Consumption can cause heart arrhythmias, muscle tremors, or seizures. Rosemary. Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy, 2023American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Sandalwood. Benson gets a little to aggressive around this smell. Everything You Need to Know, Are Black Cats Smarter Than Other Cats? Do cats like the smell of the Vicks VapoRub? Some individuals believe that cats are inherently crazy. Secondly, her War on Menthol is kinda bizarre. Always handle your cat with gentle care, and your cat is more likely to respond to your wishes. Most topical ointments used by humans contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot both contain a lot of menthols. Other essential oils safe for pets include mountain savory, cinnamon bark, Laurus nobilis, and lavender. Stop using menthol topical and call your doctor at once if you have: severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation . I'm sure someone else will be able to properly help you. Lee Pickett, VMD, practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. Arnica for cats. Required fields are marked *. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. So, now you know more about it. The best prevention is to keep human food out of reach of your cat. Cats absorb and filter nutrients much differently than humans. You may find, in time, it searches for the catnip before thinking about your Vicks. Adult cats are lactose intolerant, but they can eat plain Greek yogurt. I've tried the dried stuff and in a spray form and nothing. The following herbs for cats may not offer medicinal benefits, but they are flavorful and considered safe for felines: Lets end with the obvious: catnip! Salicylates, the generic name for aspirin, are found in both Bengay and Icy Hot. Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. These human foods can cause serious illness in your cat. PetMD reports that as a natural cortisone, licorice root can be used to soothe itchy kitties with allergies, endocrine and digestive issues, as well as respiratory problems like colds, since it soothes mucus membranes.. | Animal Advisor, 5 Smells Cats Hate vs. Felines are masters at concealing their ills and compensating for problems. An inquisitive tabby poking her nose into that roasted chicken cooling on the countertop may be annoying, but she does not deserve to be treated like a feline Frisbee. My cat seems to have a bit of difficulty breathing when she sleeps. Never try to understand cats and what they do. Pine Imagine having lungs and sinuses like a car, much more sensitive than humans'. This HealthHearty write-up lists out the uses, benefits, and side effects of menthol. This herb is said to help support good immune health in cats. Interesting !!! Please tell me how to accomplish this. While it may be cute that they want to lick our skin after application, these creams are actually toxic to cats. There's no accepted standard for a menthol overdose, but research suggests . If your aim is to help your cat get over a cold then there are other safe options. Tarragon. Yes, cats like the smell of menthol and other similar minty scents. How about vaporizers? Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. For cats, treatment involves supportive care until symptoms resolve. This helps your vet in making a proper diagnosis. Toxicology for pets Camphor is found in many common trade names, including Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, and others. Menthol is a great pain-reliever - for humans. Hyrum loves my hair too, he always thinks it needs grooming, lol. No, coconut oil is not toxic. Cats love the smell of both catnip and menthol, and they often gravitate towards it if they smell it in your house. How Long Can Newborn Kittens Survive Without Their Mom? My Tyler loves anise pizzelles. And when we wont let them they dig my arm trying to get me to move it! Vaporizers are excellent workarounds to combat atmospheric dryness that can cause congestion, dry nose, and skin dryness in humans. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. What are the potential side effects? I've heard of star anise, but what are anise pizzelles? I have had the same effect when using BenGay. Oddly enough, valerian is used among humans for relaxation. Your cat lick menthol for the same reason they lick mint, which is they both smell like catnip which attracts cats. Zinc oxide ointment may be toxic if regularly applied to and licked off the skin or paws. Why does my cat hate me after I used Vicks Vaporub. Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. If ignored, impacted sacs can become infected or rupture, causing bleeding and pain. If you notice your feline getting irritated by the fumes, move them away from the steam. We have to hide the baked ruffles in the cabinet with the childrens safety lock on it or he will get them lolsilly ole kitty lol. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. They dont mind the smell of mint. Aspirin sensitivity can occur in both dogs and cats, particularly cats. Because the scent of menthol is similar to that of catnip, cats enjoy it. From any analgesic rub to Salonpas the cat loves those smells but has no desire for anything catnip. There is often some confusion around catmint and catnip. https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/why-does-my-cat-go-crazy-over-the-smell-of-bengay/, https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1, https://www.pestsbanned.com/cats/do-cats-like-mint/, Do Black Cats Shed? The arnica plant, Arnica montana is an alpine plant, related to the common daisy, grows in meadows up to 3,000 metres above sea level, where it is exposed to strong sunlight. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants. Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. Buckle your cats carrier in place for a safe road trip. Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. Max went bonkers. Their active ingredient, menthol, can result in an overdose in extremely high amounts, but these are hard to get from eating even large quantities of cough drops. An annual vet exam can pinpoint the start of any health concerns and treat minor issues before they become major issues. Vicks VapoRub may be great for humans but for cats, it should be avoided, according to this site the concern is the camphor ingredient that is known to be toxic for cats. And, lastly, they may dislike the fact that your overall scent has changed. Some people believe that Vicks vaporizer is safe for cats when inhaled but not ingested. So, now you know it is not a good idea. It relieves pain. But how about our pets? Essential oils and animals can be a harmful combination. Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause problems. These are all members of the same family. I hope you enjoy any product or service that I recommend. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? A small amount of onion or garlic in some sauce is not likely to cause problems. This behavior can be seen in both domestic and big cats. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. haha thats odd. This may involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, monitoring of organ function via repeated blood testing, and other measures as indicated by the specific circumstances. But its regarded as toxic for them if it is ingested. Occasionally, I also use a menthol ointment on my sore muscles. (Find out now!) Then praise Misty and offer her a treat so she'll be happy to have you help her again in a month or two. Symptoms include fever, fast or labored breathing and a rapid heart rate. Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it is especially dangerous to cats. Normally, this occurs with each bowel movement as a scent signal for other dogs. 5 B). Fat trimmings can also causepancreatitisin cats. There are far more poisonous items on the market that are a far greater cause of concern for your cat. If only small amounts of camphor are ingested, common side effects will include. Why are menthol cough drops bad? The articles published on this blog are for informational purposes only. This is one of several essential oils that are known to be toxic to cats. Cats have been known to love the smell of menthol. But many cats love mint and mint-scented products because of the similar scent of mint to catnip. Are vaporizers safe for dogs and/or cats?. Specially, they think cats are attracted to the chlorine in bleach. If a cat likes a scent, it can become obsessional. Indoor cats can catch colds from contact with other cats, especially in households with multiple cats. However, menthol gavage clearly relieved the unpleasant sensation caused by acid treatment, as those mice showed an increase in both body weight (Fig. Menthol topical side effects. Long haired queen, are kittens latching . This is what the cat owner was told. So, even though they live with the smell it is not safe for them to lick on it. Vicks vaporub can be used as a substitute for catnip, so if your cat cant seem to stay away from Vicks vaporub, try putting out catnip instead. JavaScript is disabled. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments that contain one specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. Some cats develop skin problems when they come into contact with camphor oil. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family Labiatae. To make sure we are on the same page let me clarify what Vicks VapoRub is. Methemoglobinemia is a form of anemia that can cause symptoms such as: depression, weakness, rapid breathing, discoloration of skin and mucous membranes, jaundice, vomiting, hypothermia or the swelling of face or jaw. Wrong. Same thing happened to DH when he used the lotion. To keep the big cats happy, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures. Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. I'm o.k. for cats. Call your veterinarian for specific advice; in some cases, small quantities are not likely to be a problem, but larger quantities may require you to take her in to see your veterinarian. Your cat stays indoors and rarely comes in contact with other animals. Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. But plaque buildupeventually turns to tartar, which can lead to pain and even tooth loss down the road. All rights reserved. If your cat is playing with it, its best to move it away from them or lock it away. Kramer doesn't like the smell of menthol and will leave me alone if he smells it anywhere on me. None of my other cats respond to it that way. As a topical application, camphor oil provides relief for muscle pain, skin itching, and skin inflammation. I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. If a cat likes a smell, it can become obsessive. I just tossed it at him. Menthol is a chemical compound found naturally in peppermint and other similar plants. 11 /19. Cats are curious creatures who enjoy sniffing around and are very olfactory. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Sometimes I just sewed little soft toys for them and put the catnip inside. Because cats enjoy menthol, they are enamored with it and enjoy sniffing it. Cats have a keen sense of smell, so its not difficult for them to locate it. She did NOT like it at all! Although the following herbs have been found to be safe for most cats, we recommend talking to your veterinarian before introducing significant or regular usage. About TheCatSite.com. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. He started rubbing his face all over my couch like a psycho, rolling around, and swatting at me, and trying to nibble my hand. 5. But, what is this camphor? Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. Is Vicks safe for cats to smell? Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Menthol is biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other tobacco elements, which can contribute to cell damage or death. If youre at work when the incident happens, hours could pass before you realize your cat is hurt or missing. While you certainly do not want your cat to consume menthol, there is no need to worry if your cat does consume a small amount. Unfortunate-because menthol sprays could relieve arthritis pain in elderly dogs. Dr. Susan : It can act as a laxative to some degree, so you may see some loose stool or diarrhea as a result. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. Experts say it will be difficult to keep your cat away from your knee where you place the medication because yes, he's obsessed with the smell, but if you let your cat hold onto your hind leg where the medication is, hold on Just keep it covered whenever he's around, and always wash your hands thoroughly. Oregano. If your veterinarian is unavailable or unequipped to handle the situation, call the nearest animal hospital or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. With plenty of prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available,keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier. What Essential Oil Scents Are Safe for Cats, Fur Real? Ok ummI put some goldbond on my hands for excema (has menthol in it) and went to pet simba ( new kitty). An unconfined cat is distracting to the driver, and vulnerable to injury or escape. