Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets? What Cat and Dog Owners Should Know

Many people use essential oils at home without thinking about the cat on the sofa or the dog asleep by the diffuser. Pets experience scents very differently from us, and their bodies handle some plant compounds poorly. Veterinary groups generally advise caution: some oils are toxic to pets, and even “gentle” oils can cause problems when used the wrong way. Here is what pet owners should know.

Why pets are more sensitive

Dogs and cats have a far stronger sense of smell than people, so a scent that seems faint to you can be overwhelming to them. They are also smaller, which means a few drops make up a much bigger dose for their body weight.

Pets are exposed in several ways: breathing in diffused oil, absorbing oil through the skin, and licking it off their fur or paws while grooming. Grooming is a big issue, because oil that lands on a pet’s coat, from a diffuser, a spray or your hands, ends up being swallowed.

Cats are especially at risk

Cats lack some of the liver enzymes that other animals use to break down certain compounds, including phenols and some terpenes found in many essential oils. As a result, these compounds can build up in a cat’s body and damage the liver or nervous system. Cats also groom constantly, so any oil on their fur is swallowed.

For this reason, many veterinarians advise not using essential oils on cats at all and being very careful about diffusing in homes with cats. Never apply essential oils to a cat’s skin or fur, and never add them to a cat’s food, water or bedding.

Dogs: less sensitive, but not immune

Dogs process essential oils somewhat better than cats, but they can still be poisoned, especially by concentrated oils on the skin or oils they swallow. Puppies, older dogs, small breeds and dogs with liver disease or breathing problems are more vulnerable. Do not apply oils to a dog without first talking to your veterinarian, and never use undiluted oil.

Oils that are especially risky

Veterinary poison services commonly list these oils as harmful to cats, dogs or both:

• Tea tree (melaleuca), one of the most common causes of essential oil poisoning in pets, even in small amounts on the skin
• Wintergreen and sweet birch
• Pennyroyal
• Pine
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Cinnamon
• Citrus oils such as lemon, orange and bergamot (particularly for cats)
• Clove
• Ylang ylang

This is not a complete list. No essential oil has been shown to be completely safe for every pet, so it is better to think in terms of lower and higher risk than “safe” and “unsafe”.

Diffusing in a home with pets

If you choose to diffuse, a few habits reduce the risk:

• Use a passive or water-based diffuser with only a few drops, for short periods, rather than running it continuously.
• Keep the room ventilated and leave the door open so your pet can leave. Never diffuse in a closed room with a pet inside.
• Place the diffuser where it can’t be knocked over or licked.
• Do not diffuse at all around birds, which have extremely sensitive airways, or around pets with asthma or other breathing problems.
• Watch your pet during and after diffusing, and stop immediately if you see any signs of discomfort.

Reed diffusers and open bottles are also a hazard, because a curious pet can knock them over and lick up the oil.

Signs your pet may be reacting

Contact your vet if you notice any of these after essential oil exposure:

• Drooling, pawing at the mouth or face
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing, wheezing or fast, labored breathing
• Watery eyes or nose, or a strong scent of oil on the fur or breath
• Wobbliness, weakness, trembling or unusual sleepiness
• Redness or burns on the skin, gums or lips

Symptoms can show up within a few hours, and liver damage in cats may not be obvious at first.

What to do if you suspect poisoning

Move your pet into fresh air and away from the source. If oil is on the fur or skin, wash it off with a mild dish soap and water. Do not try to make your pet vomit and do not give any home remedy unless a vet tells you to.

Call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. In the United States, you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both may charge a consultation fee. Have the bottle or product label ready so you can tell them exactly what your pet was exposed to.

Small pets and birds

Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles and especially birds are even more sensitive to airborne compounds than cats and dogs. It is best not to diffuse essential oils or use scented sprays in the same room as these animals at all.

Products sold “for pets”

Some flea sprays, shampoos and calming products contain essential oils. These are not automatically safe. Products that are fine for dogs can be harmful to cats, and homemade versions are often much stronger than they should be. Use only products approved by your vet for your specific pet, and never use a dog product on a cat.

Frequently asked questions

Is lavender safe for dogs?

Lavender is considered lower risk than many oils, but it can still upset a dog’s stomach or skin. Diffuse it only briefly in a ventilated room and do not apply it to your dog without veterinary advice.

Can I use essential oils for fleas?

Veterinarians generally advise against it. Homemade essential oil flea treatments are a common cause of pet poisoning, and they are less reliable than proven flea products your vet can recommend.

Should I stop using essential oils if I have a cat?

Not necessarily, but be very cautious. Keep oils away from your cat, diffuse rarely and briefly with the door open, and wash your hands after handling oils. For general guidance, see our essential oil safety rules.