What essential oils are toxic to cats in household products?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Himalayan | Male | neutered | 15 lbs
how much and what kind of exposure to essential oils can cause health issues in cats also which ones are NOT toxic at all.I have discovered while trying to go all natural in my home companies are adding essential oils to everything like cleaning supplies etc.,I do not want to diffuse them just want to know if I can use my deodorant, laundry soap -(lavender) and sal suds which has fir needle oil and spruce leaf essential oil in it.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 2nd, 2017
I will link a website below that has lists of the many essential oils that are toxic to cats and ones that are safe around cats. Just as a note, lavender , fir needle, and spruce essential oils are all toxic to cats. Safe essential oils include cedar wood, lemongrass, peppermint, and rosemary. http://essentialoilworld.com/essentialoilreviews/essential-oil-safety-with-cats/
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 17th, 2018
For cats, avoid the following: -Citrus, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Birch, Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Tea tree, Thyme and Wintergreen For dogs, avoid the following: -Garlic, Horseradish, Clove, Wintergreen, Thyme, Juniper, Anise The below oils are safe for use in dogs and cats: -Chamomile, Cedarwood, Peppermint, Lavender and Ginger I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 5th, 2017
I personally love animalEO, a brand developed by Dr. Melissa Shelton, a very knowledgeable veterinarian. You can take a look at her web page www.animaleo.info where there is a section that explains in depth which essential oils are safe in cats. There is also a FB page where people post their experiences and often Dr Shelton gives her advice too. Enjoy !
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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