However, pets don’t tolerate it as well as some other oils so it’s best used in a spray bottle applied to areas of the home, or used moderately on your pets. If your cat does have access to the area where your diffuser is located, make sure to place it somewhere safe where they can’t knock it over or access bottles of oil. Catnip is apparently effective but it smells really bad. Essential oils can be useful in and around our homes, but caution is needed when using these concentrated extracts around your cat. Some of these herbs may be toxic to cats in essential oil form). This can help relieve stress, but it should only be used in very diluted concentrations or diffused for a short amount of time. Using any essential oils around your cat should be undertaken with caution and always in conjunction with advice from your vet. As cat owners, we already know that our feline friends can be quite sensitive, but when it comes to using essential oils around cats, extreme caution is needed. A variety of ways you maybe already are incorporating essential oils into your daily life, include herbal remedies, aromatherap… They hate the smell and you’ll be able to brush them out with ease. I can only smell it when I stick my head down to my cat, and I think it is worth it to prevent ticks in a natural way. Lavender can have a calming and relaxing effect and can be used to help your cat relax after a stressful vet visit or help them stay calm when there are fireworks or other loud noises. The concentrations of these are always less than 1.5%, but we still recommend checking with your vet before use. Essential Oils Safety. Overall, the cats’ essential oils shampoo was well-tolerated, and did not cause any adverse effects. ", Though cats systems are more sensitive, there are plenty of bug repelling herbs that are safe to use on cats in herb form. Many different essential oils are toxic to cats and should not be used as a tick repellent on cats. While natural ways to repel ticks on cats have fewer unwanted side effects, they are by no means as effective as chemical tick repellents. To use oregano oil as a tick repellent, mix 5 to 6 drops for every ounce of carrier oil, and apply to exposed skin with a cotton ball. I am passionate about essential oil safety and love to share my DIY recipes for holistic health, natural beauty, and herbal remedies! It’s important to remember that some essential oils can be extremely toxic to your cat. Essential oils are controversial for use on cats because felines lack a key enzyme that both humans and dogs use to process the oils. Alcohol will emulsify (dissolve) the essential oil particles. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or are taking any medication, please consult your physician. This high-quality oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowers of the Rosemarinus officinalis plant. Last week I shared with you some natural tips on flea and tick prevention and care for dogs, this week we are focusing on cats! Two major uses for essential oils in pets include flea and tick control and anxiety relief. This 10 ml bottle contains 100% natural and pure cedarwood oil at the strongest therapeutic grade. For removing ticks, prepare a mixture of any three oils. Joseph Demers, a DVM who practices in Florida says: I have found that cats who are healthy just don't attract the fleas, or if they do, it is minimal. Cedarwood oil can also be used around the house to stop flea eggs from hatching. In these cases, we would advise against the use of any essential oils around your cat. Sweet Basil is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. Lemongrass Essential Oil. As the creator of ExcitedCats, his mission is to assist in the search for the best gear to help improve the health and wellbeing of cats everywhere. Home / Essential oils for cats / Natural Flea and Tick Protection with Essential Oils By Donna Stanley July 1, 2015 1 THOSE TOUGH, RELENTLESS FLEAS AND TICKS ARE … Therefore, this product effectively repels pests while giving a very pleasant fragrance. Why can essential oils be dangerous for cats? Hi! The presence of fleas is an indication that you need to create greater life energy in your pet.". Healing Solutions Sweet Basil Essential Oil — Best Value, 3. doTERRA Rosemary Essential Oil — Premium Choice, 4. 