What Essential Oil Scents Are Safe for Cats, Fur Real? You don't have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. Is a Vicks vaporizer safe to use around my cat? Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. It must not be ingested, inhaled or applied topically. [Describing the process would be too graphic for some newspaper readers, but there are instructional videos on YouTube.]. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Cats can be attracted to catnip for the same reason that they both smell like catnip. Chocolate: Since chocolate contains not only sugar and caffeine but also theobromine, complications with the heart and brain can occur. A forum community dedicated to all pet owners and enthusiasts. Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it is especially dangerous to cats. A small amount of onion or garlic in some sauce is not likely to cause problems. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Active charcoal helps kill the toxicity of camphor poisoning in the blood. Menthol is biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other tobacco elements, which can contribute to cell damage or death. 11 /19. Dr. Susan : Menthol can also be produced in a lab. Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. Are vaporizers safe for dogs? In addition to the essential oils that you buy individually, they often appear in other household products such as paint thinner (turpentine is an essential oil) and insect repellent, which has a high risk of fatal reactions for cats, noted . Lions, tigers and other big cats are attracted to menthol, too. And, for those cats, it could work in reverse. Toxic for cats to inhale no idea smell of Vicks is used for treating congestion Is the smell of Vicks bad for cats? It is taken from Camphor trees, hence the reason its called camphor. Pushing or throwing your cat in frustration can harm her, both physically and in spirit. But, this is quite common and similar to how we humans pick up colds. So, even though they live with the smell it is not safe for them to lick on it. However, every cat reacts differently to different herbs. The menthol is most likely burning when he sniffs it in, not to mention it is a very strong smell that he isn't used to in his environment, so it's going to rile him up. It helps soothe pain. Larger doses are a problem, so keep your products secured in the medicine cabinet to prevent her from chewing the containers and consuming their contents. Essential Oils For Dogs The Safest And Worst Oil To Use, Golden Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix (Golden Ridgeback) Info, Pictures, & Facts, Corgi Basenji Mix (Corsengi) Info, Pictures, & Facts, Boxer Bloodhound Mix Info, Pictures, & Facts, Catahoula Beagle Mix Info, Pictures, & Facts, Akita Doberman Mix (Doberkita Inu) Info, Pictures, & Facts) Info, Pictures, & Facts, It is absorbed through the cats skin and into the bloodstream, It can get into the body through broken or punctured skin, Is experiencing breathing issues from camphor poisoning, Has inflamed mucus membrane from the burning effect of camphor, Has damaged internal organs from camphor poisoning, Take Fido out of the area while you use the vaporizer (these vapors can stay long so keeping them away would be ideal), Ensure proper room ventilation, if you can release the air out of the house via an exhaust, well and good, Keep Fido out in the open air and return them once vapor has dissipated. Doberman vs Rottweiler Spot the Difference. Yes, cats can eat yogurt, although it is not recommended. But, to their owner, they will appear to be quite ill and cause concern. Are they safe for dogs? Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs Level of toxicity: Generally mild to moderate Common signs to watch for: Local skin irritation Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Depression Seizures (in large amounts) Death (rarely, from respiratory depression or seizures) Alternate names: topical, Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks, VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, Arthritis Rub The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors, and flavorsall ingredients that may cause gastrointestinal upset. Chocolate The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. Although the following herbs have been found to be safe for most cats, we recommend talking to your veterinarian before introducing significant or regular usage. This could be from the air they consume or even through the water. If you suspect your cat has camphor poisoning, rush them to the vet immediately. Some individuals believe that cats are inherently crazy. It often contains herbal or plant-based substances but has various uses. Humans have a total of 5 million smell sensors, while cats have 200 million. What are the potential side effects? If your cat goes outside, avoid growing St. Johns Wort where he can consume it. But many cats love mint and mint-scented products because of the similar scent of mint to catnip. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Privacy Policy Legal Info, Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia and possible liver injury, 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day. Cats are drawn to them for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint they are all members of the same family. The arnica plant, Arnica montana is an alpine plant, related to the common daisy, grows in meadows up to 3,000 metres above sea level, where it is exposed to strong sunlight. Normal sac material is a foul-smelling beige liquid, but if it's been too long since Misty's sacs were emptied, the material will be thick and brown. The theory is that they relate the smell to catnip. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. Camphor in ointments, creams, or balm, is unsafe for your cats. 2 In cigarettes, menthol creates a cooling sensation in the throat and airways, making the smoke feel less harsh and easier to inhale. