Using Oils With Your Cats
Before you really get going using essential oils in your home -- if you have a cat, there are few other things you want to keep in mind.
Essential oils can be totally safe used around your cat, when properly diluted and when you use ONLY HIGH QUALITY Essential Oils. (I recommend only one brand)
You are going to here from many groups and forums that you shouldn't use oils with cats. In fact, you're going to hear similar things about the dog. But I assure you, we can be smart about using oils around or for the cat -- many Veterinarians, Groomers, and other pet parents do it every single day.
Yes, homes with cats can still use essential oils!
I'll share a few things here with you -- but keep in mind this module is about the DOG!
If you have birds, ferrets, or other small animals. there are additional considerations for safety to keep in mind. Do your research!
Well Oiled Families often have Well Oiled Cats too!
But, if you listen to the interwebs, you'd think all essential oils are going to wipe out the cat population. People are fearful.
I don't have a cat (very allergic), but I do understand. And there is some reason for you to be concerned -- but the more important thing is for you to be educated.
Cats are different than dogs. Superior so I'm told they believe.
But scientifically, it's true. Cats are carnivores and seldom eat plant matter. Over thousands of years, cats lost the ability to produce an enzyme (UDP) that allows them to metabolize, process and excrete out plant matter through poop and urine. The liver and a system called cytochrome P450 are responsible for making this matter water soluble to be excreted from the body. A build up in the system could cause toxicity.
Ok, so now what? Does this really mean cat's cannot be around essential oils. No.
Avoid anything that might even be close to synthetic. Quality matters. Truth be told, your cat is also at risk of your fabric sprays, plug-ins, air fresheners, etc. And let's not even begin the chat about topical flea and tick products.
Dilute oils significantly for your cats. We talked about dilution calculations. You're going to need them. For a cat of 15 pounds you may need 1/10th of the amount suggested for a 150 pound adult in certain protocols. This is a time you may consider misting sprays instead of drops of oil.
Did you know the denser the hair per square inch of skin, the more enhanced absorption of eo the animal will have? The hair acts as a wick. and draws it into the skin.
Don't overdo it! Start slow. Monitor response. If you're diffusing, diffuse only 10-15 minutes at a time and take a break to watch for a response. If you're applying something topically, start with a very low amount, and monitor. Skip days between applications.
Avoid the cats feet.
Consult your veterinarian or holistic practitioner.
Animal Scents Essential Oils for Cats
One of the easiest and safest ways to get started with essential oils for your cat is the Animal Scents Line. This makes a great collection for your first-aid kit as well.
We're going to cover each product in this line in an upcoming post. But these products are diluted and specifically designed for pets. So if you're not comfortable yet taking bottles of oil and knowing which to use, how much, or how to apply -- Animal Scents is a great way to start.
Oils To Use With Caution If You Have Cats
Phenols: basil, anise, clove, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, or cassia. Phenols must be metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system. Some people elect to just not use these oils if there is a cat (or bird, or reptile) in the home. But many have had no issues with proper dilution and appropriate use for first aid.
If you getting deeper into essential oils -- you'll question at this point something like the Thieves Cleaner which contains may of these phenol oils.... Thieves Cleaner is used daily in homes, barns, animal clinics, etc with no issues to the cat. Even diffusing thieves hasn't been shown to harm the cat!
I'll also take the opportunity to tell you that some of these phenol oils are used in the Raindrop Technique for Animals. However, it's typically something we call a Kitty Raindrop where we create a synergy of the Raindrop oils and dilute it with carrier, and then apply this new mixture -- even knowing that the cat may groom himself and ingest the oils.
Many cat owners will also avoid using Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alterfornia), citrus oils, pine, spruce, celery seed and fir, as they are high in monoterpenes. This doesn't mean you can't use them in your home, personal care or your dog's -- but just that you may choose not to diffuse around the cat or apply them to the cat. Though I'll tell you there are often first aid opportunities for many of these oils as well.
Other oils to use caution with the cat include peppermint, dill, rosemary, fennel and lavender because of ketone constituents
Gentle and Safe Essential Oils For Cats
Whew, that was a lot of things you might want to use caution with. That's ok, there is a lot you CAN use!
One of the top oils for your Cat: Melissa. It's good for so many supportive care reasons -- especially in first aid.
Other oils to perhaps beef up your cat first aid kit might include:
Copaiba, Lavender, a good pain relief blend, immunity blend, etc.
Helichrysum, Melrose, Mountain Savory, Myrrh, Octea, Roman Chamomile, Valerian and Vetiver.
As we go, we'll dig into some of the most frequently used oils available in starter kits or to build your first aid kits, etc. Just be sure to cross-reference back to your cat if you have one.
So in the same way we clean our homes, support systems of the body for ourselves and our dogs, we can do the same for our cats. We just may need to make specific oil selections, dilute more heavily, use less often, and introduce them slowly.
Ask questions. Get yourself a desk reference book. Learn more And #Oilupyourcat