For years, essential oils have been all the rage, both for human and animal use. This liquid is obtained through mechanical extraction, steam distillation, or other distillation methods. The benefits of essential oils are recognized by the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, which defines them notably for their pharmaceutical applications.
Which Essential Oils Should You Choose for Your Cat?
Essential oils may seem harmless, but beware! In cats, some can cause:
- irritations, such as clove (Eugenia carophylatta), for example,
- neurological disorders, such as niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia),
- respiratory issues, such as eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata or globulus).
Some also contain camphorated ketones, such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which can cause liver disorders in cats. Unless you're an expert, it's best to avoid self-medication (just like with us!) or, better yet, use them only on the recommendation of a trained healthcare professional.
For cats, certain essential oils are particularly useful for inhalation. This includes:
- myrtle (Myrtus communis) with anti-infectious, antispasmodic, anti-fibrotic, and expectorant properties,
- tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) known for its antiviral, antifungal, and anti-infectious properties,
- maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) renowned for its ability to stimulate the immune system, as well as its anti-catarrhal, anti-infectious, antioxidant, and expectorant properties,
- and bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.) with antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory benefits, particularly effective in inhalation as it helps soothe coughs.
And the ready-to-use preparations?
Indeed, ready-made formulations are available on the market. The advantage of these blends is that they combine several essential oils, allowing you to benefit from their synergy—often making them more effective together than when used alone! However, always make sure to read the instructions carefully to know which essential oils are included in the formulation, and always opt for blends specifically designed for cats.
