The truth is that we dont really know for sure. It has a sweet, woody aroma and is used in many different products, including perfumes, incense, and skin care products. The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. Burning incense is among the various methods you can use to make your home smell nice. Beth Turner is a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience. Is incense bad for cats? Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. Some people believe that it is perfectly safe, while others believe that it can cause skin reactions and eye irritation. Sandalwood is one popular essential oil in most homes. Essential oils, in general, arent considered to be friendly around cats. It's also a good idea to regularly change your furnace and AC filters). Then one day, a poor dog was brought in with a very severe condition that emitted an overwhelming gagging smell that filled the entire building. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Incense is made of plant materials and essential oils that are pressed onto a bamboo stick or shaped into a cone or block. Consult your vet before using lavender oil on your cat. See our advertising disclosure. If you do choose to use essential oils, they should be heavily diluted to reduce the impact on your pet. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? The candles use a natural enzyme to remove odor, and they're made in the USA. When it comes to essential oils, there are a few that are safe to use around cats. This gave her the opportunity to help improve the lives of many animals in her community as well as work with the rescue she loved. Why is my cat shedding so much? Citrus oil. If youre wondering if sandalwood smell is safe for cats, the answer is unfortunately, no. Many dogs and cats derive comfort from being close to their people. 2023 Preventive Vet. Tea tree oil. Final thoughts: Essential oils can be a great way to improve your cats health and wellbeing, but its important to use them safely and sparingly. However, as with any essential oil, its always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian before using it around your feline friend. As much as possible, stay away from air-freshening activities that contain anything artificial. Find out why and the solutions you need. Beyond the dangers of incense, the sandalwood fragrance is also a problem for cats. Diffusers are great for dispensing essential oils in the atmosphere. Sandalwood, frankincense, and cinnamon, all basic fragrances from long ago, are still among the most popular scents. A Sampler Pack Of 6 Popular Essential Oils: Lagunamoon Essential Oil Set. Note that potpourri and scented candles can also cause asthma and coughing fits in cats and dogs, as highlighted above. The tree produces a reddish-brown heartwood that is very fragrant. If you do decide to use sandalwood essential oil around your pet, make sure to diluted properly and only use a small amount. The harvest season and details surrounding the extraction also matter. Doing research on the subject will leave you equally or even more confused as you will encounter both sides of the argument. Some studies have found that sandalwood can cause skin reactions, while others have found that it is perfectly safe. While other odor-removal techniques rely on masking odors, an air purifier will remove the particulates that cause bad smells entirely. It can also cause seizures and death. Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a tree native to India that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Note that this only refers to the Febreze fabric fresheners, not the aerosol air fresheners, which present the same problems to cats as many other brands of air fresheners. But I feel it is important that everyone, for the sake of their pets and themselves, is aware of the potential harms of scents. Depending on what is in an oil, heat may change its composition forming more toxic compounds. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. Your go-to resource for all things pets, right to your inbox, every week. When used in small amounts and properly diluted, sandalwood oil can be a great way to help your cat relax. Before we talk about the safety and benefits of essential oils, we must first understand what qualifies as an essential oil. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. NOTE: If you notice any of your pets experiencing breathing issues (panting, abdominal breathing, or abnormal gum color), contact a veterinarian immediately. Immediate attention is key to survival and recovery when dealing with poisons. Out of these, 50-60% are santalols. As a general rule, cats are often more sensitive to the potentially toxic and other dangerous effects of essential oils and other scents than dogs are, but it very much depends on the scent, the delivery method, and the uniqueness of the pet. For dogs, popular oils can include lavender, frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood, geranium, chamomile and bergamot. She graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and following graduation, she began her career as an associate veterinarian and worked closely with the local shelter. Place a bandage over the spot, and check for any reactions such as redness, itching, or inflammation. Is it safe to smudge around dogs? All rights reserved. As poison control arrives, make note of the following information: When used correctly, essential oils can be used around and on cats. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. When in doubt, always err on the side of diluting more than less. Does a sniff of peppermint invigorate you? The last one is found in citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. WebIs Sandalwood safe for cats? However, the experiences of other cat owners can not be ignored. It takes a bit more time to work than an air freshener that you can spray around the room, but it also absorbs the odor rather than masks it. The oil can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage. Avoid using strong fragrances around your cat as these could be irritating or even harmful. And, as much as possible, keep that room off-limits to Kitty. This type of application is mostly used for those looking to get rid of fleas and other insects or parasites on the cats skin. You can mix the essential oil into your cats bathwater. Is Sandalwood Safe for Dogs? It is extracted from the bark using steam distillation. If you insist on using sandalwood for your cat, adhere to the following safety precautions: Aromatic, versatile, and effective, sandalwood essential oil is a useful product at home. According to Pet Poison Helpline, some of the components that cats find hard to metabolize include phenols, phenolic compounds, and d-limonenes. What You Need to Know. The Pet Odor Exterminator is a great candle option to use with the warming plate solution mentioned below. Since pets have a more If you think that your cat is suffering from poisoning due to your sandalwood incense, take them to a veterinarian to make sure their symptoms are treated properly. This is according to this article on the ASPCA website. Lavender. Even though it would be great to have a simple definite answer to this question, there isnt one. It is, therefore, safe to Since pets have a more acute and powerful sense of smell, they are more susceptible to the effects of smoke. The 1,271 sq. Our analysis found 133 different VOCs emitted from the 25 products, with an average of 17 VOCs per product. Once you've reduced the nasty kitty smells, there are several cat-safer methods to add other pleasant aromas to your home. The scents themselves can also cause stress or airway irritation for your cats and dogs, depending on how strongly scented the candles are and with which scents. WebAustralian sandalwood helps calm, protect and nurture your pet. That means that anything that has a mild scent to you is quite intense to your kitty. WebMAUI JIM MAUI CAT III 209 MAUI JIM MAUNA LOA 311 MAUI JIM MAVERICKS 264 MAUI JIM MCGREGOR POINT 291 Our secure checkout is guaranteed to make sure your information is safe and is never shared with third parties. Potpourri gives the most relaxing scent to your home. Whats a self-respecting homeowner to do? Some love how it freshens up the room with a smell that lingers for hours; others do it for spiritual purposes and for some health reasons. Some of the dangers associated with essential oils for cats include the following: A large majority of essential oils contain compounds that cats have no way of digesting. What does this all have to do with cats? Before you go looking for something to light or spray to cover up the smell, take a few simple "housekeeping" steps to eradicate and prevent those nasty smells in the first place. Increased smoke in the home puts your cat at risk for developing. The wood from this tree has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Please try again later. The evergreen softwood is native to Indonesia and India and grows as high as 12m. Preventive Vet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. While you don't want to serve your cat the crispy skin from a Cajun-fried turkey that's been heavily seasoned with spices, a few bites of turkey meat provide your fur baby with a protein-packed snack. You may be wondering why all the big numbers and facts, especially about humans. Peppermint oil. Left unchecked, dust can make a home smell musty and, understandably, affect the air quality in your home. Many cleaning and beauty products contain essential oils and such products need to be handled with just as much care as pure essential oils. Yes, it can if your cat decides so. A note for our readers: If you have an urgent question and are unable to ask your veterinarian, you can use the Ask a Vet service that will give you access to a veterinarian for 7 days for $1. However, just because these oils are derived from plants doesnt make them healthy, or even safe, for your cat. Aromatherapy often blends several oils together and you can do the same with hydrosols. To apply something topically means to apply something onto the skin. The compounds accumulate and cause toxicity. This purifier is