They say that curiosity killed the cat, but new studies now show that certain essential oils may kill your cats too if you're not careful. Researchers have found that 2 types of components, phenols and monoterpene hydrocarbons, commonly found in essential oils can be fatally toxic to our feline friends in high doses. This is because unlike humans, cats' livers lack an enzyme called glucuronyl tranferase, and are unable to break down these toxic chemicals as a result.
Read on to find out how to use essential oils safely around cats, as well as to find out exactly which essential oils have been found to be the most harmful to cats.
1. Don't touch your cat after applying essential oils to your body.
Any residual oil that accumulates on your hands and skin can end up getting stuck to your cat's fur, which they'll end up ingesting when they decide to clean themselves. This is why it's important to thoroughly wash your hands after applying essential oils. You should also keep the skin that you applied the oils on covered up for a while, just in case your beloved cat decides to rub up against you.
2. Never diffuse toxic oils in your home.
If you diffuse oils into the air, then your cat will undoubtedly end up inhaling the oil, which could be very harmful to them in certain cases. If you really must use essential oils via inhalation, a safer way to do so is to add a few drops to a bowl of steaming hot water, cover the bowl and your head with a towel, and then breathe the vapor in. Make sure that your cat is in another room when doing this.
3. Don't apply toxic oils to anything your cat could rub or lick.
Using essential oils as cleaners will leave a residue on the surface, which could easily be ingested by cats who lick it or rub themselves against it. As an example, it's probably fine to clean your showerhead with essential oils, but not your kitchen counter.
4. Keep all oils where your cat can't get to them.
Since cats are such mischievous and curious creatures, it's very important to keep essential oils well out of their reach. Even if jars of oil are tightly sealed, there will probably be some residue on the outside which could still end up harming your cat. That's why it's best to store all of your essential oils in a closed drawer or cabinet that your cat will never be able to break into.
5. When possible, use higher dilutions.
If you want to minimize the risk that accidental exposure presents to your cat, then we'd recommend always using essential oils that are as diluted as possible. In this way, if your cat ends up accidentally ingesting or inhaling some toxic components, the damage done to them would be less likely to cause a toxic buildup.
6. Don't leave dishes out that have touched essential oils.
For anyone who loves to cook with essential oils, it is of the utmost importance to clean these dishes and put them away immediately after using them. This is because there are very few cats in the world that won't go and sniff or lick your dirty dishes when you're not around.
Essential Oils Which Are Toxic to Cats
Wondering what essential oils have been found to be toxic to cats? Below, you'll find the list that most researchers seem to agree on. However, just because an essential oil isn't listed here, it doesn't mean that it is safe to use, so you should stop using any essential oils immediately if ever in doubt.
Here's the list:
These Round Fluffy Pets Are Just ADORABLE
Every pet is cute in its own way, but you can’t deny that those cats, dogs, and bunnies who are extra round and fluffy are just irresistibly adorable...
Why Sitting Down is Slowly Putting Your Health at Risk
Some facts everyone should know about sitting.
17 High Maintenance Cats Who Live A Life of Luxury
Cats may be known for their independence, but this bunch of spoiled felines is all about getting their own way and living a luxurious life.
These Houseplants Are Dangerous For You and Your Pets!
Some houseplants look beautiful but could pose a danger for small children and pets alike. Find out about 9 common poisonous houseplants.
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Are they really getting "high," or is there scientific logic behind cats' love of catnip?
Solve Your Everyday Problems with These Time Saving Tips
This handy list of hacks will make your life easier and is budget-friendly. You'll be surprised to discover what you can do with these everyday objects.
This Non-Toxic Spray Will Keep Your Grandkids' Toys Clean
Children love to get their toys dirty, and this non-toxic cleaner will leave them looking as good as new.
Paper Towels Can Do Much More Than Just Mop Up Spills
We all think that paper towels are just for mopping up spills, but it turns out they have many uses you wouldn't expect. Take a look at them here!
How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Your Favorite Material
A chocolate stain can be one of the trickiest stains to remove as it’s known as a combination stain. Thankfully, these tips will help!
9 Uncommon Ways to Use Oatmeal in Your Home
Oats are so useful outside the kitchen too!
Calculate How Much Food & Drinks to Serve Your Guests
Planning out the perfect quantity of food for a party can seem like a tough task, but this guide makes it as easy as pie!
Thriving After 50: A Guide to Making Friends in Later Life
Making friends in your 50s can be an uphill task for many. These simple tips will make it easy.
The Next Time You Travel, Use These Hotel Hacks
All set for your new trip? Make sure you keep these hotel-room hacks in mind.
62 Great Uses For Things You Have at Home!
If you keep finding random objects around your house such as rubber bands and old clothespins, don't throw them away just yet!
For Beautiful Hair and Skin, Neem Tree Oil Is All You Need
This natural remedy is all you need in your medicine cabinet for great hair and skin.