4. Some of these herbs may be toxic to cats in essential oil form) basil leaf; catnip; chamomile flowers The essential oils most commonly promoted as tick repellents include clove, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, geranium, palmarosa, pennyroyal, rose and sweet myrrh. In fact, their bodies are so different that their liver doesn't contain certain enzymes that dogs have, to break down specific chemicals in the liver. If you love to use essential oils for yourself, then you may like the idea of using them for your cat too. If you’re looking for a premium choice essential oil to treat your cat with, then the doTERRA Rosemary Essential Oil is the obvious choice. While some oils do have insect/pest repellant activity, the risk of serious or fatal reactions in cats with these oils is high, and very safe and effective alternatives exist. Lavender – This natural essential oil has powerful insect repellent properties that makes it a good choice for use in the home. A dab of petroleum oil will have the same effect. Copyright © 2021 Christina Anthis - thehippyhomemaker.com Privacy Policy, Real soap, like castile soap, is made with oils and fats and when it gets on a bug (this is true in your garden and on people too!) Even if you’re using an essential oil that should be safe around cats, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats. If you can smell the fragrance of the oil, there is oil in the air and it can affect your cat. The same essential oil from two different brands may have very different compositions. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cats, on the other hand, do not metabolize toxins in the same way. It’s important to understand that dogs and cats are much more sensitive to essential oils than humans are. This means their bodies cannot break down certain substances found in some essential oils, such as phenols and terpenes. Note: Using essential oils for pets can be dangerous, as many essential oils can be harmful to animals. It can also be well diluted to help heal cuts and minor scrapes. William Pollak, DVM says: The best flea control is a vital animal that radiates health and fitness, an animal consuming fresh, wholesome food and living a good, natural balance with its environment. For cats, small dogs, and other smaller animals, use a carrier oil—such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex—to dilute the essential oil before application. Essential Oils for Pets: 5 Best Oils + Uses for Cats. If you need more oil, you can also buy this in bottle sizes of 1, 2, and 4 fluid ounces. Essential Oils for Fleas on Dogs, Cats, and Pets at Home Citronella Essential Oil. Some essential oils that are toxic to cats include lemon oil, peppermint oil and tea tree oil. What smells pleasantly subtle to you may be overwhelming to your cat. Essential Oil Toxicity to Cats and Dogs. Active diffusers, like ultrasonics or nebulizers, do release micro-droplets of essential oils, however, so the chances of these coming into contact with your cat’s skin and fur are higher, as is the chance of them inhaling the droplets. This 10 ml bottle includes a dispensing eyedropper integrated into the cap to make pouring and application easy. Cedarwood is another safe essential oil for cats, as long as it’s used correctly. The Best Essential Oils to Kill and Repel Fleas. Essential oils can be quite effective in repelling fleas and ticks, and some of these oils can also help in eliminating these troublesome critters. It has a sweet and fresh floral scent, with a slight woody undertone. However, I only recommend products that I personally love and use myself!. The active ingredients include lemongrass oil, thyme oil, castor oil, clove oil, and peppermint oil. The oil will suffocate the tick and kill it. but with the quality of anything you choose to put on your cat. Passive diffusers, like candle burners, reed diffusers, or plug-in diffusers, are safer because they don’t disperse oil micro-droplets into the air. If you’re looking for a safe essential oil to use around your cat, then we recommend the Healing Solutions Lavender Essential Oil as the best choice overall. Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA and are considered a complementary therapy. AFFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging and social media activities, I may receive monetary compensation for links to products from this post. Although there are many toxic plants out there, for the most part, cats will just munch on grass and leave everything else alone. You should avoid using the following oils around your cat: Healing Solutions Sweet Basil Essential Oil, Wood Smith U.S.A. Cedarwood Essential Oil, The 5 Best Essential Oils for Cats — Reviews 2021, 16 most commonly reported toxicological causes, studies about owners who applied this dermally to their cats, Healing Essentials Sweet Basil Essential Oil, 1. Healing Solutions Lavender Essential Oil — Best Overall, 2. I don't use any of these for any recipe given on my site, but for the sake of learning and safety I am sharing them with you just in case you might grow them in your garden and also have family cats! Mix 2 drops of lavender oil to 1 cup of carrier oil to make an excellent flea repellent solution. Cats are totally my cup of tea, but they are a little bit more complicated than dogs, so greater care is needed for their health and safety. Some essential oils are very toxic to cats. I am at heart, truly a cat person. It’s made with five essential oils—clove, cedar, cinnamon, rosemary and peppermint oil—to kill and repel