Toxic Essential Oils For Cats
Essential oils are, undoubtedly, beneficial for the human body. They can boost mood, relieve pain, and even help repel potentially harmful insects. That, however, doesn’t mean they’re good for pets as well. Cats have an especially toxic relationship with these natural oils, which can damage their liver and other vital organs. In this article, we’ll examine this link in further detail and look at the common toxic essential oils for cats. Why are essential oils toxic for cats? Essential oils are not inherently harmful. They’re made from plant extracts and carry many benefits, but cats are highly sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which are found in substantial amounts in certain essential oils. Felines also lack particular enzymes in their liver, making it difficult to metabolize and eliminate toxins like essential oils from their bodies. Additionally, the risk of a potential problem increases with the concentration of the essential oil. Which essential oils are toxic for cats? The most toxic essential oils for cats include: Cinnamon oil At low concentration, cinnamon is not toxic to cats. However, the concentration is quite high in essential oils, posing a serious health threat to cats. The spice is classified as an irritant by the cats’ body, and exposure to it can lead to skin rashes, redness, and burns.