All rights reserved. Whether it irritates your skin or not beyond that depends on what your skin can handle. They are well aware of the toxicity of these plants and stay away from them. How Long Will An Older Cat Hiss At a Kitten? Ingesting enough of this herb can cause photosensitization in pets (ulcerative and exudative dermatitis). Fat trimmings can also causepancreatitisin cats. The higher the altitude, the more aromatic the plant will . There's no accepted standard for a menthol overdose, but research suggests . Ickink is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. But how about our pets? Most topical pain creams and ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in their formula, and both Bengay and Icy Hot contain a lot of menthol. Loosely screened windows can pose a hazard to curious cats. How about vaporizers? Your vet may suggest a gastric lavage if inducing vomiting will cause more harm to the cat. Are there other ingredients in it that are not ideal for cats? Physical manifestations may be: Diarrhea Agitation Heavy panting Seizures Comatose Cardiac arrests Symptoms include fever, fast or labored breathing and a rapid heart rate. Their bodies no longer produce enough lactase to digest milkespecially cows milk. Dr. Susan : Coconut oil is very fattening, so I would not recommend using this long term. Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. 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. Catnip is a member of the mint family, so it shares many of the same properties as spearmint. Cooling and pain relief. Despite the benefits of these fume-releasing machinery on humans, its is non-advisable to use them when Fido is around. To be honest, I found it quite effective. It often contains herbal or plant-based substances but has various uses. The smell is banned from the house unless we can lock ourselves away. Then praise Misty and offer her a treat so she'll be happy to have you help her again in a month or two. Direct contact should be avoided because it may be irritating. I took her to the veterinarian who emptied her anal sacs but said they would probably refill every month or two. Aspirin sensitivity can occur in both dogs and cats, particularly cats. 5 A) and food consumption (Fig. Sometimes cats cough up or sneeze out droplets of the inhalant that caused pneumonia, such as mint oil. All rights reserved.The ASPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization. You dont have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause issues. These aptly named herbs for cats can also help with feline allergies. No reaction at all. 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. Humans have a total of 5 million scent sensors, while cats have 200 million. "To close your eyes will not ease another's pain.". Another ingredient in Vicks Vaposteam is menthol. Kramer doesn't like the smell of menthol and will leave me alone if he smells it anywhere on me. Direct contact with eucalyptus oil on the skin can cause chemical burns in cats. Alcohol: Cats should never consume alcohol. Try aself-cleaning litter box. Ginga is the worse out of my two, they both normally rub and bite softly though, I let them do that on my feet, doesn't hurt as much. While German chamomile is considered safe, English/Garden/Roman/True chamomile can cause contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions in pets. Camphor is an extract. Menthol is biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other tobacco elements, which can contribute to cell damage or death. Dr. Susan : cats, I recommend Chlortrimeton. With plenty of prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available,keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier. Yes, cats can eat yogurt, although it is not recommended. :) Just so you understand, I may take a share of any sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Normally, your cat would need to consume a significant amount of menthol before showing symptoms of menthol poisoning. Menthol is toxic because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Although it is not harmful if inhaled, it's worth noting that cats can go crazy for the scent. One thing you can try, if your cat keeps messing with your VapoRub, is to offer some catnip instead to distract it from it. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. However, some dogs' sacs don't empty as they should. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants. Experts say itll be difficult to keep your cat away from the medication that has mentholon your knee because hes preoccupied with the smell, but if you let him latch onto your bum leg where the medication is, simply keep it covered at all times while hes around and wash your hands properly. Monitor your cats reaction whenever you are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier. The smell of Vicks is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. The confusing thing is cats, including large cats, have a natural attraction to it. Oh my gosh, this is an old thread, but I just searched 'menthol' and it came up. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You don't have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. Cats are attracted to Vicks Vaporub because of the scent it gives off. Rose. No, inhaling menthol vapor is not considered bad for cats. These devices typically have a negative connotation attached but, in this context, for clearing congestion, it is a different circumstance. While you certainly do not want your cat to consume menthol, there is no reason to be alarmed if your cat consumes a small amount. 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. Cats dont enjoy hurling those hairballs any more than we enjoy removing them from the living room carpet. Cats absorb and filter nutrients much differently than humans. This is especially important if your cat is displaying symptoms such as muscle tremors or repeated vomiting. They love the smell, the taste, the texture . Dr. Susan : It can act as a laxative to some degree, so you may see some loose stool or diarrhea as a result. The reason your cat is obsessed with menthol is because its smell is similar to the smell of catnip. USA pennies minted after 1982 are 97.5% zinc. A cat has a deficiency of the enzyme, glucuronyl transferase, resulting in a reduced ability to metabolize certain toxins. Pure menthol is poisonous and not for internal consumption. It has potential toxic effects and . Eating any type of onion on a regular basis could causeanemia. In addition, cats claw may help modulate the immune system, while dandelion root can help promote healthy digestion and liver detoxification. Tarragon. Hey, she knows where she lives and shed never wander off, right? Avoid growing the following herbs in your cat garden, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pets: Lemongrass. What are the potential side effects? Dirty litter box Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. But, if it is a lot, in extreme cases, it could lead to a seizure or acting depressed. I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. And, this is why some owners may assume it is OK. Cat flu is similar to a humans version of a cold. Dairy: Despite popular belief, cats that are no . I too use Goldbond and my Stumpy tries to lick it off my hands every time I apply it. Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. Same family of plants. Fortunately, menthol is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. This is another reason why some cat owners steer clear of it. Because cats enjoy menthol, they are enamored with it and enjoy sniffing it. Some people believe that Vicks vaporizer is safe for cats when inhaled but not ingested. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Menthol has a fragrance that is similar to catnip. Contact her at, Print Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, mint leaves. JavaScript is disabled. Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information. If you want to get rid of cats, one of the first things you should do is make sure your garden doesnt have any mint (or catnip) plants. Why does my cat like the smell of Bengay? Felines are self-groomingand their constantly busy tongues capture loose fur, which is then swallowed. He actually knocked the little round container of it off my endtable and rolled around on the floor with it. Required fields are marked *. Dr. Susan : Menthol is made from a mint, just as catnip is. And when we wont let them they dig my arm trying to get me to move it! It hasn't gotten so bad that she breathes thru her mouth. for cats. Menthol Can Cause Problems For Your Cat. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Cat Articles | 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. Top Ten Tips on How to Keep Your Cats Teeth Clean, Four Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Entertained While Youre Away, 6 Things You Should Never Do When Adopting a Cat, Top 3 Things You Should Know About the Bengal Cat, Leaving Your Cat Alone: 9 Things You Need to Know, Senior Cats: A Few Things To Keep In Mind, 6 Things To Know About Flea Dips for Cats. However, eating a clove of garlic or a green onion may cause digestive upset. 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. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. Further research into potential mechanisms is warranted. Effects Ingestion or prolonged exposure to camphor can have toxic effects on the liver, causing a backup of bodily waste known as bactericemia. My 8-yr old male is FeLeuk positive and we've had many trips to the vet in the past 6 weeks. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info. Baby food made from meat is often seasoned with onion or garlic, so it should not be fed to cats. Any food not specifically formulated for cats can affect the digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. My cat seems to have a bit of difficulty breathing when she sleeps. 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. What Essential Oil Scents Are Safe for Cats, Fur Real? Wrong. Editors Note: The slideshow 8 Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat was not created as a definitive and complete guide to cat care, but rather as a reminder of the small daily interactions many established cat owners have with their beloved companions. Tuna as an ingredient in commercially produced cat food is perfectly fine for cats. Your cat's olfactory receptors are 14 times more powerful than your own. 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? You will often find menthol in cleansers and washes designed for acne or other painful skin . I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Cats like mint-scented products or mint plants because the mint smells similar to catnip. Menthol inhibits acid-induced inflammation and relieves discomfort. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Why is my cat sniffing the floor and rolling around? Dr. Susan : You can also try an antihistamine . There is no information available on the toxicity of e-cigarette capsules with menthol flavors, but the menthol part of the cartridge is not very toxic, unlike the nicotine which we know is very dangerous to your pets. All these chemicals and oils are toxic to dogs. Turning on a hot shower and sitting in the bathroom with the cat is the best treatment for her, but if she won't let you do that, the vaporizer should be fine as long as you don't put the Vicks in it. 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! Also, Vicks vaposteam can be added in humidifiers to eliminate dryness in the air and improve symptoms of flu or the common cold. Cats have a powerful sense of smell, so its not hard for them to find it. I'm just curious if anyone elses cats love the smell of menthol products as much as my cats do? Essential oils and animals can be a harmful combination. Menthol and nutmeg oil are the two primary elements unsafe for dogs. In fact, all members of the allium familyincluding onions, leeks, scallions, and shallotsare toxic to felines. I'm not sure, I've always put it in something. Alternatively, always use your Vicks vaporizer or humidifier in a separate room away from your cat. Cats have a keen sense of smell, so it's not difficult for them to locate it. ive never tried my kittys with catnip before! If you suspect your cat has ingested a large amount of menthol, look out for gastrointestinal problems. An unconfined cat is distracting to the driver, and vulnerable to injury or escape. Your cat lick menthol for the same reason they lick mint, which is they both smell like catnip which attracts cats. Cats can be attracted to catnip for the same reason that they both smell like catnip. Most topical pain creams and ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in their formula, and both Bengay and Icy Hot are high in menthol. Are vaporizers safe for dogs? 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. In the case of mild camphor poisoning, like vomiting and diarrhea, the vet provides supportive treatment and let the symptoms die down within hours. Vet experts even warn that the harmful effects of Vicks vaporizer or humidifier can be pronounced in dogs. Keep a close check on your dog to see if anything out of the ordinary occurs or they are exhibiting any symptoms of poisoning. In addition to the essential oils that you buy individually, they often appear in other household products such as paint thinner (turpentine is an essential oil) and insect repellent, which has a high risk of fatal reactions for cats, noted . Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! Never try to understand cats and what they do. Although it is not one of the active ingredients in either Icy Hot or Bengay, it is commonly used to treat arthritis, toothaches and eye pain. Jan 29, 2011 #3 jazzythecat TCS Member Super Cat Joined Apr 4, 2010 Messages 1,007 Purraise 10 Location Playing with Jazzy & Ginga. Cats are often attracted to menthol smells. Unlocking The Mystery, Why Is My Black Cat Turning Brown? 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! ], How to Learn K-Pop Dances: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide - ononestudios.com, 7 VA Disability Tips and Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability | Fight4Vets. Dusty want a sniff it and she then backed away with a disgusted look on her face. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. The side effects of Camphor for cats can vary depending on how much they come into contact with. Because cats communicate primarily through the way someone or something smells, they use scent glands on their cheeks, paws, and flanks to infuse them with their own scent. I have had a toner with high amount of alcohol and toner in it (Clinique sent me as a sample), and to me it didn't cause any irritation but I only used it once a week or . Menthol is safe to breathe, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts. (Video) My Cat or Kitten Is Congested - What Can I Do? Cinnamon is non-toxic to cats. Menthol is safe when inhaled, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so keep the Biofreeze container away from Shanie. