If cats lick peppermint oil, they may have an allergic reaction such as a runny nose or wheezing. Cats may also have an unusual heartbeat or respiratory problems, low blood pressure, and other severe physiological reactions. Some cats are quite sensitive to essential oils even a small dose of peppermint oil getting into the cat’s system can lead to death from heart failure.
Peppermint oil contains a strong smell and can be detected by cats from miles away. It also contains an ingredient called methyl salicylate, which is found in many plants and oils that cats like to eat or rub on themselves. Also, peppermint oil is a natural scent that cats love because it has a calming effect on them.
Symptoms Of Essential Oil Poisoning In Cats
Some common signs of essential oil poisoning in cats:
A study showed that lavender oil can be toxic to cats and it can cause liver problems in cats when used on a regular basis. The study also found that the type of lavender oil has an effect on the toxicity level. Lavandin and spike lavender were much more toxic than others, but even these were not as bad as the most toxic one ̶ Roman chamomile.
Is Clove Oil Safe For Cats?
Clove oil can be toxic to cats like most other essential oils. If you have clove oil in your house and have pets, it’s important to keep them away from the clove oil or keep the clove oil out of reach.
Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe For Cats?
The use of eucalyptus oil on cats is not recommended because it can cause liver damage and other side effects as it is toxic to cats like most other essential oils. So don’t use it on your beloved feline.
Is Lemon Oil Safe For Cats?
The use of lemon oil on cats is not recommended by vets and experts because it can cause so much irritation and in worst cases, it can even burn on the cat’s skin as well as on humans too. Cats are way more sensitive to lemon oil than any humans are, so it is best to avoid using lemon oil on your cats if you don’t want to make your cat sick.
Can The Smell Of Peppermint Oil Hurt Cats?
The smell of peppermint oil has a strong, sharp, and bitter taste and it can be too much for cats. The scent of peppermint oil is just too overwhelming for them. Cats have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans do and they can easily be overwhelmed by the strong smell of peppermint oil.
In some cases, it’s been found that the peppermint oil scent was too overpowering for them and they would become agitated or behave inappropriately.
What Essential Oils Are Poisonous To Cats?
Most common essential oils that are poisonous to cats:
Peppermint oil
Tea tree oil
Lavender oil
Eucalyptus oil
What Happens If My Cat Licks Peppermint Oil?
Peppermint oil should not be ingested by cats because it can cause them to have drooling, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures and your cat also can go into shock.
What Happens If My Cat Eats Peppermint?
If your cat eats peppermint, it may cause her gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. However, this would mostly happen if your cat has eaten a large number of peppermint leaves.
Can A Cat Recover From Essential Oil Poisoning?
Yes, cats can recover from essential oil poisoning, but only if they ingest a small amount of essential oil or if the exposure is only for a short time, however, if the oil exposure is high, a vet trip is required.
Is Diffusing Essential Oils Safe For Cats?
Cats are sensitive to the smells of essential oils and can be easily irritated by them. This is because cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans do, so they can detect even the smallest amount of an odor. This means that diffusing essential oils in your home could be dangerous for your cat.
How Do Vets Treat Essential Oil Poisoning In Cats?
The first thing the most vet will try to induce vomiting in case the cat is still conscious. If the cat is unconscious, they will give it activated charcoal or stomach protectant drugs. The vet may also give the cat fluids through an IV if it has lost a lot of fluids from vomiting or diarrhea.
Some essential oils are highly toxic to cats no doubt. And because of that, it is the possibility that some essential oils could cause an allergic reaction in cats, which would lead to kidney failure as well as liver failure and death.
