Cats are adorable; their curiosity and loyalty are a plus. But whether you just got your first feline friend or want to take things up a notch, boosting their comfort may come at an extra cost. Their sensitivity may call for a more natural way to keep your home clean and fresh. So let us explore some cat safe essential oils for cleaning.
A great option is using essential oils. However, knowing which essential oils are cat-safe before dousing your furniture in lavender oil or spraying the air with sweet orange is vital.
This simple guide will help you determine the best oil without putting your furry friend at risk. And while at it find out how to clean your dusters correctly.
We’ll cover the basics of essential oils, explain why cats should stay away from certain scents, and share our favorite cat-safe cleaning recipes.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated distillates of plants, containing the essence of the plant’s fragrance and certain therapeutic benefits.
Unlike a standard cleaning product, essential oils are gentle yet effective, making them ideal for use around our feline friends.
Whether you want to introduce freshness into your home or offer a lavender-scented spa experience to your best friend, essential oils provide many possibilities.
Essential oils consist of molecules that vaporize easily and disperse into the air—this method is often called aromatherapy.
It can promote well-being and relaxation by simply inhaling the odors. Even better, essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Because cats have a keen sense of smell, it is important to choose essential oil formulas specifically designed for cats – these will be far milder than those intended for humans.
Benefits of Cat Safe Essential Oils
Using cat-safe essential oils for cleaning has many benefits for your furry friend.
These natural plant-based oils can help keep your house clean and smelling pleasant and possess medicinal properties that help keep your cat healthy.
Using cat-safe essential oils comes with the benefits below:
Antimicrobial Properties:
Examples of essential oils that contain antimicrobial properties are lavender and tea tree oil. They prevent the growth and spread of germs in your home.
Reduced Stress:
Essential oils like lavender and chamomile have calming properties that can reduce your cat’s stress and anxiety levels.
Better Health:
Eucalyptus is one of the oils with antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits. That makes it ideal for treating cats’ colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections.
With all these unique benefits, it’s no wonder why cat-safe essential oils are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners!
How to Choose the Right Essential Oils for Cats
Knowing the importance of cat-safe essential oils keeps you steps ahead of other pet owners.
But choosing the right ones for your furry friends is even more crucial. The factors below can help.
Oil purity
It’s vital to determine the purity levels of your preferred essential oils. Different products are made differently, so read their labels carefully to ensure they are 100% safe for cats.
Know what ingredients to avoid
Even though an oil might be “cat-safe,” it could still constitute unsuitable ingredients for cats. Tea tree oil is a good example which sometimes acts as a natural insect repellant.
Using it on a cat with fleas could create a big problem. Other oils like lavender are known to create a calming effect in cats and should be avoided.
Consulting your veterinarian before using anything on your pet is best when unsure.
They will provide guidance based on your cat’s condition and offer other suggestions or precautions when using essential oils around your pet.
It’s also best to stick with one essential oil brand and use the amount needed. Overdoing it won’t make them cleaner faster. And always store unused products in a cool, dark place to prevent them from becoming rancid over time.
The Recommended Cat Safe Essential Oils For Cleaning
Did you know certain essential oils are cat-safe to use while cleaning? It’s true, and here are a few essential oils you can use without worrying about your furry friends.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is known for its calming properties, but it’s also famous in the cleaning arena. It can be used on surfaces and fabrics to clean your home deeply.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil features excellent antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It’s often a go-to choice for its ability to get rid of germs and dirt. The best part is that it’s safe to use around cats!
Orange Peel Oil
Orange peel oil isn’t just good at making your home smell fresh. It also helps break down grease and grime on hard surfaces like countertops or tile floors. Better yet, it won’t hurt your cats!
Using these cat-safe essential oils with natural cleaning products can help keep your house safe, clean, and smelling fresh. This is without worrying about harm coming to Fluffy or Fido!
Ways to Use and Dilute Essential Oils for Cleaning
Any responsible pet owner would want to keep their house clean without exposing their cats to nasty chemicals.
And essential oils are the perfect way to go!
But it’s important to know how to use and dilute essential oils when cleaning. Here’s a quick rundown on how best to use essential oils for cleaning:
Dilution
It’s best to dilute essential oils with water when cleaning. The ratio should be 1 part essential oil to 10 parts water, so a10 drops of oil per cup of water. When using an eight oz, you should have 5 to 15 drops of oil in the spray bottle.
Areas of Use
Essential oils can be used for more than just general household disinfecting.
You can also use them for deodorizing furniture, cleaning tile floors, and even freshening carpets! But first, test the oil on a small carpet section before using it on the entire area.
Leaving some of these oils on fabric for too long may cause staining or discoloration.
Other Considerations
When using essential oils around cats, always ensure they have access to an open window or door so they can leave the room if they find the scent overwhelming.
Also, keep them away from areas where you’ve sprayed essential oil-infused cleaning solutions. They could accidentally ingest some of it as they groom themselves.
Finally, only use therapeutic-grade essential oils designed for use around cats! Needless to say, a clean house should never come at the cost of your cat’s health.
Tips for Safely Using Essential Oils Around Cats
Using essential oils around cats is possible, but taking the proper steps is important! Here are a few tips for safely using essential oils around cats:
Dilution
The most recommended way to use essential oils around your cat is to dilute them in a carrier oil. It reduces the probability of your cat’s adverse reaction to the oil.
Secondly, it ensures the oil doesn’t evaporate quickly to irritate your cat’s sensitive respiratory system. It’s advisable not to exceed 3-5% concentration when diluting with a carrier oil.
Avoid Wipe-Downs
It’s tempting to wipe down furniture and areas of your home with essential oils, especially if they have been appropriately diluted.
But it’s best to exclude any area where your cat spends a significant amount of their time. These include their bed or scratching post, as they may lick the surface and ingest some essential oil mixtures.
Test Products First
Before using essential oils on or around your cat, test a small area first and watch out for any adverse reactions. If there are no negative effects after 24 hours, proceed cautiously!
With these tips, you can use cat-safe essential oils for cleaning your home without risking your feline friend’s health.
Conclusion
Your cat’s safety is a priority. And making a few adjustments to your existing cleaning routine – such as using cat-safe essential oils – can make your home clean, healthy, and safe for you and your feline friend.
Choose high-quality essential oils that are diluted correctly and do not contain any synthetic compounds.
Also, research the safety profile of any new product before using them. Always test them on a small, out-of-the-way area first. Everyone loves a clean home.
Yet, essential oils with the abovementioned steps make it achievable without jeopardizing your cat’s health.