How toxic are essential oils to cats?

[Moonlight_wolf]

I am paranoid and I have avoided essential oils like the plague ever since I learned that they could be bad for cats. However, my house mate just got some essential oils and an essential oil diffuser for a gift and I feel like I can't just tell her not to use it at all. Are they okay in moderation? How worried should I be? I just don't want her to go *sigh there goes Katherine being paranoid about the cats again.* But I also will stick up for the cats if it's something that could be really dangerous and such for the cats.

Thanks for any replies.

 

[Hlee]

I don't know specifics but I know there are some that are not good for cats.
There are some that can kill pet birds.
I would think they would be ok in moderation.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. Here are a couple of articles about essential oils and cats. Perhaps, you can read through them and decide if you want to share them with your house mate so that she sees that it is not just you being paranoid about your cats.
A Scent-sitive Subject: Essential Oil Diffusers and Your Cat | CVMBS News (tamu.edu)
Why Essential Oils Are Bad For Your Cat – CatGenie

 

[stephanietx]

The key with essential oils and cats is that the diffuser needs to be run in an open room and cats have to have a way to escape them. You also NEVER want to apply oils to cats and you want to keep them out of a cat's reach, so always in a drawer, box, or cabinet where they don't have access to them. If you touch the bottles or the diffuser, be sure to wash your hands before petting or picking up your cats.

 

[CatladyJan]

I've decided to go the safe route and stop using them for the most part. I've read that diffusers can put the mist and oils in the cats lungs, plus skin irritation. Putting them on a cotton ball is about all I do. I've gotten rid of plug ins and such as well and ocassionally burn wax cubes for a short period. Even Lysol is harmful to cats.

 

[neely]

If you don't mind my asking, who owns the house, you or your mate? Because if you are the owner then you have no reason to feel guilty or shy about letting her know that essential oils are harmful to cats.

Here is an informative post by tabbytom that might be helpful for you:
Safe For Use Around Cats - Essential Oil Diffusers?

 

[Moonlight_wolf]

We are renting the house. And I did let her know but she said that she read about them too and she thinks that they are fine in moderation. But now I’m freaking out because I feel like she doesn’t take my anxieties regarding the cats seriously because I am, admittedly, over anxious about everything that could be potentially harmful to the cats.

How anxious should I be? Should I just bring Mia into my room if she’s using the diffuser?

 

[Moonlight_wolf]

If she only uses it occasionally is it still really dangerous? Is Mia going to die of liver failure if she’s exposed to it once and a while.

 

[FeebysOwner]

If she only uses it occasionally is it still really dangerous? Is Mia going to die of liver failure if she’s exposed to it once and a while.

Once in a while is probably not a cause for alarm. It the smell is overwhelming to you, then it is most certainly overwhelming to Mia. Get Mia used to spending time in your room, if that is the case.

 

[neely]

And I did let her know but she said that she read about them too and she thinks that they are fine in moderation.

Then refer her to this site and have her read the Articles and posts that have been posted here. If it would help ease your anxiety you could also contact the company that makes the essential oils to verify the toxicity to cats. Best of luck!