Specially, they think cats are attracted to the chlorine in bleach. Especially vicks vapo-rub. I just tossed it at him. For cats, treatment involves supportive care until symptoms resolve. Customer: is camphor, eucalyptus, menthol harmful to cats? Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. Now they have some reaction,but not much or for very long. LMAO. Cats may be poisoned if they are restrained in containers or cages made of zinc-containing metals, or painted with zinc-rich paints. Menthol is safe when inhaled, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so keep the Biofreeze container away from Shanie. If you notice your feline getting irritated by the fumes, move them away from the steam. Just like poisoning in humans, the key to reacting to poisoning in your pet is to act fast. As a general rule, cats are often more sensitive to the potentially toxic and other dangerous effects of essential oils and other scents than dogs are, but it very much depends on the scent, the delivery method, and the uniqueness of the pet. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family Labiatae. You don't have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. Is a Vicks vaporizer safe to use around my cat? Buckle your cats carrier in place for a safe road trip. Certain fragrances that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. All members of the onion family can cause problems if eaten in sufficient quantity. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy LOL I have a jar of mentholatum, like vaporub. Behavior marking, the cat's smell can be spread by rolling on the floor. Your cat lick menthol for the same reason they lick mint, which is they both smell like catnip which attracts cats. The methol in Vicks can be breathed in, if in small doses. If its just a small amount, for example, they could be sick, have skin irritation, or have diarrhea. Menthol has a fragrance that is similar to catnip. Just remember that treats are part of your cats daily calorie intake. As a topical application, camphor oil provides relief for muscle pain, skin itching, and skin inflammation. No, inhaling menthol vapor is not considered bad for cats. Is menthol bad for dogs? Call your veterinarian for specific advice; in some cases, small quantities are not likely to be a problem, but larger quantities may require you to take her in to see your veterinarian. Chocolate The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. Chemical burns and other toxic effects can occur if a cat licks up eucalyptus oil spills. As you can see, it's entirely normal for cats to be drawn to mint. The smell is banned from the house unless we can lock ourselves away. My Tyler loves anise pizzelles. Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint, that they both smell like catnip. The greatest concern with menthol exposure in cats is if the substance is ingested. If your cat is congested, after consulting your vet, you can use some natural methods to help with congestion. There are plenty of exciting food treats, like freeze-dried meat, that your cat will love. If you grow mint in your garden, don't be shocked if it attracts cats. (What Now?). 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. Explained! This can be found in various products, such as Vicks Vaporub. The chemical composition of eucalyptus contains certain substances that might be potentially dangerous to the cat. The menthol is usually diluted. A small amount of onion or garlic in some sauce is not likely to cause problems. Are there other ingredients in it that are not ideal for cats? Arnica for cats. 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! JavaScript is disabled. You can also check out ASPCAs complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) This herb is said to help support good immune health in cats. Generally, menthol is said to be drying just like alcohol. Cats absorb and filter nutrients much differently than humans. 5 A) and food consumption (Fig. But is camphor in Vicks vaposteam safe for cats? Cats' nervous systems are especially sensitive to peppermint oil, such as an essential oil. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. 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. 11 Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Cat. Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. Interesting !!! Wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint and mint. Find out which herbs are safe for cats (and may even benefit them! An unconfined cat is distracting to the driver, and vulnerable to injury or escape. It is typically found in topical pain, or even rubs used for arthritis. 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. Menthol is safe to inhale, but it is toxic if consumed in large quantities. Mint. Menthol is toxic because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Well I have the flu, and a tissue is the only thing I had to let him take his psycho-ness out on lol. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. I have had the same effect when using BenGay. A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants. Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information. Your cat stays indoors and rarely comes in contact with other animals. Celebrate National Biscuit Day with These Delicious Pet Treats! Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info. Sometimes I just sewed little soft toys for them and put the catnip inside. Warm, moist air will open up her nasal passages and let her breathe easier. This article will talk about why cats like menthol and if it's safe for them. Catnip is a member of the mint family, thus it has many of the same qualities as mint. This site is owned and operated by D Three Ltd. D Three Ltd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Menthol, for example, is primarily metabolized (in humans and rodents) through glucuronidation, and toxicity testing shows that menthol is 3-4 times more toxic to a cat than a rat (Opdyke 1976). Each one of the three main ingredients is claimed to be a cough suppressant, hence the reason they are used against colds and coughs. 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. Your cat licks menthol for the same reason she licks mint, which means they both smell like catnip, which cats are attracted to. Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to catmint. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Avoid growing the following herbs in your cat garden, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pets: Lemongrass. Despite the benefits of these fume-releasing machinery on humans, its is non-advisable to use them when Fido is around. Oddly enough, valerian is used among humans for relaxation. The lesser-known alternative to catnip and silver vine, valerian also acts as a stimulant on cats. Mint, wintergreen, and menthol More smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as wintergreen and menthol. (Video) My Cat or Kitten Is Congested - What Can I Do? Excess camphor oil can cause deadly seizures that result in the death of a cat. Cats have a far stronger sense of smell than humans. Here's what you should know, Safety of Cats and Essential Oils - Tisserand Institute, Is Vicks VapoSteam safe for cats? How to choose the right food for your cat. Catnip is safe for cats to consume, and they will be so distracted by their favorite treat that they will hopefully avoid Vicks vaporubin the future. Raw Meat and Fish. Catnip is a member of the. The reason your cat is obsessed with menthol is because its smell is similar to the smell of catnip. Salicylates, the generic name for aspirin, are found in both Bengay and Icy Hot. Rose. About TheCatSite.com. Secondly, her War on Menthol is kinda bizarre. Think your cat longs to explore all of springtimes splendors on her own? It is not regarded as a serious concern for adult cats. Privacy -Designed by Thrive Themes Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. USA pennies minted after 1982 are 97.5% zinc. If your aim is to help your cat get over a cold then there are other safe options. Why is my cat sniffing the ground and rolling over? They like it for a bit, but not too crazily, not like minty stuff and olives and celery. Fortunately, menthol is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin. Yes, cats like the smell of menthol and other similar minty scents. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experiences with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? There are a lot more hazardous things out therethat are much more dangerous to your cat. Simply dampen cotton balls with witch hazel and wipe your cats chin once or twice a day. But many cats love mint and mint-scented products because of the similar scent of mint to catnip. Clinicians should include cough drop use in history taking of patients with persisting cough illnesses. My cats actually don't really care too much for catnip. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. No, coconut oil is not toxic. 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. 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! However, dogs hate its strong scent. However, menthol gavage clearly relieved the unpleasant sensation caused by acid treatment, as those mice showed an increase in both body weight (Fig. Q: My dog Misty had been licking and scooting her behind across the carpet, leaving a brown streak. Stop using menthol topical and call your doctor at once if you have: severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation . If your cat goes outside, avoid growing St. Johns Wort where he can consume it. If you suspect your cat has camphor poisoning, rush them to the vet immediately. Since cats like menthol, they are fascinated by it and enjoy sniffing it. 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. All these chemicals and oils are toxic to dogs. You don't have to worry about hurting your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. It is important not to overdo it though, just a couple of minutes a day is enough to clear it up. Catnip is a member of the mint family, so it shares many of the same properties as spearmint. Peppermint oil is, quite simply, not safe for cats. Everything You Need to Know, Are Black Cats Smarter Than Other Cats? Menthol Can Cause Problems For Your Cat. Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause problems. Some cats do like the smell of Vicks VapoRub. Also, Vicks vaposteam can be added in humidifiers to eliminate dryness in the air and improve symptoms of flu or the common cold. Fat trimmings can also causepancreatitisin cats. 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