Essential Oil Toxicity

Cats with pre-existing respiratory issues such as asthma, airborne allergies, or cats exposed to secondhand smoke from their human companions are at greater risk for developing severe respiratory irritation than cats without such conditions

Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from plants that are used for various purposes, including aromatherapy, massage, and skincare. These oils are often used in candles, diffusers, personal care products, flavorings, herbal remedies, and potpourri. While many people believe essential oils to be natural and safe, they can be toxic if misused or in excessive amounts. Specifically, these oils can pose a toxic risk to cats who have difficulty metabolizing these in their liver and then eliminating them. Wise and Wonderful Integrative Veterinary Center, your local Santa Rosa vet, offers some information about essential oil toxicity in cats.

Essential oils known to cause poisoning in cats include oil of wintergreen, sweet birch, citrus oil, pine oils, Ylang Ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil. Ingestion or inhalation of these oils can cause drooling, vomiting, tremors, ataxia (wobbliness), respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature, and liver failure.

Cats suffering such symptoms need to be moved immediately into fresh air and require emergency veterinary treatment should their symptoms not quickly resolve once they are in fresh air. Cats with pre-existing respiratory issues, such as asthma, airborne allergies, or cats exposed to secondhand smoke from their human companions, are at greater risk for developing severe respiratory irritation than cats without such conditions. 

Remember that essential oil toxicity can be severe but also preventable. Taking the necessary precautions can help protect your cat from exposure to essential oils known to cause cat health problems. Call Wise and Wonderful to make a wellness appointment to ask about household toxins or call us if you have concerns about your cat’s health — 707-546-4646.