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Health
In reply to the discussion: Scent Diffusers Improve Memory in Seniors [View all]wackadoo wabbit
(1,217 posts)10. Those with cats might want to reconsider using an essential oil diffuser
In general, it is not recommended to use essential oils on or near your cat.
Cats are highly susceptible to getting sick from breathing in essential oils via your home diffuser, and vapor from the oils can get onto their skin as well.
Cats are highly susceptible to getting sick from breathing in essential oils via your home diffuser, and vapor from the oils can get onto their skin as well.
https://www.petmd.com/cat/are-essential-oils-safe-cats
Inhalation of strong odors or fragrances can cause some cats to develop a watery nose or eyes, a burning sensation in the nose/throat, nausea leading to drooling and/or vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing in a cat is evidenced by labored breathing, fast breathing, panting, coughing, or wheezing. NONE of these signs are normal in cats. A coughing episode in a cat can be mistaken by owners for the cat trying to vomit up a hairball. However, in this case the cat crouches low to the ground, with little to no abdominal movement that is more typical of vomiting. No hairball is produced.
[snip]
Drooling, vomiting, tremors, ataxia (wobbliness), respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature, and liver failure can potentially develop depending on the type of essential oil that was used and the dose that the cat was exposed to.
The droplets dispersed by these new diffusers may be small, but they still pose a risk to cats. Depending on how close the cat is to the dispenser, the essential oil microdroplets may collect on the cats fur if it is the same room as the active diffuser. The oil can be either absorbed directly through the skin, or ingested when the cat grooms itself.
Like oil and water, essential oils and cats really do not mix. Owners should be cautious using essential oils and diffusers in their homes in order to protect their cat(s) from a toxic risk. Most importantly, concentrated essential oils should never be directly applied to cats.
[snip]
Drooling, vomiting, tremors, ataxia (wobbliness), respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature, and liver failure can potentially develop depending on the type of essential oil that was used and the dose that the cat was exposed to.
The droplets dispersed by these new diffusers may be small, but they still pose a risk to cats. Depending on how close the cat is to the dispenser, the essential oil microdroplets may collect on the cats fur if it is the same room as the active diffuser. The oil can be either absorbed directly through the skin, or ingested when the cat grooms itself.
Like oil and water, essential oils and cats really do not mix. Owners should be cautious using essential oils and diffusers in their homes in order to protect their cat(s) from a toxic risk. Most importantly, concentrated essential oils should never be directly applied to cats.
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/
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Use with caution. Aspirating or swallowing even a small amount can cause seizures and kill you.
PSPS
Jan 2024
#1
Some kind of scratch and sniff pad would probably be safer and have more diversity of scents.
marybourg
Jan 2024
#2
Those with cats might want to reconsider using an essential oil diffuser
wackadoo wabbit
Jan 2024
#10
I also like scents, but since I don't use diffusers I don't know exactly what's involved...
Hekate
Jan 2024
#18
Sounds very interesting but I do wonder about respiratory issues from breathing this every day.
58Sunliner
Jan 2024
#33