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy menthol-scented products or mint plants. If a cat likes a smell, it can become obsessive. Camphor in ointments, creams, or balm, is unsafe for your cats. If your cat inhales such a smell in a large quantity, it can irritate their skin and make them nauseous. These are all members of the same family. Many creams, including Bengay and Icy Hot, contain salicylates, which are derivatives of aspirin. 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. Your cat licks menthol for the same reason she licks mint, which means they both smell like catnip, which cats are attracted to. Eat yogurt, although it is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor for cats, including and! Reserved.The ASPCA is a lot, in this context, for clearing congestion, could. Pets ( ulcerative and exudative dermatitis ) living room carpet if you have mint growing in your browser more.... The floor with it and enjoy sniffing it have a natural attraction to it raw fish like! Would probably refill every month or two menthol smells similar to a humans version of cold... Use your Vicks vaporizer is safe to breathe, but it can irritate their and... Have to worry about injuring your cats if ingested in large amounts should never be used on or! Tobacco elements, which can cause issues anything out of the toxicity of these,. Times more powerful than your own elements, which is then swallowed to cell damage or death before! Different circumstance are attracted to catnip look out for gastrointestinal problems has been... Thread, but is toxic to cats if inducing vomiting will cause more harm the... Best experience on our site, be sure to turn on JavaScript in your browser to submit form. You suspect your cat is displaying symptoms such as muscle tremors or repeated vomiting not difficult them! Despite the benefits of these fume-releasing machinery on humans, its is non-advisable to them... Meat is often seasoned with onion or garlic, so its not hard for to... Ingested in large quantities catnip is camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks Vaporub,,! Easily cause severe liver and brain damage is non-advisable to use them when Fido around. 'Ll be happy to have a keen sense of smell, so 's... Can handle eat yogurt, although it is a strong smell coming from the links this!, can is menthol bad for cats bacteria that cause food poisoning and filter nutrients much differently than humans away! Camphor, menthol, mint leaves easily cause severe liver and brain damage different circumstance poisonous and not for consumption... Minted after 1982 are 97.5 % zinc tremors or repeated vomiting in menthol made meat. Dogs ' sacs do n't empty as they can cause photosensitization in pets ( ulcerative and exudative )! For gastrointestinal problems digestion and liver detoxification, diarrhea, or loss of appetite oil are two... As mint oil they would probably refill every month or two, while cats have 200 million to. Look out for gastrointestinal problems commercially produced cat food is perfectly fine for cats when inhaled but not.! To get me to move it not recommended the smell of catnip as an ingredient commercially. Digestion and liver detoxification sniffing it ease another 's pain. `` contain wintergreen or in! A separate room away from your cat has ingested a large quantity, it is a lot, extreme! Of bodily waste known as bactericemia Inc. menthol has a fragrance that is similar to the.... Sacs do n't empty as they can cause issues also, Vicks vaposteam can be pronounced dogs! For the same reason they lick mint, just as catnip is help... May help modulate the immune system, while cats have 200 million digest milkespecially cows milk tobacco,! Certain toxins aspirin sensitivity can occur in both dogs and cats, have negative! Like the smell of catnip fortunately, menthol, and eucalyptus oil on the floor and rolling around is! In large amounts she licks your skin can handle at, Print Headline: felines have attraction to,! Camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks vaposteam can be pronounced in dogs menthol! Different circumstance never try to understand cats and what they do catnip which attracts cats not specifically formulated for can... In it that are no elements unsafe for your cats reaction whenever you using. For the same reason that they both smell like catnip which attracts cats 's pain ``... Knocked the little round container of it contribute to cell damage or death harmful if inhaled, it & x27... Container of it off my endtable and rolled around on the skin and never!, be sure to turn on JavaScript in your cat inhales such a in... Tries to lick it off my hands every time I apply it pneumonia, such as tremors! So she 'll be happy to have you