Essential oils for Cats –
What is safe?
Cats have very different safety guidelines than other animals when it comes to essential oils. Cats do not process oils the same as dogs, horses, goats, etc. and so they require more caution, more dilution and many oils should be avoided completely. Keep reading to learn how to safely use essential oils for cats…
(Read about using oils on dogs HERE)
The basics about cats and essential oils
from Dr. Janet Roark, “The Essential Oil Vet“, a veterinarian on our team:
- Cats lack an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase. This is important for the Cytochrome p450 liver metabolism pathway. This makes cats very susceptible to ALL kinds of toxicity, including plant, NSAIDS (like aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol), chocolate and caffeine (methylxanthines), lead, zinc, and many, many types of pesticides.
- DoTERRA’s oils are tested by batch and are so pure that you can use them topically on cats sporadically in a highly diluted form (as if for infants). It’s not a good idea to use oils topically or internally on your cat every single day.
- Avoid oils high in phenols and eugenols for direct application (topical or internal) such as, Basil, Birch, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Thyme, and Wintergreen as well as oils high in d-limonene which includes all Citrus oils.
- I diffuse everything! i just make sure not to diffuse anything in my kitty’s room (where her food is) and make sure she’s not “locked” in the room with the diffuser – she will go away if it’s one she doesn’t like the oils.
- The main thing is, don’t give oils to cats topically or internally *every* day (with some exceptions), dilute them, only use top-grade, thoroughly-tested oils like doTERRA and when in doubt, ask your vet
- Follow Dr Roark “The Essential Oil Vet”on Facebook for more great tips
DoTERRA Essential oils to avoid for Cats (topically and internally):
- Basil
- Citrus oils: Lemon, Wild Orange, Tangerine, Mandarin, Citrus bliss blend, Grapefruit, Lime, Bergamot
- Cassia
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Fennel
- Melaleuca/Tea Tree
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
Essential oils safe to diffuse around cats …
- Any doTERRA oils are safe to diffuser around your cat. Just always make sure they can leave the room if they do not like them.
Essential oils safe to use topically on cats …
Diffusion is preferred for cats. If used topically dilute 1 drop of essential oil per 100-200 drops of carrier oil.
- Lavender
- Frankincense
- Copaiba
- Cedarwood
- Helichrysum
- Rosemary
- Marjoram
- Myrrh
- Roman Chamomile
- Arborvitae
From Dr. Tisserand, essential oil safety expert:
I certainly don’t advocate dousing your cat in large quantities of neat essential oils – ever. And cats are quite susceptible to toxicity from nutmeg oil and tea tree oil. But, a small amount of any essential oil, and a moderate amount of most, will not harm your cat. (source)
Can you use oils on cats for fleas? “We really don’t know what would be a toxic concentration to fleas, while being non-toxic to cats…”
As a general guideline, Tisserand believes that the occasional use of essential oils totaling no more than 1% of the product is generally safe for cats.
In Summary…
- Always dilute heavily for cats – no more than 1% (1 drop per Tablespoon of carrier)
- Do not apply essential oils on your cat every day
- When diffusing make sure your cat is able to leave the room if its too much for them
- Not all oils are unsafe for cats, watch your cat carefully when using oils. Watch for strange behavior or lethargy.
- Essential oils are likely more safe for your cat to be around than artificial fragrances such as air fresheners
I hope this helps you to feel comfortable diffusing around your cats and using essential oils on them when needed!
*Please note: I am not a veternarian and nothing in this article is offered as medical advice. Use all essential oils at your own risk. Do your research and make an informed decision for your pet. If you need personal oil help I recommend a consult with Dr Janet Roark, The Essential Oil Vet. Click here for more info
Elizabeth Coleman says
Links to email or post on FB did not work
Healing in our Homes says
uh oh! thank you Elizabeth. So much is a mess since my site was hacked. Ill work on it.
Donalee Bowerman says
Still not working today in FB messenger or on FB. 🙁
Thank you for your wonderful site and information!
Healing in our Homes says
You’re very welcome, thanks for following!
Grace says
Thank you for this education! I am looking for alternatives to topical flea and tick medication I purchase at my Vet office. Various remedies online suggest apple cider vinegar along with essential oil drops and water…I am a Doterra EO user and I am cautious and hoping other animal lovers research as well- conflicting info out there.
Healing in our Homes says
I cannot comment on health issues as I am not a vet. I’d highly recommend a consult with Dr Janet Roark who uses doTERRA oils in her practice: https://essentialoilvet.com/consult/
Trina says
My cat has an eye infection what oil is good for getting rid of scabs below eye. Only thing ive tried it Fractionated coconut oil
Healing in our Homes says
Regular coconut oil may be more helpful.
Roxanne says
This was super helpful thank you!
Mickey says
This is a good Artical, however you still use the oils that are not good just dilute them more in water??? I’m new to the oil difuser world my mother in law bought me a difuser for a gift and I have 5 cats and 2 dogs. I dont want them sick from any of it. Scares me to use it still ? help lol
Healing in our Homes says
No always dilute with a carrier oil, not water. We recommend Fractionated coconut oil from doTERRA. In a diffuser, you use only water, however. Only use doTERRA oils since they are 100% pure and make sure that they can leave the room if they dont like it.
Mary Lary says
If I use Icy Hot on myself, will the fumes affect my cats?
Healing in our Homes says
They absolutely can. I do not recommend Icy Hot as its made with chemicals. Stick to doTERRA essential oils, use the away from your cat and/or make sure they have a way to leave if its too strong for them
Doris says
You told what cats shouldn’t have but what works well on cats?
Healing in our Homes says
Anything else doTERRA sells just used very sparingly and well diluted
Darlin E Zimmerman says
My cat is 15 years old. She has been sleeping a lot, not very active but when she does walk she is limping. She does not cry out in pain. She will not let us check it.I am thinking she has,sprained it. Can diffuse a doterra oil or use something to help with soreness!
Jules says
Did I miss something, All I saw was a list of which essential oils NOT to use on cats. Where is the list of Essential Oils that are OKAY to use on cats. I found this article a bit misleading and/or fear based.
Healing in our Homes says
Im sorry you feel that way, my goal is only to make sure the cats are safe. Any other doterra oils besides the ones I said to avoid are safe to use. You truly do need to be careful with cats. Most of the time you’ll just want to diffuse vs use the oils topically. But I will edit it to include some that are more safe to diffuse
June Jackson says
Mickey water and oil dont mix Aways use a carrier oil such as fractionated cocont oil<or any oil. Not water.Some oilare considered hot such as citrus and peppermint .They will burn your skin .lots of oil hope that helps June
June Jackson says
I think I read your comment wrong .water in diffuser .Sorry