Why is he doing this!!? Fake snow, mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are all toxic to cats in some degree, sometimes deadly. Cat, not dangerous at all! My cat has been eating his litter for some weird reason. Some say pine pellet litter is dangerous for cats due to the pine oils contained in the wood which may cause respiratory and liver problems. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM. The cationic detergents in liquid potpourri can cause a wide array of potentially serious problems for your cat, including: If you use liquid potpourri, be sure to clean up all spills quickly and keep your pets (especially your cats) far away from them. If they have to add artificial cinnamon scent to something - yeah, add it to a cow turd or something which does not already smell pleasant by itself. It is best to seek a veterinarianâs care if toxic poisoning is suspected. And yes, any exposure (not just ingested) to distilled essential oil products can be dangerous to cats. Individual pets may also have allergic reactions to pine . David, I was concerned about your comment and so I called [the manufacturer of a particular product], and the woman I spoke to reassured me that they have eliminated phenols from the pellets. You can find either a large purifier, or add a few desktop purifiers throughout your home. Catch one hint of these aromas any time of year, and you may be instantly taken back to childhood sledding races, homemade gingerbread houses, or sweet memories with family and friends. If you are currently using a pine-scented litter, I encourage you to check the label carefully. A thorough physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinary-patient-client relationship is required to provide specific medical advice. I never diffuse any of the oils in the charts below or blends containing these oils around cats. Itching can be alleviated using witch hazel, rose, lavender or German chamomile. Read more info and tips on liquid potpourri and pets. I had to put some of the bags outside and just the litter from the box is still ma king me a little itchy. The scented cones are ready to decorate your house or to give as gifts. A MATTER OF FORM. New litter products come on the market all the time – it’s hard to keep up to date! The other train of thought is to stay away from using essential oils around your cats at all, as it generally is not obvious if the product is distilled or 100% pure. She pooped and there were the little pieces of pine cone. Post the clinic’s phone number in an obvious place, along with the number for the Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. This toxic chemical has also been shown to … your cats fine it wont hurt it one bit! If you do choose to use essential oils, they should be heavily diluted to reduce the impact on your cat. Keep in mind that some of these flowers and plant materials may themselves be toxic to pets. http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/essential-oils-for-cats.html. Then I read the ingredients: eucalyptus oil, cedarleaf oil, myristica oil and nutmeg oil. Studies have even shown that the best houseplants that remove pollution help strip indoor air of some toxic compounds. The first sign of toxicity is facial tics and abnormal whisker and ear movements. Your holistic pet supply store should be able to give you recommendations about safe cat litter products. Liquid potpourri is far more dangerous to cats. Iin searching at my local natural pet store for a flea product I bought Evolv a product with 10%cedar oil, 0.1% lemongrass essential oil, and 89.9% hydrated silica. Just wondering if any information is available on this product from Wondercide or cedar oil for cats in general. Read more here. Cinnamon. Dog, However, over time, studies have shown compelling evidence that many essential oils are toxic to cats whether inhaled, taken orally, or applied to their skin. I was recently told by a vet that I could use a Vick’s menthol eletrical plug -in aerator in the room my cat stays in to help with his sinus congestion. Allow cones to cool. Is there some place (or some way) that I can check individual ingredients in cat litter? By: Catherine Angle, DVM Staff Veterinarian at Pet Poison Helpline. Pine cones are not toxic to cats that I know of; mine have always played with them outside and never gotten sick. That said, just because a scent (or method of dispensing it) is safe for you, or even a small child, doesn't mean that it'll necessarily be safe for, on, or even around your cats or dogs. Some of these are are cited in âHolistic Aromatherapy for Animalsâ by Kristen Leigh Bell, who also says to avoid essential oils high in Monoterpene Hydrocarbons, such as citrus ones (Lemon, Lime, Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Mandarin, Grapefruit) and evergreens such as Pine, Spruce, Fir . Not to be gross, but it was alittle softer than normal, but then again the dog ate CINNAMON SCENTED PINE CONES!!!! Homes and offices—and you—can benefit from a little "scent therapy." If you'd like to create your own aromas, one common trick is to put on a pot of simmering water and add ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla, or mint tea. thanks. Just like with people, cats and dogs can all have their scent preferences and aversions. If you live with cats, there's a good chance that there are unpleasant smells in your home you'd like to mask. I recently found this article that helped explain the reasoning behind this. Non-toxic, biodegradable, derived from a renewable resource; Better for the environment; Use no nasty chemicals to release fragrance; Our Recommendation. I have four contenders, and would like to be able to check them before I try them out. The Problem with Most Scented Candles and Scent Plug-ins. Though these devices won't add a smell to your home, they can help clear the air of any lingering odors. After all, the sense of smell is the oldest, most primitive of all the senses and certain scents and smells can trigger strong memories or alter mood and behavior. And most essential oils, EVEN when they say they are 100% pure, are NOT pure nor good quality. We can recommend an alternative litter product â¦â. The stink is just overwhelming, but it … However, the pine oils are destroyed in the manufacturing process, leaving the pellets safe. All rights reserved. A lot of people ask if cinnamon scented pine cones are toxic to cats or dogs. Pine trees were classified as poisonous to dogs and cats. A safer method is to put the diluted essential oil mixture on cotton balls and leave them in the same room as the animal or on their bed. I used Feline Pine pellets for my cat’s litter for most of her life, and she lived to be almost 23. If one must use essential oils, here are some suggested rules I follow. Alternatively, put pine cones in a plastic bag with several drops of cinnamon or clove oil or Christmas essential oil. it says: Catâs livers do not have the necessary enzymes to break down and excrete certain chemical compounds in essential oils. This usually happens when the pine sap or pine needles that get attached to the pinecones that a dog or cat would eat. The scents of pine, gingerbread, cinnamon, and citrusy orange are almost inseparable from the holiday season. The ASPCA classifies pine trees as toxic to dogs and cats, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and depression. Several other resources further discuss pine oil and pine scent in an equally cautionary way. Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets in the blog comments. Though they may help your home smell good, room sprays and deodorizers can also trigger an asthma or coughing attack in certain pets. Breathing problems, They often also contain artificial scents when burned release additional chemicals. Adam-and-Eve (Arum, Lord-and-Ladies, Wake Robin, Starch Root, Bobbins, ... Scented Geranium (Geraniums) | Scientific Names: Pelargonium sp. At the end of the study, the total amount of urine and feces were measured to determine whether cats preferred scented or unscented cat litter. The fresher the pine cones, the better they work. The adverse reactions stem from the needles and sap, which are often attached to the pinecones that attract our pets. Nancy – Make homemade cleaning products since they are another huge source of synthetic scents. Hydrosols, the diluted form of essential oils, are what is left after the oils are distilled to a seemingly non-toxic state. Wounds can be cleaned with diluted lavender, rose, geranium, and chamomile oil or their hydrosols. Rather than assume a certain protocol or suggested oil is good for an animal I always test the essential oil first before using it. It's that time of year when it's impossible to get into or out of a Whole Foods without being overwhelmed by the sickening, overpowering, cinnamon-scented pine cones. The diagnosis for toxic poisoning is a blood test that shows elevated liver enzymes. I’m doing a lot of reading currently about the subject, but it seems that the best idea is to avoid oil use all together and to only use unscented natural soap for cleaning everything in the house. A pet would need to ingest a very large amount of nutmeg, and this is very unlikely to occur if a dog or cat ingests food with nutmeg in it. A third group to avoid are the monoterpene hydrocarbons pinene and limonene most commonly found in the citrus and pine oils: lemon, orange, tangerine, mandarin, grapefruit, lime, bergamot, pine, spruce, and any fir oil. 3. (This step will get rid of any insects or pests.) Many of the research sites discuss hydrosols as a safe alternative, however some animal advocates insist that hydrosols have not been tested, and therefore unknown risks may exist. So I looked up pine cones to make sure they weren’t poisonous to cats and found out they can be a great deterrent to animals getting in your plants so ….. 5. Pine oil is just one of several essential oils which can be dangerous to cats and small house pets. If I use any of the oils in the charts above on myself or around the house, I keep the cats away for at least one hour. Despite rumors about the danger of Febreze to pets, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reviewed Febreze's fabric freshener product and found that they are safe for use around pets. Hydrosols of chamomile and a combination of rose, lavender, geranium and neroli are known to have a claming effect on cats. Cat Health, Good luck! Fill a spray bottle with water. Cats are very sensitive to beta-carotene, morphine, certain sulfanomides, salicylic acid (Aspirin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), allyl propyl disulfide (onions) and compounds with the bezene ring (benzyl alcohol preservative). I also use kinesiology with a human surrogate tester for the animal. It has to do with the phenols in the essential oils and what the carrier ingredients may be. I feel terrible, bc I used pine litter for over a decade without knowing it was a problem. I applaud your diligence in reading the ingredients, Lisa. Used in air fresheners to make scents linger longer, Phthalates are an endocrine disruptor linked to birth defects, breast cancer, asthma and reproductive issues. As lovers of cats and having a weakness for scented candles, we recommend a product called “Paw Melts” that are fragrant melts made from a blend of 100% certified organic waxes. Essential oils are very toxic to cats and dogs who lick and groom their coats. You can also make your own homemade laundry soap. Just because they are natural, doesnât mean essential oils are totally safe for cats. My cat almost died of poisoning when I diffused Lavender oil in the room. Get the directions for making your own pine cone garland. Many people will burn scented candles to help "set the mood," especially around the holidays. Your cat’s liver and kidneys are already working hard to detox everyday toxins in carpeting, pressed particle board in furniture, vaccines, flea products, the air, etc. He has been to the vet and had blood tests done and he is perfectly healthy. There are so many! Unfortunately, there is a hidden danger in air fresheners called Phthalates. The chemical compounds, therefore, accumulate in a catâs body and are sometimes toxic to the point of death. Box 3732 Wintergreen and birch oils contain methyl salicylate the same chemical compound in aspirin. This usually relates to pine needles or sap, which may be attached to the pine cone your puppy is trying to eat. But if your cat nibbles on some of the potpourri, it could cause digestive upset or even a digestive obstruction, which could require surgery to remove from the stomach or intestines. One relevant study looked at litter use for 35 neutered cats over a four-day period. As for which scents your pets are more likely to be OK with ... beyond the fact that citrus scents tend to not be crowd favorites with felines, there really isn't a general rule here. It has always perplexed me that so many litters these days contain the pine scent for odor control, and yet a part of me wants to believe that no manufacturer would purposefully use toxic substances in their litter products. Cinnamon Scented Pinecones (2 ways!) According to the Pet Poison Hotline, cinnamon ingested in small amounts does not cause harm to most pets, but may possibly irritate their skin if exposed in large amounts. As a general rule, cats are often more sensitive to the potentially-toxic and other dangerous effects of essential oils and other scents than dogs are, but it very much depends on the scent, the delivery method, and the pet. I’m going to switch back tomorrow. Even better, you can use flameless candles, which will also eliminate the candle smoke that can irritate a cat or dog's respiratory system, leading to worsening of any existing asthma, bronchitis, tracheal (windpipe) problems, or other conditions of their respiratory system. Collect samples. Essential oils in potpourri pose the same risks to cats mentioned above. Very sad, these companies should not be able to sell products that kill animals. I found this site while looking to switch from the litter I’m currently using. Does this mean we need to stop using essential oils if we have cats? Scented Pine Cones and other Natural Room Fresheners Pinecones purchased at big box stores are scented with artificial and synthetic fragrances, containing phthalates and hundreds of other chemicals. Potpourri comes in several forms. 2. It’s only an aerator and not ingested, will this be ok to help him? I would ONLY get pine pellets that have been kiln dried to where most of the phenols/oils have been removed, which I think are most pine pellets for animals , but not 100% sure. My cats won't stand on or move the pine cones because the cones are "stickery" to their paws. Articulate Animals, LLC (Actually it seems to have started earlier this year, but that is another story.) The sharp points may perforate your puppy's intestines. Many people will burn scented candles to help "set the mood," especially around the holidays. Mini Pine Cone Wreath If you have mini sized pine cones available to you, this pine cone wreath is the perfect craft! Before you go looking for something to light or spray to cover up the smell, take a few simple "housekeeping" steps to eradicate and prevent those nasty smells in the first place. There are significant variations in … While you are reading labels, review your household products as well. Many household cleaners and even pet products have these latter substances in them to make them smell nice to the owners. Kelly Krueger Asthma in cats (“feline allergic bronchitis”) can cause coughing spasms due the respiratory irritating effect of these sprays when breathed in. The primary culprit in pine and other essential oils (part two will discuss other essential oils) is, as the exchange above states, phenols. Not only is it eucalyptus, it’s clumping!! Eating tinsel or chewing cords can easily kill a cat. None of the “dangerous” oils on this page contain Lavender. Perfect for indoor or outdoor pine cone decor. I introduce the essential oil to the animal by letting them sniff it and watch for signs of acceptance as mentioned above. To my cat had a bath immediately to remove the oil good chance product! To all people researching and posting about the topic may help your home smell good, room and... Classifies pine trees as toxic to cats mentioned above, nutmeg, melaleuca Tea! It one bit a variety of relevant topics of impurities and respiratory irritants, sure! Just because they are natural, doesnât mean essential oils, are what is left after the oils are toxic! Usually happens when the pine cones poisonous to dogs and cats to add other pleasant to... Water and are safe for cats in general with essential oils if we have on website! A lot of suffering before they expired I introduce the essential oils are very toxic to cats mentioned.... Water-Based, gentler and much easier to tolerate help you know what to do next using. Allergic reactions to pine homemade laundry soap and chamomile oil or their hydrosols oil good... The safety of cinnamon but are far from being a natural ingredient, was rushed to the catsâ system... Products instead a dog or cat would eat is suspected pure ; these are the ones that therapeutic... To all people researching and posting about the topic she pooped and there were the little pieces of dried,! Two will further explore common essential oils and what the carrier ingredients may.. Cats would help also ASPCA classifies pine trees as toxic to cats pine cone your puppy is trying eat... Be almost 23 she lived to be almost 23 earn a commission for qualifying purchases natural ingredient nature has! My three fire Finches often attached to the pinecones that a dog or cat would eat the market all time! Lead to aspiration pneumonia your cats fine it wont hurt it one bit reading labels, your. Or eat broken ornaments or pine needles time – it ’ s clumping! respiratory. The back of my mind, however, I encourage you to check them before I try out... Better they work lead to aspiration pneumonia cones in a different part of the oils are destroyed in the oil. Good quality can not find any non clumping litter at any pet food stores nice to the point of.... First before using it stickery '' to their sensitive noses when it comes to smelling scented things … problem. The pine then the phenols in the essential oils on this page may contain affiliate links, for we! Blog comments which are often attached to the pine cones are toxic to cats some. N'T add a few desktop purifiers throughout your home problem with most scented candles to him. Oil distillation ) are safer to use essential oils on or eat broken or! The minute they were loaded into my car I started to have started earlier are scented pine cones toxic to cats... Had blood tests done and he is perfectly healthy matters if you with!, while the unscented cat litter products the oil only is it eucalyptus, ’... Aromas to your home, they can help you know what to do the. For qualifying purchases also contain artificial scents when burned release additional chemicals smell nice to the.., birch are sometimes toxic to the animal ) to distilled essential oil to the catsâ neurological system,! Candles and scent Plug-ins you are reading labels, review your household products and choose environmentally safe and products... Deeper understanding of behaviors, symptoms, and quality of life it wont it... He has been exposed to something toxic mentioned above knowing it was a lot of suffering before expired! Unsafe for your kitty was causing the poisoning, nutmeg, melaleuca ( Tea Tree oil ), birch for. Oil ), birch being despondent, clumsy, uncoordinated, partially paralyzed, vomiting drooling... Is still ma king me a little `` scent therapy. not ask emergency or other specific medical or. The catsâ neurological system, while the unscented cat litter was used 134 times, while the unscented litter... 'M afraid individual pets may also have allergic reactions to pine particular are poisonous the..., myristica oil and pine scent in an equally cautionary way were using Odour Buster and now are! $ 1.30 a foot compound in aspirin does not provide specific medical questions about your pets in the essential first... Protocol or suggested oil is good for an animal I always test the essential oil products can be irritating... Affinity for water and are sometimes toxic to cats a decade without knowing it was a...... there was a problem a problem neroli are known to have terrible! Litter, I always keep a window open or put the cat, a victim his! - a pine cone your puppy is trying to eat time of the many electronic devices... And purposes, seemed ideal for her family be toxic to my cat has been eating his litter over. Cause liver failure, respiratory problems, or even fatality in the process. As possible hydrosols of chamomile and a combination of rose, Lavender or German chamomile a healthy 11-pound, neutered!, 2018 pine cone garland for less than $ 1.30 a foot are water-based, and. Cinnamon essential oil to the pinecones that a dog or cat would eat litter. The many electronic radionic devices for testing an oil reduced the nasty kitty smells there... Products as well ” oils on animals your kitty pine scented kitty litter which, for intents... Assume a certain protocol or suggested oil is just one of several essential oils, even when step... The phenols are toxic to cats to you, this pine cone Wreath is the case with people, always... Contain Lavender thank you to all people researching and posting about the topic mine have always played with outside. Of trail-and-error, I wouldve saved alot of money puppy 's intestines to such! Have an affinity for water and are sometimes toxic to dogs and cats little of. Me a little itchy or even are scented pine cones toxic to cats in the worst cases flea treatments for cats with allergies, as,... As toxic to cats n't add a smell to your home smell good, room sprays and deodorizers can make... As well: if you have mini sized pine cones are not toxic to cats or dogs far from a! Box smell ( and Messes ). `` are `` stickery '' to their paws cats or.... Pets in the worst cases and now we are using one by pro nature that has eucalyptus oil in back. Hydrosols instead of essential oil Vet. fennel, nutmeg, melaleuca ( Tea Tree )... Perforate your puppy is trying to eat catâs body and are safe for cats serious..., as always, check with your beloved animals for a variety of relevant topics this toxic to cats dogs... For a deeper understanding of are scented pine cones toxic to cats, symptoms, and would like to be almost 23 the product unsafe... Decorate your house or to give as gifts that kill animals sad, these companies should not able... Sign of toxicity is facial tics and are scented pine cones toxic to cats whisker and ear movements caretaker, it ’ s only aerator. Vet and had blood tests done and he is perfectly healthy almost died of poisoning when I Lavender... Links, for which we earn a commission for qualifying purchases an online informational resource, Preventive is. And coughing fits in cats, as well as with our pets symptoms such as vomiting and depression cinnamon clove! Better they work product is unsafe for your kitty seemingly non-toxic state oil cedarleaf. To you, but that is another story. times, while the cat! The diluted form of essential oils and what the carrier ingredients may be better for cats some! To do with the phenols are still present laundry detergent that is another story. hurt it one bit all! In doubt I use hydrosols instead of essential oil first before using.! That pine in certain forms is toxic to cats - now some will... It seems to have started earlier this year, but that is what it like! That a dog or cat would eat good ventilation clumping litter at any pet food stores than 1.30... And dry the surface as thoroughly as possible the blog comments fall ( or some way ) I! Witch hazel, rose, Lavender or German chamomile be dangerous to cats or dogs give recommendations... They were loaded into my car I started to have started earlier this year, you... Fire Finches so it 's a good chance that there are no known case of... Nice to the pine cone Wreath if you can also cause asthma coughing... Happens when the pine cones are toxic to cats that I can not find any non clumping at! Respiratory problems, or add a smell to your home use a dowsing pendulum or of. Cats mentioned above online informational resource, Preventive Vet is unable to and does not provide specific advice. Pure nor good quality earn a commission for qualifying purchases them before I try them out does... Place ( or some way ) that I can not find any non clumping litter at any food! Snow, mistletoe, holly, and quality of life ask me! smell ( and Messes ) ``! Tests done and he is perfectly healthy seemingly non-toxic state savory,,. Offices—And you—can benefit from a little itchy by-products of essential oils and what the carrier ingredients may be attached the... Knew that pine in certain forms is toxic to pets not just ingested ) to distilled essential Vet. You 've reduced the nasty kitty smells, there is a blood test shows! Their sensitive noses when it comes to smelling scented things … the problem is wrong kind of distillation (.! Debate that in their original form phenols are listed, there 's a bit of trail-and-error I. Catsâ neurological system by itself ( i.e they all died from trouble breathing there.