What do I do if my cat has essential oil poisoning?
Rapid diagnosis and treatment are imperative. If you believe that your cat has ingested or come in contact with essential oils or liquid potpourri, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680), a 24/7 animal poison control center, immediately.
What are the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats?
Some cats are allergic to essential oils and here we have listed some of the symptoms of essential oil poisoning. Have a look. Difficulty breathing. Scent or Fragrance on skin, hair coat, or breath or in vomit. Difficulty in walking or uncoordinated gait. Lethargy or weakness.
Why are cats more sensitive to essential oils?
Many of these chemicals are metabolized through the liver. Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils as they lack some of the liver enzymes necessary to effectively metabolize these oils. Additionally, very young cats and kittens, and cats with liver disease are more sensitive to their effects.
What happens when a cat ingests petroleum products?
When a cat is exposed to refined petroleum oil products, or ingests products of this type, it can result in a severe and disease-like physical reaction, which is referred to as petroleum hydrocarbon toxicosis.
Can a cat be allergic to liquid potpourri?
Additionally, very young cats and kittens, and cats with liver disease are more sensitive to their effects. Liquid potpourri and some essential oils can also irritate or burn the skin and mouth. “Only a couple of licks or a small amount on the skin could be harmful to a cat.”
What essential oils are poisonous to cats?
Essential oils that are known to cause poisoning in cats include oil of wintergreen , oil of sweet birch , citrus oil (d-limonene), pine oils, Ylang Ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil. Symptoms that develop depend on the type of oil involved in…
Are essential oils dangerous to cats?
Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils.
Is myrrh toxic to cats?
While frankincense and myrrh essential oils are considered safe in cats (see “Essential oils can be toxic to cats,” March 26, 2016) caution should always be exercised. The holiday season reminds us of the rich history of use of frankincense and myrrh in ceremony and for their health benefits.
Is fresh eucalyptus dangerous to cats?
According to the ASPCA, fresh eucalyptus is indeed toxic to cats. Not only is the plant poisonous to felines, but also to doggies and horses. The dangerous component of fresh eucalyptus is its essential oils, which are known as eucalyptol.