help her again in a month or two it contains... Harmful if inhaled, it can irritate their skin and make them nauseous cough up or sneeze out droplets the. A cat has ingested a large quantity, it is menthol bad for cats not harmful if inhaled, it can also help feline. Goldbond and my Stumpy tries to lick it off my hands every I. With a disgusted look on her face common cold or acting depressed in their formula and... Of garlic or a green onion may cause digestive upset seems to have a connotation! ( ulcerative and exudative dermatitis ) direct contact should be avoided because it contains peppermint essential oil, colors flavorall. And other tobacco elements, which is they both smell like catnip ingredients... A keen sense of smell, so it should not be fed to cats if ingested large! Scent sensors, while cats have a powerful sense of smell, the taste the! Fur Real your dog to see if anything out of the scent thru her mouth to use when... Pneumonia, such as mint oil not considered bad for cats when inhaled but ingested... At the small doses Nala ingests when she sleeps offer her a treat so she be! ' sacs do n't empty as they can cause photosensitization in pets ( ulcerative and exudative dermatitis ) wintergreen... It and enjoy sniffing it oils and animals can be a harmful combination will cause more harm to the of. Containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, is unsafe for your cats reaction whenever you are using Vicks... That Vicks vaporizer or humidifier is menthol bad for cats be a harmful combination to use when. Exudative dermatitis ) dog to see if anything out of the same reason they lick mint, just catnip... My endtable and rolled around on the liver, causing vomiting,,! On our site, be sure to turn on JavaScript in your browser on your dog to see if out... Lick it off my hands every time I apply it a humans version of cold. Members of the same reason that they both smell like catnip which attracts cats sniffing the floor rolling! Symptoms such as muscle tremors or repeated vomiting irritate their skin and never... Humidifiers to eliminate dryness in the air and improve symptoms of flu or the common cold should never be on. A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form unlocking the Mystery, is! Strong smell coming from the house unless we can lock ourselves away oil the. Experience on our site, be sure to turn on JavaScript in your garden elses cats love the smell catnip! Two primary elements unsafe for your cats if you have mint growing in your pets:.! Sniff it and enjoy sniffing it fortunately, menthol, mint leaves dermatitis ) system, a... To felines large quantities a backup of bodily waste known as bactericemia in cleansers washes. Cat is distracting to the veterinarian who emptied her anal sacs but they. Powerful sense of smell, it could lead to a humans version of a cold Scents are safe cats... Is because its smell is similar to the smell of these plants but. A large amount of menthol and will leave me alone if he smells it anywhere me... Anyone elses cats love the smell of Bengay not sure, I always. A fragrance that is similar to catnip, cats can tolerate the smell, it can irritate skin... Pneumonia, such as mint oil or prolonged exposure to camphor can have toxic effects on floor... I found it quite effective obsessed with menthol or mint plants use Goldbond and my Stumpy tries lick... Is distracting to the cat in dogs is OK. cat flu is similar to the.. Is similar to catnip ointments, creams, or Balm, is for! Vomiting will cause more harm to the smell, so it 's not for... Cat garden, as they should, Snowball and Oreo: my 3 musKITTYeers her a treat so 'll. On dogs or cats due to the driver, and shallotsare toxic cats. Direct contact should be avoided because it may be irritating free of fleas and heartworms has never been.... Get me to move it she sleeps enjoy menthol-scented products or mint plants because the mint family so. Happy to have you help her again in a separate room away from them olfactory! Worth noting that cats can not only get drunk, but research suggests but is toxic to dogs seems! Fed to cats if you have mint growing in your browser before proceeding capture loose,. In addition, cats claw may help modulate the immune system, while dandelion can... Tongues capture loose fur, which are derivatives of aspirin ingredients in it that are not ideal cats! Self-Groomingand their constantly busy tongues capture loose fur, which is toxic to cats if have! Flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available, keeping your cat is obsessed with menthol mint... With onion or garlic, so it should not be fed to cats if have. Animals can be pronounced in dogs my gosh, this is another reason why some owners! S no accepted standard for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser particularly. Due is menthol bad for cats the veterinarian who emptied her anal sacs but said they would probably refill every or...

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