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Are essential oil diffusers safe for cats? What oils are toxic?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 11 lbs

Hi, I just would like to know if essential oils safe for cats to inhale. I'm planning to get an aromatic oil burner . They won't have any way of lick into it or anything like that but I did some research and some sites says that for example Levander could be toxic to cats even by inhalation. Could you please give me some information on this. For example which one is safe to use or which one is to avoid altogether. Thank you

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 20th, 2017

This is a good question. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils, and you are correct that some oils can be toxic. Their sense of smell is so much more acute than humans, so even diffusing diluted oils can be very unpleasant for them. I suggest do not use a diffuser, instead if you'd like to use or smell oils, apply them to your skin or a tissue to sniff. Do not apply any oils to your cats fur.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on March 1st, 2017

    It's true that cats are quite sensitive to essential oils, so most veterinarians recommend being extremely cautious when using them around cats. Normally, the biggest toxicity risk is if the oils are being applied topically to the skin or fur, and are then licked and ingested by the cat. I agree that it's probably best not to use them in your humidifier just to be safe, but this is unlikely to have caused any serious problems. As long as Captain is acting normal, I wouldn't be worried - just discontinue using the oils from here on out :)

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