The Trick to a Perfect Flower Arrangement is Amazingly Easy
Sometimes, the simplest ideas yield the best results - A simple trick that makes flower arrangement as easy as pie!
Before You Throw Old Books Away, Read THIS
In this article, we'll explore 7 solutions for reusing old books and turning them into useful objects that can upgrade your life and home.
The 7 Best and 7 Worst Foods to Buy Canned
Not all canned foods are made equal, and in this article, we'll discuss those you should invest in, as well as those to definitely avoid.
8 Adorable Mini Indoor Plants to Liven Up Any Small Space
These low-maintenance houseplants aren’t just cute, they hardly take up any space!
Dating as a Mature Adult May Seem Intimidating, But It’s Easy!
Tips and advice for single people above the age of 40.
You May Have Been Washing Your Hair Wrong Your Whole Life!
This simple guide will explain why you haven't been washing your hair properly and how to do the right way to make sure your hair is healthy and strong!
Collection: 12 Full Guides to Pet Care!
What can't we feed them? How do we know they're sick? What does their behavior mean? All this and more you'll find in these guides.
10 Things You SHOULDN'T Store on Top of Your Refrigerator
Learn why these items shouldn't be stored on the top of your fridge.
50 Great Kitchen Hack That Everyone Should Know About
Spending time in the kitchen makes you realize that you can do things a lot quicker than you thought possible. Let me share my tips with you.
The Secret to Folding a Fitted Sheet!
A fitted sheet seems to be designed NOT to be folded. However, this video will tell you the truth and teach you how to fold it with ease.
I Bet You've Never Thought of Using Wax Paper Like This!
There's so much you can do with wax paper. Here are 11 surprising uses.
Did You Know That Going Bald Can be a Good Thing?
Although for many men, going bald is their worst nightmare, it's actually associated with numerous advantages. Here are 8 to lift your spirits.
40 Common Tourist Traps to Avoid on Your Next Vacation!
If you're planning a trip abroad, please be aware of these 40 common tourist scams!
An A-Z of Carpet Cleaning - The Ultimate Guide!
There are so many different kinds of carpet stains that it's hard to know how to clean them all. Here is the ultimate A-Z carpet cleaning guide.
Enrich Your Soil with This Easy-To-Make Compost
Enrich your soil and provide your plants with all the nutrient that they need by making this compost.
Warning: Using Dryer Sheets May Cause You Health Problems
Is it really such a good idea to use dryer sheets? The answer may shock you.
Stay Clear of These 9 RISKY Google Searches
You can search anything on Google, but it’s advisable not to do so for these risky things.
Grow These Plants to Banish Mosquitoes For Good!
No one likes mosquitoes, but if you're smart, you can prevent them from bothering you by having these plants in your home.
10 Products You Should Never Consume on a Plane
Eating on a plane is fine, but there are actually certain food and drinks that you should avoid consuming while flying. Here are 10 of them!
These Innocuous Car Items Conceal Surprising Dangers
If you're a car owner, this video will be really helpful to you.
Warning: Don't Put These in the Washer or Dryer!
The washing machine and the dryer are two very efficient inventions that help us a lot - but the following 9 items are best kept away from them.
Hey! Did You Know Soap Has So Many Extra Uses?
Soap is much more than something useful for cleaning your hands and face. Here are 21 stunning uses for a bar of soap that I never even knew.
Say Goodbye to Shrunken Clothes with This Neat Laundry Trick
Recently I accidentally shrunk my favorite pair of pants. I was preparing to bid them farewell until my friend suggested a laundry trick that would revert them back to their former length. I didn’t even know this was possible. See how it's done!
Got an Egg Slicer? Here's What You Can Use It For
Creative ways on what to do with your egg slicer. Impressive!
Do You Wear Glasses? You Must Read Through This Guide
Do you wear glasses? This guide will teach you how to keep them in good condition.
The Art of Reading Faces: Tips from an Expert
Learn all about reading people’s faces with useful tips from former FBI agent and body language expert Joe Navarro.
Brighten Up a Dark Room With These 10 Houseplants
If you'd like to liven up a dark room in your house, consider buying some of the following plants. These plants don’t have beautiful flowers, but they have pretty leaves, which is more than you’d expect from plants that get little to no sunlight.
25 Ways to Keep Your Garden Healthy and Thriving
We've collected some great tips for maintaining a healthy garden that will help you every day.
12 New Things You Can Learn For Free From YouTube
Looking to learn something new? Learn some useful new skills with YouTube.
Learn to Replace a Bathroom Faucet: Step by Step Tutorial
after watching this step by step video tutorial, you’ll know how to replace a bathroom faucet like a real pro...
Learn the Banana Tricks You Always Wanted to Know
You're Going to Love This Handy Banana Trick