{"id":776,"date":"2024-11-10T17:51:44","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T01:51:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sfspca.org\/dangers-of-essential-oils-cats\/"},"modified":"2025-04-10T15:02:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T22:02:15","slug":"dangers-of-essential-oils-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sfspca.org\/blog\/dangers-of-essential-oils-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Dangers of Essential Oils: Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Essential oils are known for their calming aromas, and many of us regularly use them around our homes as plug-in diffusers, potpourri, candles, or sprays. What a lot of people don\u2019t realize is they don’t smell the same to your cat as they do to you, and they can pose a toxic threat to our pets. Here\u2019s what you should know.<\/p>

What to avoid<\/strong><\/h2>

Cats are far more sensitive to fragrances than humans. What may seem like a harmless aroma to you might be overwhelming for your cat. This is especially true if the fragrance is present in a small space or if it continues for an extended period of time. Keep this list of toxic oils away from your cat’s nose and out of their reach.<\/p>

  • Cinnamon<\/li>
  • Citrus<\/li>
  • Clove<\/li>
  • Eucalyptus<\/li>
  • Pennyroyal<\/li>
  • Peppermint<\/li>
  • Pine<\/li>
  • Sweet Birch<\/li>
  • Tea Tree<\/li>
  • Wintergreen<\/li>
  • Ylang Ylang<\/li><\/ul>

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

    Symptoms<\/strong><\/h2>

    If your cat may have been exposed to essential oils (via inhalation, ingestion, or contact with skin), they could have one of several reactions. Please watch for these warning signs:<\/p>

    • Panting, coughing, or wheezing<\/li>
    • Watery eyes and\/or nose<\/li>
    • Drooling or trouble breathing<\/li>
    • Nausea\/vomiting<\/li><\/ul>

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

      What to do<\/span><\/h2>

      If an essential oil is inhaled, immediately get your cat into fresh air.\u00a0This can often alleviate symptoms quickly. If oil makes contact on skin or fur, wash with hand-safe dish soap. Watch for symptoms once the affected area is clean. Call your veterinarian immediately if the oil was ingested\u00a0or call us at 415-554-3030. <\/span>Do not<\/em> induce vomiting as this can potentially further obstruct your cat\u2019s airway.<\/span><\/p>

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      Essential oils are known for their calming aromas, and many of us regularly use them around our homes as plug-in diffusers, potpourri, candles, or sprays. What a lot of people […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":70918,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":"","_tec_slr_enabled":"","_tec_slr_layout":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nDangers of Essential Oils: Cats - 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