Following are selected posts to Holisticat on the subject of essential oils and cats. There's a lot of information here, and the posts are arranged in ascending chronological order. If there is a particular word you're looking for, it's probably best to utlize the "Find in Page" function in your edit menu!

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From: "Marnie" <marnie1@
Subject: [HOL] Essential Oils for Cats

It is my understanding, from a Certified Aromatherapist on one of my other lists, that  Cats are extremely sensitive to Essential Oils and since they metabolize them differently than dogs or humans, the potential for toxicity is very high; therefore Essential Oils should not be used around or on cats at all. Something to think about?

Cheers! Marnie:)

On Sat, 2 Jan 1999, Yumi Guidotti wrote:
<< I've talked to several Certified Aromatherapists here in Hawaii. None of them are  aware of the cat body cannot metabolize the oil at all. They cautioned that since >>

Hmmm, could this be because they don't get training in cat physiology? Ask them about cat metabolic differences and see if they know how to answer.

<<Dr. Wynn, do you know anything about this?>>

Here is an excerpt for a little article I did for nutrition science news:

Drug Handling in the Cat

The cat has several metabolic idiosyncrasies which make medicating this species a slightly riskier proposition:

1. Delayed biotransformation of many exogenous substances due to decreased UDP-glucuronyl transferase activity.  Glucuronic acid conjugation is probably the most important process for activating and increasing water solubility of xenobiotics.  The cat, therefore, does not process compounds such as coumarin, morphine, certain sulfonamides and salicylic acid.

2. Feline hemoglobin has an enhanced susceptibility to oxidation, producing methemoglobinemia and Heinz body anemia.  Cats are susceptible to fatal anemias produced by acetominophen and by onions.

3. Cat receptors react to certain drugs in anomalous ways; or instance, morphine causes excitation, as opposed to sedation, in cats

4. Feline liver transaminase and deaminase activities are higher than  in most species.

5. Cats are uniquely sensitive to phenolic compounds, and other compounds containing benzene rings.  Compounds preserved with benzyl alcohol are toxic to cats.  Caution should be taken with essential oils containing phenols, such as, potentially, thyme, cinnamon, tea tree and many others

The examples given above are by no means all-encompassing  -- they were simply all I could think of when I wrote the article.  I think they give us reason to be concerned about ANY herb,nutraceutical, EO, etc that we give a cat for the first time.

Susan G. Wynn, DVM

Hi All,

What this PIA-Certified Aromatherapist, and member of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy said was that Cats "cannot efficiently metabolize the oils, and they build up in their bodies, and can eventually lead to toxic levels causing death, or symptoms of toxicity."

Which means to me that you could use them for some time with no symptoms of toxicity, similar to heavy metal build up in the soft tissues and organs, as happens with lead and zinc exposure. She also recommends that if you use essential oils in your home,  that the cats are probably fine as long as a door is open so they can go to another room.

Yumi, as a Parrot owner I have to be aware of the household hazards from air fresheners (Glade is the worst), cleaners (many
deaths due to the zinc chloride in Febreze are being reported on the bird lists just from Febreze being sprayed on the carpet or sofa to clean a spot) scented candles, bug spray, hair spray, window cleaner, Pledge, carpet freshener, Teflon coatings, cooking bags - both aluminium and plastic to name a few.  The consensus among Avian Vets is that birds are not overly sensitive, but that due to their smaller size and faster metabolisms/breathing they are affected sooner.  I myself have allergic reactions to most of the things on the list, so I don't see why they wouldn't bother a cat or dog also, if they are capable of killing a bird... and some parrots are good sized birds!

A big factor in this, is the quality of the essential oil.  Many of the cheap oils are adulterated with other things for various reasons.
Whereas a high quality essential oil may not cause problems, the cheap ones available at health food stores will.  Many scents in household products do not even use essential oils, but synthetic scents made from chemical compounds.  The certified Aromatherapist on my Herb list tells us that 1 drop of Essential Oil is equal to 1 cup of infused oil of the same plant if dried. That is very powerful medicine!  Just because something is *Natural* *Herbal* or whatever ~ it does not guarantee safety.  They should be used judiciously and with knowledge of what you are using and on whom.

It is up to each and every one of us to decide what is personally best for ourselves and our pets.  I would rather err on the side of
caution, than to find out 10 years down the road that my pet has a health problem (liver/kidney perhaps?) because of some treatment I gave them without knowing it was 100% safe for that species of animal. Lol... Ok, if you want to nit pick, nothing is 100% safe ~ but I'm sure you know what I mean:D

Cheers! Marnie:)

Hi,
I could be mistaken, but I think the big problem with Lysol and Pine-sol, etc is that they contain phenols.  Phenolics are often used in disinfectants, particularly in hospitals.

The cedar and pine scents given off from wood, provided it is untreated, are from a group of chemicals called terpenes, which are very different chemically from phenolics due to the structure and chemical bonds. Beta-carotene  is also  a terpene.

