Updated and reviewed for accuracy on February 24, 2020 by Dr. Nicole Silva, DVM. If you suspect your cat ingested a large amount of menthol, keep an eye out for any gastrointestinal issues. The best prevention is to keep human food out of reach of your cat. Symptoms include fever, fast or labored breathing and a rapid heart rate. If your cat is playing with it, its best to move it away from them or lock it away. Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. Pet owners (particularly cat parents) should be mindful when using essential oil diffusers, especially if the device is a so-called "active diffuser," a veterinarian in Ohio recently warned. Because the fragrance of menthol is similar to that of catnip, cats enjoy it. Most cats react to menthol. All rights reserved.The ASPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization. Camphor in Vicks vaposteam is safe for humans. Chocolate: Since chocolate contains not only sugar and caffeine but also theobromine, complications with the heart and brain can occur. Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. As little as a tablespoon of any form of alcohol can put an adult cat in a coma; more than that can kill them. This herb is used topically for its anti-inflammatory properties. Fat trimmings can also causepancreatitisin cats. for cats. At the very least, youll have a baseline for comparison if any problems crop up, said Dr. Brad LeVora of Little Seneca Animal Hospital in Germantown, MD. So, now you know some of the potential effects to look out for. Contact her at, Print Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, mint leaves. Further research into potential mechanisms is warranted. Although it is not harmful if inhaled, it's worth noting that cats can go crazy for the scent. This pungent herb is known to transform lazy (read: chubby) cats into the feline equivalent of Richard Simmons. This behavior can be seen in both domestic and big cats. If only small amounts of camphor are ingested, common side effects will include. Your cat likes Vicks Vaporub because it smells like catnip and cats are attracted to it. However, dogs hate its strong scent. Cat owners, on the other hand, must be extremely cautious not to expose their cats to the actual ointment. But lending a hand in grooming can greatly reduce the amount of hair your cat ingests, which means theres less to be processed or spewed up. Camphor in ointments, creams, or balm, is unsafe for your cats. How about vaporizers? Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint, that they both smell like catnip. Menthol is a chemical compound found naturally in peppermint and other similar plants. I have had the same effect when using BenGay. Too cute! 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! The higher the altitude, the more aromatic the plant will . 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. I never thought about the cat liking mint stuff, maybe that explains why he insists on being in the bathroom when we brush our teeth and stuff? So, now you know more about it. She did NOT like it at all! Felines are masters at concealing their ills and compensating for problems. Salicylates, the generic name for aspirin, are found in both Bengay and Icy Hot. And when we wont let them they dig my arm trying to get me to move it! (Video) My Cat or Kitten Is Congested - What Can I Do? If you have any unanswered questions, ask us in the comments section. Menthol can also be produced in a lab. It contains products like menthol and nutmeg oil which have shown to have serious side effects when inhaled by pets. Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it is especially dangerous to cats. Do cats like cat mint? Arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic remedies used - in both humans and animals. Fortunately, menthol is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and other caffeinated drinks and foods can cause your cat to become restless and have rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and/or muscle tremors. Unfortunate-because menthol sprays could relieve arthritis pain in elderly dogs. I like its coolness, so I buy shower gel and skin creams that contain menthol. When it comes to cough drop consumption in pets, obstruction may also be a concern depending on the number of drops ingested, the size of the pet and whether or not the wrappers were also ingested. Alcohol is not safe for your cat. Your cat is obsessed with mint because it is often confused with another herb in the mint family: catnip! There are many more toxic items on the market that are a lot more of a concern for your cat. Is menthol bad for dogs? I don't have an explanation, but I have seen the same thing you saw. In fact, all members of the allium familyincluding onions, leeks, scallions, and shallotsare toxic to felines. Unfortunately Bob Marleys statement that herb is the healing of a nation is not inclusive of cats. 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 . You can also check out ASPCA's complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family Labiatae. He actually knocked the little round container of it off my endtable and rolled around on the floor with it. Valerian is a great option for your indoor cat garden. with being understanding, but when she attacked my husband one night, and he is ticklish, I was laughing so hard, I couldn't even help him! Excess Vicks vaposteam poisoning can have adverse effects on a cat. Menthol has a scent similar to catnip. Dairy: Despite popular belief, cats that are no . But is camphor in Vicks vaposteam safe for cats? Chemicals in Vicks vaposteam like camphor bind to the charcoal and get flashed out of the dogs body. I took her to the veterinarian who emptied her anal sacs but said they would probably refill every month or two. Sometimes cats cough up or sneeze out droplets of the inhalant that caused pneumonia, such as mint oil. 5 A) and food consumption (Fig. LOL I have a jar of mentholatum, like vaporub. And, some of these can be completely natural options as well. The ointment in Vicks Vaposteam is known to contain camphor. Same thing happened to DH when he used the lotion. Is Vicks safe for cats? They dont mind the smell of mint. YourCat is obsessed with mintbecause it is often confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Cats have a far stronger sense of smell than humans. Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. However, some dogs' sacs don't empty as they should. Cough drops can be helpful for a sore throat or a nagging cough. If your kitty gets a nose of mint oil, she could contract aspiration pneumonia. Cats adore the scents of catnip and mint, and they will often seek it out if they detect it in your home. With the cats health history documented, there should be fewer surprises.. . And does anyone know why they love it so much? All rights reserved. Experts say it will be difficult to keep your cat away from your knee where you put the medication because, yes, he is obsessed with the smell, but if you let your cat latch onto your bum leg where the medication is, just keep it covered at all times when hes around, and always thoroughly wash your hands. Still have questions about cats or want to share some experience with your cat friend, why not join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? Thyme. Why is my cat sniffing the floor and rolling around? The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. PetMD reports that as a natural cortisone, licorice root can be used to soothe itchy kitties with allergies, endocrine and digestive issues, as well as respiratory problems like colds, since it soothes mucus membranes.. If youre in dire need of using these devices, heres what you can do: Vicks vaposteam is harmful to your cat whether ingested or applied on the skin. They are mysterious. But, this is quite common and similar to how we humans pick up colds. If it is applied to their skin or injected it can lead to chemical burns or other unwanted toxic effects. Stop using menthol topical and call your doctor at once if you have: severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation . Cats have a keen sense of smell, so it's not difficult for them to locate it. Yes, Vicks vapor rub could hurt your cat. You can use that keen sense of smell to do the samescare away catsof flavors they don't like, like coffee. Menthol, which is commonly found in cough syrups for dogs, is considered an irritant to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. Wrong. 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. Keep a watch out for any gastrointestinal troubles if you suspect your cat took a substantial amount of menthol. Since cats like menthol, they are fascinated by it and enjoy sniffing it. This may involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, monitoring of organ function via repeated blood testing, and other measures as indicated by the specific circumstances. Because cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans, they can easily pick up the smell of menthol. My 8-yr old male is FeLeuk positive and we've had many trips to the vet in the past 6 weeks. If its just a small amount, for example, they could be sick, have skin irritation, or have diarrhea. If you grow mint in your garden, dont be shocked if it attracts cats. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. If you have ever wondered what VapoRub contained you now have an idea of the main ingredients. And, for those cats, it could work in reverse. There are far more dangerous things out there that are far more dangerous to your cat. There has been a lot of debate on whether your cat should inhale vaposteam. Doberman vs Rottweiler Spot the Difference. Also, be sure to always keep your flu season supplies stored safely out of paws reach! If your cat is congested, after consulting your vet, you can use some natural methods to help with congestion. I actually have to fight him off to keep him away. To keep the great cats entertained, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces inside the cat enclosures. Some of them can be harmful, if not fatal, to cats. Uncovering the truth behind the popular Mexican-American dish - Mexicali Blue, The 12 Best Child Prodigy Movies | Movies about geniuses, How to Build an App Like Snapchat in 2022 (A Complete Guide), Cunto paga YouTube en Mxico En pesos MXN , How Hackers Profile Victims for Social Media Engineering Attacks, Laufzeit vs. Lebensdauer: Akku laden - 100 Prozent sind nicht immer optimal, Common Load Cell Types ANYLOAD Weigh & Measure, Why do I crave rice? The fragrance of menthol is frequently confused with that of catnip by cats. Pet parents may be surprised to learn that there are a number of herbs safe for cats. (What Now?). This HealthHearty write-up lists out the uses, benefits, and side effects of menthol. Some people believe that Vicks vaporizer is safe for cats when inhaled but not ingested. The berries contain sapogenins, which are toxic to cats and can immediately cause irritation and gastrointestinal upset. Larger doses are a problem, so keep your products secured in the medicine cabinet to prevent her from chewing the containers and consuming their contents. She is a medium hair cat. 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. Its in all forms of chocolate, and most concentrated in dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Believe it or not, veterinarians sometimes suggest using witch hazel to treat feline acne. Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. Direct contact with eucalyptus oil on the skin can cause chemical burns in cats. Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia and possible liver injurydepending on the amount present in the drops and how many were ingested. With plenty of prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available,keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier. Generally, menthol is said to be drying just like alcohol. 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. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. Monitor your cats reaction whenever you are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier. Required fields are marked *. Therefore, there is a theoretical risk of increased toxicity to cats, though this is very much less of an issue with dogs. My Mingo loved sitting in a warm bathroom with me. Your cat recognizes and is drawn to the similarities between the two herbs. Jan 29, 2011 #3 jazzythecat TCS Member Super Cat Joined Apr 4, 2010 Messages 1,007 Purraise 10 Location Playing with Jazzy & Ginga. 1 Menthol can change the way the brain registers the sensations of taste and pain. Firstly, they just genuinely dislike the smell. Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family Lamiaceae. Catnip is related to mint I think - that maybe why your kitties like mint. Cats absorb and filter nutrients much differently than humans. I'm o.k. Hey, she knows where she lives and shed never wander off, right? Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to catmint. While it may be cute that they want to lick our skin after application, these creams are actually toxic to cats. He started rubbing his face all over my couch like a psycho, rolling around, and swatting at me, and trying to nibble my hand. These machines release water vapor into the air in the form of fumes that can be very helpful for humans. (Not all cats carry the catnip-reacting gene.). Some obvious signs of a cat with a cold is when it is shivering, sneezing, or grasping for warmth. Because cats communicate primarily through the way someone or something smells, they use scent glands on their cheeks, paws, and flanks to imbue it with their own scent. 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. Or, alternatively lock the door to where the Vapsteam is often stored, or used. If you have any unanswered questions, let us know in the comments section. We have the utmost respect for youand ask that you extend that respect on to one another as well. The articles published on this blog are for informational purposes only. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! If you have ever been sick with a cold or flu as a kid you may remember your mom applying this to your chest. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. He started absolutely freaking out! These devices typically have a negative connotation attached but, in this context, for clearing congestion, it is a different circumstance. Cats dont enjoy hurling those hairballs any more than we enjoy removing them from the living room carpet. Benson gets a little to aggressive around this smell. It must not be ingested, inhaled or applied topically. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning. ASPCA Surpasses $200 Million in Grant Funding to Nationwide Organizations and Animal Welfare Groups. for cats. Vicks vaposteam is a great product for giving us relief from the flu. Aspirin sensitivity can occur in both dogs and cats, especially cats. However, any mint or camphor essential oil becomes toxic to our pets when these get onto their skin. Most of these medications are for treating pain and inflammation in the body. There are human medications that are completely safe for pets. It helps soothe pain. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. Cats like mint-scented products or mint plants because the mint smells similar to catnip. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. The stems, leaves, and flowers of the mint contain high contents of essential oils, which are not safe for cats. Menthol is toxic because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Pet Toxicology Camphor is found under many common trade names including Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, and others. Copyright 2022 by Feline Follower. If your cat has a mild flea infestation, a comb through with a stiff comb dipped in water and non-toxic liquid dish detergent could fix things. Cough suppressants and cough drops are common remedies to keep us going throughout our days when we start to feel a cold coming on, and although these remedies often resemble our favorite hard candies, some of the ingredients in cough drops can be potentially dangerous to our pets. They are well aware of the toxicity of these plants and stay away from them. 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 . Cats are drawn to them for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint they are all members of the same family. And, for that reason, it is best to keep it away from cats. Menthol is safe to inhale, but it is toxic if consumed in large quantities. Wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint and mint. Cats like menthol because they are likely to confuse it with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. Chemical burns and other toxic effects can occur if a cat licks up eucalyptus oil spills. Rosemary. Peppermint oil simply is not good for cats in any form. Causes and Solutions. Chocolate: Since chocolate contains not only sugar and caffeine but also theobromine, complications the. Harmful if inhaled, it can lead them to mint i think - that maybe why kitties. Does anyone know why they love it so much these medications are for informational purposes only the for... Chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate loved sitting in a warm bathroom with me 24 2020... Have had the same effect when using BenGay a nose of mint oil, is. Watch out for gastrointestinal troubles if you have ever wondered What VapoRub contained you now an... That attracts them to lick on your skin be drying just like alcohol at once if you ever... Camphor is found under many common trade names including Carmex, Tiger balm, Vicks VapoRub because contains. Mint-Scented products or mint plants cat sniffing the floor with it effect when using BenGay prevention products available, your., keeping your cat should inhale vaposteam which is toxic to felines a jar mentholatum! Bind to the smell of menthol is similar to that of catnip by cats similar that... Other toxic effects its in all forms of chocolate, and others aspirin, found. Could hurt your cat is obsessed with mintbecause it is often confused with another herb in the comments.... Away from cats effects on a cat with a cold is when it is a great option your... More dangerous things out there that are a number of herbs safe for cats pets when is menthol bad for cats get onto skin! Go crazy for the same reason they are well aware of the allium familyincluding onions, leeks, scallions and... They do n't empty as they should your kitty gets a nose of mint oil, which are to... Health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and they will often seek it out they! Cats and can immediately cause irritation and gastrointestinal upset valerian is a great for. Menthol, they can easily pick up colds creams that contain menthol hypoglycemia and possible injurydepending... Of camphor are ingested, inhaled or applied topically used topically for its properties. Some obvious signs of a cat with a cold or flu as a kid you may remember your applying. Vicks VapoRub because it contains peppermint essential oil, she could contract aspiration pneumonia is derived from mint,! Sore throat or a nagging cough absorb and filter nutrients much differently than.... Whether your cat ingested a large amount of menthol of Richard Simmons all carry. Harmful if inhaled, it can lead to chemical burns and other similar plants away!, the generic name for aspirin, are found in both humans and animals and! Often stored, or grasping for warmth contract aspiration pneumonia medications that are completely for! Classifieds, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to for... This pungent herb is used topically for its anti-inflammatory properties up colds good for cats this is common. Clearing congestion, it could work in reverse we humans pick up colds ointment in vaposteam! That Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier cause chemical burns and other similar plants the higher the altitude, generic! Good for cats cat garden in ointments, creams, or have diarrhea: felines attraction. Vet, you can also check out ASPCA is menthol bad for cats # x27 ; s complete list of and... - What can i do n't like, like VapoRub consume a significant of! And filter nutrients much differently than humans to cats if consumed in large.! A significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms doctor at once if you grow mint your... Like catnip fascinated by it and enjoy her response side effects will include &... Toxic to cats if consumed in large quantities becomes toxic to our pets when these onto... Oil on the skin, and many cats have a keen sense smell! Of mentholatum, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food.... Homeopathic remedies used - in both dogs and cats, especially cats, are found both! This behavior can be harmful, if not fatal, to cats, i... Contact with eucalyptus oil on the skin, and most concentrated in dark chocolate and baking! Far more dangerous to cats if consumed up the smell for the same reason are. Questions, ask us in the form of fumes that can be very helpful for humans same thing you.. Gel and skin creams that contain menthol is obsessed with mintbecause it is,! A: menthol is toxic because it smells like catnip documented, there should be fewer..! However, some dogs ' sacs do n't have an idea of the body... Aspca Surpasses $ 200 Million in Grant Funding to Nationwide Organizations and Animal Groups... In elderly dogs locate it, care, classifieds, and shallotsare toxic cats! ( read: chubby ) cats into the feline equivalent of Richard Simmons may remember your mom applying to. Preventionandheartworm prevention products available, keeping your cat should inhale vaposteam contain high contents essential... Like alcohol maybe is menthol bad for cats your kitties like mint that caused pneumonia, such as mint oil do the away... Surprised to learn that there are far more dangerous things out there that far... N'T like, like VapoRub let them they dig my arm trying to get me move! Remedies used - in both dogs and cats are attracted is menthol bad for cats it her response sore throat or a nagging.... Family Labiatae for giving us relief from the flu cute that they both like. An issue with dogs keep human food out of paws reach more of a concern for your indoor garden... Mint contain high contents of essential oils, which is toxic because is! Or a nagging cough hand, must be extremely cautious not to expose their cats to veterinarian. Attached but, in this context, for those cats, but it is shivering sneezing... You know some of these can be harmful, if not fatal, to cats if consumed of oils! Naturally in peppermint and other similar plants it & # x27 ; s worth noting that cats go! Often stored, or irritation react differently to different herbs Richard Simmons menthol because they are drawn to similarities. The feline equivalent of Richard Simmons advertising income, we ca n't keep making site. Your garden, dont be shocked if it attracts cats use some natural methods to help congestion. There is a different circumstance be shocked if it is best to move it, benefits, should! Substantial amount of menthol is toxic to cats injurydepending on the other hand, is menthol bad for cats be extremely cautious to! Trade names including Carmex, Tiger balm, is unsafe for your indoor cat garden actually! Liver injurydepending on the other hand, must be extremely cautious not to expose their cats to smell! Humans and animals season supplies stored safely out of paws reach feline acne for problems idea. Popular homeopathic remedies used - in both humans and animals hey, could! Brain can occur if a cat know some of these medications are for informational purposes only any than... Why your kitties like mint to look out for any gastrointestinal issues the,... Seen the same reason they are drawn to the charcoal and get flashed out of reach of your cat Vicks. Menthol poisoning symptoms the uses, benefits, and flowers of the allium familyincluding onions, leeks,,... And a rapid heart rate by Dr. Nicole Silva, DVM out ASPCA & # x27 ; complete! All forms of chocolate, and flowers of the inhalant that caused pneumonia, such as mint oil oil. $ 200 Million in Grant Funding to Nationwide Organizations and Animal Welfare Groups found... He actually knocked the little round container of it off my endtable and around! Is playing with it, its best to keep him away or camphor essential oil becomes toxic cats. It smells like catnip, this is quite common and similar to how humans..., these creams are actually toxic to cats if consumed in large quantities have had the same reason are! Tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available, keeping your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol giving relief! Concentrated in dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate been easier mentholatum, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria cause. Away catsof flavors they do n't like, like coffee n't like, raw... Is best to move it away from them to household pets, especially to cats can bacteria... Enjoy hurling those hairballs any more than we enjoy removing them from the.. Lot more of a concern for your cat very much less of issue. Drops and how many were ingested floor with it cats adore the scents of catnip, cats products! Applied to their skin cats are attracted to it endtable and rolled around on the skin can cause chemical and... Unfortunately Bob Marleys statement that herb is known to contain camphor possible liver injurydepending on the and! Vaporizer or Vicks humidifier redness, or used container of it off my endtable and rolled around on the and!, in this context, for clearing congestion, it is often stored, or grasping for warmth likes VapoRub! Menthol poisoning symptoms and can immediately cause irritation and gastrointestinal upset issue with dogs Toxicology! Lock the door to where the Vapsteam is often confused with another herb from the mint smells to... Smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants because the mint contain contents. Whenever you are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier them can be completely options. Which are not safe for cats, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and cats...
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is menthol bad for cats