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Essential oils are recently gaining momentum, making an appearance in everything from personal products to medical treatments and a lot more. Oils obtained from various beneficial plants are used in aromatherapy through inhalation and topical application. Geranium oil has several therapeutic benefits from its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and relaxing effects. However, most pet owners wonder whether it is safe to use this essential oil on and around their cats.
In this guide, we discuss the implications and safety of geranium oil for cats. We also talk about using essential oils for various applications on felines.
Is Geranium Oil Safe For Cats?
Essential oils like geranium are known to be highly soothing, but when it comes to using them for your kitty, you should exercise caution. Some of them can be highly toxic to pets and should be kept away from them at all costs. Geranium oil is obtained from a sweet and colorful plant known for its scented components. This plant contains components that can be toxic to pets like cats.
In its concentrated form, Geranium oil is not safe to ingest by cats and can cause adverse effects from toxicity. Cats lack certain enzymes in the liver needed to eliminate toxins that these oils contain. This is why it is best to avoid using geranium oil for cats in their concentrated form. While ingestion is quite toxic, it is advisable to use the oil in a diluted form in a diffuser to benefit the cat from its effects.
Geranium Oil & Cats – A Complete Guide
There are several varieties of geranium plants used to create essential oil. It is obtained from the leaves, stems and flowers of the plant growing in South Africa. Geranium oil can balance a cats’ hormones and improve their emotional state. It is a great essential oil to relieve the cat of depression and stress while enhancing blood circulation.
Though packed with beneficial properties, geranium oil is one of the essential oils not safe for cats. It contains components that, when ingested, can be toxic to pets. The cat’s stomach does not tolerate the oil, and it can show signs of nausea and upset stomach if ingested. Some other toxicity effects of this oil include skin irritation, lethargy, appetite loss and reduced rate of heart and blood pressure.
While geranium oil consumption is dangerous for cats, pet owners can use it cautiously to benefit from its effects. It can be diluted with a carrier oil and used around the cat to help repel ticks and fleas, relieve stress and anxiety and keep it calm and relaxed. You can use a diffuser with a safe concentration of geranium oil. Remember to watch the kitty’s behavior when using the oil to ensure it doesn’t have any adverse effects.
Calming Essential Oils For Cats
Aromatherapy is a great way to keep your furry friends calm and stress-free. Cats have a strong sense of smell and can be affected positively by the use of essential oils. You can apply the oil to the ear tips or paws or use a cotton ball or cloth to keep it around the pet. You can even use a diffuser to fill the space with an aroma to benefit the cat.
However, before using essential oils for calming, it is important to research and find out that the oil is safe for cats. Some essential oils not safe for cats include oregano, clove, thyme, peppermint, wintergreen and other phenols. Moreover, you should use only a small amount of essential oil on cats as they have a strong sense of smell.
Here are some of the most beneficial calming essential oils for cats:
Lavender – A highly relaxing essential oil, lavender helps calm your feline and eases anxiety, pain and stress. It also makes an excellent flea repellent.
Chamomile – This oil can be soothing for cats. It can be applied safely by diluting with some carrier oil. You can apply it to the ears or pads of the cat’s feet.
Citrus oils – While applying these oils directly to the cat’s body is unsafe, they can be added to a diffuser to soothe the kitty. Orange and lemon are popular citrus oils beneficial for cats.
Some other essential oils with calming benefits include rosemary, frankincense, valerian and geranium. Cats being highly sensitive, it is best to use these oils in small quantities for safety. If you are unsure, add them to a diffuser to benefit the cat from the aroma without bringing the oil in contact with it.
Rose Geranium Oil For Ticks On Cats
Rose Geranium oil is more greenish in color, heavier and richer than geranium oil and has a sweet, spicy, rosy fragrance. It is known to possess anti-fungal properties and the capability to repel fleas and ticks. This oil can be safely used on cats by adding a few drops to water while bathing the pets. It is advisable to dilute the oil in olive oil or coconut oil before applying it topically on the pet’s skin for ticks.
An ideal way to use the oil for tick repellence is to add it to the pet’s shampoo or the rinsing water while bathing. It can also be applied on a cloth and tied around the cat’s neck. The rose geranium oil prevents ticks from sensing the cat’s presence. It masks the scent of the body and keeps the pet free from ticks and fleas.