucalyptus oil is a distilled essential oil obtained from the leaves of eucalyptus trees, also known as blue gum trees. Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, but they are now grown all over the world as ornamental trees and medicinal plants. Chopped eucalyptus leaves (usually Eucalyptus globulus, but other varieties are used for essential oils) are placed in distilling apparatus. This generates steam, which collects the oil as it passes through the leaves. When steam reaches the top of the apparatus, it comes into contact with a cold surface and condenses back into liquid water and oil. These are collected and left to separate—the essential oil, like most oils, floats on the water’s surface, making separation simple.
What are essential oils?
Plant-derived compounds are known as essential oils. Distillation is the process of extracting oil from a variety of sources, including steam, water, and mechanical methods like cold pressing (yes, just like olive oil or juice). These compounds are usually blended with a carrier oil before being used after they have been extracted. When essential oils are not diluted, they are extremely concentrated. Plants produce essential oils, which are concentrated liquids. As they’ve grown in popularity as part of human self-care and aromatherapy routines, or as cleaning product additives, they’ve become more widely available in grocery stores in recent years. Even though these products are natural, they may not be suitable for our cats.
Final Words
There is no convincing evidence to support the use of eucalyptus oil in cats. It’s best to be cautious because eucalyptus oil can be extremely toxic in high concentrations. If you do decide to use herbal medicine on your cat, consult with your veterinarian, who will be able to give you advice and guidance on eucalyptus oil and cats.
If you have any unanswered questions, ask us in the comments section.