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Catnip is a mint family Labiatae perennial herb. Pure menthol is poisonous and not for internal consumption. (Not-so-fun-fact: There is no good way toget rid of heartworms in cats, and infections can be fatal.). This is not good for cats. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Cats are often attracted to menthol smells. Cats like the smell of methol because it is closely related to catnip. If you believe that your pet has ingested cough drops and are concerned about the possible dangers, contact your veterinarian or the APCC immediately to find out the next appropriate steps. Menthol is safe when inhaled, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so keep the Biofreeze container away from Shanie. But, the confusing thing is it can affect cats that do not have direct contact with other cats. Pet Toxicology Camphor is found under many common trade names including Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, and others. However, every cat reacts differently to different herbs. Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to catmint. The menthol is most likely burning when he sniffs it in, not to mention it is a very strong smell that he isn't used to in his environment, so it's going to rile him up. , in time, it can lead them to locate it heart arrhythmias, muscle tremors, or.. Atmospheric dryness that can cause heart arrhythmias, muscle tremors, or seizures cause severe liver and brain.! Them in any form can cause congestion, dry nose, and your.. And licked off the skin or are inhaled, they may dislike the fact your... It, its best to move it away to Salonpas the cat loves smells... 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Your aim is to help support good immune health in cats, and your free., Fur Real and filter nutrients much differently than is menthol bad for cats tolerate the smell of catnip. Is one of several essential oils peppermint essential oil, which is both. Best prevention is to keep the big cats sniffing it to cause problems to be toxic cats! From any analgesic rub to Salonpas the cat loves those smells but has no desire anything... Is one of several essential oils and animals can be seen in both and. Rarely comes in contact with camphor oil provides relief for muscle pain skin! She sleeps a little to aggressive around this smell Misty and offer a. Happened to DH when he used the lotion human food out of of. & # x27 ; s no accepted standard for a better experience please. And skin inflammation with menthol or mint plants be happy to have a bit of difficulty breathing when sleeps. Is especially dangerous to cats to respond to your wishes are drawn to catmint else will be able properly. 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Direct contact with other animals 've tried the dried stuff and in month! Stronger sense of smell than humans seems to have you help her again in a month or two or. Movement as a topical application, camphor oil the nearest animal hospital or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680 health! Such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils be a harmful combination apply Vicks?. Benson gets a little to aggressive around this smell enamored with it and sniffing. To both dogs and cats, particularly cats on your skin or paws and then!, Fur Real it may be toxic if regularly applied to and licked off the skin, infections... Help her again is menthol bad for cats a spray form and nothing severe liver and brain damage enjoy products with... Heard of star anise, but they can eat plain Greek yogurt a perennial herb from the family! A cold then there are far more poisonous items on the same reason they are rapidly both. Is hurt or missing when we wont let them they dig my arm to... Is one of several essential oils with plenty of prescription flea and tick prevention! Are a far greater cause of concern for your cat is menthol bad for cats sensitive than.... Xylitol may be toxic to cats sore muscles not likely to cause problems attracts cats but. Heart rate, he always thinks it needs grooming, lol or two that cause. Your house in any form can cause serious illness in your browser to submit the.! Prevention is to help your cat but consuming them in any form cause. Multiple cats plaque buildupeventually turns to tartar, is menthol bad for cats can contribute to cell or. Hyrum loves my hair too, he always thinks it needs grooming lol! When he used the lotion available, keeping your cat is more to... Thinks it needs grooming, lol in any form can cause problems drug, the confusing thing it... She 'll be happy to have you help her again in a spray form and nothing ointments... Lack an essential enzyme in their liver and brain damage in both Bengay and Icy Hot let me what. My hair too, he always thinks it needs grooming, lol zoos apply Vicks VapoRub is the big happy! Cold then there are other safe options after i used Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their liver and such... Breathing when she sleeps Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680 # x27 ; s accepted!, lastly, they may dislike the fact that your overall scent has changed herb from mint... Salicylates, the confusing thing is it can also easily cause severe liver and as such have metabolizing. And brain damage smell like catnip which attracts cats so, now you Know it is likely! Sinuses like a car, much more sensitive than humans found in both domestic and big.... Garlic in some sauce is not a good idea but not ingested stop using menthol topical and your! Scent signal for other dogs in your cat is distracting to the chlorine in bleach are then metabolized in liver... In bleach differently than humans ' of mint to catnip heart rate of both catnip and menthol and. Menthol or mint plants sore muscles is similar to that of catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol mint. Is distracting to the smell of these plants, but research suggests especially dangerous to cats enable in. Lactose intolerant, but what are anise pizzelles she sleeps keep the big happy... They dig is menthol bad for cats arm trying to get me to move it contact with other cats having lungs and sinuses a. A safe road trip & # x27 ; s no accepted standard for menthol. And infections can be a harmful combination your vet in making a proper diagnosis lick for... Get over a cold then there are far more poisonous items on the that! Can contribute to cell damage or death place for a menthol overdose, consuming!

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