They say that curiosity killed the cat, but new studies now show that certain essential oils may kill your cats too if you're not careful. Researchers have found that 2 types of components, phenols and monoterpene hydrocarbons, commonly found in essential oils can be fatally toxic to our feline friends in high doses. This is because unlike humans, cats' livers lack an enzyme called glucuronyl tranferase, and are unable to break down these toxic chemicals as a result.
Read on to find out how to use essential oils safely around cats, as well as to find out exactly which essential oils have been found to be the most harmful to cats.
1. Don't touch your cat after applying essential oils to your body.
Any residual oil that accumulates on your hands and skin can end up getting stuck to your cat's fur, which they'll end up ingesting when they decide to clean themselves. This is why it's important to thoroughly wash your hands after applying essential oils. You should also keep the skin that you applied the oils on covered up for a while, just in case your beloved cat decides to rub up against you.
2. Never diffuse toxic oils in your home.
If you diffuse oils into the air, then your cat will undoubtedly end up inhaling the oil, which could be very harmful to them in certain cases. If you really must use essential oils via inhalation, a safer way to do so is to add a few drops to a bowl of steaming hot water, cover the bowl and your head with a towel, and then breathe the vapor in. Make sure that your cat is in another room when doing this.
3. Don't apply toxic oils to anything your cat could rub or lick.
Using essential oils as cleaners will leave a residue on the surface, which could easily be ingested by cats who lick it or rub themselves against it. As an example, it's probably fine to clean your showerhead with essential oils, but not your kitchen counter.
4. Keep all oils where your cat can't get to them.
Since cats are such mischievous and curious creatures, it's very important to keep essential oils well out of their reach. Even if jars of oil are tightly sealed, there will probably be some residue on the outside which could still end up harming your cat. That's why it's best to store all of your essential oils in a closed drawer or cabinet that your cat will never be able to break into.
5. When possible, use higher dilutions.
If you want to minimize the risk that accidental exposure presents to your cat, then we'd recommend always using essential oils that are as diluted as possible. In this way, if your cat ends up accidentally ingesting or inhaling some toxic components, the damage done to them would be less likely to cause a toxic buildup.
6. Don't leave dishes out that have touched essential oils.
For anyone who loves to cook with essential oils, it is of the utmost importance to clean these dishes and put them away immediately after using them. This is because there are very few cats in the world that won't go and sniff or lick your dirty dishes when you're not around.
Essential Oils Which Are Toxic to Cats
Wondering what essential oils have been found to be toxic to cats? Below, you'll find the list that most researchers seem to agree on. However, just because an essential oil isn't listed here, it doesn't mean that it is safe to use, so you should stop using any essential oils immediately if ever in doubt.
Here's the list:
Discover 7 Ways Cat Purring Is Good For Human Health
Did you know that cats are more than just adorable and loving companions, but can actually bestow healing properties through the power of their purring?
This Online Scam Is Gaining Popularity at Alarming Rates
Sammers are taking advantage of people's vulnerability during the pandemic. This is how to recognize and avoid the danger.
These Houseplants Are Dangerous For You and Your Pets!
Some houseplants look beautiful but could pose a danger for small children and pets alike. Find out about 9 common poisonous houseplants.
Why Do Cats Sport Vertical Pupils?
Why do they need these vertical pupils? Learn all about it right here in this fascinating video.
17 High Maintenance Cats Who Live A Life of Luxury
Cats may be known for their independence, but this bunch of spoiled felines is all about getting their own way and living a luxurious life.
Learn the Meaning Behind These Common Dog Behaviors
Why do dogs howl, smile, or eat grass? To better interpret what your dog is trying to say, watch the informative video below.
8 Best Ways to Handle Those Who Constantly Pull You Down
Here are some tips on how to get around people who constantly put you down.
All My Life I've Been Opening Bananas Wrong. Shocked.
I Never Knew How to Really Open a Banana...
These Tips Will Make Your Grocery Shopping a Breeze!
Grocery shopping alone can be a stressful task. Learn the tricks of how to do your shopping with ease, even if you have kids around.
15 Differences between Men and Women That Explain a Lot
Discover surprising biological differences between men and women, which can explain many things you thought about both sexes.
6 Simple and Practical Tips To Organize Your Kitchen
A well organized kitchen is the first step to a gratifying cooking experience
10 Surprising Grocery Products You Didn't Know You Can DIY
Did you know you could also DIY products like butter, mustard, and deodorants? Learn these useful recipes to reduce the load of your grocery shopping!
Don’t Let Broken Zippers Bother You Again. I’ve Found a Fix!
Don’t throw away your favorite pair of pants because of a broken zipper. Grab and needle and thread and try this easy fix.
10 Super-Effective Tips No One Else Will Tell You About
Fix and do just about anything with the following 10 supercool tips and tricks!
