. These are all members of the same family. These things run in the same family. Alternatively, always use your Vicks vaporizer or humidifier in a separate room away from your cat. Cats like menthol because they are likely to confuse it with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Not all scents are harmful to kitties or will cause any kind of essential oil toxicity. Consumption can cause heart arrhythmias, muscle tremors, or seizures. Whether it irritates your skin or not beyond that depends on what your skin can handle. Cats' nervous systems are especially sensitive to peppermint oil, such as an essential oil. If you want to use essential oils on your cat, ensure they are pet-approved. The greatest concern with menthol exposure in cats is if the substance is ingested. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. They have their own weird behaviors that no one can understand, but one that's particularly intriguing is why cats go crazy for menthol. Some are even deadly. She is a medium hair cat. Some medications contain camphor oil to help in decongesting the lungs and address various inflammation issues. No, inhaling menthol vapor is not considered bad for cats. Camphor is an organic compound used in creams, lotions, and ointments. Are ferns bad for health? Menthol is safe to breathe, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts. Sandalwood. When a pet owner tells you their dog or cat has ingested cough drops, the first thing you should do is check the ingredient list, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Cats have a powerful sense of smell, so its not hard for them to find it. All these chemicals and oils are toxic to dogs. To put it in perspective, a typical cough drop contains between 5 and 10 mg of menthol. The theory is that you can wipe it on an item you want to keep them from. A bland diet may also be suggested to help heal the mucus membranes of the cat. Rosemary. toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) Q: My dog Misty had been licking and scooting her behind across the carpet, leaving a brown streak. I'm not sure, I've always put it in something. Your cat will recognize the similarities between the two herbs and will be attracted to them. Your cat's olfactory receptors are 14 times more powerful than your own. This helps your vet in making a proper diagnosis. However, some drops contain ingredients that can create more serious consequences: Xylitol. Dairy: Despite popular belief, cats that are no . Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint, that they both smell like catnip. As a result, cat owners must exercise extreme caution and avoid exposing their feline to the actual ointment, as some can be harmful to felines. You know that open-nose feeling you get when you breathe in menthol? Since cats like menthol, they are fascinated by it and enjoy sniffing it. Talk to your veterinarian if you have to clean up more than one or two a month. Basil, tea tree, oregano, and clove are all safe for your cat. Cats are often attracted to menthol smells. Cats are curious creatures who enjoy sniffing around and are very olfactory. Why does my cat like the smell of Bengay? The scent of menthol is often confused with that ofCatnip from cats. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family Labiatae. If only small amounts of camphor are ingested, common side effects will include. Tuna has too much unsaturated fatty acid and does not have sufficient vitamin E or other antioxidants, whereas commercial cat foods usually supplement vitamin E. If you suspect your cat ate any of these foods, try to determine how much they may have eaten. 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? Most cats dislike traveling and resent being cooped up in their cat carriers, but a free-range cat in a moving vehicle can become a terrified, furry missile. Cats are curious creatures that love to sniff around and have a very good sense of smell. Cats have a strong sense of smell, so finding it is not difficult for them. There are far more dangerous things out there that are far more dangerous to your cat. Menthol is used in a wide range of products, including inhalants, lozenges, mouthwashes, breath fresheners, and creams, lotions, or ointments for alleviating pain. Because cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans, they can notice the scent of menthol readily. And when we wont let them they dig my arm trying to get me to move it! How Long Can Newborn Kittens Survive Without Their Mom? When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. 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. Although it is not one of the active ingredients in either Icy Hot or Bengay, it is commonly used to treat arthritis, dental, and eye pain. Cats like menthol because they are likely getting it confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Excess Vicks vaposteam poisoning can have adverse effects on a cat. Many cats express dislike for the smell of peppermint and may not even want it. So, now you know more about it. Normally, your cat would need to consume a significant amount of menthol before showing symptoms of menthol poisoning. In addition, cats claw may help modulate the immune system, while dandelion root can help promote healthy digestion and liver detoxification. Cats absorb and filter nutrients much differently than humans. Find out which herbs are safe for cats (and may even benefit them! Chocolate: Since chocolate contains not only sugar and caffeine but also theobromine, complications with the heart and brain can occur. Felines are self-groomingand their constantly busy tongues capture loose fur, which is then swallowed. However, eating a clove of garlic or a green onion may cause digestive upset. But the truth is that many human foods are toxic or even deadly for cats. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! These devices typically have a negative connotation attached but, in this context, for clearing congestion, it is a different circumstance. Dr. Susan : Coconut oil is very fattening, so I would not recommend using this long term. Menthol is made from a mint, just as catnip is. Required fields are marked *. Although it is not harmful if inhaled, it's worth noting that cats can go crazy for the scent. It is taken from Camphor trees, hence the reason its called camphor. Never try to understand cats and what they do. 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 . Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. So, now you know it is not a good idea. While the petMD teamdoes not recommend declawing, that practice was not included in this listas it is considered to be an extreme measureand not something that fit into our original concept for this piece. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning. Our goal was for cat owners to enhance those often-overlooked, common instances with increased presence and concern via suggestions from our experts. Especially vicks vapo-rub. She eats plenty, drinks, and has a very playful personality. (What Now?). Raw Meat and Fish. Generally, menthol is said to be drying just like alcohol. Avoid using camphor oil, nutmeg oil, eucalyptus, or menthol in your humidifier. But cats, like the rest of us, can experience subtle health shifts, from poor vision to kidney dysfunction. Menthol and nutmeg oil are the two primary elements unsafe for dogs. If your kitty gets a nose of mint oil, she could contract aspiration pneumonia. Cooling and pain relief. There has been a lot of debate on whether your cat should inhale vaposteam. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy menthol-scented products or mint plants. Stop using menthol topical and call your doctor at once if you have: severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation . The berries contain sapogenins, which are toxic to cats and can immediately cause irritation and gastrointestinal upset. 2 In cigarettes, menthol creates a cooling sensation in the throat and airways, making the smoke feel less harsh and easier to inhale. I don't know why but she would slobber and claw my poor friend. Cats like mint-scented products or mint plants because the mint smells similar to catnip. 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. Clinical experience suggests calendula can accelerate wound healing. You can also check out ASPCA's complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) Cats are part of the family, so you may be tempted to share a few pieces of food with them here and there. I'm o.k. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. However, this is known to be quite toxic for them. 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. Please consult your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist first before adding these foods to your cat's diet.There is risk of vomiting, diarrhea, Salmonella or E. coli with these foods for some animals, especially when given improperly. (Find out now!) 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. To empty them, you'll need exam gloves from the pharmacy and some lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Vaseline. It relieves pain. It relieves pain. We first noticed that years ago when Max was living. Pine You can't just take a shower and go to bed and try to fall asleep without her attacking you. This herb is said to help support good immune health in cats. If you suspect your cat ingested a large amount of menthol, keep an eye out for any gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, there is a theoretical risk of increased toxicity to cats, though this is very much less of an issue with dogs. Tarragon. However, catmint does not have the same effect. When your cathacks up a hairball, you probably just sigh in annoyancethats how cats are, right?and clean up the mess. Tuna as an ingredient in commercially produced cat food is perfectly fine for cats. This may be for good reason, as ingesting mint and its relatives can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. 11 Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Cat. 5. This article will talk about why do cats like menthol and is it safe for them. Is Vicks safe for cats to smell? This is because of the menthol and nutmeg oil which has been observed to cause side effects when inhaled by pets. Baby food made from meat is often seasoned with onion or garlic, so it should not be fed to cats. But, if it is a lot, in extreme cases, it could lead to a seizure or acting depressed. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. OMG!, it is too funny. [And what to do? This is another reason why some cat owners steer clear of it. Menthol is toxic because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Menthol is used in a wide range of products, including inhalants, lozenges, mouthwashes, breath . Your cat licks menthol for the same reason she licks mint, which means they both smell like catnip, which cats are attracted to. TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. Numerous chemicals had been isolated from bracken ferns. Catnip is a mint family Labiatae perennial herb. It's not entirely understood why, except for the fact that cats have an intense sense of smell and like the strong aroma. 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. menthol topical may cause serious side effects. I never heard that catnip wasn't good for kittens, but I do know that they don't have any reaction to it. Oddly enough, valerian is used among humans for relaxation. 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. If your cat is congested, after consulting your vet, you can use some natural methods to help with congestion. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. However, some dogs' sacs don't empty as they should. If you have ever wondered what VapoRub contained you now have an idea of the main ingredients. Just remember that treats are part of your cats daily calorie intake. But many cats love mint and mint-scented products because of the similar scent of mint to catnip. Lee Pickett, VMD, practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. Smells Cats Like - CatGazette, https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/warum-wird-meine-katze-verrckt-ber-den-geruch-von-bengay/, https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1, https://www.pestsbanned.com/cats/do-cats-like-mint/. If ignored, impacted sacs can become infected or rupture, causing bleeding and pain. (Video) 10 Ways You Should be using Vicks Vaporub, (Video) 12 Unexpected Uses for Vicks VapoRub. My 8-yr old male is FeLeuk positive and we've had many trips to the vet in the past 6 weeks. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. It relieves pain. Behavioral Marking, The cats scent can be spread by rolling on the ground. Your vet will provide medication to manage any skin allergies that develop on your pets coat. She did NOT like it at all! Most cats react to menthol. What are the potential side effects? Many sites list chamomile in the column of herbs safe for cats; however, this is a dangerous generalization, as some types of chamomile are toxic to cats and dogs alike. About TheCatSite.com. 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. Peppermint oil simply is not good for cats in any form. I purchased a very extensive pet insurance earlier this evening; however, it does not kick in for illnesses until after 30 days. Like all toxins, it is dose-related, so a small amount for a big dog is not as significant as a large amount for a small dog. Dr. Susan : It can act as a laxative to some degree, so you may see some loose stool or diarrhea as a result. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. Because the fragrance of menthol is similar to that of catnip, cats enjoy it. I just tossed it at him. Catnip is a member of the. All of the information and content on this website is written from our own personal perspective of owning and caring for pets over the last couple of years. Customer: is camphor, eucalyptus, menthol harmful to cats? All rights reserved.The ASPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization. Too cute! A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. It should be obvious but some owners may struggle to notice it. He will however come up and steal bites of my food if I don't pay attention, he loves pop tarts, turkey, rice krispie treats, ice cream of any flavor just to name a few :lol: my dad claims he isn't a softy to animals but we caught him feeding our cat yogurt with a spoon he was sharing. I like its coolness, so I buy shower gel and skin creams that contain menthol. Keep reading to get these answers, and so much more. Excitement over a robins fly-by may cause your mellow tabby to accidentally dislodge that screen and plummet to the ground. Believe it or not, veterinarians sometimes suggest using witch hazel to treat feline acne. Some cats develop skin problems when they come into contact with camphor oil. ASPCA Surpasses $200 Million in Grant Funding to Nationwide Organizations and Animal Welfare Groups. However, any sugary or flavored yogurts are better avoided. Your email address will not be published. I too use Goldbond and my Stumpy tries to lick it off my hands every time I apply it. These aptly named herbs for cats can also help with feline allergies. Unfortunately Bob Marleys statement that herb is the healing of a nation is not inclusive of cats. The first thing you should do when trying to get rid of cats is to make sure your garden doesn't have any mint (or catnip) plants. There are plenty of exciting food treats, like freeze-dried meat, that your cat will love. If you have ever been sick with a cold or flu as a kid you may remember your mom applying this to your chest. (Not all cats carry the catnip-reacting gene.). But plaque buildupeventually turns to tartar, which can lead to pain and even tooth loss down the road. Burning, stinging, redness, or irritation the cats scent can be by! An item you want to keep them from Funding to Nationwide Organizations and animal welfare Groups there! To keep them from different circumstance or will cause any kind of oil! 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