Essential Oil Diffuser - Cat health

I recently received a humidifier/essential oil diffused for a Christmas gift. I did a little research before using it, and I know certain oils are toxic to cats. However, it seemed the general consensus was that diffused oils in the air would be fine. However, today Tempura threw up, which is the first time she has since I adopted her four months ago. This would have been the only thing to have changed. I've stopped using it just in case (I've only been using it about a day). We also live in a studio which might have impacted it (she's in much closer proximity to the diffuser). Is it possible this is what caused her tummy issues? (I also know throw up can be a fairly normal occurance. It just seemed odd to me the first time ever has happened at the same time as I introduced the diffuser.) I looked at more articles, and it's difficult since there's some discussion that it might be harmful even if inhaled, but there's no definitive knowledge.

Edit: after combing articles and the Internet it seems like definitely not a good idea, especially when the cat cannot leave the room. I feel awful. But anyway, word to the wise. She's been fine and playing. Hopefully her tummy is fine in the next few days. I'll update this if anything changes.

What scents were involved in the diffuser? I'm asking out of curiosity so as to avoid them myself, not because I know anything about potential toxicity. It does seem perfectly reasonable to speculate Tempura threw up because of the diffuser. I guess you'll have a better idea after seeing what happens now that you unplugged the diffuser.

I hope she continues feeling well. [emoji]128062[/emoji]

I see you've edited your initial post, @floofnugget, to say that its not a good idea to use. Someone else recently posted almost the exact same question to which I replied. That thread is here:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/311386/essential-oil-air-diffuser-safe-or-not

It seems these diffusers are a popular gift for the holidays. But don't forget to consider what's best for the furbabies!    Sometimes people give me flowers (like lilies at Easter) and I'm like...uh, yeah, I can't bring these home because I have cats. I end up leaving them in my office at work. If you work in an office, you could enjoy the diffuser there. 

Thanks everybody for your help!

She's been fine the last few days. I'm also assuming since my apartment is so small, the diffused particles might have also found their way to her water lesson learned.

The first day I used eucalyptus, lemon grass and lavender. The day right before she threw up however, was orange (and from what I can gather citrus oils seem particularly bad).

Anyone who comes across this, general advice seems to be that oil diffusers can cause trouble for kitties. If you use one it should be in a larger home/apartment (where the cat doesn't have to be close to it) with a window open/some circulation (and to not use it too often). For now, I'm not going to risk it since I only have a studio.

floofnugget said:

 
Thanks everybody for your help!

She's been fine the last few days. I'm also assuming since my apartment is so small, the diffused particles might have also found their way to her water lesson learned.

The first day I used eucalyptus, lemon grass and lavender. The day right before she threw up however, was orange (and from what I can gather citrus oils seem particularly bad).

Anyone who comes across this, general advice seems to be that oil diffusers can cause trouble for kitties. If you use one it should be in a larger home/apartment (where the cat doesn't have to be close to it) with a window open/some circulation (and to not use it too often). For now, I'm not going to risk it since I only have a studio.

Click to expand...

Thank you for sharing your experience! Good for others to know.

The lungs can get a lot of stuff into the blood stream (that's what they're there for), so even if it didn't get in her water just inhaling could be enough to stress her liver. And liver issues can cause nausea and vomiting.

You could always use it when you're taking a nice relaxing bath. (With a window open and the door closed....)

I'm glad she's recovered already!

I just took an online class on essential oils.  They should not be used around cats.  Never use essential oils on cats even mixed with carrier oils they are way too strong.  It might be possible to use hydrosols but make sure you know exactly what you are doing.  If you want to use diffusers for yourself, keep your cats out of that room for several hours afterward.  Never force your cat to be close to you after you have recently put something on yourself, in a closed room with you or a car.  

hmm interesting, I've had multiple diffusers my whole life & cats as well. Just last year I was in a motorhome for three months & had my diffuser going, even in the little bedroom & they still slept with me. I've never heard anything about oil scents being toxic to cats, but then again I wasn't researching for that. I ran into some breathing problems & really started using it just about every day. Even where I'm staying, in a bedroom inside a house, I run it. I usually run it for about 5 min & then off for about 10. I mainly had oils for asthma which open your bronchial area up, pines, eucalyptus, fir, etc I mixed them all myself & only used a drop or two of the really strong ones, rosemary, frankincense, peppermint, etc.

If your kitty did have some issues & that was the only thing that was different, I guess it's best to be safe than sorry & just run it without them around.

nothing like learning a little something new each day!

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/326833/essential-oils-and-cats

I love EO's as well and used to have a diffuser but decided not to risk using it around my cats any more. They are/were all old and have enough things going on. I still use oils but keep them away from the cats, use them in the bathtub or in my car, never in a room where they are. They never seemed to have a a reaction, if they didn't like the smell they left the room. When they had blood work done luckily nothing seemed wrong with their liver enzymes, but one cat did end up with kidney disease. Probably just old age, but she had also had a couple doses of Metacam injection a few years before for a leg injury ... They didn't do her any favors giving two doses of that. Essential oils are strong regardless, and should be used very carefully with infants, children, cats and other pets.

I am an old fan of essential oils and I've been using them since forever I think. Though recently I faced the same problem. I got a cat, she's an grown cat, I adopted her from my friends cause they moved and didn't want to take her with them. Anyways, I've noticed that she threw up a few times, I though it was due to the oils. I used just a candle, and I think she just maybe licked some of that when I didn't see. I didn't want to refuse the oils, since I'm so used to it. so I bought a diffuser. I did have to spend some time to search, cause most diffuser leak and spread to much into the air, which is fine with me but not the furbaby of mine! I bought a really good one, which works just great, you can see it here http://natadviser.com/best-essential-oil-diffuser-2016-2017/  (the third in the list)  it is no a powerful but it doesn't leak and has no drops she could lick.