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. I hope you enjoy any product or service that I recommend. With a cat or two around the house, even the most dedicated cat parent may slack off and take Kittys presence for granted. Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. They are in love with the smell, taste, texture and everything in between. Home & Forums | Their active ingredient, menthol, can result in an overdose in extremely high amounts, but these are hard to get from eating even large quantities of cough drops. Direct contact with eucalyptus oil on the skin can cause chemical burns in cats. If you have ever been sick with a cold or flu as a kid you may remember your mom applying this to your chest. Consumption can cause heart arrhythmias, muscle tremors, or seizures. Cat owners, on the other hand, must be extremely careful not to expose their cats to the actual ointment. Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Same family of plants. Yes, Vicks vapor rub could hurt your cat. Although getting sick is sometimes unavoidable, you shouldnt forget about your furry friends as you stock your medicine cabinet this year. Cats can be attracted to the smell for the exact reason they're attracted to cat mint. The smell is banned from the house unless we can lock ourselves away. If ignored, impacted sacs can become infected or rupture, causing bleeding and pain. Cat Articles | The menthol is usually diluted. Although it is not harmful if inhaled, it's worth noting that cats can go crazy for the scent. Your cat licks menthol for the same reason she licks mint, which means they both smell like catnip, which cats are attracted to. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. This can be found in various products, such as Vicks Vaporub. These are all members of the same family. That's so funny that you brought it up! If you grow mint in your garden, don't be shocked if it attracts cats. The smell of mint doesn't bother her. | Animal Advisor, 5 Smells Cats Hate vs. How about vaporizers? I am getting over a cold now and was just using vicks - my kitties didn't bother me. Some of them can be harmful, if not fatal, to cats. YourCat is obsessed with mintbecause it is often confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Avoid growing the following herbs in your cat garden, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pets: Lemongrass. I too use Goldbond and my Stumpy tries to lick it off my hands every time I apply it. It helps soothe pain. Loosely screened windows can pose a hazard to curious cats. Contact her at, Print Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, mint leaves. There are a lot more hazardous things out therethat are much more dangerous to your cat. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Some people believe that cats are naturally crazy. However, this is what they regard as the active ingredients. i'll have to test that. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. But, for the purpose of this article that is enough. But, to their owner, they will appear to be quite ill and cause concern. Many creams, including Bengay and Icy Hot, contain salicylates, which are derivatives of aspirin. If you grow mint in your garden, dont be shocked if it attracts cats. The stems, leaves, and flowers of the mint contain high contents of essential oils, which are not safe for cats. There are far more poisonous items on the market that are a far greater cause of concern for your cat. Cats absorb and filter nutrients much differently than humans. However, every cat reacts differently to different herbs. Cats are not fond of anyone touching their precious pearly whites, and your cats reluctance to open wide may have convinced you that cat dentaltreats are enough to protect Kittys smile. )and which ones to avoid. for cats. I know the dogs dont like vicks, Last time i was sick Tanner was being a pest so i let him smell it and he made the funniest face. We have the utmost respect for youand ask that you extend that respect on to one another as well. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Some zookeepers apply a menthol-containing ointment such as Vicks VapoRub to surfaces inside the cat enclosures to entertain the great cats. My Tyler loves anise pizzelles. like my Ari, go crazy over the scent. They love the smell, the taste, the texture . There's still a way you and your little feline can enjoy a meow-nificent, aromatic home. LMAO. Behavior marking, the cat's smell can be spread by rolling on the floor. If you have any difficulty, ask your veterinarian for help. Some of them can be harmful, if not fatal, to cats. Top Ten Tips on How to Keep Your Cats Teeth Clean, Four Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Entertained While Youre Away, 6 Things You Should Never Do When Adopting a Cat, Top 3 Things You Should Know About the Bengal Cat, Leaving Your Cat Alone: 9 Things You Need to Know, Senior Cats: A Few Things To Keep In Mind, 6 Things To Know About Flea Dips for Cats. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Alcohol is not safe for your cat. I'm not sure, I've always put it in something. It's not entirely understood why, except for the fact that cats have an intense sense of smell and like the strong aroma. In general, cough drops cannot cause an overdose and are safe to use. Cats like the smell of methol because it is closely related to catnip. Buckle your cats carrier in place for a safe road trip. Fat trimmings can also causepancreatitisin cats. He started rubbing his face all over my couch like a psycho, rolling around, and swatting at me, and trying to nibble my hand. Dr. Susan : It can act as a laxative to some degree, so you may see some loose stool or diarrhea as a result. Do cats like the smell of the Vicks VapoRub? If you have not heard of a vaporizer before it is used to create inhalable vapor. Other essential oils safe for pets include mountain savory, cinnamon bark, Laurus nobilis, and lavender. If your kitty gets a nose of mint oil, she could contract aspiration pneumonia. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. This may involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, monitoring of organ function via repeated blood testing, and other measures as indicated by the specific circumstances. Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause problems. It has potential toxic effects and . If menthol were so bad, dermatologists and chemists wouldn't be putting it in products. Cats have a powerful sense of smell, so its not hard for them to find it. may result in the following symptoms of poisoning: prolonged depression, vomiting, incoordination, sleepiness or excitation, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, coma, and, rarely, death. Should I Be Worried About My Cat's Hairballs? Because cats communicate primarily through the way someone or something smells, they use scent glands on their cheeks, paws, and flanks to imbue it with their own scent. None of my other cats respond to it that way. Menthol inhibits acid-induced inflammation and relieves discomfort. There are far more dangerous things out there that are far more dangerous to your cat. Specially, they think cats are attracted to the chlorine in bleach. Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it is especially dangerous to cats. Because the fragrance of menthol is similar to that of catnip, cats enjoy it. Ginga is the worse out of my two, they both normally rub and bite softly though, I let them do that on my feet, doesn't hurt as much. Humans have a total of 5 million scent sensors, while cats have 200 million. From any analgesic rub to Salonpas the cat loves those smells but has no desire for anything catnip. But, this is quite common and similar to how we humans pick up colds. Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. However, some drops contain ingredients that can create more serious consequences: Xylitol. Catnip is safe for cats to consume, and they will be so distracted by their favorite treat that they will hopefully avoid Vicks vaporubin the future. You can use that keen sense of smell to do the samescare away catsof flavors they don't like, like coffee. If your cat is congested, according to this site, a vaporizer is known to help with this. This pungent herb is known to transform lazy (read: chubby) cats into the feline equivalent of Richard Simmons. In high doses, menthol side effects may include drowsiness, abdominal pain, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, ataxia and coma. Peppermint oil simply is not good for cats in any form. If you use Vicks VapoRub for a cold, or something else, you may wonder if it is OK to use it around your cat. Will have to do a test on my kitties. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: But, most homes will identify with it being used for colds. Vet experts even warn that the harmful effects of Vicks vaporizer or humidifier can be pronounced in dogs. Pet parents may be surprised to learn that there are a number of herbs safe for cats. Effects Ingestion or prolonged exposure to camphor can have toxic effects on the liver, causing a backup of bodily waste known as bactericemia. Behavioral Marking, The cats scent can be spread by rolling on the ground. Or, alternatively lock the door to where the Vapsteam is often stored, or used. Menthol is safe when inhaled, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so keep the Biofreeze container away from Shanie. It helps us breathe better and recover faster from the sniffles. To keep the big cats happy, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures. 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. Cats dont enjoy hurling those hairballs any more than we enjoy removing them from the living room carpet. Another herb used topically for its antibacterial properties is goldensealin other words, you might consider using this as a natural disinfectant on wounds. for cats. Keep Kitty safely harnessed, leashed, and reassured by your presence when outdoors, for her peace of mindand yours. You will often find menthol in cleansers and washes designed for acne or other painful skin . The following herbs for cats may not offer medicinal benefits, but they are flavorful and considered safe for felines: Lets end with the obvious: catnip! You are classed as their territory as well, by the way. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (Not-so-fun-fact: There is no good way toget rid of heartworms in cats, and infections can be fatal.). Catnip is a member of the mint family, so it shares many of the same properties as spearmint. I've been fighting a wicked cold and I pulled out the good old Vick's and Stanley kept trying to steal it from me! 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. As a result, cat owners must exercise extreme caution and avoid exposing their feline to the actual ointment, as some can be harmful to felines. Experts say it will be difficult to keep your cat away from the drug that has menthol on your knee because he's preoccupied with the smell, but if you let him hold onto your hind leg where the drug is, just hold it covered all the time He is there and wash your hands properly. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy menthol-scented products or mint plants. Some people believe that Vicks vaporizer is safe for cats when inhaled but not ingested. Cats are part of the family, so you may be tempted to share a few pieces of food with them here and there. To make sure we are on the same page let me clarify what Vicks VapoRub is. I'm not sure about menthol, but I think it comes from a tree??? So, now you know more about it. If your cat goes outside, avoid growing St. Johns Wort where he can consume it. Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. Cats have a keen sense of smell, so its not difficult for them to locate it. Methemoglobinemia is a form of anemia that can cause symptoms such as: depression, weakness, rapid breathing, discoloration of skin and mucous membranes, jaundice, vomiting, hypothermia or the swelling of face or jaw. Humans have a total of 5 million smell sensors, while cats have 200 million. Your vet may suggest a gastric lavage if inducing vomiting will cause more harm to the cat. Oddly enough, valerian is used among humans for relaxation. Celebrate National Biscuit Day with These Delicious Pet Treats! The scent of menthol is often confused with that ofCatnip from cats. This is another reason why some cat owners steer clear of it. Pine Try aself-cleaning litter box. A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! And does anyone know why they love it so much? So, now you have learned how this may happen in these circumstances. Is menthol bad for dogs? Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family Lamiaceae. (Not all cats carry the catnip-reacting gene.). Your indoor kittys reaction to the great outdoors might be curiosity, confusion, or fright. I have had the same effect when using BenGay. Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to catmint. Also, be sure to always keep your flu season supplies stored safely out of paws reach! Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. Numerous chemicals had been isolated from bracken ferns. You dont have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. Even if you never share your food, plenty of cats help themselves to something they shouldnt. Q: Why is my cat Nala attracted to menthol? This behavior can be observed in both domestic and large cats. Peppermint oil is, quite simply, not safe for cats. For some people, it may cause allergic reactions and symptoms such as headache, flushing or contact dermatitis. Cats are attracted to Vicks Vaporub because of the scent it gives off. Experts say it will be difficult to keep your cat away from your knee where you put the medication because, yes, he is obsessed with the smell, but if you let your cat latch onto your bum leg where the medication is, just keep it covered at all times when hes around, and always thoroughly wash your hands. While it may be cute that they want to lick our skin after application, these creams are actually toxic to cats. Menthol can be harmful to cats when ingested in large amounts. ASPCA Surpasses $200 Million in Grant Funding to Nationwide Organizations and Animal Welfare Groups. Firstly, they just genuinely dislike the smell. Aspirin sensitivity can occur in both dogs and cats, especially cats. Cough severity in some individuals may be negatively influenced by the amount of menthol consumed via cough drops. Because we reap so many benefits from Vicks vaposteam, we may want to use it on our pets when they suffer muscle pain or inflammation. 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