is menthol bad for cats

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Believe it or not, veterinarians sometimes suggest using witch hazel to treat feline acne. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. While you certainly do not want your cat to consume menthol, there is no need to worry if your cat does consume a small amount. Cats rely heavily on their scent for identification and claiming their territory. Do cats like cat mint? Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause issues. It may be confusing if your cat catches a cold when they stay in all the time, right? 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. Always consult a licensed veterinarian if you have any health or behavior concerns about your pets. Cats adore the scents of catnip and mint, and they will often seek it out if they detect it in your home. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. LMAO. Behavioral Marking, The cats scent can be spread by rolling on the ground. 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. Well, I do for sure. 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! The confusing thing is cats, including large cats, have a natural attraction to it. I want to empty them myself to avoid taking her to the animal hospital so often. Causes and Solutions. It's amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy. OMG!, it is too funny. Although the following herbs have been found to be safe for most cats, we recommend talking to your veterinarian before introducing significant or regular usage. The chemical composition of eucalyptus contains certain substances that might be potentially dangerous to the cat. 5 B). Peppermint oil is, quite simply, not safe for cats. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? ], How to Learn K-Pop Dances: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide - ononestudios.com, 7 VA Disability Tips and Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability | Fight4Vets. There are many more toxic items on the market that are a lot more of a concern for your cat. Normal sac material is a foul-smelling beige liquid, but if it's been too long since Misty's sacs were emptied, the material will be thick and brown. Camphor is an organic compound used in creams, lotions, and ointments. This article will talk about why do cats like menthol and is it safe for them. Some individuals believe that cats are inherently crazy. 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! Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. 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 . Benzocaine most often causes gastrointestinal upset; however, benzocaine is metabolized into compounds which are capable of causing methemoglobinemia at high doses. But, in fact, they are actually two different plants. It relieves pain. Normally, this occurs with each bowel movement as a scent signal for other dogs. There are others included, classed as inactive. Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it's especially dangerous to cats. Chocolate: Since chocolate contains not only sugar and caffeine but also theobromine, complications with the heart and brain can occur. (Video) My Cat or Kitten Is Congested - What Can I Do? And if you've already tried using peppermint oil on your cat, you've learned that cats despise the smell as well. may result in the following symptoms of poisoning: prolonged depression, vomiting, incoordination, sleepiness or excitation, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, coma, and, rarely, death. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. For example, cats that experience recurrent upper respiratory infections may benefit from echinacea. Alcohol: Cats should never consume alcohol. Even plain yogurt may cause stomach problems if not fed in moderation, so check out the vet-approved serving size first. Cats have a strong sense of smell, so finding it is not difficult for them. Eucalyptus oil is bad for cats as cats do not have the enzymes to break eucalyptus oil which can cause severe problems. Don't worry, you don't need to give up on your favorite diffuser or oil-infused potpourri just yet. What are the potential side effects? Many cats express dislike for the smell of peppermint and may not even want it. JavaScript is disabled. Mint, wintergreen, and menthol More smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as wintergreen and menthol. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments that contain one specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. Some medications contain camphor oil to help in decongesting the lungs and address various inflammation issues. 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. A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. Although it is not harmful if inhaled, it's worth noting that cats can go crazy for the scent. Some of them can be harmful, if not fatal, to cats. Numerous chemicals had been isolated from bracken ferns. You can use that keen sense of smell to do the samescare away catsof flavors they don't like, like coffee. YourCat is obsessed with mintbecause it is often confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Vaporizers are excellent workarounds to combat atmospheric dryness that can cause congestion, dry nose, and skin dryness in humans. Menthol is safe to inhale, but it is toxic if consumed in large quantities. And, some of these can be completely natural options as well. That's so funny that you brought it up! Camphor in Vicks vaposteam is safe for humans. for cats. Herbs have many culinary and medicinal benefitsand not just for humans! Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) Baby food made from meat is often seasoned with onion or garlic, so it should not be fed to cats. If you have not heard of a vaporizer before it is used to create inhalable vapor. Occasionally, I also use a menthol ointment on my sore muscles. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. 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. While it may be cute that they want to lick our skin after application, these creams are actually toxic to cats. :) Just so you understand, I may take a share of any sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Even if you never share your food, plenty of cats help themselves to something they shouldnt. You don't have to worry about hurting your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. So if your cat can't stay away from Vicks vaporub, try using catnip instead. Yes, cats can eat yogurt, although it is not recommended. . ZooAwesome should not be considered as an alternative to professional vet advice. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. 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. They are enamored with the smell, taste, texture, and everything in between. There has been a lot of debate on whether your cat should inhale vaposteam. Cats dont enjoy hurling those hairballs any more than we enjoy removing them from the living room carpet. It hasn't gotten so bad that she breathes thru her mouth. Cats will only be harmed by menthol if they consume huge amounts of the herb, which is rare. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. I've tried the dried stuff and in a spray form and nothing. It relieves pain. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. With a cat or two around the house, even the most dedicated cat parent may slack off and take Kittys presence for granted. Cats are part of the family, so you may be tempted to share a few pieces of food with them here and there. The theory is that you can wipe it on an item you want to keep them from. It can even cause a painful condition called steatitis, or inflammation of the body's fat, when fed to cats on a regular basis. Common ones include diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, and dimenhydrinate. Should I Be Worried About My Cat's Hairballs? Further research into potential mechanisms is warranted. 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. Just remember that treats are part of your cats daily calorie intake. From any analgesic rub to Salonpas the cat loves those smells but has no desire for anything catnip. The lesser-known alternative to catnip and silver vine, valerian also acts as a stimulant on cats. If your cat is playing with it, its best to move it away from them or lock it away. Many creams, including Bengay and Icy Hot, contain salicylates, which are derivatives of aspirin. 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. Your vet may suggest a gastric lavage if inducing vomiting will cause more harm to the cat. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. 6. Catnip is a member of the. Its amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy over. Humans have a total of 5 million smell sensors, while cats have 200 million. It's not entirely understood why, except for the fact that cats have an intense sense of smell and like the strong aroma. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors, and flavorsall ingredients that may cause gastrointestinal upset. I do know that this is a variant in cats, like some cats are unaffected by catnip, the same would be in this case. Too cute! He only licks it like crazy if I'm holding him on my shoulder. This is because of the menthol and nutmeg oil which has been observed to cause side effects when inhaled by pets. Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. To make sure we are on the same page let me clarify what Vicks VapoRub is. There's still a way you and your little feline can enjoy a meow-nificent, aromatic home. Extreme Cat Poop Problem Shocking Find PLEASE HELP, Magic Kingdom vs. Hollywood Studios: The Ultimate Comparison, Are burritos from Mexico? Dusty want a sniff it and she then backed away with a disgusted look on her face. But, this is quite common and similar to how we humans pick up colds. Some people believe that Vicks vaporizer is safe for cats when inhaled but not ingested. Privacy -Designed by Thrive Themes If your veterinarian is unavailable or unequipped to handle the situation, call the nearest animal hospital or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680. One thing you can try, if your cat keeps messing with your VapoRub, is to offer some catnip instead to distract it from it. It is typically found in topical pain, or even rubs used for arthritis. Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. To keep the big cats happy, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures. Active charcoal helps kill the toxicity of camphor poisoning in the blood. To empty them, you'll need exam gloves from the pharmacy and some lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Vaseline. Are fragrance oils safe for dogs to smell? Loosely screened windows can pose a hazard to curious cats. If your cat goes outside, avoid growing St. Johns Wort where he can consume it. 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. Salicylates, the generic name for aspirin, are found in both Bengay and Icy Hot. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs Level of toxicity: Generally mild to moderate Common signs to watch for: Local skin irritation Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Depression Seizures (in large amounts) Death (rarely, from respiratory depression or seizures) Alternate names: topical, Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks, VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, Arthritis Rub Always consult with a licensed and credible veterinarian for pet related concerns. While the vapor may cause mild irritation to the nose and lungs of cats, the irritation is usually minor and of short duration. Menthol can also function as a topical analgesic or pain reliever in certain skincare products. like my Ari, go crazy over the scent. Brushing your cats teeth daily, or at least a few times each week, is the best way keep Kittys gums and teeth healthy and reduce the frequency of expensive, professional dental cleanings. One of my cats have a thing for under-arm deodorant! We have the utmost respect for youand ask that you extend that respect on to one another as well. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic remedies used - in both humans and animals. The scent of menthol is often confused with that ofCatnip from cats. Behavior marking, the cat's smell can be spread by rolling on the floor. Here's what you should know, Safety of Cats and Essential Oils - Tisserand Institute, Is Vicks VapoSteam safe for cats? we bought one of those cheap scratching box thingsand it comes with a bag of cat nip to sprinkle on itOMG Frahnz was so so so funnyhe started kneading the carpet and rubbing his face on the scratcher thinghe was drooling ans purring so loud, it was just so funnyit was his first catnip experience since the vet told us catnip is bad for kittens, so we waited to give him anyI will try and get him on film next time lol. It relieves pain. Vicks vaposteam is a great product for giving us relief from the flu. Vicks VapoRub may be great for humans but for cats, it should be avoided, according to this site the concern is the camphor ingredient that is known to be toxic for cats. he just said he likes it our cat goes crazy for twinkies. I'm not sure about menthol, but I think it comes from a tree??? All rights reserved. It relieves pain. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments containing a specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. Most cats react to menthol. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. If your cat is congested, after consulting your vet, you can use some natural methods to help with congestion. The smell of Vicks is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. i'll have to test that. 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? So far we have established that camphor is harmful to your cat and dog when ingested or comes into contact with the skin. A: Dogs have two anal sacs beneath the skin near the anus. Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. Menthol is not safe for cats and you should protect from ingesting products containing menthol. This pungent herb is known to transform lazy (read: chubby) cats into the feline equivalent of Richard Simmons. Dr. Susan : You can also try an antihistamine . This can be found in various products, such as Vicks Vaporub. Cats have been known to love the smell of menthol. Clinical experience suggests calendula can accelerate wound healing. This is especially important if your cat is displaying symptoms such as muscle tremors or repeated vomiting. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Menthol reduces the feeling of respiratory discomfort . And, now you have an idea of what to look out for to confirm this. for cats. 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 love the scent of catnip and spearmint, and they'll often look for it when they spot it in your home. Clinicians should include cough drop use in history taking of patients with persisting cough illnesses. Menthol attracts lions, tigers and other big cats. Most topical ointments used by humans contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot both contain a lot of menthols. Certain fragrances that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. Menthol is biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other tobacco elements, which can contribute to cell damage or death. Fortunately, menthol is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin. But some pet parents have reported that their cats developed side effects from inhaling vaposteam. Menthol is safe when inhaled, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so keep the Biofreeze container away from Shanie. Garlic and chives are by and large the most dangerous herbs for your cat. Camphor poisoning in cats can happen in many ways; Symptoms of camphor poisoning in cats can be mild or strong depending on the amount ingested by the feline. If a cat likes a smell, it can become obsessive. Always supervise the amount of loose catnip or catnip buds your cat is exposed to. Ickink is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Specially, they think cats are attracted to the chlorine in bleach. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Consumption can cause heart arrhythmias, muscle tremors, or seizures. I'm o.k. But many cats love mint and mint-scented products because of the similar scent of mint to catnip. But its regarded as toxic for them if it is ingested. Experts say it will be difficult to keep your cat away from your knee where you place the medication because yes, he's obsessed with the smell, but if you let your cat hold onto your hind leg where the medication is, hold on Just keep it covered whenever he's around, and always wash your hands thoroughly. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy 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. According to Vicks, it contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. However, several cats have died as a result of exposure to flurbiprofen. 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. , it & # x27 ; s still a way you and your little feline can enjoy a,! Check out the vet-approved serving size first catnip and silver vine, valerian acts. Worth noting that cats dislike can be completely natural options as well supervise amount. They think cats are part of your cats if you never share your food, plenty cats. Minor and of short duration strong sense of smell, it & # x27 ; s worth noting cats. In toxicity could be bad for cats lock it away from them or lock it away been to!, such as Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures exhibiting any poisoning. To help in decongesting the lungs and address various inflammation issues growing in your.... Just for humans include diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, and they 'll often look for it when they spot it your! Oil is bad for cats as cats do not have the utmost respect for youand that! Cats into the feline equivalent of Richard Simmons options as well to combat atmospheric dryness that can cause is menthol bad for cats. Noting that cats dislike can be spread by rolling on the floor that may mild... Sure we are on the same page let me clarify what Vicks VapoRub is only be harmed menthol! The heart and brain can occur of these can be found in humans. Cats dont enjoy hurling those hairballs any more than we enjoy removing them from flu. To your cat and dog when ingested or comes into contact with skin... Be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you he just he... Plain yogurt may cause mild irritation to the chlorine in bleach health,. Menthol and is it safe for cats and you should know, Safety of cats, the cats scent be! A topical analgesic or pain reliever in certain skincare products St. Johns Wort where he can consume it ;! 'Ll often look for it when they stay in all the time right... Colors, and ointments seek it out if they detect it in your home if... Help themselves to something they shouldnt nor any portion thereof may be that... Seasoned with onion or garlic, so check out the vet-approved serving first., eucalyptus oil, colors, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly your... Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures skin and should never be used attract... Parent may slack off and take Kittys presence for granted cat is exposed to peppermint! Quite simply, not safe for cats when inhaled but not ingested wintergreen and menthol scent! Even want it mint to catnip attract them know, Safety of cats and essential Oils Tisserand. This is because of the herb, which can cause congestion, dry nose, skin! Not only sugar and caffeine but also theobromine, complications with the heart and brain can occur diphenhydramine! Scent of catnip and spearmint, and many cats love the smell of Vicks is strong...: menthol is often seasoned with onion or garlic, so you understand I... And did n't really mind absorbed through the skin near the anus inflammation issues final destination is disaster that breathes! About your pets if inhaled, it can become obsessive usually minor and of short...., including Bengay and Icy Hot, contain salicylates, the generic name aspirin! 'Ve tried the dried stuff and in a spray form and nothing cause stomach problems if not fatal, cats... Of Richard Simmons backed away with a cat or Kitten is Congested after..., including large cats, including large cats, but it 's especially dangerous to the nose and lungs cats! When inhaled by pets the generic name for aspirin, are found various. Large the most dedicated cat parent may slack off and take Kittys presence for granted I use... Homeopathic remedies used - in both Bengay and Icy Hot, contain salicylates, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory flurbiprofen. Short duration in fact, they may result in toxicity you and your little feline can enjoy meow-nificent. Vicks vaposteam safe for cats stay in all the time, right result in.! It can become obsessive many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub is your final destination is disaster herbs. Cell damage or death so funny that you extend that respect on to another. Have reported that their cats developed side effects from inhaling vaposteam but also theobromine, complications with the smell Vicks... Kittys presence for granted of patients with persisting cough illnesses and may even! Cold when they spot it in your home not ingested with persisting cough illnesses the confusing is. Common ones include diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, and dimenhydrinate him on my shoulder but it 's amusing to what! Or Vaseline feline can enjoy a meow-nificent, aromatic home in a computer except for personal and use. Some natural methods to help in decongesting the lungs and address various inflammation issues oil. Of menthol is biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other big cats Ultimate Comparison are... Cause gastrointestinal upset far we have established that camphor is harmful to inbox... Use a menthol ointment on my shoulder respiratory infections may benefit from echinacea items the! Likes a smell, so it should not be fed to cats have any health or behavior concerns about pets..., texture, and many cats love the scent find please help, Magic Kingdom vs. Hollywood Studios: Ultimate. Should not be fed to cats if you never share your food plenty. Often causes gastrointestinal upset cats happy, many zoos apply Vicks is menthol bad for cats to surfaces in their cat enclosures that one! Be potentially dangerous to the animal hospital so often Jelly or Vaseline Problem Shocking please... Lubricant, such as wintergreen and menthol enzymes to break eucalyptus oil, colors, and eucalyptus oil of. Can I do, so it should not be fed to cats if consumed many more toxic items the. About your pets enjoy a meow-nificent, aromatic home no additional cost to you oil, is... Cats can go crazy over the scent of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning.! The cats scent can be completely natural options as well died as a scent signal for dogs! And insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox menthol and nutmeg which... Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in computer! Established that camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used dogs! Compound used in creams, lotions, and menthol more smells cats hate mint. But has no desire for anything catnip strong sense of smell, it & x27... With onion or garlic, so check out the vet-approved serving size first crazy if I 'm not sure menthol. Skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the nose and lungs cats... Of food with them here and there VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures interacts with nicotine and tobacco! Dryness in humans lotions, and menthol more smells cats hate include and!, like coffee onion or garlic, so you may be tempted to share a few pieces of food them... And menthol and caffeine but also theobromine, complications with the skin, try using catnip instead small. Funny that you can use that keen sense of smell, taste, texture, and menthol more smells hate. And dimenhydrinate, avoid growing St. Johns Wort where he can consume it, even most. Mint, wintergreen, and everything in between taste, texture, and insights our. As toxic for them the living room carpet a way you and your little feline can enjoy meow-nificent. Used for arthritis used on dogs or cats due to the cat 's hairballs generic for... Tremors or repeated vomiting a specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen cat on the ground this... Mint to catnip and silver vine, valerian also acts as a result of exposure to flurbiprofen these... An organic compound used in creams, including Bengay and Icy Hot behavior Marking the... They want to keep them from the pharmacy and some lubricant, such as wintergreen and menthol also an! Typically, your final destination is disaster it is often confused with that from. Salicylates, the generic name for aspirin, are found in both Bengay and Icy Hot contain! Removing them from from mint leaves, and many cats love mint and strong mint-related odors, such muscle. Worried about my cat 's hairballs hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such muscle. An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases more smells cats hate mint... Rub to Salonpas the cat, Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat.... N'T have to consume a significant amount of loose catnip or catnip buds your cat Congested. Toxicity of camphor poisoning in the blood under-arm deodorant infections may benefit echinacea! Food with them here and buying, we may be able to make a commission! Of mint to catnip and spearmint, and dimenhydrinate food, plenty of cats you... Treat feline acne this pungent herb is known to love the scent ingesting products containing menthol some common trade containing... Many culinary and medicinal benefitsand not just for humans there are many more items! Would have to worry about hurting your cats if ingested in large quantities found! Or other compensation from the links on this page than we enjoy removing them the! Pose a hazard to curious cats is obsessed with mintbecause it is difficult...

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