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.
“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.
Essential oils can be toxic to cats through skin contact, ingestion and inhalation. Coming into contact with essential oils in these ways can cause serious organ damage to cats, including liver failure, seizures and even death. Never apply essential oils to your cat's fur or skin.
Once you are sure that your cat is not experiencing any adverse effects, you may remove the untreated litter box or add essential oil to all litter boxes in the home. Essential oils added to the litter box may be quite beneficial for your feline pet.
Lemongrass isn't harmful to cats, as long as they nibble in moderation. When made into an essential oil, lemongrass is potentially deadly for your cat. All cats lack glucuronyl transferase, a liver enzyme, that helps to break down most essential oils, including lemongrass.
Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to cats. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
The answer to this question is no, orange essential oil is not safe for cats. Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and topically, then metabolized in the liver.
You may not realize it, but certain scents and pure essential oils like tea tree, citrus, and eucalyptus oil can be harmful toxic oils to your little feline. Many compounds in these pure essential oils contain toxins that can be fatal if your kitty breathes them in or ingests them.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin OR used in diffusers.
Essential oils that are unsafe for cats:
Citrus oils (bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, tangerine) Birch.
However, the ASPCA notes that the following plants are non-toxic to cats: Sage. Fennel. Jasmine.
Unfortunately, the lavender plant and essential oils are toxic to cats and can lead to severe symptoms.
Is Lavender Safe for Cats? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) cautions that lavender plants are toxic for cats as well as dogs and horses. Cats lack the ability to digest two natural substances found in lavender: linalool and linalyl acetate.
Cleaning the area thoroughly with vinegar first and then applying an enzyme treatment will break down and evaporate the uric acid and your home will be free of cat odors. Vinegar and enzyme cleaners work on all surfaces: hardwood floors, carpets, mattresses.
Cats dislike eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint – just choose the ones you don't mind the scent of yourself.
One of the most efficient cat deterrents is the odor of citrus. In fact, cats hate it. More good news: You can make a homemade cat repellent using orange essential oil.
The lemon essential oil contains citronellal, geraniol, and limonene, all of which can be toxic in large quantities. These compounds are known to cause liver damage, gastrointestinal irritation, and even central nervous system depression. Lemon essential oil is not safe for dogs to consume in any quantity.
Sandalwood (dog-safe, not cat-safe) Vetiver (dog-safe, not cat-safe)
Lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus
Likewise, geranium and eucalyptus plants give off an odor that cats dislike. Keep in mind that lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus are all somewhat toxic to cats; if ingested, they can cause excess salivation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, depression, or dermatitis.
Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning.