Peppermint is known for its fresh scent and its benefits for humans. We use peppermint essence in products for all kinds of purposes. Such as clearing up nasal congestions and using mint essential oils for that refreshing room incense.
Since peppermint oil is so common and safe for us to use, we might not even wonder if it is safe to use around our kitty friends. In this article we will discuss how peppermint oil can affect our feline companions and whether it is safe to use around them. Below we will try to answer: Is Peppermint oil safe for cats?
Safety first: Can peppermint oil harm cats?
Whenever we pick up a product containing peppermint oil, the active ingredient is likely going to be listed as menthol. Unfortunately, peppermint oil or menthol is extremely toxic for cats to ingest. While the natural peppermint plant is not considered dangerous to cats, the concentrated versions of it such as menthol essential oils, would be definitely toxic to your little friend.
If your cat ingests peppermint oil in any form, it can cause a series of symptoms:
- Nausea, vomiting, lethargy or fatigue
- In severe cases there may be risk of liver failure
The reason why your cat would get very sick if ingesting menthol oil is due to cats lacking certain liver enzymes necessary to metabolize these compounds efficiently. This makes our feline friends more susceptible to being harmed by the toxicity of peppermint oil. Best to keep that stuff far away from your kittens.
Should you dilute peppermint oil?
Oil and water do not mix, so unfortunately even if you were to dilute peppermint essential oil by other oils or water, it would not reduce the risk. We do not recommend it. It would still be poisonous if ingested by a cat.
Peppermint oil is known to have some effect in removing fleas but please don’t try that on your cat. Cats frequently lick themselves, and ingesting the menthol oil would cause them multiple health risks. It can be fatal.
It is essential to store peppermint oil far out of your cat’s reach.
Is eugenol harmless for our feline friends?
If you enjoy having fragrances around your home, you might be wondering: Is eugenol safe for cats? Eugenol is a naturally occurring molecule found in many plants and spices that we use for the fragrant smell and taste! You can find eugenol in peppermint, indian bay leaf, cloves and basil just to name a few.
Eugenol is present in many essential oils. The compound has a wide use in pet products for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, however its safety for cats is questionable.
Some studies conclude that eugenol can cause toxicity in cats which would lead to liver damage and other symptoms of poisoning in felines. However there are many sides to it. Yes, it is best to be cautious with essential oils and eugenol-containing products around cats.
According to Dr. Shelton, a veterinarian specialist in the medical use of essential oils with domestic animals, the preconception about essential oils may be over-exaggerated. If a cat somehow consumed essential oil in large amounts, it could be fatal, and that would be due to the irresponsible misuse of the product.
Eugenol is not safe for cats if consumed in large quantities, or the cat is being exposed to it for a long time (mist diffusers). For more detailed insight into Eugenol safety, check out our article Cat Chemistry: Is Eugenol Safe for Cats?
The sniff test: Is smelling peppermint oil dangerous for cats?
Strong smells like peppermint, onion, garlic as well as synthetic smells are generally disliked by cats. Our feline friends have a highly sensitive nose and tend to avoid very intense aromas. They would most likely avoid peppermint oil.
Even if smelling peppermint oil is unlikely to be dangerous to cats, it is important to observe the reaction of the cat for any symptoms. If your cat shows any signs of discomfort or avoids areas with the strong scents, it may be best to stop using peppermint essential oils in their environment.
Peppermint oil can still be toxic if they lick it or consume it in any quantities so it is best to avoid using it.
Feline-Friendly Aromatherapy: Is Peppermint Oil Safe for Cats in a Diffuser?
Many sources recommend against using peppermint oil in a diffuser. This would be true for many essential oils. The diffuser would disperse the molecules throughout the room, potentially affecting your cat’s respiratory system. It can cause irritation or breathing difficulties.
It is best to follow safe practices when choosing to have a diffuser in a room. Please make sure the area is well-ventilated and the cat is not forced to be in the same room. It is best to keep the cat in a separate room so they do not breathe in too much of the aroma.
Pet-Safe Hygiene: Is it harmless to clean with peppermint oil products?
Peppermint essential oil is sometimes used in cleaning products. You might be wondering: Is it harmless to clean with peppermint oil products? Like with all cleaning products it is best to keep them away from pets. Peppermint oil on its own can be toxic to cats if ingested, but cleaning products also have other chemicals in it. It would be safer to simply prevent a cat from interacting with any household cleaning product.
You could stick to pet-safe cleaning products, but regardless it is best to keep your cats away from stepping on the freshly sprayed surfaces. Cleaning with cleaning products containing peppermint oil can be generally safe around cats, when used within reason and caution.
To conclude, peppermint oil on its own is not safe for cats if used excessively. Avoid using diffusers, home fragrances in areas where your cat spends a lot of time in. If you do use fragrances, make sure to ventilate the area, and if possible, move your pet to another room where they would not breathe in nor ingest any type of essential oils. When in doubt, it is best to consult a veterinarian to ensure the health of your little feline friend.