fleas and ticks. Oils as Tick Repellents cinnamon image by Azazirov from Fotolia.com We suggest a 9:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil. I even secretly find it pleasing when my cat won't let other people pet him because he's too good for their pets, but not mine. The following essential oils are often mentioned as tick repellents but lack evidence to their efficacy: Tea tree oil ; Cedarwood oil; Peppermint ; Lemongrass ; Marigold; Rosemary oil This means the quality, formulation, and chemical makeup of different essential oil brands can vary wildly. doTERRA Rosemary essential oil is a high-quality, premium-grade oil made with responsibly sourced rosemary, which is thoroughly tested for purity. Dogs are much like humans in the way that they metabolize toxins, through their liver and kidneys and subsequently their urine. If you have a domestic pet cat and you want to use essential oils, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of your pet. Even still, what your nose perceives as a pleasant smell may be overwhelming for your cat. If you’re looking for an essential oil product to use on your cat but would prefer something other than concentrated oils, this flea and tick collar from Primova is the answer. Readers are advised to do their own research and make decisions in partnership with their health care provider. This USDA-certified organic oil is frequently tested for purity, with the laboratory results available publicly. PetNaturals uses Synergistic blend of natural oils in FLEA+Tick Protection shampoo works to shield your dog and cats from unwanted pests like fleas, ticks… Even exposure to high concentrations of the limited number of essential oils that are deemed safe for cats can cause problems. Spearmint Oil Roland has been an animal lover all his life, with cats holding a special place in his heart. Some essential oils, including tea tree oil, can cause significant problems for cats with as few as eight drops. If your cat is suffering from a heavy infestation, it’s recommended to use a flea shampoo or spray before applying the collar. The material of the collar is saturated with lemongrass essential oil, which is known to repel fleas and ticks. Christina is passionate about essential oil safety and loves to share her DIY recipes for holistic health, natural beauty, and healthy whole foods cooking! Of these essential oils, I’d recommend using citronella, geranium, oregano, and clove essential oils on humans. 1. Never apply essential oils directly to cats, feed oils to cats, or leave oils in areas where they may come in direct contact with cats. Dogs and cats are remarkably well-equipped to sense things through smell. Try adding a couple of drops to your cat’s bath if you’re treating them for fleas or wiping a drop onto their collar to make them less attractive to fleas. Kitten Food vs Cat Food: What’s the Difference. Allow to dry and do not rinse off. For very large animals—i… Hopefully, our reviews have helped you figure out good options to start with. Don’t forget to dilute if using castile soap, it’s highly concentrated and shouldn't be used straight up. 3. it disrupts the insect’s cell membranes, causing then to die from dehydration. For a flea and tick spray for cats, mix 4 drops total of geranium and rosemary oils to one cup of water and spray on cat’s fur, avoiding the face. List of Essential Oils for Cats to Avoid: A rinse made with one to two drops of rosemary essential oil mixed into a jug of water can be used after your cat’s bath and left without being rinsed off. Though cats systems are more sensitive, there are plenty of bug repelling herbs that are safe to use on cats in herb form. Inside, I admit when he DOES oddly let a stranger pet him, and likes it, I get a little bit jealous. These common garden plants can induce particularly nasty reactions in cats, sometimes even ending in death: Even with their sensitive natures, there are still many ways to help combat against fleas and ticks with cats. Dog's loyalty is great and all...but cats make you work for their love and then only show slight interest, except in the middle of the nightwhen they suddenly think you are their favorite person and they love you so much they are going to jump onto your sleeping body, climb down the length of your entire body until they reach your face and proceed to meow at you while showing you just how much they love you with a few kneading claws into your chest, over and over again. For example, if you dropped a bottle of essential oil on the floor and your cat walked through the spilled oil, you would need to watch for signs that this has affected them. Essential oils are rapidly absorbed into the body through the skin, … If you’ve never used essential oils around your cat, then we recommend diffusing a very low concentration for a short amount of time and doing so in an area that your cat can freely leave if they choose to do so. Sadly, toxicosis