Oregano essential oil, or OEO, is far too concentrated to be used on cats. It is high in both phenols and terpenoids, which cats can not properly digest due to a lack of glucuronyl transferase digestive enzymes in the liver. This can result in a toxic reaction and permanent liver damage to the cat.
Although this spice is not very toxic, it may still cause intense digestive disturbances in your pet, including vomiting and diarrhea. It has also been known to cause more serious side effects in some rare cases, such as decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract.
Oils that contain phenol and monoterpene hydrocarbons have been found to be particularly toxic to cats. You should avoid using oils such as cinnamon, clove, thyme, oregano, citrus oils, pine oils, lavender, bergamot, tea tree, eucalyptus, and others.
Dogs and cat enjoy many things we adults benefit from in our diet. Oregano can assist pets in digestive tract health and inhibit the growth of fungal infections like candida and athlete's foot. Oregano, or Oreganum vulgare, is a common culinary herb that is easy to grow in Michigan.
Due to some of its properties, a few things should be kept in mind when taking oregano or oregano oil in medicinal amounts. In large doses, oregano oil may be toxic -- and even lethal. Oregano may have diuretic effects. Large amounts of oregano can upset the stomach.
Potential Side Effects of Excess Oregano Intake
Oregano or oregano oil is safe for most people when used in regular food doses. However, people allergic to mint or mint families might experience adverse reactions when consuming oregano.
To make sure your cat-repelling efforts are maximized, plant oregano as one component of a thriving herb garden that includes other herbs that deter cats such as rosemary, lavender, mint, lemongrass and lemon balm.
Valerian. For best results, administer the herb fifteen minutes before the expected stressful event. Soon after the initial shock, the cat will calm down. Don't get surprised if she falls asleep soon afterward.
The Nepeta cataria plant, more commonly known as catnip, belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family. This family also includes herbs such as rosemary, oregano, basil, and sage. This family of plant also contains Nepeta musinii, or catmint, which can also attract cats.
According to the ASPCA, thyme is classified as non-toxic for cats. This herb can be a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, Vitamins A and C, Riboflavin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, and Manganese for your pets.
While it is not deadly, lavender is toxic for cats. Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats cannot process in their livers.
Fortunately, basil isn't among the toxic plants and herbs, which cats must stay away from. It's not poisonous. This means your pet won't be in any danger of toxicity if it comes near your basil plants. Cats can safely sniff and lick it, as well as rub against it.
Is Rosemary Safe For Cats to Eat? Rest assured, according to the ASPCA animal poison control, rosemary is non-toxic to cats1, as well as to dogs and to horses. There are members of the Lamiaceae family that the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats. These include, surprisingly, catnip, lavender, marjoram, mint, and oregano.
Cats dislike the smell of certain scents, such as citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and rosemary. You can use these scents to deter cats from entering certain areas of your home or garden by using essential oils, planting these plants, or using citrus peels.
Lavender, which has natural sedative properties, may help soothe an anxious cat. Copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense are also considered safe for cats. Before using essential oils, even in the form of diffused scents, around your cats, check with your holistic veterinarian for recommendations.
If your cat is expressing an intensive craving for lemongrass, it may have some kind of nutritional deficiency or illness.
Cats dislike the smell of rue, lavender and pennyroyal, Coleus canina and lemon thyme. Plant a few of these throughout the garden.
Did you know you can make herbal tea with fresh herbs and boiling water? Enter this oregano tea. Fresh oregano transforms in 5 minutes into an earthy, fresh drink that's positively restorative. All you need is a few sprigs and boiling water!
One potential side effect of oregano oil is gastrointestinal upset. This can include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea [4]. Oregano oil can also cause allergic reactions in some people, including skin rash, hives, and difficulty breathing [5].
You can also use oregano tea leaves. Add 3 teaspoons of dry oregano leaves into a tea infuser or teapot with an infuser/filter, add the boiling water and let it steep for about 5-10 minutes. Remove the filter and serve it warm. You can squeeze in some lemon or sweetener to enhance the taste.
Herby scents cats like
And if you've ever picked fresh herbs and smelled them, it isn't hard to understand why. As mentioned earlier, catnip is part of the mint family. Cats often like the scent of normal mint too, as well as basil, oregano, and rosemary. Finally, something humans and cats can agree on!