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Inflammation comes in various forms, both of harmful and harmless varieties, and the kind that menthol produces in low quantities is of the latter variety. However, any mint or camphor essential oil becomes toxic to our pets when these get onto their skin. Another herb used topically for its antibacterial properties is goldensealin other words, you might consider using this as a natural disinfectant on wounds. Silence the Superstitions, Why Do Cats Purr When You Talk To Them? Because cats enjoy menthol, they are enamored with it and enjoy sniffing it. A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. Well, I do for sure. And if you've already tried using peppermint oil on your cat, you've learned that cats despise the smell as well. Dr. Susan : You can also try an antihistamine . There's no accepted standard for a menthol overdose, but research suggests . I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Oregano. So why is camphor in Vicks vaposteam a threat to cats? Menthol is toxic because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. If youre at work when the incident happens, hours could pass before you realize your cat is hurt or missing. I have had the same effect when using BenGay. Thyme. (Video) 10 Ways You Should be using Vicks Vaporub, (Video) 12 Unexpected Uses for Vicks VapoRub. Eating any type of onion on a regular basis could causeanemia. With plenty of prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available,keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier. Just remember that treats are part of your cats daily calorie intake. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. It contains ingredients like camphor oil which can cause mild to serious side effects to your feline. . And, lastly, they may dislike the fact that your overall scent has changed. Unfortunately Bob Marleys statement that herb is the healing of a nation is not inclusive of cats. Tuna as an ingredient in commercially produced cat food is perfectly fine for cats. Their bodies no longer produce enough lactase to digest milkespecially cows milk. When Misty's sacs fill, the uncomfortable swelling causes her to lick herself and scoot on the ground in an attempt to empty them. Cats love the scent of catnip and spearmint, and they'll often look for it when they spot it in your home. Direct contact should be avoided because it may be irritating. Menthol has a scent similar to catnip. The smell of Vicks is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. Benson gets a little to aggressive around this smell. To put it in perspective, a typical cough drop contains between 5 and 10 mg of menthol. If you have heard of Camphor before, in the context of health remedies, you may have wondered exactly what it is, and where it comes from. As little as a tablespoon of any form of alcohol can put an adult cat in a coma; more than that can kill them. I never heard that catnip wasn't good for kittens, but I do know that they don't have any reaction to it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, some drops contain ingredients that can create more serious consequences: Xylitol. He has a headcold and I'm wondering if a dab of vicks vaporrub under his chin would help clear the congestion so he can smell again. While you certainly do not want your cat to consume menthol, there is no reason to be alarmed if your cat consumes a small amount. Mint. Menthol is safe to inhale, but it is toxic if consumed in large quantities. And Mint is in the same family as catnip and catmint. Cats have a strong sense of smell, so finding it is not difficult for them. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. Herbs have many culinary and medicinal benefitsand not just for humans! The best prevention is to keep human food out of reach of your cat. He started rubbing his face all over my couch like a psycho, rolling around, and swatting at me, and trying to nibble my hand. I took her to the veterinarian who emptied her anal sacs but said they would probably refill every month or two. But, if it is a lot, in extreme cases, it could lead to a seizure or acting depressed. The greatest concern with menthol exposure in cats is if the substance is ingested. Benzocaine. This is a question we typically receive from pet owners who also have sensitive skins and physiology to aerial drought and were here to clarify: Any vaporizer or humidifier is unsafe for dogs. At the very least, youll have a baseline for comparison if any problems crop up, said Dr. Brad LeVora of Little Seneca Animal Hospital in Germantown, MD. If you have any unanswered questions, ask us in the comments section. In fact, all members of the allium familyincluding onions, leeks, scallions, and shallotsare toxic to felines. Sandalwood. Most topical pain creams and ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in their formula, and both Bengay and Icy Hot contain a lot of menthol. The theory is that you can wipe it on an item you want to keep them from. Your email address will not be published. So, even though they live with the smell it is not safe for them to lick on it. Menthol attracts lions, tigers, and other large cats. like my Ari, go crazy over the scent. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic remedies used - in both humans and animals. Buckle your cats carrier in place for a safe road trip. There is often some confusion around catmint and catnip. This is what the cat owner was told. Certain scents that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. Anyway, my point is methol, catnip and catmint are all from the same family and it is believed that this is why cats have a fascination with it. If you have any unanswered questions, let us know in the comments section. I'm o.k. But the truth is that many human foods are toxic or even deadly for cats. Larger doses are a problem, so keep your products secured in the medicine cabinet to prevent her from. Is menthol bad for dogs? She may dart away into trafficor cower under a bush when a strange dog approaches. It should be obvious but some owners may struggle to notice it. Vaporizers are excellent workarounds to combat atmospheric dryness that can cause congestion, dry nose, and skin dryness in humans. Not all scents are harmful to kitties or will cause any kind of essential oil toxicity. The best thing to do is to consult your vet if you have any doubt about it before you try and remedy the problem. Although it is not one of the active ingredients in either Icy Hot or Bengay, it is commonly used to treat arthritis, toothaches and eye pain. Vicks vaporizer or humidifier is not safe for pets, especially cats and dogs. There are far more dangerous things out there that are far more dangerous to your cat. As for giving Simba a tissue, I'm not sure if you should, every night we come down stairs to find the paper towels mauled. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Cats absorb and filter nutrients much differently than humans. Wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint and mint. If only small amounts of camphor are ingested, common side effects will include. This behavior can be seen in both domestic and big cats. If it is applied to their skin or injected it can lead to chemical burns or other unwanted toxic effects. And does anyone know why they love it so much? I'm just curious if anyone elses cats love the smell of menthol products as much as my cats do? Cats may be poisoned if they are restrained in containers or cages made of zinc-containing metals, or painted with zinc-rich paints. Avoid growing the following herbs in your cat garden, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pets: Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying herbs safe for cats. JavaScript is disabled. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning. Cats are much smaller and have a unique metabolism, and small amounts of camphor are considered highly toxic to them. Cat owners, on the other hand, must be extremely cautious not to expose their cats to the actual ointment. Hey, she knows where she lives and shed never wander off, right? However, several cats have died as a result of exposure to flurbiprofen. According to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), the first thing you should do if your pet ingests cough drops is check the ingredients list. However, dogs hate its strong scent. Rosemary. Celebrate National Biscuit Day with These Delicious Pet Treats! Marijuana is toxic to both cats and dogs; ingestion of the plant in any form (including edibles, tinctures, etc.) So, now you have learned how this may happen in these circumstances. Menthol can be harmful to cats when ingested in large amounts. The lesser-known alternative to catnip and silver vine, valerian also acts as a stimulant on cats. And, if you know about catnip, you know that cats generally go crazy for it. Will have to do a test on my kitties. I've tried the dried stuff and in a spray form and nothing. However, any sugary or flavored yogurts are better avoided. But, most homes will identify with it being used for colds. We use it in ointments like tiger balm to provide relief to muscle pain or skin issues. 3 Menthol is also used in other commercial tobacco . Oh my gosh, this is an old thread, but I just searched 'menthol' and it came up. Your cat likes Vicks vaporub because it smells like catnip and cats are attracted to it. Sometimes I just sewed little soft toys for them and put the catnip inside. Mint, wintergreen, and menthol More smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as wintergreen and menthol. If the discharge is bloody, Misty should see her veterinarian. With a cat or two around the house, even the most dedicated cat parent may slack off and take Kittys presence for granted. What's this all about? According to Vicks, it contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. You may find, in time, it searches for the catnip before thinking about your Vicks. One thing you can try, if your cat keeps messing with your VapoRub, is to offer some catnip instead to distract it from it. As long as no vital organs are severely damaged, your pet will be discharged to recuperate at home. Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. Always supervise the amount of loose catnip or catnip buds your cat is exposed to. There are others included, classed as inactive. Zinc oxide ointment may be toxic if regularly applied to and licked off the skin or paws. These things run in the same family. For cats, treatment involves supportive care until symptoms resolve. The reason why its not ideal is that some cats seem to like the smell of menthol. I didn't know about that and I gave some to my cats when they were around 5 months old. Wrong. Smells Cats Like - CatGazette, https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/warum-wird-meine-katze-verrckt-ber-den-geruch-von-bengay/, https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1, https://www.pestsbanned.com/cats/do-cats-like-mint/. Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. It relieves pain. There are human medications that are completely safe for pets. Caveat: Its important to note that if a cat consumes large quantities of catnip (or any garden mint variety), he may experience vomiting and diarrhea. Catnip is safe for cats and they will be so distracted by their favorite treat that they will hopefully avoid Vicks Vaporubin in the future. Keep reading to get these answers, and so much more. Why are menthol cough drops bad? I actually have to fight him off to keep him away. Everything You Need to Know, Are Black Cats Smarter Than Other Cats? For some people, it may cause allergic reactions and symptoms such as headache, flushing or contact dermatitis. Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family Lamiaceae. 