Essential oils are pretty much a part of a whole lot of households. Some use it in a diffuser to help calm their nerves, while others use it as a part of aromatherapy in massages and more. Now, despite their medical benefits, essential oils can be toxic to both humans and pets, including cats. So, here is some information about essential oils that can be toxic to your pet cats.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are aromatic compounds that are extracted from plants. Some of these plant products tend to contain medicinal properties, while others are known for their aromatic and soothing elements. Due to these properties, essential oils have often seen a wide range of use cases. Although, in more recent times, these essential oils have gained a reputation as quite the household product. It is most commonly used in the form of diffused oils or massage oils in aromatherapy.

Common signs of essential oil poisoning in cats

Animals that have been exposed or have consumed essential oils in either form can have multiple symptoms. These include the following:

• Depression
• Muscle weakness
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Hypothermia
• A depressed central nervous system

These are simply a few of the most commonly faced symptoms faced among cats and other animals who have ingested or been exposed to essential oils. In such cases, it is important to get the cat immediate veterinary care and assistance.

Many severe cases of toxic poisoning in cats can be fatal for the animal.

Which essential oils are toxic to cats?

While essential oils tend to be poisonous both to humans and animals, including your pet cats, there are a few that may have additional health benefits if used right. This is why it is important to always consult the vet before using essential oils around your cats.

In the meanwhile, listed below are some “definitely poisonous and should be avoided at all costs” essential oils that you should keep in mind.

• Chamomile
  One of the most common toxic essential oils for cats is chamomile. While humans tend to use this for aromatherapy quite often, it can be fatal to both dogs and cats. Long-term exposure to chamomile can lead to bleeding tendencies in cats. Other symptoms of chamomile poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia.
• Scented Geranium
  Scented geranium is also known as pelargonium sp. and is capable of causing a lot of trouble to your cat’s gastrointestinal tract. Not to mention, the other symptoms include ataxia, hypothermia, and muscle weakness. In large exposures or the case of oral consumption, this has the potential of being fatal for your pet.
• Eucalyptus
  The eucalyptus essential oil, commonly known as many cultivars, is another poisonous and toxic oil that you would want to steer clear of if you have a pet cat. This plant and its extract contain an element known as eucalyptol known to cause diarrhea, depression, weakness, and even salivation.