Many people are enthralled by the soothing smell of dried eucalyptus. You may have heard about the benefits of essential oils from eucalyptus. While it might be safe enough for us, however, for our furry companions it’s more complex. It is the norm even products that appear to be absolutely safe for humans may be dangerous to our precious cats, and we might have to reconsider how we make use of these products in order to ensure our pets are safe.
What Is Eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus trees are evergreens indigenous in Australia in both Tasmania and encompass a wide range of species that range from small-leafy plants to massive trees. Eucalyptus is well-known because of its tranquil and refreshing scent. Most commonly dried leaves are utilized in arrangements of flowers for this purpose and a variety of household items like candle holders and products for baths are fragranced with eucalyptus oil. The health benefits of this plant have been proclaimed but there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support these claims.
Is Eucalyptus Safe for Cats?
If you are the owner of your cat, you recognize that they’re attracted to and are prone to explore the most surprising locations. There is a myriad of kinds of eucalyptus that can be located within our houses, and knowing the security of the items for cat owners is extremely vital.
In its most basic nature, the tree is considered to be poisonous for cats when it is consumed. The most frequent physical indications of eucalyptus poisoning for cats are nausea, diarrhea, drooling, and/or fatigue. 1 In the majority of cases, they need to consume large amounts of the plant in order to become extremely sick, but should you suspect that your cat has eaten any component of the plant, it is recommended to contact your vet right away and also an emergency poison control number to determine the most effective option for treatment.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
When it comes to the essential oils of eucalyptus there are other factors to be considered. The oils are they are highly concentrated (with greater impacts than actual plants) and are considered to be toxic in the event of consumption. They can also be dangerous when inhaled or come in contact with skin or fur. It will take a large dose of eucalyptus essential oil to cause harmful effects directly through the skin or by inhalation, however, it is possible for active ingredients to be absorbed in these ways. Cats are also very meticulous about grooming and you have to be aware that whatever you apply to your pet’s skin or fur will be scrutinized by their tongues. This is why it’s not recommended to apply any topical product containing the eucalyptus plant on cats.
When it comes to distributing essential oils there are a number of security issues regarding pets. The most important problem is that essential oils, as well as other components in these products, can irritate the delicate lining of respiratory passages or lungs. Additionally, certain ingredients may be harmful when taken inhaled. 2 Some oils have been identified as less irritating than others and the purity of the oil may affect the quality of the oil. Therefore the best option is to stay clear of essential oil diffusers when you have a cat Particularly when your cat is sensitive to certain scents or has an existing disease such as asthma which can make them more sensitive to the odors of contaminants within the air.
What To Do If Your Cat Eats Eucalyptus
If your cat is exposed to a Eucalyptus plant or product that contains the oil of eucalyptus, the first step is to call your vet and also to call a poison-control hotline, such as the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline. Poison Control keeps careful records about all cases of toxicity, and they usually have the most up-to-date information on what to expect when dealing with an individual type of poison and the amount that was consumed. This information will be useful for you as well as your vet so that you can decide on the most appropriate method of treatment.
Certain cats may experience minor stomach problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea, which could be addressed with supportive treatment. Some cats might be hypersensitive and may experience an allergic reaction when exposed which can cause respiratory or more grave signs. More serious symptoms may require hospitalization, particularly for cats suffering from seizures or extreme lethargy or heart problems, and blood pressure. For cats that are exposed to oils that are on their fur or their skin, a deep bath using dish soap such as Dawn can be an essential element in removing the toxins. It is best to do this after consulting with your vet because it’s unwise to bathe a cat who has already begun to show symptoms of toxic exposure.
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