Oils that are harmful to cats include, but are not limited to: wintergreen; sweet birch; citronella oils and candles; citrus (d-limonene); pine; ylang-ylang; peppermint; cinnamon; pennyroyal; clove; eucalyptus; tea tree (melaleuca); thyme; oregano; and lavender.
Some oils, like tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil, can cause serious health issues in dogs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and even liver failure if ingested. Burning candles or using diffusers can also release fumes that can be harmful to a dog's respiratory system if they are inhaled in large quantities.
In its pure form, the eucalyptus plant is considered toxic to cats if ingested. The most common physical signs of a eucalyptus toxicity in cats would be vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and/or lethargy.
Beeswax, soy wax or vegetable-based wax candles don't contain toxic pollutants, so are generally safer, and also typically burn for longer than paraffin wax. If you're worried your cat may have been poisoned by anything in your home, discover how to spot the signs of poisoning.
It is indeed the fragrance which can be harmful to your pooch or feline. Fragrances are made up of chemical compositions which contain natural ingredients such as Benzene, which has a sweet scent and is incredibly common in wax melts, but can cause respiratory problems in humans and pets alike.
While you might like the smell, eucalyptus isn't safe to keep around cats — whether it's dried or fresh. “Eucalyptus is poisonous to cats,” Dr. Bustamante told The Dodo. “Cats are not able to metabolize chemicals found in the plant; therefore, those chemicals can damage your cat's internal organs.”
Candles, reed diffusers, room sprays and even fragranced cleaning products normally have no adverse effects on cats. The levels of exposure are very low and do not result in any harm. Problems occur when there is direct contact with the product on the skin or if it is ingested.
Paraffin. Candles made out of paraffin wax are not safe for either humans or pets. In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency is against the burning of paraffin candles. If you are looking for pet-friendly candles, make sure to steer clear of ones that contain paraffin wax.
If you must burn scented candles, read the ingredients carefully and look for candles labeled “dog safe.” Keep candles out of your dog's reach. Place them on high surfaces where they cannot accidentally burn fur. Look for candles made of vegetable wax, soy, or beeswax.
So, make sure your candle isn't positioned too close to a cage or tank so that your pets aren't over-exposed to the scent or heat. If your pet seems sensitive to fragrances, or if they have respiratory problems, try and keep candles in a separate room.
Risks of Hanging Eucalyptus In the Shower
Since eucalyptus is toxic to cats and dogs, though, you'll want to avoid the shower plant if you have pets at home. And if you decide to put a few drops of the concentrated eucalyptus oil in the shower instead of the entire plant, proceed with caution, says Patterson.
Eucalyptus oil can, in reality, deter cats. We love this oil for its refreshing smell, which is precisely why cats dislike it. Cats have a heightened sense of smell. So the odors we find delightful would be overpowering to them.
A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. If you diffuse oils in your home, it should not cause a problem for your cat, as oil used in a diffuser is highly diluted (versus direct topical application or dietary supplementation).
Generally, if it doesn't say 'safe for pets,' I wouldn't use the product." Is your buddy capable of detecting the sweet, slightly minty scent of eucalyptus? Absolutely.
First, Loren recommended looking for soy- or coconut wax-based candles. These waxes are clean and safe. “You can also do beeswax,” she added, “but that is not cruelty free.” Loren says that paying attention to fragrance sources, like essential oils, and wick material is also important.
Eucalyptus oil is used in aromatherapy to treat breathing problems (4). The smell of eucalyptus can be very overwhelming for dogs in both positive and negative ways. But all these benefits are for humans.
While candles are generally considered safe to use around pets, it is important to remember that all animals have unique sensitivities to smells and chemicals. In addition, some essential oils have been linked to a number of health problems in pets.
While burning scented candles is generally considered safe for dogs, our canine companions have a far better sense of smell than we do. Downes notes that dogs “may be more likely to be irritated by odors.” She recommends avoiding candles that contain essential oils.
While the flowers are beautiful and make for perfect curb appeal, lavender oil can often be found in natural remedy sleep aids, soaps, and candles. However, if you have a cat, you should be wary of having lavender in easy access to them. Lavender is mildly toxic to cats.
Scented Candles
The scents themselves can also cause stress or airway irritation for your cats and dogs, depending on how strongly scented the candles are and with which scents.
Eucalyptus, lavender and geranium: these are odors that cats dislike.
Catnip and More.
Catnip, part of the mint family, affects many cats with a scent-induced kitty “high.” Silver vine has a similar effect. And valerian can energize cats. Fresh work best, but even the dried form may inspire kitty love.
Although natural beeswax or any other 100% plant or vegetable waxes are also safe. 100% beeswax or other plant/vegetable waxes for example soy. Use safe essential oils for the scent.
The smoke may irritate your cat's respiratory system, causing it to cough or have an allergic reaction. If you have an asthmatic cat, the smoke from incense could trigger an attack. Further smoke in the house puts your cat at risk of developing asthma. It's best to avoid using incense around most cats if possible.
The best essential oils that are safe for cats are rosemary, copaiba, helichrysum, oregano, frankincense and cedarwood essential oil. Cats can also tolerate chamomile, lavender, thyme and valerian essential oils at very diluted concentrations.