Top Go-To Oils for Cats
Cats are even more sensitive to the effects of essential oils than dogs, so exercise caution. Remember that 'Less is More' with our pets. This is especially true for cats, and dilution is almost always recommended. In particular, keep in mind that a number of oils are TOXIC to cats, including all citrus oils.
Single Oils
Arborvitae (C), Cardamom (C), Copaiba (C), Cedarwood (D), Eucalyptus (C), Frankincense (A-B), Geranium (C), Helichrysum (A-B), Jasmine Touch (B), Juniper Berry (D), Lavender (B), Lemongrass (D), Marjoram (C), Myrrh (C), Patchouli (C), Rose Touch (A), Sandalwood (C), Spikenard (A), Yarrow|Pom (C)
Oil Blends
AntiAging Blend (B), Comforting Blend (C), Digestive Blend (C), Grounding Blend (C), Outdoor Blend (C), Restful Blend (B), Grounding Blend (B)
Even more caution should be employed for kittens. I suggest only treating kittens over the age of three months. And with kittens dilute even more: 1 drop of oil with 2 Tablespoons of Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Supplements Safe for Cats
Detoxifying Dry Herbal Complex (NOT the oil), Enzyme Complex, Probiotic Complex. Omega 3 Fish Oil and Chewable Food Based Children's Vitamins/Minerals are not safe for cats due to included unsafe or not included needed ingredients for cats. Highly suggest finding a quality product such as Only Natural Pet Ultimate Daily Feline which contains food based vitamins/minerals and Omega 3 Fish oil.
Diffuser Recommendations
Cats have an even keener sense of smell than dogs and can be easily overwhelmed by scent. When diffusing essential oils, ensure that the cat always has a way to leave the area. Also, never use more than a total of 3 drops of essential oils at a time. Do not diffuse any of the essential oils in the BEWARE list, which includes all citrus oils. Use a water atomizing diffuser (the kind with a water reservoir). Choose the lowest setting.
⚠ BEWARE!! NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CATS
- Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
- All Citrus oils (e.g. orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, bergamot as well as any blends containing these oils)
- Basil
- Bergamot
- Cheer
- Cilantro
- Clary Sage
- Clove Bud
- Cypress
- Douglas Fir
- Fennel
- Forgive
- Green Mandarin
- Hope
- Neroli Touch
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Petitgrain
- Roman Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- White Fir
- Wild Orange
- Wintergreen
- Vetiver
- Citrus Blend
- Detoxification Blend
- Encouraging Blend
- Hope Blend
- Massage Blend
- Renewing Blend
- Respiratory Blend
- Soothing Blend
- Joyful Blend
- Cleansing Blend
- Protective Blend
- Uplifting Blend
Cats metabolize and excrete things very differently than the rest of the animal family. Cat livers do not have the enzymes to break down certain chemicals. Cats lack a liver enzyme (glucuronyl transferase) that humans and dogs have. This enzyme is necessary to metabolize and eliminate some essential oil constituents. Therefore, Melaleuca (Tea Tree) and all Citrus oils are toxic to cats. Cats are also sensitive to high levels of phenols (found in Clove Bud, Oregano, Peppermint and Thyme) and ketones (found in White Fir, Wintergreen, Rosemary, and Vetiver).