Phenolics are toxic because of the way their atoms are arranged in a ring with alternating single and double bonds.  (I don't have  my organic chemistry book at home with me-it's at work-or I could explain this better).

I have also heard of using sawdust for litter and in fact have a friend who has an arrangement with a local lumberyard to get whatever she wants for free.  The only problem with this is that you have to be sure that the sawdust is only from untreated lumber- no preservatives.  (I think it would be hard to be sure of this- most lumberyards handle, cut, etc  everything together).  Lumber which is treated for use below grade, outside, etc. is usually treated with pentachlorophenol (PCP) or copper arsenite (contains arsenic).  While neither might cause an immediate reaction, with long-term exposure, both from being absorbed through their footpads and licked off their feet,  both could be very dangerous.  I'm sure Dr. Susan can shed a lot more light on this than I can.  I think you're probably safe with cedar and pine litter.

Linda Moore

-----Original Message-----

<<I don't use any commercial cleaners in my house at all including detergents, but I do use Cedarific soft cat litter.

There have been some discussions in the past about pine litters and I'm wondering about my "sawdust" litter that contains a small amount of cedar in it.>>

Linda wrote:
<<The cedar and pine scents given off from wood, provided it is untreated, are from a group of chemicals called terpenes, which are very different chemically from phenolics due to the structure and chemical bonds.>>

I am not a chemist, so keep that in mind, but I *think* that phenols are a main component of some of the aromatic woods like pine and cedar - actually I would have to look at some textbooks to know for sure - so theoretically cats could be sensitive to them.  In real life, I haven't seen them react to those litters, but I would pay attention if a cat tells you s/he doesn't want to go near them.

As for the terpenes, I don't believe they are intrinsically safe either - tea tree, which has resulted in fatal reactions in cats, has a pretty high terpene content if I remember correctly.

Complicated questions - I don't think it is fair to say that oils are *always* toxic, just as it isn't fair to say that infusions are always
safe.  Oils are probably trickier in untrained hands.

Susan G. Wynn, DVM

Hello all you loving Cat Mom's (&Dads)

This info shocked me into reality. Hope it's helpful to you.

Oils that have dangerous Chemical Groups "The most dangerous EO are the ones that contain PHENOLS-chemical group
that is HEPATOXIC (cause toxicity of the liver) These include: Oregano,Thyme,Eucalyptus,Clove,Cinnamon,Bay Leaf, Parsley, Savory

Another potent chemical group is the Ketones which are NEUROTOXIC (cause neurological responses) These include: Cedar Leaf*, Sage*, Hyssop*, Cyprus*, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Mint ,Caraway*, Citronella ,Clove* ,Ginger*, Chamomile, Thyme, Rosemary.

One should be particularly cautious of the oils listed with an asterix*.

Remember that EO,s are absorbed by the skin and a neurological reaction can occur through topical application. NEVER USE THESE OILS ON CATS. "

"KEEP EO'S OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN &PETS."

"SOME EO'S CAN BE TOXIC TO CATS EVEN WHEN DIFFUSED. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO KEEP DIFFUSERS AWAY FROM INFANTS AND PETS"
-Handbook of Essential Oils -Jo Serrentino

This article was taken from a Canadian Health Magazine, source is not 100% clear but seems to come from the above author.

Just to be on the safe side I won't be putting any menthol products in vaporizers in this house. Although I am a huge proponent of Natural Care, I know that Natural doesn't automatically mean safe usage without appropriate knowledge. Hope this helps someone.

Purrs & Headsets
Ahaphia & Myrtle

There are many Aromatherapy sites on the Net who do not recommend the use of EO's around cats or birds.  Start at www.naha.com  The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy and follow their links.

<<From a toxicological point of view, under appropriate & specified conditions of use, essential oils are relatively safe, although some are irritant, some are known sensitizers (causing allergic reactions) and a few are highly toxic! Just because essential oils are considered a "natural" product, safety cannot always be assumed. In addition, many unscrupulous companies are currently producing "aromatherapy" products using synthetic fragrances with no thought (and sometimes little knowledge) of current safety practices. Even some so-called aromatherapy companies are recommending the very dangerous use of undiluted or irritant oils (in inappropriate routes via eyes and ears) while making medical claims in order to sell their product. Whilst it is wise to consult safety guidelines before using any aromatherapy product, there is also a clear need for wider education in this area.>>

Kristen Leigh Bell as well as our own Mary Wulff-Tilford have both posted numerous references and medical studies with this information for us... so it is not only their opinions.

The following report from Avian Vet Gillian Willis documents some Tea Tree poisonings.

http://www.exoticbird.com/gillian/teatree.html

Tea Tree (Melaleuca Oil)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) is being marketed for the treatment of many disorders in humans and in animals. The active ingredients in tea tree oil have a similar structure and action as turpentine.

Melaleuca oil comes from the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It is also known as tea tree oil and Australian tea
tree oil. The oil is reputed to have mild antibacterial and antifungal properties and is marketed as a natural remedy in both
veterinary and human medicine.

