(Last of two parts)
Cats can also benefit from some essential oils.
A word of caution however. These essential oils are not for ingestion or internal use. Also, most oils should be diluted in a base oil like almond oil or coconut oil before applying on the skin.
Anne Price provided a list from Palmquist and stressed these oils can be used on a short-term basis only.
1. Spearmint Oil
This is similar to peppermint oil in terms of scent and uses.
This oil can be used for cats for different concerns, such as nausea and diarrhea.
For overweight cats, some vets use this to balance the metabolism.
Some vets also use this for gastrointestinal problems in cats.
2. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense has been helpful in some cases of cancer. Palmquist said it helped reduce tumors and external ulcers.
Frankincense can boost blood supply to the brain.
But it can make high blood pressure worse so be careful when using it.
Do ask your vet before using this.
Refrain from using on cats with a history of hypertension.
3. Cardamom Oil
Cardamom aids in digestion for pets too.
“ It can help ease heartburn while also encouraging a healthy appetite level. It also has natural antimicrobial properties and can be helpful for cough, “ Price said.
4. Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum is helpful due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
“For pets, it’s excellent for decreasing bleeding due to accidents and for general skin rejuvenation as well. Helichrysum oil is also used to support the nervous system and boost heart health,“ Price said.
5. Fennel Oil
Fennel’s smell is sweet, similar to licorice.
“In cats, it may be able to help balance the pituitary, thyroid and pineal glands. If your cat has a buildup of fluid and/or toxins in its tissues, topical application of diluted fennel may help break up that unhealthy buildup and get things back to normal, “ Price said.
Essential oils that are toxic/NOT recommended for use with dogs:
• Clove
• Garlic
• Juniper
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree
• Thyme
• Wintergreen
Essential oils that are toxic/NOT recommended for use with cats:
• Cassia
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Eucalyptus
• Lemon
• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Spruce
• Tea Tree
• Thyme
30 Essential Oils You Should Never Use on Any Animal:
• Anise
• Birch
• Bitter Almond
• Boldo
• Calamus
• Camphor
• Cassia
• Chenopodium
• Clove
• Garlic
• Goosefoot
• Horseradish
• Hyssop (Hyssopus sp. with the exception of Decumbens)
• Juniper (Juniperus sp. with the exception of Juniper Berry)
• Mugwort
• Mustard
• Oregano
• Pennyroyal
• Red or White Thyme
• Rue
• Santolina
• Sassafras
• Savory
• Tansy
• Tea Tree
• Terebinth
• Thuja
• Wintergreen
• Wormwood
• Yarrow
Proper use of essentials oils for pets:
1. Always combine pure essential oil with a base oil.
Price said Dog Oiler recommends the use of coconut oil as the best carrier oil or base oil.
“Not only does the use of a carrier oil like coconut reduces the likelihood of skin irritation, but it’s also helps to nourish your pet’s skin — plus research has shown it has helpful antifungal properties, “ Price said.
“To reduce the chances of sensitivity and organ toxicity, we generally use an oil for no more than two weeks and then provide a rest period. Under certain circumstances—like in the treatment of cancer—we will use oils for longer periods, but this is something best left to those trained in the use of oils,” Palmquist said.
2. Always keep essential oils out of the reach of pets and children.
“If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned by essential oils, immediately contact your veterinarian. Bring the suspected essential oil offender with you to the vet in a sealed container, “ Price said.
“If you believe your pet swallowed the oil, inducing vomiting or giving activated charcoal are not recommended as this may make the situation even worse, “ Price said.
Signs and symptoms of essential oil poisoning in pets:
• Difficulty in breathing
• Drooling
• Lethargy or weakness
• Muscle tremors
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue or skin
• Trouble walking or an uncoordinated gait
• Vomiting
3. Choose only 100 percent pure, therapeutic grade and certified USDA organic essential oils for pets, Price said.
4. Consult your vet.
“There are many important cautionary tips to know before using essential oils for pets, and it’s also important you include your vet on essential oils for pets choices, especially if your pet is very young, old or has an ongoing health concern,” Price stressed.
