Toxic Essential Oils for Cats
Essential oils bring a pleasant fragrance and freshness to your home. However, if you are a cat owner, you have to be careful with the oils. If your cat ingests the oil, it can severely affect its metabolism. This is because their liver is very sensitive. It does not contain the p450 cytochrome metabolic pathway, as a result of which their body cannot break down specific forms of medication, drugs, and essential oils. Here are the top three worst toxic essential oils for cats. 1. Lavender oil This is one of the best essential oils for humans. However, lavender oil is not safe for cats and is even more toxic than the actual plant. It can easily vaporize and, therefore, get absorbed by cats by ingestion or when rubbed on their skin. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, lavender plants contain two compounds – linalyl and linalool, which are highly toxic to cats. When a cat is exposed to lavender in any form, they can fall ill; however, it can be treated and is not lethal. 2. Peppermint oil This oil is a common go-to option for many humans. It is used in treatments worldwide for different ailments.