in cats can be the result. Geranium and rosemary oils can be used as a flea and tick repellant on cats, as long as they are highly diluted. Ticks are naturally scared of essential oils. The material of the collar is saturated with lemongrass essential oil, which is known to repel fleas and ticks. Products and/or information are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. Combine apple cider vinegar and herbs in a mason jar and steep for 1-2 weeks, shaking daily to combine. Wood Smith U.S.A. Cedarwood Essential Oil. Neem oil: Neem oil is well tolerated by cats. Buying organic and checking the labels to be sure that ingredients are pure and not cut with any dangerous ingredients is vitally important when shopping for ingredients for products made for cats. Before you do, we recommend that you read this article first! The ingredients in this formula can also soothe itching and promote healing of bites and irritated skin. What are some of the best essential oils for cats? Cats cannot metabolize or break down the compounds that some essential oils contain, so they can cause toxicity if not used very carefully. Never apply undiluted essential oils to your cat’s skin. We do our best to help you better understand your cats; however, the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. What essential oils NOT to use for cats fleas? Lavender Essential Oil Great for Repelling Ticks & Soothe Your Pet’s Skin The aroma will help keep fleas and ticks away. We would recommend calling your vet to be on the safe side. They look for their prey by picking up their scent, and essential oils don't only mask the scent of a dog or a cat, they also help in driving away these obnoxious pests. Holistic Veterinarians are often quoted saying the healthiest animals are less likely to be "flea magnets," and health starts first and foremost, with diet. Male vs Female Cats – What are the Pros & Cons? Wrap this cloth on your pet. For the most part, a healthy animal will not find itself with an infestation of fleas. Yes, cats only show you affection when it pleases THEM...but I like that about them. These volatile organic compounds can be extracted to form a concentrated substance. The same holds true with the wild animals who are brought in The weak ones are full of fleas, ticks, and parasites. Cat Nail Caps: What Are The Pros & Cons? If you think that your cat has been exposed to or has ingested an essential oil that isn’t deemed safe, immediately call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline. With diligent work with many, if not all, of these options you can effectively take care of fleas for all of your pets, naturally: Christina Anthis is a single mom, herbalist/aromatherapist, and author of bestselling books "The Beginner's Guide to Essential Oils," “The Complete Book of Essential Oils for Mama & Baby,“ and "There's Food on Your Face". When using essential oils around cats, be sure to keep a scent-free room in your living environment for them to retreat to. Each doTERRA bottle has a batch code on the bottom, and you can use this to check the purity of your oil online. But with simple safety precautions, including choosing the right types of oil, there’s no reason that you can’t use essential oils around your house. There are studies about owners who applied this dermally to their cats, in good faith that it would heal skin conditions as it does in humans. If you’re looking for an essential oil product to use on your cat but would prefer something other than concentrated oils, this flea and tick collar from Primova is the answer. They are not harmful to cats when diluted thoroughly. Mix one drop each of the three oils chosen and pure almond oil. If you’re using essential oils on medium-sized animals—like large dogs—dilute 3:1 carrier oil to essential oil. Many of the essential oils most frequently advertised in flea and tick products—eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, tea tree oil, etc.—are already known to be toxic to dogs and/or cats. Remember that cats have a far stronger and more sensitive sense of smell than we do. These can then build up in their bodies and quickly cause toxicosis. We know that using essential oils safely around your cats can feel like a challenge. Essential oils should always be used diluted with a light carrier oil, such as Grapeseed oil, Coconut oil, Almond oil, etc. This USDA-certified organic oil has plenty of applications in a cat-owning household, including as an air freshener and antibacterial cleaner. Different essential oils can be used in different ways in and around your home. In this list, we rounded up the five best essential oils for cats. Every batch of this oil is tested for purity using a process called “GC/MS.” This stands for Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry; only the finest oils that pass the quality standards required are used. It is important to know some of the plants that are toxic to cats and commonly grown in the garden. I am a single mom, herbalist/aromatherapist, and author of the books, "Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety," "The Beginner's Guide to Essential Oils," “The Complete Book of Essential Oils for Mama & Baby," and "There's Food on Your Face." Essential oils are likely more safe for cats than artificial fragrances and air fresheners. Besides offering stress relief, it can also be used as a flea repellent. Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control for Cats is one option for the best tick repellent for cats. Cedarwood is favored by some cat owners. Simply mix 10 drops into a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Essential oils can rapidly be absorbed through both your skin and your cat’s skin. →, Kitten Food vs Cat Food: What’s the Difference? Thus, flea prevention in cats is more difficult when looking for natural options. This doesn’t kill fleas or ticks, but it does repel them by safely surrounding your cat with a scent that fleas and ticks find unpleasant. (This is not a list of essential oils to use, merely herbs themselves that are safe for cats to ingest or use topically. Rosemary can be used as a bath additive to help control fleas. You can create a diluted essential oil rinse using the essential oils that we recommended on the list, but we always recommend discussing this with your vet first. It is extremely important to understand that cats and dogs are not the same. Do not use light, natural oils, as they are not as effective at killing ticks. For further reading on essential oils and dogs, check here. It can help relieve tension and stress, so it can be good to use if you have a house move, vet visit, or other event coming up that may be stressful for your cat. My name is Christina Anthis and I am The Hippy Homemaker! This understanding is not just for essential oils, (which is a hot debate we will discuss further later, I am planning an entire post on essential oils and cats after I am done fully researching the topic!) For example, rosemary essential oil can be used as a rinse to help prevent against fleas. →, Male vs Female Cats – What are the Pros & Cons? Essential oil and aromatherapy diffusers, candles, liquid potpourri products, and room sprays are sources of airborne essential oils that cats can inhale or lick off their fur. The one-size-fits-all collar is adjustable, and the essential oils will gradually be released from the collar, lasting up to 8 months. Aromatherapy oils, like basil, lemon, cinnamon, cedar, lavender, and pennyroyal are the natural repellent for ticks. Vet’s Best Waterless Flea & Tick Cat Bath Foam It … We do always recommend speaking to your vet before using any essential oils around your cat. You See A Tick On You… Now What? However, some essential oils can be applied to cats … It is important to note that not every essential oil is suitable for killing fleas on cats. The information found on ExcitedCats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. Suffocate the tick on an animal or a person by carefully pouring baby oil or auto lubricating oil over the tick, just enough to cover it. If you’re not sure how to use an oil, it’s best to err on the side of caution and speak to your vet before using any essential oils around your cat. The other six are peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove leaf and rosemary. Today we will be discussing how … If the droplets from a diffuser settle on their fur or you pet your cat after handling essential oils yourself, then your cat may ingest the oils when they groom themselves. To use: spray onto cat while grooming. If you’re looking for a safe oil for household use, we recommend the Healing Solutions Lavender Essential Oil. Essential oils are simply a better choice, for your pet and for your family. Fortunately, between over-the-counter sprays, powders, and flea collars, there are endless solutions to help eradicate a flea problem in your home. (This is not a list of essential oils to use, merely herbs themselves that are safe for cats to ingest or use topically. One of the safest ways to use essential oils in your home is to diffuse them in an area that your cat cannot access. Both oils are used extensively in aromatherapy and they both come from the Pelargonium graveolens family of shrubs native to South Africa. Fleas detest the smell of lavender and will stay well away from any kitty cat that has it on. The oil has a garlicy/spring onion smell, which is only slight after applying the treatment to the cat. FRONTLINE Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Cats Dilute essential oils with alcohol (or Witch Hazel) and distilled water. It can be used as an air freshener, to help chase away stubborn odors from litter boxes. Essential oils are thought to be useful in a range of situations, from repelling insects and improving concentration to simply making your home smell nice.