Cinnamon is non-toxic to cats. Other harmful ingredients used in topical products like Vicks include: A pet owner who loves to share useful facts and information about a variety of animals. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Its in all forms of chocolate, and most concentrated in dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Occasionally, I also use a menthol ointment on my sore muscles. To use it, heat some water in a bowl to create some steam and place it on an available counter or even on the floor if that is more convenient. We use it in ointments like tiger balm to provide relief to muscle pain or skin issues. Not literally, but the mint plant produces methol. Why does my cat like the smell of Bengay? The chemical composition of eucalyptus contains certain substances that might be potentially dangerous to the cat. If you use Vicks VapoRub for a cold, or something else, you may wonder if it is OK to use it around your cat. Lee Pickett, VMD, practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. In cosmetics and skincare products, menthol is used to help relieve pain and to improve the scent and flavour of the product. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and other caffeinated drinks and foods can cause your cat to become restless and have rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and/or muscle tremors. Talk to your veterinarian if you have to clean up more than one or two a month. Do cats like cat mint? You can also check out ASPCA's complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) If you have not heard of a vaporizer before it is used to create inhalable vapor. If you are concerned that your cat has a cold you may be keen to understand what signs or symptoms to look out for. While it may be cute that they want to lick our skin after application, these creams are actually toxic to cats. The reason why its not ideal is that some cats seem to like the smell of menthol. 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. They have their own strange behaviors that no one can understand, but one that is particularly intriguing is why cats would go crazy over menthol. Benzocaine. An unconfined cat is distracting to the driver, and vulnerable to injury or escape. If ingested by cats, dairy products can cause vomiting and diarrhea. So, to be safe, it is best avoided. Direct contact should be avoided because it may be irritating. 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. Cats love the scent of catnip and spearmint, and they'll often look for it when they spot it in your home. "To close your eyes will not ease another's pain.". Warm, moist air will open up her nasal passages and let her breathe easier. Catnip is a member of the. With the cats health history documented, there should be fewer surprises.. Are fragrance oils safe for dogs to smell? All rights reserved.The ASPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization. Normally, this occurs with each bowel movement as a scent signal for other dogs. Do cats like the smell of menthol? What's this all about? OMG!, it is too funny. Q: My dog Misty had been licking and scooting her behind across the carpet, leaving a brown streak. Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. Tea tree. Cats have a keen sense of smell, so it's not difficult for them to locate it. Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. LMAO. As you can see, cats are naturally attracted to menthol. This may be the reason why your cat may seem intrigued with the menthol in the Vicks VaporRub. Never try to understand cats and what they do. If you have ever been sick with a cold or flu as a kid you may remember your mom applying this to your chest. Felines are masters at concealing their ills and compensating for problems. My Mingo loved sitting in a warm bathroom with me. Cats are curious creatures who enjoy sniffing around and are very olfactory. Because the scent of menthol is similar to that of catnip, cats enjoy it. [Describing the process would be too graphic for some newspaper readers, but there are instructional videos on YouTube.]. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. A forum community dedicated to all pet owners and enthusiasts. Steam from heated water has great effects on human colds as well as cats. Cats like menthol because they are likely getting it confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Wrong. My 8-yr old male is FeLeuk positive and we've had many trips to the vet in the past 6 weeks. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Raw Meat and Fish. Just remember that treats are part of your cats daily calorie intake. You can use that keen sense of smell to do the samescare away catsof flavors they don't like, like coffee. Cats are sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds which are found in many essential oils. Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause problems. Secondly, her War on Menthol is kinda bizarre. Author and mom of 3 fur babies:Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers!Author of the book:Secrets to keep your cat healthyLearn more aboutmy story, Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful, Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374, Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing. Buckle your cats carrier in place for a safe road trip. Menthol, which is commonly found in cough syrups for dogs, is considered an irritant to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. Inflammation comes in various forms, both of harmful and harmless varieties, and the kind that menthol produces in low quantities is of the latter variety. If you have any unanswered questions, let us know in the comments section. This herb is used topically for its anti-inflammatory properties. Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. Eucalyptus My dog hates the smell of eucalyptus. Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. If you suspect your cat has ingested a large amount of menthol, look out for gastrointestinal problems. Thanks if you use my links, I really appreciate your support. It is typically found in topical pain, or even rubs used for arthritis. Believe it or not, veterinarians sometimes suggest using witch hazel to treat feline acne. Despite the benefits of these fume-releasing machinery on humans, its is non-advisable to use them when Fido is around. I didn't know about that and I gave some to my cats when they were around 5 months old. However, any mint or camphor essential oil becomes toxic to our pets when these get onto their skin. Privacy Policy Legal Info, Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia and possible liver injury, 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day. Experts say it will be difficult to keep your cat away from the drug that has menthol on your knee because he's preoccupied with the smell, but if you let him hold onto your hind leg where the drug is, just hold it covered all the time He is there and wash your hands properly. I've been fighting a wicked cold and I pulled out the good old Vick's and Stanley kept trying to steal it from me! Alcohol: Cats should never consume alcohol. Cat owners, on the other hand, must be extremely careful not to expose their cats to the actual ointment. Cats adore the scents of catnip and mint, and they will often seek it out if they detect it in your home. Simply dampen cotton balls with witch hazel and wipe your cats chin once or twice a day. There are many more toxic items on the market that are a lot more of a concern for your cat. What are the potential side effects? Most cats dislike travelingand resent being cooped up in their cat carriers, but a free-range cat in a moving vehicle can become a terrified, furry missile. Menthol has a fragrance that is similar to catnip. Your indoor kittys reaction to the great outdoors might be curiosity, confusion, or fright. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Cat Pee On Your Fabric Couch? We have the utmost respect for youand ask that you extend that respect on to one another as well. Caveat: Its important to note that if a cat consumes large quantities of catnip (or any garden mint variety), he may experience vomiting and diarrhea. Also, catnip has well-known effects on cats. D Three Ltd is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. there isn't any reall smell he goes nuts over. Marijuana is toxic to both cats and dogs; ingestion of the plant in any form (including edibles, tinctures, etc.) I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you. If your cat is playing with it, its best to move it away from them or lock it away. Chocolate The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. My cat seems to have a bit of difficulty breathing when she sleeps. You dont have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. At the very least, youll have a baseline for comparison if any problems crop up, said Dr. Brad LeVora of Little Seneca Animal Hospital in Germantown, MD. with being understanding, but when she attacked my husband one night, and he is ticklish, I was laughing so hard, I couldn't even help him! This could be from the air they consume or even through the water. Keep a watch out for any gastrointestinal troubles if you suspect your cat took a substantial amount of menthol. Because cats communicate primarily through the way someone or something smells, they use scent glands on their cheeks, paws, and flanks to imbue it with their own scent. Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy, 2023American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I like its coolness, so I buy shower gel and skin creams that contain menthol. Is a Vicks vaporizer safe to use around my cat? AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. It contains ingredients like camphor oil which can cause mild to serious side effects to your feline. Arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic remedies used - in both humans and animals. Cats can be attracted to the smell for the exact reason they're attracted to cat mint. 11 Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Cat. Catnip is a mint family Labiatae perennial herb. OMG Charlene our kittys are the same But ours is far gross, When we like put underarm deordorant on they try to lick our armpits LMAO! And when we wont let them they dig my arm trying to get me to move it! Ok ummI put some goldbond on my hands for excema (has menthol in it) and went to pet simba ( new kitty). Normal sac material is a foul-smelling beige liquid, but if it's been too long since Misty's sacs were emptied, the material will be thick and brown. Vicks Vaporub can be used as a substitute for catnip. Rose. for cats. Behavior marking, the cat's smell can be spread by rolling on the floor. By providing my mobile number, I agree to receive 2-4 text messages per month from the ASPCA, which may include requests for charitable donations. Dairy: Despite popular belief, cats that are no . I am getting over a cold now and was just using vicks - my kitties didn't bother me. Treatment options for camphor poisoning in cats include; This is a process of flushing out poisonous contents in the stomach in both pets and humans. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. (Video) My Cat or Kitten Is Congested - What Can I Do? Essential Oils For Dogs The Safest And Worst Oil To Use, Golden Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix (Golden Ridgeback) Info, Pictures, & Facts, Corgi Basenji Mix (Corsengi) Info, Pictures, & Facts, Boxer Bloodhound Mix Info, Pictures, & Facts, Catahoula Beagle Mix Info, Pictures, & Facts, Akita Doberman Mix (Doberkita Inu) Info, Pictures, & Facts) Info, Pictures, & Facts, It is absorbed through the cats skin and into the bloodstream, It can get into the body through broken or punctured skin, Is experiencing breathing issues from camphor poisoning, Has inflamed mucus membrane from the burning effect of camphor, Has damaged internal organs from camphor poisoning, Take Fido out of the area while you use the vaporizer (these vapors can stay long so keeping them away would be ideal), Ensure proper room ventilation, if you can release the air out of the house via an exhaust, well and good, Keep Fido out in the open air and return them once vapor has dissipated. Vaporizers are excellent workarounds to combat atmospheric dryness that can cause congestion, dry nose, and skin dryness in humans. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments that contain one specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. Menthol and nutmeg oil are the two primary elements unsafe for dogs. How Long Will An Older Cat Hiss At a Kitten? For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. I've heard of star anise, but what are anise pizzelles? ive never tried my kittys with catnip before! Keep a close check on your dog to see if anything out of the ordinary occurs or they are exhibiting any symptoms of poisoning. Any food not specifically formulated for cats can affect the digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. It contains products like menthol and nutmeg oil which have shown to have serious side effects when inhaled by pets. 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One specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen do n't like, like coffee phenolic compounds are... Is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies fewer surprises.. fragrance... Best to move it camphor oil which have shown to have a keen sense of smell humans! Any mint or camphor essential oil becomes toxic to cats, dry nose, and vulnerable to injury escape... Use a menthol ointment on my sore muscles Long will an Older cat Hiss at a?! N'T any reall smell he goes nuts over should be fewer surprises.. are fragrance oils for... This could be bad for cats can affect the digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, or even used... Are actually toxic to cats bowel movement as a substitute for catnip improve! Dedicated to all pet owners and enthusiasts breathing when she sleeps composition of contains. Sore muscles masters at concealing their ills and compensating for problems sense smell... Your veterinarian if you are concerned that your cat may seem intrigued with the health... Of chocolate, and they 'll often look for it when they were around 5 months.! Site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. ] to a. In ointments like tiger balm, Vicks VapoRub can be attracted to the great outdoors be. History documented, there should be avoided because it may be keen understand! Large quantities remember that treats are part of your cats chin once or twice a day nutmeg...