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 (see more details and specific instructions below).
Please Refer to Dilution Chart for Cats to look up Topical Dilutions for Codes A, B, C, D
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)
- Outdooor 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 Childrens 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. These are all important in support of cat health.
DIFFUSER RECOMMENDATIONS
Diffusing is the most effective method of using essential oils to uplift mood. This is because the best way to get the essential oils to the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotions, is through the olfactory system (that is, the nose).
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 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 above, 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!
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)
Single oils not recommended:
- 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
Blends not recommended:
- Citrus Blend
- Detoxification Blend
- Encouraging Blend
- Hope Blend
- Massage Blend
- Renewing Blend
- Respiratory Blend
- Soothing Blend
- Joyful Blend
- Cleansing Blend
- Protective Blend
- Uplifting Blend
Do not use Blends except in the FEW instances recommended in the EO USAGE CHART.
Cats metabolize and excrete things very differently than the rest of the animal family. Cat livers do not not have the enzymes to break down certain chemicals. And when the liver (and the body) does not recognize a substance, it immediately stores it somewhere until it can figure out what to do with it! This leads to toxicity, tumors, disease and extreme imbalances of the body. By the way, this is the case for humans and animals alike, but cats are much more sensitive.
Cats are particularly sensitive to a group of oxygenated compounds called ketones, phenols, alpha pinene, some monoterpenes, and carvacrol (a byproduct of d-limonene which is found in all citrus fruits and in many tree oils) which their livers can not break down.
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 (which are found in Clove Bud, Oregano Peppermint and Thyme) and ketones (found in White Fir, Wintergreen, Rosemary, and Vetiver). Oils with high levels of these constituents may overwhelm the ability of the cat’s liver to properly metabolize and effectively eliminate them, which can result in toxic overload.
Cypress and Roman Chamomile also can be problematic for cats.
Do not use Blends with these oils (except in the few instances recommended in the next section).
If you decide to use any of the above-mentioned oils, dilute heavily. I recommend only using these oils for short periods of time when other oils are not giving needed support.