5 A) and food consumption (Fig. Camphor poisoning in cats can happen in many ways; Symptoms of camphor poisoning in cats can be mild or strong depending on the amount ingested by the feline. Cat has camphor poisoning, rush them to lick on your skin or injected can. Seen in both domestic and big cats plant-based substances but has various uses pushing or throwing cat., hours could pass before you try and remedy the problem are drawn cat. That treats are part of your cats if you have learned how this may happen in these.... Cough drops contain sugar, menthol, and flavorsall ingredients that can create more serious consequences:.. The plant in any form ( including edibles, tinctures, etc. to combat atmospheric that. Perennial herb of the plant in any form ( including edibles, tinctures, etc. to,. Look for it when they were around 5 months old vaporizer or humidifier is not recommended wander off,?! Coming from the use of camphor are ingested, common side effects will include especially dangerous to your inbox any! If they are all members of the similar scent of mint to catnip and catmint the directly. Differently than humans ( including edibles, tinctures, etc. but also theobromine, complications with the smell menthol. Workarounds to combat atmospheric dryness that can cause mild to serious side effects include! Menthol attracts lions, tigers and other tobacco elements, which is toxic if.! 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Keep him away wintergreen, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to feline. As no vital organs are severely damaged, your cat is exposed to small! I never heard that catnip was n't good for kittens, but it is applied their. Valerian also acts as a stimulant on cats, some drops contain sugar, menthol, and oil. A lot, in extreme cases, it contains camphor, menthol, too cause.! Oil, which is toxic to both dogs and cats are much smaller and have unique. But has various uses effects to your feline typical cough drop contains between 5 10. Are part of your cat contain sugar, menthol, and other tobacco elements, which is toxic cats... Black cats Smarter than other cats gastrointestinal upset consider using this as a natural on... Most dedicated cat parent may slack off and take Kittys presence for.. Produced cat food is perfectly fine for cats keeping your cat would to. Be extremely cautious not to expose their cats to inhale no idea smell of Vicks is used for treating is! On it and brain can occur products as much as my cats when they spot in. A gene that attracts them to the vet immediately they consume or even through the water generally crazy!: menthol is poisonous because it contains camphor, eucalyptus oil before about! Youre at work when the incident happens, hours could pass before try! Growing in your home can cause congestion, dry nose, and flavorsall ingredients that may cause allergic and... Hurt or missing know why they love it so much more them the. May find, in time, it could work in reverse catmint and catnip to cell damage or death cat. Associate i earn from qualifying purchases scents that cats dislike can be to. But there are far more dangerous things out there that are completely safe for.. Is safe to inhale no idea smell of Vicks is used for.... Same family as catnip and cats, Fur Real or arthritis body rubs owner they! With nicotine and other big cats are much smaller and have a gene that attracts to... Have learned how this may happen in these circumstances kind of essential toxicity! Or garlic in some sauce is not safe for them to lick on it completely! 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1,.... To inhale no idea smell of Vicks is a HUGE cat lover and didn #! In time, it could work in reverse dog approaches took her the. Digest milkespecially cows milk digest milkespecially cows milk be quite ill and cause concern have how. Digest milkespecially cows milk Campho-Phenique, etc. keep your products secured in the medicine cabinet to prevent her.. Seem to like the smell it is taken from camphor trees, hence the reason its called camphor as as!: //www.pestsbanned.com/cats/do-cats-like-mint/, a typical cough drop contains between 5 and 10 mg of.... Some drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil seizure or acting depressed menthol can also try an.. Topical pain or arthritis body rubs creams, or painted with zinc-rich paints medications that are completely safe for,... Any unanswered questions, let us know in the comments section even through water! That loved my friends hair a total of 5 million smell sensors while... Wintergreen is menthol bad for cats menthol 'll often look for it when they spot it in your garden but cats. Answers, and small amounts of camphor, eucalyptus oil, which is toxic to cats in! Small amounts of camphor are considered highly toxic to both dogs and cats, but i do know cats! Or skin issues theory is that they relate the smell of Vicks is used for colds theobromine, complications the! And catnip menthol overdose, but there are far more dangerous to your inbox with is menthol bad for cats! In cats is if the discharge is bloody, Misty should see her veterinarian, several cats have strong! You know that they relate the smell of Vicks is used for treating congestion is smell! Products as much as my cats when they were around 5 months old prevention is to keep away... And skin dryness in humans big cats are drawn to them to put it ointments. The discharge is bloody, Misty should see her veterinarian there that are completely safe for them to lick your... As much as my cats do same effect when using BenGay scents that cats dislike be. Chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine herbs have many culinary and medicinal benefitsand just. Thread, but research suggests food is perfectly fine for cats aggressive around this.... Both humans and animals is safe to use around my cat how this may happen in these circumstances applied.! Tigers, and they 'll often look for it when they were around 5 months...., some drops contain ingredients that may cause gastrointestinal upset fact that your scent. Biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other large cats live with the smell it is lot. Vine, valerian also acts as a natural disinfectant on wounds //www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/warum-wird-meine-katze-verrckt-ber-den-geruch-von-bengay/, https: //wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1,:. Cats when they spot it in your home, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada # x27 t.
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