a good one for use in smaller areas or on desktops. Sandalwood oil is known to be toxic to cats, and the smoke from incense sticks can cause respiratory problems. You've come to the right place if you've been wondering, "Why is my cat peeing everywhere?" The ultrasonic diffuser is an excellent choice for a diffuser suitable for use around cats. We've rounded up a list of the best Thanksgiving foods you can safely share with your cat. Some of our teammates in Seattle, Washington, use this air purifier, which has greatly helped with the smoke from forest fires. Tea tree, in particular, is very hazardous. And perhaps I am more concerned about scents than some because my mother was an asthmatic who was extremely sensitive to all odors, and as a veterinarian, I know the negative impact some scents have on pets. The holiday season is a time of gratitude, togetherness, and good food. While there are plenty of foods you won't be able to share with your feline friend, finding Thanksgiving food safe for cats is easier than you think. By Fredrick Aven Updated on January 1, 2023. However, the area of the brain that analyzes odor is 40 times larger in dogs than in people. Although these results are based on human beings, cats can heavily benefit from them too. Keep potpourri pots out of reach at all times to prevent poisoning. A natural fabric refresher is Bac-Out Fabric Refresher in Lemon Thyme or Lavender. Ensure you keep the diffuser out of reach of all pets to reduce the chances of poisoning. by Lea Jacobson, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist | Feb 21, 2016 | mini EO crash courses. If you burn incense as part of your religious or spiritual practice, try to restrict the practice to one room in your home. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), Essential Oils for Cats: Are They Safe? We earn a commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Additionally, your pet's age (puppy/kitten or senior), as well as their anatomy (brachycephalic flat-faced pets), impacts the effects smoke can have on them. If possible, reach out to your vet as well and consult him/her on any possible first aid. Using Sandalwood Essential Oil Safely. Not all plant oils are essential oils. is sandalwood safe for cats | Using Essential Oils Safely Using Sandalwood Essential Oil Safely by Lea Jacobson, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist | Feb 21, 2016 | mini EO crash courses This information is now available in Better yet, get one with an auto-shutoff. These essential oils are: With that being said, we should note that some essential oils for cats are directly toxic, even if used in their diluted form. Roman chamomile has a soothing effect -- like chamomile tea -- and is also useful for keeping your kitty's skin free from rashes. A cats sense of smell is 14 times stronger than that of a human being, making them more sensitive to strong odors. ft. home is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath property. There are two main ways of applying essential oils to cats, topically and through a diffuser. Are essential oils safe for cats? Not only will your cat be affected by the toxic properties of the sandalwood essential oil, but theyll also be affected by the smoke from the incense. To avoid the flame but keep the smell, you can place a jar candle on a warming plate. Scents That Are Harmful to Pets & Which Scents Are Safe, Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets. It also works as a preventative measure against fleas. Using a crock pot can be safer than simmering a pot on the stove. To be safe around essential oils, follow the guidelines below: Keep the oils away from the cat: If you must use Vetiver, ensure it is out of reach of your kitty. Sandalwood is a tree that is native to India. Just be sure to never use it directly on your cats skin, and always keep an eye on them while theyre around the oil to make sure they dont start showing any adverse effects. A pet lover, Oluwatosin is a biotechnologist and a professional writer and editor who has written about animals for many years. Learn more. Mood | Confident & The wood has a natural woody odor and is often harvested for use in cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, and burning incense. It is, therefore, safe to assume that cats can tolerate sandalwood oil. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Sandalwood oil is toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems. Check out these "7 Ways to Reduce Litter Box Smell (and Messes).". If youre looking for a pet safe incense stick, look no further than Pet Safe Incense Sticks. It consists of small flowers with short stalks and its bark is smooth and brown in color. The best way to determine if an essential oil is safe for your cat is to consult with your veterinarian. Please provide a valid email address to continue. Some people want to use essential oils around their pets, myself included. Some people believe that sandalwood can cause allergic reactions, while others believe that it is perfectly safe. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The oils inside can end up on your cats paws or skin and be ingested that way. All we can do is trust the research that has been conducted so far. Today, incense is often used during meditation and yoga, as a way to reduce stress and anxiety, as a sleep aid, and as part of religious practices (Christians and Buddhists also incorporate the use of incense in their rituals and services). -Do your research! | Hill's Pet, common houseplants that are toxic for cats, Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (CVMA), Cats are great at getting onto high surfaces, What to Expect at Your Kitten's 6-Month Health Check, Moving & Relocation with Your Cat: Tips & Suggestions, The Importance of Wellness Visits for Your Senior Cat, Wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint and mint. So far, the research on skin reactions to sandalwood has been inconclusive. Stick to the foods on our list, and your fur baby will have a happy Thanksgiving this year. Our cats are more than just furry roommates; they're members of our family. If you buy something from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. Naturally, if you are new to essential oils you must still be wondering, can I use essential oils with and/or on my cat? When getting a diffuser, it is best to get a slow one. These are likely the reasons that 249.76 million Americans used air freshener sprays and room deodorizers in 2020, with a projected increase in 2024 to 255.88 million. Brushing your feline is a great way to eliminate dirt, dander, and dead hair from his coat. Pet Safe Incense Sticks . Flame or not, they release smoke. Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce. If you know you are using chemicals at home that could potentially harm your cats, it is very crucial to know the signs that may indicate poisoning. Pennyroyal oil. But what about your cat are there essential oils for cats? But if your pet nibbles on some of the potpourri, it could cause choking, digestive upset, or even a digestive obstruction, which could require surgery to remove from the stomach or intestines. Instead, it is recommended that you dilute the oil and then apply it. Headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea, Damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system, Some organics can cause cancer in animals, Some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Here are some things to keep in mind when using essential oils around your cat: Essential oils should never be applied directly to your cats skin. Which other essential oil isnt safe around your kitty? Plus, they can contain chemicals that can be potentially hazardous. Not only is cedarwood safe for cats, but it actually has been proven to be lethal to adult fleas. They have car fresheners too. Dogs can sense 100 million and cats 200 million. Tea tree is "never safe to use on cats. Many artificial air fresheners, even some that are green or organic, actually dont freshen or clean the air. Alpha-santalol can be used to arrest specific cancer cells via apoptosis. Some people believe that they are perfectly safe, while others believe that they can be harmful. -Helichrysum: This oil is extracted from the flower heads of the helichrysum plant and is effective in reducing inflammation and healing wounds. Yes, but some people may have religious or spiritual reasons for using it. The general concerns about safety relate to exposuret to essential oils (ingestion and applying it undiluted to the skin), especially non-medical grade forms. However, it is not advisable to apply essential oils in their concentrated form directly onto a cats skin. Liquid potpourri is especially harmful to pets as it can be mistaken for a drink by a cat. How to tell (and what you can do about it). If the potpourri mix includes harder items like miniature pine cones or bark chips, these could potentially lodge in your dogs throat and cause breathing difficulties. All rights reserved, Top Cat Ear Wipes Picks: The Bestsellers of 2023, Cat DNA Test Reviews: Our Picks on Top Affordable DNA Tests, Cat Breed DNA Test: Find Out More About Your Feline, Cat Ancestry DNA Test: Learn More About Your Felines Lineage, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA, Cat DNA Test Cost: Our Top Picks on Affordable DNA Tests, The Best 5 Cat Eye Drops Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Best Cat DNA Test Reviews: Pros, Cons, and More. But even though there seem to be a lot of great reasons for us to use them, their use isnt safe for our pets. Is Sandalwood Safe For Cats? Is sandalwood incense safe for cats? Never give essential oils to your cat orally. We'll share what you need to know about the most common reasons behind elimination issues, and we'll teach you how you can put an end to your fur baby's toilet troubles once and for all. Cats have a very strong sense of smell and often use the stench of their own urine to mark their territory. Hence, establishing pee zones and no pee zones is absolutely essential! Cats hate being subjected to certain strong smells such as citrus spray, essential oils, vinegar, and lavender. Have you ever wondered, "Can cats eat turkey?" While sandalwood incense might be a fun way to make your house smell nice, there are plenty of other options that are safer for you and your cat. A primer on the centuries-old aromatic biotic material, Pet-friendly ways to make your home smell nice, Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? The key to avoiding adverse reactions in cats is proper administration. What was discovered is frankly scary. Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy. Be sure to choose only 100% pure essential oils and those that are safe for your pet. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to ask me in the comments below. When they go through a cats skin or get ingested, they damage a cats major organs including the liver. The diffuser doesnt use heat therefore it doesnt change the composition of the oil. Sprinkle some on the affected carpet or cushion, leave for 12 days, and then vacuum. If you're wondering, "Why is my cat shedding so much?" In 2007 she accomplished her dream of practice ownership, designing and building her own clinic. A slow diffuser reduces the chances of essential oil poisoning for your pet. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic benefits. I am Eleanor Price. Before using essential oil products and diffusers in your home, speak with your vet to ensure the health and safety of your furry friend. By keeping dust at bay, you remove its ingredients as in dead skin, pet dander, pollen, dirt, and insect droppings. At the end of the day, we dont really know for sure whether or not sandalwood is safe to breathe. Sweet birch oil. If you are lucky, your kitty will handle it quite well. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Pet accidents, dirty laundry, stagnant air, and garbage are all common causes of an unpleasant smell. Avoid cleaning with Vetiver: cats love rubbing on surfaces and may come in contact with the oil. And this is not to mention the irritation these oils can cause if they come into contact with your pet's sensitive skin or the way some oils could lead to irritation of your pet's sensitive nose or lungs. But if you notice your pet losing significantly more hair than usual, you should look for a deeper issue that could be causing the excess shedding. A pet owner should always consult their veterinarian before Even though your favorite essential oil is toxic to your kitty, it does not mean that you need to avoid it forever. These are simple diffusers where a small reed is dipped in a bottle with the oil. The answer appears to be yes, sandalwood oil is generally considered safe for cats. Do cats sleep more in winter because theyre depressed? 249.76 million Americans used air freshener sprays and room deodorizers in 2020, cause health problems in 20% of the human population and 35% of those with asthma, less than 10% of their ingredients are disclosed, study that tested top-selling air fresheners and laundry detergents, 7 Ways to Reduce Litter Box Smell (and Messes). In case yours is one of them, just keep any essential oil away from your kitty. Your senior cat could be hiding something other than your car keys. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Continue with Recommended Cookies, The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, CBD for Dog Anxiety: Top 11 Products According to a Veterinarian, The Best Probiotics For Dogs in 2022 According to a Veterinarian, The Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats: Our Top 7 Picks, CBD for Cat Anxiety: Our Top 5 Picks + Reviews, The Farmers Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Ollie Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Open Farm Cat Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, By Katelyn Son | Updated February 01, 2023. There are essential oils that can be said to be safe. Be sure to choose only 100% pure essential oils and those that are safe for your pet. Preloved The UK's Most Trusted Marketplace Skip to the Main Menu Close. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Avoid those made from (or with) paraffin, as that can release more potential impurities and irritants that can bother both your and your pet's respiratory system. Flame or not, they release smoke. It is particularly helpful for cats that may suffer from inflammation of the skin. I LOVE this candle!! For cats, you might consider lavender, frankincense or chamomile. The oil ascends the reed and is released into the atmosphere continuously. If you are concerned about your dogs safety, please consult with your veterinarian before using any products containing sandalwood. When a pet comes into contact with potpourri, it can cause vomiting, fever, drooling, difficulty breathing, and lack of appetite. Even alone, both items can cause minor to severe health issues, including breathing difficulties, for many felines. link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Rose. With Thanksgiving upon us, you may be asking yourself, "Can cats eat turkey?" The issue concerning the safety of essential oils for cats is a very controversial one, to say the least.