Click to Skip Ahead
Cats have an acute sense of smell that they rely on for communication and gathering information about their surroundings. It’s no secret that cats are biased toward some smells, like their food and the rotisserie chicken that’s about to be served for dinner.
They are also known for being drawn to the smells of certain plants, especially catnip. If they favor certain smells, what about the scent of eucalyptus? It’s common for humans in the household to use eucalyptus products, especially during cold and flu seasons. So, what about eucalyptus and cats? Do cats like the eucalyptus smell?
Cats do not like the scent of eucalyptus. Not only is eucalyptus a deterrent for cats but it’s also toxic and poses a danger to our feline friends. Keep reading to learn more about eucalyptus and its effects on cats.
What Is Eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus may be best known for being the primary food source for koalas. It is a genus of fast-growing evergreen trees and shrubs, and nearly all species are native to Australia. The fragrant eucalyptus leaves have been used in traditional medicine for many years and across various cultures.
The leaves are still used for medicinal and healing purposes, and eucalyptus is also used as a fragrance, flavoring, and ingredient in various cosmetics and industrial solvents. Eucalyptus oil has been studied and proven to kill bacteria and fungi and has also been shown to act as an expectorant that loosens phlegm and assists with coughing.1
Eucalyptus and Cats: The Dangers
Humans and cats have very different systems, and despite having several benefits for humans, eucalyptus is toxic to cats. The toxic component in the leaves is eucalyptol. Exposure often occurs by ingesting eucalyptus essential oil or products containing the essential oil.
The plant’s leaves are also toxic if ingested, but exposure is rare because eucalyptus is rarely grown indoors. Thankfully, cats are heavily deterred by the smell of eucalyptus, but if they were to ingest the leaves or any product containing the oil, you should contact your veterinarian or pet poison helpline right away for further guidance.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive salivation
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Unsteady gait
- Tremors
- Seizures
If your cat shows signs of the symptoms above or you suspect they might be suffering from underlying health issues, you should contact your vet.
Common Essential Oils That Are Dangerous for Cats
Any questions regarding the safety of essential oil use should be discussed with your veterinarian. You can also access the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants to see which plants pose a danger of toxicity to your pets.
Though oils derived from toxic plants are incredibly dangerous, essential oils from non-toxic plants are highly concentrated and can also pose a health risk.
- Basil oil
- Bergamot oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Clove leaf oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Geranium oil
- Lavender oil
- Lemon oil
- Lime oil
- Orange oil
- Oregano oil
- Pennyroyal oil
- Peppermint oil
- Pine oil
- Sweet birch oil
- Tea tree oil
- Wintergreen oil
- Ylang ylang oil
Eucalyptus and Cats: Keeping Your Kitty Safe
It’s very important to keep your cat safe from the dangers of eucalyptus and other essential oils. When exposed to oil diffusers, cats are at risk of toxicity and respiratory problems associated with inhalation.
- If you have houseplants, ensure they are non-toxic to cats and any other pets in the household. If you have any toxic plants, remove them from the home or place them in an area that is off-limits to your cat.
- If you use essential oil diffusers, use only pet-safe oils from reputable brands and dilute them appropriately. Limit the use of oil diffusers as much as possible.
- Keep all essential oil bottles and diffusers out of reach of your cat. Also, keep any products containing essential oils securely shut and safely stored away.
- Only use passive diffusers in rooms where your cat can easily escape, or limit access to that room altogether during use. Never use active diffusers in the room with your cat.
- Avoid using highly concentrated oils or combining different oils, and do not purchase products that do not list their concentration.
- Talk to your veterinarian about your concerns regarding household products and the safety risks they pose to pets in your home.
Conclusion
Eucalyptus produces a very unpleasant smell for cats, and it is also considered toxic. Eucalyptol is the toxic component found in the leaves of the plant, and ingestion could lead to troubling clinical signs. If your cat eats eucalyptus or products containing it, contact your veterinarian immediately for further guidance. Keeping eucalyptus products away from your cat is essential, but luckily, most cats dislike the odor and will stay away.
Featured Image Credit: abeldomi, Pixabay