Animals and humans are getting poisoned from topical use and from accidental ingestion of tea tree oil. I have numerous reports on file of toxic reactions from tea tree oil being used topically to treat fleas in animals, and  one case of avian poisoning. Melaleuca oil is highly lipophilic and can be absorbed through intact skin to cause systemic toxicity. Pets grooming themselves may also ingest some topically applied oil.

The owner of a lovebird applied one drop of tea tree oil to a bleeding blood feather of her lovebird. Within 10 minutes the bird  collapsed and was on the bottom of the cage. The bird was rushed to  the vet. Fortunately, with intensive care treatment, the bird recovered uneventfully.

Application of tea tree oil to control fleas has resulted in death in kittens.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The following are abstracts  from the veterinary and medical
literature:

Villar D, Knight MJ, Hansen SR, Buck WB. Toxicity of melaleuca oil and related essential oils applied topically on dogs and cats. Vet Human Toxicol. 1994;36(2):139-142.

Abstract: "Cases of melaleuca oil toxiosis have been reported by veterinarians to the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) when the oil was appled dermally to dogs and cats. In most cases, the oil was used to treat dermatologic conditions at inappropriate high doses. The typical signs observed were depression, weakness, incoordination and muscle tremors. The active ingredients of commercial melaleuca oil are predominantly cyclic terpenes. Treatment of clinical signs and supportive care has been sufficient to achieve recovery without sequelae within 2-3 days."

"Toxicity: The most common clinical signs reported to the Animal Poison Control Center by veterinarians with adverse reactions in dogs and cats after dermal exposure of melaleuca oil include ataxia, incoordination, weakness, tremors, behavioral disorders and depression. The acute toxcicity (rabbit dermal LD 50 and rat oral LC 50) for the major terpenic compounds (linalool, ocimene, alpha-terpinene, 1,8-cineole, terpinolene, camphene) ranges between 2 and 5 g/kg body weight, which is considered a moderately toxic range. From a toxicologic standpoint melaleuca oil can be compared to oil of  turpentine, which is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and skin.

The highly lipophilic nature of melaleuca oil not only potentiates its antiseptic properties on the skno, but also its dermal absorption, which may account for the episodes reported to the NAPCC.

Treatment of Exposures: There is no specific antidote for the adverse reactions caused by dermal overexposure to melaleuca oil and related essential oils. Basic supportive care shoule include monitoring respiratory and cardiovascular functions as well as for checking for possible hypothermia; heat support should be provided as needed. For topical exposures resulting in toxicosis, a bath with mild non-insecticidal shampoo is recommended to remove residual amounts of the oil from skin and prevent further absorption. Intravenous fluids and glucose should strenthen the animal, overcome hypotension, and aid renal elimination."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Jacobs MR, Hornfeldt. Melaleuca oil poisoning. Clinical Toxicology
1994;32:461-464.

Abstract: "A 23-month-old boy became confused and was unable to walk thirty minutes after ingesting less than 10 mL of T36-C7, a commercial product that contained 100% melaleuca oil. The child was referred to a nearby hospital. His condition improved and he was asymptomatic within 5 hours of ingestion. He was discharged home the next day. Melaleuca oil, extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia, contains 50-60% terpenes and related alcohols. This case report suggests that
ingestion of a modest amount of a concentrated form of this oil may produce signs of toxicity."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Del Beccaro MA. Melaleuca oil poisoning in a 17-month-old. Vet
Human Toxicol 1995;37:557-8.

Abstract: "Ingestion of significant quantities of melaleuca oil or Australian tea tree oil has been described only once in the medical literature. This report describes a 17-month-old male who ingested less than 10 mL of the oil and developed ataxia and drowsiness. Emergency physicians, poison control personnel and pediatricians should be aware of potential toxicity from this product."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elliott C. Tea tree oil poisoning. Med J Australia 1993;159:830-831.

A 60-year-old male ingested 0.5 teaspoonful of tea tree oil and developed a dramatic rash, malaise and neutrophil leucocytosis.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Seawright A. Tea tree oil: comment. Med J Australia 1993;159:831.

This author commented that some tea tree oils contain a high concentration of 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol, cajeputol). Toxicity similar to that of eucalyptus oil would be expected. Toxic does of eucalyptus oil range from 5-30 mL in humans, with symptoms including respiratory depression, coma and death.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 deGroot AC, Weyland JW. Systemic contact dermatitis from tea tree
oil. Contact Dermatitis 1992;27:279-280.

This report in a human showed that this reaction was caused by the allergin, cineol present in the tea tree oil.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

CONCLUSION: One should be aware that that tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) is potentially toxic to animals and avians when applied topically.  Use this information and your own judgment when deciding if you feel comfortable in applying tea tree (melaleuca) oil to your pets. Tea tree oil should NOT be applied to avians.

Gillian Willis Avian Veterinarian
Vancouver, B.C.

Cheers! Marnie:)
marnie1@