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.
But, while you may love lavender and use it regularly in the bath, you might wonder if it can give your cat the same types of benefits. Unfortunately, the lavender plant and essential oils are toxic to cats and can lead to severe symptoms.
Types of cat calming products
Oral supplements and chews. Compression jackets. Pheromones (sprays, diffusers, wipes, collars) Prescription medications.
Previously, researchers determined that cats stay calmer when listening to classical music, as opposed to pop and heavy metal. But more recent research published in this month's issue of Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery showed that cats may relax even more when listening to music made with them in mind.
Yes, studies have shown that cat calming diffusers can help reduce common anxiety-related behaviors in cats, including: Litter box issues. Spraying. Excessive vocalization.
It's best to avoid diffusing essential oils around dogs and cats. In addition to inhalation exposure to potentially toxic essential oils, microdroplets of oils could collect on your pet's fur. This exposure could lead to dermal absorption or eventual ingestion once your pet grooms or licks itself.
Unfortunately for cats, lavender is toxic. Bummer, right? This gorgeous plant with bright purple blossoms covers the south of France and smells like actual floral heaven, but is a big no-no for felines, especially in essential oil form.
Use frankincense essential oil.
It is one of the few essential oils that are definitely safe to use with cats, alongside cedarwood, geranium, helichrysum, lavender, cardamom and spearmint.
Giving them time to calm down in a quiet, safe place, and allowing them to come to you if they want physical reassurance is often all that is needed. For those acute stressors over which you do have control, such as a visit to the vet or to a boarding cattery, you can put some plans in place to help your cat to cope.
Fortunately, there are natural and holistic solutions for alleviating your cat's anxiety, such as calming herbs. Popular options for calming herbs for cats with cat anxiety are catnip, chamomile, hops, valerian root, lemon balm, skullcap, and California poppy (don't worry: it doesn't have any opiates).
Given that catnip can have a calming, soothing effect, it can be used to: help reduce a cat's stress and anxiety when going to the vet, help reduce stress when traveling, help with urinary issues (note that stress is a major contributing factor to urinary obstruction in cats!).
Peppermint oil, listed in some products as menthol, is toxic to cats when ingested or inhaled. Of note, some formulations (like wintergreen oil) may contain aspirin derivatives, making them even more dangerous for cats. Birds are also indicated for this toxicity.
“Diffused oils are very dangerous, as the oils are inhaled,” Bailey said. “Not only are these oil droplets dangerous themselves, but the inhalation of these oils can cause a foreign body pneumonia in cats.” Symptoms of respiratory irritation include a watery nose and eyes, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Signs of Lavender Toxicity in Cats
Drooling. Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. Inappetance (refusal to eat) Lethargy.
Is lavender toxic to cats? Lavender is mildly toxic to cats, which means it's not typically fatal. “The toxic compounds found in the pretty purple-flowered plant are called linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats' livers are unable to process,” Dr.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
You love burning your favorite incense because it's super relaxing. But it's not quite as calming for your cat. In fact, it can actually be pretty dangerous. “What's a mild and pleasant odor for you can be overwhelming for your cat,” Dr.
“The sprays are best for cats with mild stress in these situations,” Dr. Burch said.” Cat calming sprays will not cause sedation or any other potential side effects, which can be seen with prescription medication.” They also come in handy in other situations, including: Travel.
Apply Directly on Animal
The best places to apply on a cat, dog or horse when anxious or nervous to help soothe them are behind the ears and tips of ears (NOT in the ear canal). Also, put a drop or two inside of collar or halter. This will absorb into skin and help the scent permeate in the air longer.
If your cat has anxiety, you may notice pacing or restlessness, hiding, decreased appetite, vocalization, hypervigilance, trembling, salivation, and excessive grooming.