When you share your life with cats, you expect to deal with some shedding. They can affect our mood, behavior, and even our work performance. Making matters worse, the aromatic plant materials and essential oils used to create the scent in incense can also lead to all the other problems mentioned above. Sandalwood is a tree that is native to India. It has a sweet, woody aroma and is used in many different products, including perfumes, incense, and skin care products. There is a lot of debate surrounding the safety of essential oils around pets. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Examples are cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil, and jasmine oil. Our mission is to help save dogs' and cats lives through our educational content. All of these scents are safe and non-irritating to cats. For cats, you might consider lavender, frankincense or chamomile. Your email address will not be published. Sandalwood oil is toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems. A pet lover, Oluwatosin is a biotechnologist and a professional writer and editor who has written about animals for many years. Another meaningful role, while running her clinic, was serving as her county's shelter veterinarian. Experts at Preventative Vet say incense can be harmful, and here are the reasons why: Before you reach for the nearest air freshener or light up a candle instead, you should know these methods can be as unhealthy for your cat as burning incense. Here are a few other essential oils that can be used safely around cats: Tea tree oil. All types of diffusers should be kept out of reach of pets at all times. Essential oils can be toxic through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion for your cat. However, if used responsibly and in diluted forms, the following essential oils are considered safe: As explained, almost all essential oils can be dangerous to cats. They contain compounds (terpenes, ketones, and phenols) the cats liver cannot metabolize. Is incense bad for cats? Doing research on the subject will leave you equally or even more confused as you will encounter both sides of the argument. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here are the safest foods, Why your cat is peeing everywhere (and what to do about it), Cat peeing everywhere? Avoid those made from (or with) paraffin, as that can release more potential impurities and irritants that can bother both your and your pet's respiratory system. Contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested an essential oil and discontinue the use of any essential oil that causes irritation or discomfort for your kitty. Since pets have a more There is no definitive answer when it comes to whether or not sandalwood is safe for cats. A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. It is particularly helpful for cats that may suffer from inflammation of the skin. Sadly, potpourri and potpourri products are not as relaxing for pets. The general concerns about safety relate to exposuret to essential oils (ingestion and applying it undiluted to the skin), especially non-medical grade forms. This gave her the opportunity to help improve the lives of many animals in her community as well as work with the rescue she loved. When burned, it produces a fragrant smoke that is often used for religious ceremonies, meditation, or simple everyday ambiance. Beyond the dangers of incense, the sandalwood fragrance is also a problem for cats. But even though there seem to be a lot of great reasons for us to use them, their use isnt safe for our pets. Although cats are known for their self-grooming habits, sometimes they need a little help from us to stay clean and healthy. Please don't think you're at fault. Many dogs and cats derive comfort from being close to their people. Do cats like or dislike the scent of sandalwood and patchouli If its ingested or gets on your cats fur, it can cause several health problems. We earn a commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you. If you are worried that your pet is having an emergency or if you have specific medical questions related to your pets current or chronic medical conditions, please contact or visit your veterinarian, an animal-specific poison control hotline, or your local emergency veterinary care center. It has a variety of benefits, including being able to help soothe and calm the mind, as well as relieve stress. Just be sure to never use it directly on your cats skin, and always keep an eye on them while theyre around the oil to make sure they dont start showing any adverse effects. You probably know that cats have some of the most sensitive noses in the pet world. If you buy something from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. Your email address will not be published. Sandalwood (dog-safe, not cat-safe) Vetiver (dog-safe, not cat-safe) ESSENTIAL OILS & PETS: WHAT WE RECOMMEND TO AVOID Though this is not an exhaustive list, below are a few of the expert agreed upon essential oils to avoid diffusing in the presence of animals: Tea Tree Nutmeg Pine Lemon Peppermint Sage Rosemary Is Sandalwood A Scent-sitive Subject: Essential Oil Diffusers and Your Cat These oils are known to contain phenols and be toxic to cats: 1 Wintergreen oilPeppermint oilCitrus oil (including lemon oil)Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)Pine oilEucalyptus oilCinnamon oilPennyroyal oilSweet birch oilClove oilMore items Clove. Is Sandalwood When compared to humans, their noses are 14 times stronger than ours. Sprinkle a bit on problem areas, wait 2448 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. The short answer is, peppermint oil is sadly not safe for cats. Burning incense, especially at the source, produces a very intense aroma. NOTE: If you notice any of your pets experiencing breathing issues (panting, abdominal breathing, or abnormal gum color), contact a veterinarian immediately. WebIs Sandalwood safe for dogs smell? It can also cause seizures and So it's a bit of trial-and-error, I'm afraid. However, this study was not conclusive and more research needs to be done in order to say for sure whether or not sandalwood can cause eye irritation. What was discovered is frankly scary. Geranium promotes a healthy coat and skin Pet Safe Incense Sticks . Which Essential Oils are Toxic to Cats? Which Ones are Sandalwood In 2007 she accomplished her dream of practice ownership, designing and building her own clinic. Dont get me wrong; I like things to smell as wonderful as the next person. Sandalwood isnt the only oil that is toxic to cats. Many other essential oils are commonly used for aromatherapy or just to get rid of bad smells, and these should never be used around your cat. