Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Is it safe to use essential oil diffusers with citrus oils near cats?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed

I was given a Saje essential oil diffuser as a gift and I'm very concerned about any toxicity it may cause with cats? Are some oils fine or are they all bad to use around cats? The one I was given with the diffuser is this blend: grapefruit (citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil) bergamot (citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil) orange (citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil) lime (citrus aurantifolia (lime) peel oil) mandarin red (citrus nobilis (mandarin orange

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on March 8th, 2018

Unfortunately essential oils can be a problem with cats. I'm attaching a link to a website that was written by a veterinary toxicologist about essential oils below which does a great job discussing the risks with essential oils. http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/ There are some essential oils that we know are a problem in cats (including citrus oils), but potentially any oil may be a problem. The concern with a diffuser is that the oils are aerosolized and can end up on the cat's fur which they may then lick off or get absorbed through the skin. If you want to use essential oils, the safest way seems to be to put a few drops on a cotton ball, then put the cotton balls in a box with holes in it. That will prevent the cat from having any exposure to the oils. I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why do quills seem to migrate deeper into my pet's body over time?
Why do quills migrate deeper into your pet? Licensed Vet Tech Angel Alvarado explains the body's response to foreign objects. Get expert insights from Petco.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored