Inhaling diffused oils is known to cause negative respiratory effects on humans and pets, if used in a small space and/or for an extended period of time. It is important to note that cats and dogs are much more sensitive to scents than their human counterparts.
If you decide to diffuse essential oils in your home, it is recommended that you do so for a brief period, in an area separate from your pets. Additionally, make sure that your dog or cat cannot access the essential oil diffuser – and potentially expose themselves to essential oils in the process.
While we wait for more research on essential oils and animals, as a rule of thumb, we recommend you avoid using diffusers if your animal has breathing problems, is confined to a small space or a lot of oil needs to be used. Speak to your veterinarian before bringing essential oils into your home or using a diffuser.
Cats are more sensitive to lavender oil than humans, causing severe GI issues, nervous system depression, and liver damage when consumed. Cat toxicity can occur in several ways, including ingestion of the plant, inhalation of essential oils, or dermal absorption and ingestion of essential oils.
Cats are more sensitive to lavender oil than humans, causing severe GI issues, nervous system depression, and liver damage when consumed. Cat toxicity can occur in several ways, including ingestion of the plant, inhalation of essential oils, or dermal absorption and ingestion of essential oils.
They are harmful when applied topically or inhaled.” Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so a scent that smells fine to you might be way too intense for your pup and might actually stress him out or even cause him to have difficulty breathing. Using a diffuser for essential oils isn't safe, either.
Cats are more sensitive to lavender oil than humans, causing severe GI issues, nervous system depression, and liver damage when consumed. Cat toxicity can occur in several ways, including ingestion of the plant, inhalation of essential oils, or dermal absorption and ingestion of essential oils.
“Diffused oils are very dangerous, as the oils are inhaled,” Bailey said. “Not only are these oil droplets dangerous themselves, but the inhalation of these oils can cause a foreign body pneumonia in cats.” Symptoms of respiratory irritation include a watery nose and eyes, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Just smelling the aroma can cause your kitty to develop difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and aspiration pneumonia. Peppermint oil, like many essential oils, contains phenols and phenolic compounds. Cats are very sensitive to phenols, whether exposure comes via inhalation or ingestion.
Just smelling the aroma can cause your kitty to develop difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and aspiration pneumonia. Peppermint oil, like many essential oils, contains phenols and phenolic compounds. Cats are very sensitive to phenols, whether exposure comes via inhalation or ingestion.
Peppermint oil is highly toxic to cats. They are typically strong-smelling and make up the active ingredient in many essential oils, such as peppermint oil. Without the enzymes required to break down phenols, cats exposed to peppermint oil can experience: Liver damage. Breathing difficulties.