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? But does the benefit of having a pleasant-smelling home outweigh the potential health risk that burning incense poses for your cat? Why is my cat shedding so much? I have made it my duty to provide the best information and recommendations about everything cat lovers need to know about their felines health and wellbeing. Sandalwood & Vanilla Fragrance Oil From 1.99 Quick Shop Fresh Featured Products. Once you've reduced the nasty kitty smells, there are several cat-safer methods to add other pleasant aromas to your home. Is Sandalwood Incense Safe For Cats? | Find Out Here When they go through a cats skin or get ingested, they damage a cats major organs including the liver. As poison control arrives, make note of the following information: When used correctly, essential oils can be used around and on cats. Burning incense produces smoke, which is not healthy for your cats respiratory system. But even though there seem to be a lot of great reasons for us to use them, their use isnt safe for our pets. The Environmental Protection Agency provides a list of health effects that VOC can cause: The Environmental Impact Assessment Review published a study that tested top-selling air fresheners and laundry detergents. Immediate attention is key to survival and recovery when dealing with poisons. Roman chamomile has a soothing effect -- like chamomile tea -- and is also useful for keeping your kitty's skin free from rashes. With mindfulness and a few modifications, you can still enjoy the benefits of burning incense while protecting your favorite felines health at the same time. Using incense dates back as far as ancient China, where it was used for worship and prayer. To be safe around essential oils, follow the guidelines below: Keep the oils away from the cat: If you must use Vetiver, ensure it is out of reach of your kitty. There are a few scents that are safe for cats and wont cause any adverse effects. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. To avoid the flame but keep the smell, you can place a jar candle on a warming plate. What Essential Oils Are Safe To Diffuse Around Cats The answer is "yes." She graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and following graduation, she began her career as an associate veterinarian and worked closely with the local shelter. Is Sandalwood Safe for Cats Rose Wood Cookie Consent Tool. Essential oils, in general, arent considered to be friendly around cats. When it comes to eye irritation, there is some evidence to suggest that sandalwood can cause it. Find out from the following posts: Hi! Find out why and the solutions you need. The oil is extracted from the heartwood and used in perfumes, cosmetics, and incense. Some people use mint or cinnamon sticks, but some cats dislike these smells, and they can also be toxic. Many cleaning and beauty products contain essential oils and such products need to be handled with just as much care as pure essential oils. The best way to determine if an essential oil is safe for your cat is to consult with your veterinarian. WebYou can keep your cat safe while enjoying essential oils in your home. If you think that your cat is suffering from poisoning due to your sandalwood incense, take them to a veterinarian to make sure their symptoms are treated properly. What Essential Oils Are Safe To Diffuse Around Cats? Sometimes, the bad smell is a result of your cat vomiting or another pet-related accident that left an odor clinging to the carpet or couch. Use fragrant plants, such as rosemary, sage, or lemon balm. Your go-to resource for all things pets, right to your inbox, every week. So, if a diffused essential oil is harmful to them, they may stay in the room and not leave. To be safe, use air purifiers or baking soda to remove odors from your home. What does this all have to do with cats? What You Need to Know. Some love how it freshens up the room with a smell that lingers for hours; others do it for spiritual purposes and for some health reasons. Choosing a warmer with an automatic shut-off is much safer as well. Using Sandalwood Essential Oil Safely. Bad smells can be a result of a build-up of cat fur on the carpet or a used litter tray thats been left for too long. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and add apples or vanilla. There are no definitive studies on the safety of sandalwood for cats. Keeping the house clean is a surefire way to tackle bad smells before they have a chance to set in. Some essential oils can be toxic if ingested, and even if they are safe for ingestion, giving your cat essential oils orally can be very harmful to their digestive system. 3 scientific benefits of being a cat person youll be surprised with what we found, Does your cat have ear mites? AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Kitty Devotees is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This type of application is mostly used for those looking to get rid of fleas and other insects or parasites on the cats skin. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Here are some things to keep in mind when using essential oils around your cat: Essential oils should never be applied directly to your cats skin. -Frankincense: This oil comes from the resin of the frankincense tree and has a wide range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immunity and promoting relaxation. At the end of the day, we dont really know for sure whether or not sandalwood is safe to breathe. Some of these include rosemary, jasmine, cedarwood, and lemongrass. It takes a bit more time to work than an air freshener that you can spray around the room, but it also absorbs the odor rather than masks it. Yes, eucalyptus oil is toxic for cats. Essential oils like eucalyptus oil, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled, have been shown to be toxic to cats in studies. Severe liver damage, liver failure, respiratory failure, seizures, and even death can occur as a result of exposure. Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. In severe cases, it can even lead to pneumonia. Pine and other flora are toxic, but you might not be able to tell what each dried piece of potpourri is in a mix, especially since they're often artificially colored. Open the windows whenever possible and invest in a small room air purifier to capture and destroy any particulates that remain in the air once youve finished. While sandalwood incense might be a fun way to make your house smell nice, there are plenty of other options that are safer for you and your cat. Although these results are based on human beings, cats can heavily benefit from them too. Cinnamon. A Sampler Pack Of 6 Popular Essential Oils: Lagunamoon Essential Oil Set. Featured Image Credit: Use at your Ease, Pixabay. Proper use involves using the oil in diluted concentrations and storing it safely afterward.The effects of essential oils on cats differ from cat to cat so it is very important to seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian. It is, therefore, safe to Or you can make your own fragrances with cat-friendly items. If you're concerned about your cat's reaction to incense, it's best to take a few precautions. However, like all essential oils, it can pose a threat if used wrongly. Lavender oil. Be sure to choose only 100% pure essential oils and those that are safe for your pet. For cats, you might consider lavender, frankincense or chamomile. . Respiratory illnesses include asthma, FVR, and FCV. Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce. If you live with cats, there's a good chance that there are unpleasant smells in your home you'd like to mask. cats If you'd like to create your own aromas, one common trick is to put on a pot of simmering water and add ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla, or mint tea. Our analysis found 133 different VOCs emitted from the 25 products, with an average of 17 VOCs per product. Whats a self-respecting homeowner to do? And cats appear to be able to smell 14 times better than people. Sweet birch oil. Cats are great at getting onto high surfaces and into small spaces, so you can never be too careful when storing essential oils. The oil can be diluted in a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) and then applied to your cats fur. The opposite is also true. On the other hand, you have cat owners that swear essential oils even in the least doses are not only bad but also dangerous for cats. The oil can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage. The harvest season and details surrounding the extraction also matter. Alpha-santalol can be used to arrest specific cancer cells via apoptosis. Both the Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA havent listed sandalwood as a hazardous product for pets. To apply something topically means to apply something onto the skin. However, you should take caution if you do. More good news, the better ones also help to remove fine particles from the air that could irritate your pet's lungs. Your experience with essential oils will vary depending on your cats breed, age, size, and health condition. They are used in Learn how to properly introduce a cat and a new baby in the home to ensure they are both safe and get along well. Cedar-wood essential oil - Since it does not contain phenols, this oil is safe for your cat. If you have dogs in your home, speak with your veterinarian before treating them with tea tree oil, as your kitty may ingest the tea tree oil when grooming the dog. Essential oils are the extracts of plants known for their aromatic and/or medicinal properties, such as rose and frankincense. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Sandalwood Diffusing oils around your house should be safe for cats, since the oil is extremely diluted, and not directly applied or used as dietary supplements. However, sandalwood oil is generally considered to be non-toxic to animals. Some people believe that sandalwood can cause allergic reactions, while others believe that it is perfectly safe. These include copaiba, helichrysum and frankincense. Overall, sandalwood incense is safe for cats as long as you take some basic precautions. Here are some tips for removing unwanted odors naturally: If you just cant get past those stinky odors, Preventative Vet recommends other, safer alternatives, such as Febreze, which has been reviewed by the ASPCA poison control center. Jasmine has calming and soothing properties. The concentration (i.e., amount of dilution) and type of oil are extremely important, but so too is the quality of the oil, the ventilation in the room, and a host of other factors. When it comes to skin reactions, the jury is still out on whether or not sandalwood can cause them. I hope this guide has helped you decide what scents to use to freshen up your home. WebCalming Scents. The tree produces a reddish-brown heartwood that is very fragrant. Which essential oils are safe for cats Aspca?Peppermint.Lemon.Lavender.Melaleuca.Tea Tree.Cinnamon Bark.Wintergreen.Thyme. Ingesting either can cause serious health problems. Choose your favorite and reveal your personality through a men's fragrance. Since pets have a more acute and powerful sense of smell, they are more susceptible to the effects of smoke. Lavender is by far the most calming essence for your cat. Some of our teammates in Seattle, Washington, use this air purifier, which has greatly helped with the smoke from forest fires. They But what about its use around cats? However, as with any essential oil, its always best to err on the side of caution To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Some people believe that sandalwood can cause skin reactions and severe eye irritation, while others believe that it is perfectly safe. Essential Oils