Is diluted peppermint oil safe for cats?

If you’re a cat lover you may be wondering if diluted peppermint oil is safe for your cats. Maybe you love to diffuse peppermint oil to perk you up or lavender oil to help you relax. However, if you’re a pet parent you might feel confused about the safety of the essential oils you use around your cat. 

Cat parents love to keep their furry friends healthy and happy.  And one of the ways they do this is by supplementing their pet’s diets with essential oils and sometimes aromatherapy to improve their feline comfort.

Peppermint oil is recommended as an excellent remedy for killing fleas. But concentrated peppermint oil is toxic to cats and they despise the aroma. These oils can be absorbed into the body of your pet through the skin and via the nose.

The bad news is cats cannot metabolize the oil in their liver to eliminate the certain toxins found in essential oils. Cats are also sensitive to peppermint oil and other essential oils containing phenolic compounds.

But is diluted peppermint oil safe for your cat? The answer is not as simple as a yes or no.  Keep reading to get the full picture.

 

What Are Essential Oils And What Are The Benefits?

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Essential oils are concentrated plant substances. They are mostly used in aromatherapy, alternative medicine, and as air fresheners.  These oils are different in chemical properties.

People use “natural” essential oils to improve the health of their pets and families. Pet lovers perceive them as a holistic natural approach for treating different medical conditions like anxiety, insomnia, etc. And in pets, people believe they can prevent ticks and fleas and well as improve calmness.

However, these positive effects like improved calming sensations, improved energy, stress reduction, and improved focus can cause serious side effects to your pet.

 

Is Diluted Peppermint Oil Safe For Cats

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Is it safe to dilute and diffuse peppermint essential oils around your cat?  Yes, diluted peppermint oil is safe for cats. However, you should use caution when using essential oils around cats as they are more sensitive to their effects than humans. When using peppermint oil around cats, it is best to dilute the oil in a carrier oil such as coconut, olive oil, jojoba, avocado, or almond oil before diffusing it in the air.

While you find peppermint oil refreshing, it’s overwhelming for cats and dogs. For this reason, once they absorb the oil, the concentration remains high in their body.

Even if your plan is to just diffuse the oil in a diffuser, it doesn’t mean that your cat remains safe because one drop of oil on its fur can pose a major risk.

Maybe you’ve heard a warning like, avoid the use of essential oils on your cats or dog skin, don’t let them ingest, or don’t diffuse certain oils around cats.

These warnings should be enough to keep you away from essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy for your pets.

Yet, essential oils can calm anxious animals.

So does that mean you cannot use peppermint essential oil in your home?

No, it doesn’t. However, if you do use or diffuse peppermint oil in your home, ensure your cat leaves the room or can easily leave. Keep your doors and windows open for them to leave if uncomfortable.

 

 

Are Diluted Essential Oils Toxic to Cats?

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Not all diluted essential oils are toxic to cats.  But first, remember that your metabolism and that of your cat are different. In fact, many essential oils can be toxic to cats.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when using essential oils at home with your cats.

• Avoid direct application, direct contact, or leaving the oil in areas your cat loves to sleep. While peppermint does have flea, tick, and insect-repellant properties it may cause a serious or fatal reaction in your cat.
• Avoid the use of essential oils if your cat sufferers from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
• Keep your cats away from diffusers or other areas in the house where there might be a high concentration of diffused essential oils. 

So what are some pet-safe diluted essential oils for a diffuser?

There are several diluted essential oils to choose from for the safety of your feline. First, here are some essential oils you should avoid:

• eucalyptus
• tea tree
• cinnamon
• citrus oils
• sweet birch
• peppermint
• oregano
• pennyroyal
• pine
• wintergreen
• clove
• thyme
• bergamot
• tea tree oil
• ylang-ylang

If you do decide to use any of the oils above make sure to dilute with a carrier oil or leave your doors and windows open for good airflow.

Just as we humans are different so are our pets. Their reaction to some scents and responses may be intense since their genetic makeup is different. 

Is Peppermint Oil Mixed with Water Safe for Cats?

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Remember oil and water don’t mix.  And peppermint oil can be toxic to cats if lands on their skin or if ingested in large amounts. Therefore, it is not safe to mix peppermint oil with water. It is best to keep peppermint oil and all essential oils out of reach of cats to avoid any potential health issues.

However if you must use peppermint oil in your house, use a dilute solution and mix it with a carrier oil.

Remember all it takes for your cat to get intoxicated is:

• Licking a drop on their fur— Diffusers release tiny droplets in the air. And some of these droplets may land on their fur. All it takes for them is to lick that patch of fur to get rid of the smell for a toxic reaction to occur.
• Absorption through the skin—Cats have thin skin that quickly absorbs peppermint oil if it remains on the fur.  So always inspect and check for any signs of contamination and toxicity in your cat after using essential oils.

Never ever use peppermint oil directly on your cat’s skin or diet. If you have to use the oil use a carrier oil for dilution to reduce the risk of toxicity.

Is Peppermint Oil Safe to Diffuse for Cats?

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Diffusing peppermint oil can be beneficial for humans, as it can help to clear the airways and improve focus. However, it’s not recommended to diffuse peppermint oil in the presence of your pet. This is because the strong scent of peppermint oil can be overwhelming for cats, and it can cause respiratory irritation. If you have to diffuse peppermint oil ensure you have a good flow of air in the house.

 

Is Diluted Peppermint Oil Safe For Cats? What Are The Signs and Symptoms

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Peppermint oil when diluted with a carrier oil can be much safer for your feline. But concentrated peppermint oil is unsafe and toxic to cats. If your cat gets exposed to peppermint oil here are the signs and symptoms to watch out for. 

• Drooling or vomiting
• Labored breathing, panting, or wheezing
• Coughing or sneezing
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Increased heart rate
• Fever or low body temperature
• Tremors
• Unresponsiveness

If you notice your cat is having these symptoms take them outside for fresh air and call your vets helpline. You should never apply peppermint oil to your pet directly or add it to their food. Exposure can even lead to death.

 

Essential Oils Safe for Cats

If you want to use natural remedies to free your cat of fleas consult your veterinarian.  Here are some cat-safe diluted essential oils to use in your diffuser.

Cats may enjoy diluted scents like

• rose
• lavender
• geranium
• clary sage
• Cedarwood
• Catnip
• sweet marjoram 

Peppermint Essential Oil and Cats: Does it Kill Fleas?

Peppermint is a cross between wintergreen and spearmint.  This essential oil has been used for decades to treat irritable bowel, nausea, and upset stomach. The oil has a peppery taste and can also be used in food and drinks.  It’s also used for muscle aches and itching. In aromatherapy, it helps increase energy and open the blocked airways.

But can it kill fleas in cats?

Yes, peppermint has been used as a natural.  The strong scent of peppermint repels fleas and even kills them. While it seems like an easy at-home treatment to try on your pet it’s advisable to get the correct treatment or dosage from your vet.

The risk of applying peppermint oil on your cat outweighs the benefit. Cats love to groom themselves and can easily get it in their tongue and mouth.

Conclusion

The risk of using peppermint and other essential oils around your pets may outweigh the benefits.

If you must use peppermint oil be cautious and avoid using the oil near where your cat sleeps. Leave the door open so that your feline can leave if uncomfortable.

 For this reason,  dilute your oil using carrier oil or under the guidance of a qualified professional or veterinarian.