Essential Oils for Cats

There is a great controversy surrounding whether essential oils are safe for pets. It is well known to pet health professionals that a cat's liver cannot properly process full-strength essential oils, leading to a buildup of oils in the cat's system and a possible overdose. Many people shy away from plant essences for this reason. But according to "Holistic Aromatherapy for Pets," if the essences or essential oils are distilled properly into a form called a hydrosol or hydrolat, they are moderately safe for use in cats. No form of essential oil or plant preparation should be used without first consulting a licensed holistic veterinarian or pet health professional.

  1. Lemongrass

    • Lemongrass, or Cymbopogon citratus, is a soothing scent to human noses. Cats may find the scent displeasing because of its citrus aroma. The good thing about this is that fleas find the scent equally displeasing. A hydrosol or hydrolated version of lemongrass essence is said to repel fleas. Rub a few drops of lemongrass essence on your hands, and rub your cat's spine. Repeat this process every week to every two weeks to keep fleas away from your feline companion. Do not force the essence onto your cat if it finds the scent displeasing. Doing so only ends in frustration and the need to reapply the oil an hour later after the cat has cleaned itself of the oil, as stated by the authors of "Herbs for Pets."

    Chamomile

    • Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is an herb widely used for making teas and flavoring foods. Reputed to have calming effects, chamomile is also a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent. When it is applied to cuts, pet owners notice an increase in healing times and a reduction in scarring. Under the supervision of a licensed homeopathic veterinary practitioner, chamomile hydrolated oils are administered orally for a variety of ailments including respiratory issues and stomach pains caused by an excess of bacteria, as stated by the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians." When used orally, chamomile is a mild laxative that promotes the passage of parasites, foreign objects and backed-up fecal matter.

    Witch Hazel

    • Witch hazel water is derived from the North American witch hazel tree, Hamamelis virginiana. Witch hazel preparations containing alcohol are commonly used for cosmetic reasons in humans, but finding an essence without alcohol is possible. Witch hazel is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Natural practitioners, such as Rev. Dr. Leigh Foster, have likened its efficacy to that of prescription topical steroid creams.

    Lavender

    • Lavender oil is derived from the Lavandula angustifolia plant, native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe. This oil has an extremely potent smell and may trigger allergic reactions or nausea in cats who dislike the smell. In those who can tolerate it, lavender oil helps with dry skin, dandruff and contact dermatitis. According to "For Pet's Sake," lavender is most effective when it is diluted in a 1:3 mixture with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, and sprayed on the skin.