Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Can I use essential oils for ants if my cat is near the door?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 5 months old

Hello I want to know if I spray essential oils inside near the door and the outdoor cat sits near the door, is it still dangerous? Cause he’s outside but I still don’t want to harm him I read online if he can breathe it maybe too strong but I want to spray near the carpet as a natural deterrent for ants, I don’t want to use chemicals since its too harsh if he’s near there

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 12th, 2021

I would not use essential oils. There are many that are toxic and aren't safe to have around cats. Ant bait stations are safe for cats and you can find ones with low toxicity. I recommend getting those to kill the ants. I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
As of the past two days Ants have appeared and Its hard to pinpoints EXACTLY where they are coming from as I have found them in a few places. But I have a good hunch that they are coming from under the tiles on my floor, I can't pull the floor up to
You are right in saying that certain chemicals should be avoided around cats. This should include permethrins, pyrethrins, and any of the chemicals derived from these compounds. However, most studies have already shown that as long as your kitty isn't actively licking this chemical, being directly sprayed with it,or eating dozens of the ants killed by it, the level of toxic exposure required to cost significant harm or death in a cat is pretty unlikely. That is not to say that ultimately it would be safer to relocate your cat during the extermination process or use a different chemical that kills ants. There are many different insecticides that have very limited intoxication potential. If you have any concern about what to use, I would advise you to reference the pet poison healthline website. You can also call them if you want specific advise concerning your pet. Here's the website: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/ Good luck in your ant killing journey!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
hello I am reading very conflicting information online about essential oils and cats. Can a well-diluted spray still be toxic for them and if so are there any safe ones Thanks Maura
Hi, Maura. That is a tricky question to answer because there haven't been any studies on essential oils and cats. Some cats are very sensitive to scents and can develop asthma (even some plug-in diffusers can cause issues in cats). Some essential oils are toxic in cats. Here is a book that many vets will use when considering using essential oils: "The Animal Desk Reference: Essential Oils for Animals".
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
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 Levande
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.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I have a spider problem, and will be adopting a kitten soon. The only essential that repel spider are harmful to cats. I.e. treetea, lavender, citrus. If these were to dry, as in i sprayed them and let it dry, would it still be harmful? If it was
The essential oils listed are all toxic to cats. Even if dry, there may be harmful residues left behind that could cause harm if ingested after self grooming. Consider products from EcoSmart ( www.ecosmart.com ) may be cat safe and effective in keeping spiders out of your home.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
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 (c
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 Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can lavender, chamomile, Blood orange or peppermint essential oil harm my cat from just smelling it i make candle tarts and don't want to hurt my baby. it's not really concentrated as i have mixed it with a wax.
Lavender, orange (can extend to blood orange), and peppermint are all toxic to cats so I would not use them at all. Cats have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans, and even the smell of these can be very irritating. I don't ever recommend using any essential oils around cats due to the risks, and I would see if you can make the candle tarts in a place away from your cat. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat was sniffing a humidifier that I used tea tree and lemongrass essential oils in, so I shut it off when he was near it, just in case. Would a few drops of essential oil in a humidifier be harmful to him? Specifically, lemongrass, tea tree, pepp
Tea tree oil is toxic to cats, and I would not use it at all in your home, as there is a chance Poe could lick the oils and become very sick. Lavender is also toxic, as are citrus oils (orange) and eucalyptus. Peppermint and lemongrass are the only safe ones you have to use around Poe, and I would restrict your use to those essential oils only. You can also use cedar wood and rosemary.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Are diffused essential oils dangerous to a cat?
Great question! That depends on the essential oil. Ones that are high in phenol and hydrocarbons are not safe to use around cats. Check out this website which lists essential oils that should never be used around cats: http://essentialoilworld.com/essentialoilreviews/essential-oil-safety-with-cats/ I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hello I'm trying to be more eco-conscious by making my own body lotions, scrubs, soaps and hair fragrances. I use essential oils however I've read they can be toxic to cats. Would I be risking a cats health by wearing these products made with essenti
The amount of essential oils in the products that you put on yourself is very low. I use products with essential oils on myself without concern for my cats. The concerns with cats are with undiluted essential oils and with diffusers. Since you have undiluted essential oils to make your products, you need to be careful that the cats never get the essential oils on their fur. I am including more information below that was written by a veterinary toxicologist about essential oils which does a great job discussing the risks with essential oils. http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/ I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi there! I recently bought an essential oil diffuser. I've used it twice with diluted oils (4 drops in 300ml of water) but now have read that EOs can't even be diffused around cats because of the risk of liver toxicity. I'd love a vet's take on this
I definitely would not use the essential oils around your cats. There are many that are toxic to cats, even when they are inhaled, so it's best to avoid it completely for the health of your cats. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Cat Food Cat Supplies Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Flea Sprays for Cats Cat House & Yard Flea Treatments Antifungal Medication for Cats Calming Aids for Cats Cat Calming Sprays & Diffusers Cat Health & Wellness Flea Drops for Cats Naturals Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Vet's Best Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Wondercide Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Naturals Cat House & Yard Flea Treatments Naturals Flea Drops for Cats Zen Pet Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Vet's Best Flea Sprays for Cats Vetality Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Vet's Best Cat House & Yard Flea Treatments Naturals Flea Shampoo for Cats
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored