Debunking the Myths and Misinformation Regarding Essential Oils & Animals

Lately, I have received several inquiries regarding online posts and memes cautioning others to never use essential oils on your cats, dogs, and other animals. Sadly, there is a ton of misinformation out there along with fear-based myths regarding essential oils and animals. In a nutshell, the problem stems from using cheap, toxic oils that are chemically extracted or have synthetic oil created in the lab as an additive to stretch the oil (and profits for the companies who create these crappy oils). This would most likely never happen if pet parents and animal guardians were using 100% therapeutic-grade essential oils and had educated themselves on the proper usage of essential oils for their animals.  

Putting out these kinds of graphics and misinformation without elaborating on their reasoning is irresponsible at best. Can essential oils harm animals? Well, the short answer is yes and no. Please allow me to explain:

Generally speaking, it's not the core components of essential oils that are harmful to animals (especially cats who are at higher risk due to their inability to metabolize certain chemical compounds) . . . . it's the additional components that are found in POOR QUALITY oils (such as those bought at the health food store or Whole Foods or at certain online retailers). However, that being said, not all oils are created equal.

CHEAP, TOXIC, CHEMICAL-LADEN OILS are NOT therapeutic-grade! If they are used on and around cats (and other animals), they can indeed harm them or kill them. These oils can also harm people so JUST DON'T USE THEM! Anything you bring into your home that contains toxic chemicals (i.e. air fresheners, household cleaners, Febreze, carpet fresheners, toxic sooty candles, etc.) is harmful to your pets and to yourself. 

Most essential oils are extracted using solvents or chemicals and / or are stretched by adding synthetic oil created in a lab. 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils (such as Young Living) are extracted using steam distillation, absolute extraction, or cold pressing (for citrus oils). Young Living will never knowingly compromise by adding synthetics, contaminants, or cheap fillers, or by using unethical production practices. Young Living guides the process of sourcing products from carefully vetted corporate-owned farms, partner farms, and Seed to Seal-certified suppliers and testing them extensively. If our exhaustive tests show that a product doesn’t meet our standards, we don’t buy it, or we reject the batch.

Keep in mind that pure essential oils come from nature. We extract them from plants, flowers, trees (sap and bark), roots, etc. Animals eat plants, flowers, tree bark, roots, etc. to heal and nourish themselves. Nature gives us perfect remedies. Humans mess them up (most of the time). Essential oils are the original medicine and have been used for thousands of years in their purest form (not chemically altered by humans to make a profit). 

I have safely used Young Living essential oils on and around my cats (and other animals) for many years. However, you always want to err on the side of caution when using oils with ALL animals and should understand how to properly use high-quality essential oils. NEVER use cheap chemical-laden essential oils for ANY reason . . . . on yourself OR around your animals. As a certified holistic consultant and Reiki practitioner for animals (and people), I ONLY use Young Living essential oils. I have never, ever had an issue with any of my animals or any of my animal clients . . . . EVER! 

Young Living essential oils and oil-infused supplements have been put to the test by a plethora of highly trained and well-respected holistic veterinarians. These vets use YL in their daily practice with amazing results on a wide variety of animals . . . . everything from fish and birds to pocket pets, cats, and dogs to exotics and large animals. The compilation of information regarding these proven results is backed by years of research, science, and good old-fashioned common sense.

My experience with Young Living essential oils is that I am very careful with topical and oral administration. I am certified in essential oils for animals and always consult my reference guides prior to administering essential oils to my animals (including cats), as well as my animal clients. As for diffusing, the kitties will leave the room if they don't care for a particular oil in the diffuser but mostly the love being around when I am diffusing. Honestly, they rarely leave the room. They will also lick my hand if I have certain oils on my skin. I use essential oils daily and have never had any issues regarding my animals. 


A few common sense guidelines . . . . 

* When diffusing make sure your cat (or other pet) is able to leave the room if it's too much for them.

* Not all oils are unsafe for cats, however, watch for any odd behavior or lethargy. You can also err on the side of caution by avoiding the "hot" oils such as Oregano, Cinnamon, Thyme, Peppermint, Tea Tree (Melaleuca), et al. 

* 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils are safer for your cat to be around than artificial fragrances such as air fresheners, toxic cleaners, chemical-laden candles, etc.


If you want to rid your home of harmful toxins, chemicals, odors, etc., diffusing is a great way to clean the air but you need to educate yourselves first. I offer free consultations and online classes (as well as in-person classes) for anyone who wants to learn about proper usage of essential oils for animals (or themselves). You can find me on FB at Healing Oils for Animals or Holistic Pets & Peeps.  


Here is a blog article regarding this very subject if you care to have a quick read and learn more:

http://bit.ly/AnimalsAndEssentialOils101




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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets (and ALL animals) as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her Holistic Healing, Animal Intuition, Aromatherapy, Animal Reiki (www.HolisticPetsAndPeeps.com & www.HealingOilsForAnimals.com), as well as her premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps), or email her at HolisticPetsAndPeeps@gmail.com.

10 Tips for Keeping Your Cat's Environment Stress-Free

You may think it strange that your cat can suffer from anxiety. However, a stressed-out cat is much more common than one would think. Even worse, stress and anxiety can affect your cat’s health negatively, manifesting itself in a variety of ways including illnesses like cystitis and inappropriate elimination.

If your cat’s behavior changes suddenly in any way, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. He or she can rule out any underlying medical issues as well as make suggestions to help lower your cat's stress level. But why wait? Here are some basic cat needs, and tips for creating a stress-free environment in your home today.


1. Never Trivialize Litter Boxes

Litter boxes are a necessity for all pet cats, but simply providing a litter box is not enough. Consideration needs to be given to the size of the litter box, the location, the type of litter used, and the daily care of the litter box. There are many types of litter available, however, try to choose the one that your cat prefers. In general, heavily fragranced and high-dust litters are not appreciated by most cats and should be avoided.

In a multi-cat household, there should be at least one litter box for each cat plus one extra. Litter boxes must be kept clean. They should be uncovered and large enough for your cat to fit comfortably in the box. Also, the boxes should be placed in quiet areas of the home where your cat will not be disturbed while using them. Be sure to give your kitty an "escape route" and don't place litter boxes in places where your kitty can be "ambushed" by people or other pets. Privacy is just as important to your cats as it is to you. 

2. Buy a Good Quality Cat Food

Food is another cat necessity, but which cat food is the best? Consult a pet nutritionist or do your own research to choose a high quality, complete and balanced food that is best to keep your cat healthy. Feeding a cheap, low-quality food may save you money up front, however, will end up costing you more down the road with potential health issues from pet foods that are devoid of proper nutrients and full of chemicals and by-products. Know what's in your pet's food! Learn more about quality pet food, treats, and supplements at:

 www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com.

Most cats prefer to graze and should be fed small quantities several times daily. This can be made more difficult in a multi-cat home. Cats in a multi-cat household should be fed measured amounts and not free fed to protect them from becoming overweight. You may also need to provide more than one feeding station if you have a cat that guards the dish or bullies the other cats at meal-times. A cat that has to worry about defending himself from another cat while eating may become stressed and anxious, and may not eat adequately as a result.

3. Give Your Cats a Good Water Supply

Water is one of the most important nutrients for your cat. However, many cats don’t drink enough water and live on the verge of dehydration, which may contribute both to disease and undue stress. Encourage your cat to take in moisture by feeding a canned diet (at least in part). Some cats also enjoy drinking from a flowing water supply so water fountains and / or dripping faucets may be helpful for encouraging your cat to drink more water. Separate water stations may be necessary for multi-cat households. Also, do not place water supply stations near feeding stations as cats generally do not drink near their food source.

4. Provide Some Perches for Your Cats

Most cats enjoy perches because being in an elevated position allows them to survey the surrounding area and see any approaching danger (like an antagonistic feline housemate) before the danger becomes a threat.

There are many forms of cat perches, including cat trees, cat shelving, or other objects on which your cat can climb or jump. Consider placing a cat bed, blanket, or towel on the perch for your cat’s comfort. Placing a perch near a window will allow your cat to survey the outdoors, which many cats find entertaining. Again, there should be ample perches for all cats in the home. If you have multiple cats, don’t expect them to share.

5. Establish a Few Scratching Areas 

Scratching surfaces are important for your cat’s health and well-being. Deny your cat a scratching post or scratching area and you deny your cat the ability to mark his territory as he prefers. This, in turn, may result in stress and even anxiety. Your cat may even choose his own scratching area ~ like your furniture or carpeting ~ which will annoy you and create a more stressful environment for your cat.

Provide your cat with both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces. Make sure there is at least one scratching post / surface for each cat in your home. Additional scratching surfaces cannot do any harm and may be appreciated.

6. Give Your Cats Plenty of Hiding Places

Your cat requires a private place where she can retreat to feel safe when overwhelmed or threatened. Failing to provide such a place will add stress and anxiety to your cat’s life. Hiding places can be a box, a quiet closet, or even a carrier in which your cat can seek shelter.

In a multi-cat household, blocking the line of sight between cats with a solid barrier can be useful, especially when one cat tends to bully or aggravate the other. 

7. Make Regular Playtime with Your Cat a Priority

Keep your cat’s mind stimulated and help reduce stress with exercise and interactive games. There are many types of toys available, so experiment and find out what type of toy your cat likes best. Some cats prefer toys with feathers that mimic a bird, while others prefer those that more closely resemble a mouse or small rodent. Laser pointers can be entertaining for some cats as well, however, since they are unable to "catch" a laser beam, allow your cat to "catch" his prey with another type of toy. Otherwise, being unsuccessful will stress kitty out even more. 

Spend at least 20-30 minutes a couple of times a day actively engaging your cat in play. Your cat will appreciate the time with you, get more exercise (helping to keep him fit), and be less anxious.

8. Don't Forget Snuggle Time

Attention from their owners is something that most cats enjoy. Spending some time with your cat on a daily basis, whether it is snuggling or some other activity, can also be a great stress reducer for most cats. This time will also allow you the time to observe your cat’s behavior for any changes.

9. Try to Avoid Sudden Changes in Environment

Cats typically do not care for change. In fact, changes in environment or routine can be quite stressful for your cat. Trying to keep changes to a minimum in your cat’s environment and keeping your cat’s daily routine constant can be useful in preventing or alleviating stress and anxiety.

10. Consider Stress-Reducing Products

You may want to try the plug-in pheromone products, which work chemically to relieve stress and calm anxiety, would benefit your cat. However, there are also chemical-free ways to calm your kitty, such as diffusing essential oils with a cold air ultrasonic diffuser (never heat essential oils as this breaks down the healing properties). Young Living has pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils that work wonders for calming pets. Our kitties prefer Lavender or Peace & Calming or Stress Away, which are just three of many choices available. Learn more about essential oils for pets at:  

www.HolisticOilsForPetsAndPeeps.com

Raven is a Holistic Lifestyle Consultant, Aromatherapist, Energy & Spiritual Healer, Animal Reiki Practitioner, and Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist. Her offerings include healthy, holistic lifestyle products, resources, recipes, Earth-friendly advice, and lots of other cool stuff to make holistic living a worthwhile journey for you and your pets!