Relieve Joint and Back Pain with Desk Ergonomics Tips
Do you know how to set up your desk and how to work at the computer without wreaking havoc on your joints and spine? This video shows
Travel Through Time: History's Best & Worst Makeup Moments
Makeup tastes and trends have changed dramatically over the years, and this great video proves it...
16 Useful Charts & Guides That Teach You Surprising Things
Save these useful charts and guides. They will come in handy someday.
Most Plant Owners Ignore This Crucial Plant Care Detail
Successful houseplant owners always pay close attention to their plants’ light needs. Let us teach you to do just that in this brief but informative guide.
Christmas Tree Hacks: 9 Game-Changing Tips
Use these Christmas tree tips to make your holiday festivities easier.
Shocking! This is What the Bar Code on Produce Means
What do the stickers on your produce mean? Find out here.
Solve Your Everyday Problems with These Time Saving Tips
This handy list of hacks will make your life easier and is budget-friendly. You'll be surprised to discover what you can do with these everyday objects.
WATCH: 10 Amazing Life-Hacks You Wish You Knew Years Ago
If there were only 10 life-hacks you needed to learn, these would be them.
Is Your Garden Healthy? Test It with These Soil Tips
How healthy is your garden? Test it out with these helpful tips.
The Genius Ways to Wrap Awkwardly Shaped Gifts
To save yourself a little money, and to help you get a tad more creative this festive season, we've got the perfect solution for you.
Shocking Bathroom Items That SHOULDN'T Be in the Bathroom
Bathrooms get so damp and humid, they are a breeding ground for bacteria. And here are 8 surprising things we need to keep out of the bathroom.
20 Foods That Should Be Kept Out of the Refrigerator
The refrigerator allows us to keep food fresh for longer, but there are certain foods, such as the 20 here, which are not meant for the cold...
Waste No More: 6 Great Ways to Use Fruit & Veggie Peels
If you want to save both money and reduce your waste, remember these 6 practical and delicious ideas for what you can do to utilize your fruit and vegetable leftovers to the max.
Loop, Knot, Drape: Fall Scarf Tying 101
This lovely woman demonstrates the better versions of how to wear a scarf, what not to do and how to easily make beautiful fashion choices.
Ever Notice How All of Women's Problems Begin with MEN?
Ever Notice How All of Women's Problems Begin with Men?
10 Surprising Uses for Honey Outside the Kitchen!
While honey may be an essential ingredient to add to your diet, there are a number of other surprising uses for it too.
You Should be Growing These 10 Healthy Herbs at Home!
Make your diet a lot healthier by growing these healthy and delicious herbs.
Know Your Kitchen Tools - the Uses for Every Type of Paper
Learn when to use (and when to avoid) each type of kitchen paper, aluminum foil, cling film, and all other wrapping mediums.
These 27 Household Hacks Will Make Housework a Breeze
Doing housework can be such a drag sometimes, but these 27 household hacks are here to help!
These Are The Financial Secrets of This Billionaire
When it comes to making money, you have to listen to men like Warren Buffet - they really know what they are talking about.
5 Incredible Secrets 5-Star Hotels Use to Do the Laundry
Achieve outstanding results with these incredible laundry tips
35 Cooking Hacks That'll Make Your Life a Whole Lot Easier
These 35 cooking hacks will make your life in the kitchen a whole lot easier.
15 Surprising Uses of Potatoes Outside the Cooking Pot
Potatoes are a great staple of many food dishes around the world, but they also have many uses outside of the kitchen. These will surprise you!
Baby Oil Can Do Things You Never Even Considered!
Baby oil is usually used to keep your baby's skin soft, but in the next article, you'll get ideas for six more effective and surprising ways to use it.
Reaching age 112: People Share Their Long Living Secrets
10 of the oldest people on earth would like to share their secret...
6 Ways to Make Your Hands Look and Feel Younger
Give your hands a little TLC with these helpful remedies.
Cucumbers Are Incredibly Versatile: 7 Ways to Use Them
Cucumbers may be nutritious, but they are incredibly versatile too! Here's how you can use cucumbers outside of your salad.
10 Nifty Uses for Cooking Spray You Never Thought Of
I bet you never thought of using cooking spray in these alternative ways...
These Great Design Tips Will Make Your Home Outstanding!
If you've decided you want to make a change to your home, then here's how you can give it an up-to-date look.
Wow! Check Out These 12 Unexpected Uses of Home Appliances
From steaming towels in a rice cooker to cooking salmon in a dishwasher, these alternative functions are bound to amaze you!
Surprising Ways to Use ChapStick You Might Not Know About
Here are some of my favorite uses for this unassuming household product.
Make These Baby Products Naturally at Home!
To help you create your own natural remedies for your little one, we suggest trying out the following homemade "recipes".
This Town Was Built Especially for People with Dementia
This small Dutch village is designed for and entirely populated by residents with dementia and Alzheimers.