Lamar on Nostr: I had no idea about this. I don't have cats at the moment but it's very handy to ...

I had no idea about this. I don't have cats at the moment but it's very handy to know.

quoting nevent1q…wxfu

That sounds wonderful.

I loved my aromatherapy diffuser, but I decided to get rid of it (and my salt rock lamp) after talking to my vet. They basically said:

"Though diffusers can occasionally be safe for cats, more often than not, they're very risky and are best avoided around your feline."

Most essential oils can be harmful to cats. Cats lack certain liver enzymes needed to metabolize many compounds found in these oils, making them extremely sensitive.

The risks from the diffuser being knocked over, spilling, or the cats ingesting oil droplets when they groom themselves were not something I was willing to take.

Many cat owners know about the danger of certain plants and flowers around their cats, many don't know how sensitive cats are to essential oils and scents in general (cats are much more sensitive to smells than we are).

Here then is a PSA list (for "the room") of essential oils that are known to be toxic to cats:

- Basil
- Bergamot
- Bitter almond
- Cinnamon
- Clove leaf
- Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Juniper
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Lime
- Mint (including wintergreen, spearmint, and peppermint)
- Myrrh
- Orange
- Pine
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Sandalwood
- Sassafras
- Tarragon
- Tea tree (deadly!)
- Thyme
- Wormwood
- Ylang ylang

Other less common essential oils that are also toxic include:

Armoise, Bay leaf (W. Indian), Birch (sweet), Boldo leaf, Buchu, Calamus, Clary Sage, Cornmint, Horseradish, Japanese Yew, Hyssop, Lanyana, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal (N. Am.), Pennyroyal (Eur.), Sassafras (Brazilian), Savin, Savory (Summer), Southernwood, Spruce, Tansy, Thuja, Tree wormwood, Large wormwood, Western Red Cedar, and Wormseed.

Symptoms of essential oil toxicity in cats can include drooling, vomiting, tremors, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and even liver damage in severe cases.

If you absolutely must use essential oils, ensure proper ventilation, keep diffusers out of reach, and provide a safe space where cats can retreat from the scent. However, the safest approach is to avoid using essential oil diffusers around cats altogether.

Veterinary opinions on essential oils and cats are divided. While some pet-safe diffusers and essential oil products are marketed, many vets advise extreme caution or complete avoidance.

If you're considering using any aromatherapy products around your cat, it's crucial to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian first for personalized advice based on your cat's specific health needs and the latest research.

I hope someone finds this info helpful.

https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/are-diffusers-safe-for-cats-to-be-around/