I love using essential oils, but recently a friend freaked out when she was over while I was working with cinnamon oil. I have two cats and she’d read that some essential oils are toxic to cats.

Animals have heightened senses and inhaling essential oils can be bad news for them. They can also be consumed by licking or eating, or absorbed through the skin.

Never apply 100 percent essential oils on your pet. According to the experts, the volatile compounds can be absorbed into the bloodstream and could damage vital organs. Cats don’t have the same detoxifying liver enzymes that dogs or humans have and are highly sensitive to certain oils including:

●Birch

●Cinnamon

●Clove

●Eucalyptus

●Oregano

●Pennyroyal

●Tea Tree Oil

●Thuja

●Thyme

●Wintergreen

Essential oils are a controversial subject in the world of veterinary medicine, but if ever in doubt, check with your vet. You certainly don’t want to risk your kitty becoming sick or worse! If you think your pet has consumed or had contact with essential oils, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at 888-426-4435 or your veterinarian.

If you’re interested in learning more about the basics, please explore our Guide to Essential Oils for further reading, infographics, and more.