Essential oil and aromatherapy diffusers, candles, liquid potpourri products and room sprays are sources of airborne essential oils that cats can absorb directly on contact with their skin. Oils diffused in the air are inhaled and also collect on the fur, which results in your cat ingesting them during licking and cleaning.
Compelling evidence has now demonstrated that essential oils are toxic to cats, whether taken internally, applied to the skin or simply inhaled.
The liver is most often the organ that is affected by essential oils.
Exposure can lead to serious liver damage, liver failure, seizures, or even death for cats.
These oils are known to contain phenols and be toxic to cats:
· Wintergreen oil
· Peppermint oil
· Citrus oil (including lemon oil)
· Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)
· Pine oil
· Eucalyptus oil
· Cinnamon oil
· Pennyroyal oil
· Sweet birch oil
· Clove oil
· Ylang ylang oil
Symptoms of essential oil poisoning include:
· Drooling
· Vomiting
· Tremors
· Difficulty walking, wobbliness (ataxia)
· Respiratory distress (wheezing, fast breathing, panting, coughing)
If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to a veterinary emergency centre ASAP!
Don't wear aromatherapy jewellery when you are around your cat.
Toxicity can occur very quickly or over a longer period of exposure.
If you know your cat ingested any oils accidentally, go to the veterinarian immediately.
Carla G. xx