Catnip is safe for cats and they will be so distracted by their favorite treat that they will hopefully avoid Vicks Vaporubin in the future. Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it is especially dangerous to cats. 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. Keep Kitty safely harnessed, leashed, and reassured by your presence when outdoors, for her peace of mindand yours. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy 5 B). Menthol has a fragrance that is similar to catnip. What is the Health Concern? Some medications contain camphor oil to help in decongesting the lungs and address various inflammation issues. This can pose a risk for aspiration and may become a choking hazard, particularly in those pets that may be more susceptible to aspiration. The reason why its not ideal is that some cats seem to like the smell of menthol. So, to be safe, it is best avoided. Then praise Misty and offer her a treat so she'll be happy to have you help her again in a month or two. Mint, wintergreen, and menthol More smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as wintergreen and menthol. I want to empty them myself to avoid taking her to the animal hospital so often. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Despite the benefits of these fume-releasing machinery on humans, its is non-advisable to use them when Fido is around. Are there other ingredients in it that are not ideal for cats? You can also check out ASPCAs complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) Why bother with a flea and heartworm preventive for an indoor cat? Cats have a powerful sense of smell, so its not hard for them to find it. Cats love both the smell of catnip and menthol and are often drawn to it when they smell it in your home. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. While German chamomile is considered safe, English/Garden/Roman/True chamomile can cause contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions in pets. The problem is most common in small dogs, dogs that are overweight, those that have neurologic problems affecting the hind end, and dogs whose anal sac ducts formed abnormally. Why does my cat like the smell of Bengay? These oils are unsafe for pets. We have the utmost respect for youand ask that you extend that respect on to one another as well. 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. The methol in Vicks can be breathed in, if in small doses. Menthol can be harmful to cats when ingested in large amounts. Do cats like the smell of menthol? Cats have been known to love the smell of menthol. With plenty of prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available,keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. :) Just so you understand, I may take a share of any sales or other compensation from the links on this page. I didn't know about that and I gave some to my cats when they were around 5 months old. They are enamored with the smell, taste, texture, and everything in between. Check out Baxter's Backyard for our blogs on Pet Training, Pet Tavel, Pet Health, Pet News, Pet How To, and more! I like its coolness, so I buy shower gel and skin creams that contain menthol. When Misty's sacs fill, the uncomfortable swelling causes her to lick herself and scoot on the ground in an attempt to empty them. Felines are self-groomingand their constantly busy tongues capture loose fur, which is then swallowed. If its just a small amount, for example, they could be sick, have skin irritation, or have diarrhea. A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. If you are concerned that your cat has a cold you may be keen to understand what signs or symptoms to look out for. So far we have established that camphor is harmful to your cat and dog when ingested or comes into contact with the skin. Same thing happened to DH when he used the lotion. Menthol attracts lions, tigers, and other large cats. Common ones include diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, and dimenhydrinate. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. 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.. I'm just curious if anyone elses cats love the smell of menthol products as much as my cats do? Menthol can also be produced in a lab. Don't delay contacting a professional. I don't have an explanation, but I have seen the same thing you saw. Catnip is a member of the mint family, thus it has many of the same qualities as mint. A forum community dedicated to all pet owners and enthusiasts. Direct contact should be avoided because it may be irritating. Lions, tigers and other big cats are attracted to menthol, too. He will however come up and steal bites of my food if I don't pay attention, he loves pop tarts, turkey, rice krispie treats, ice cream of any flavor just to name a few :lol: my dad claims he isn't a softy to animals but we caught him feeding our cat yogurt with a spoon he was sharing. If a cat likes a scent, it can become obsessional. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info. Find out which herbs are safe for cats (and may even benefit them! This may involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, monitoring of organ function via repeated blood testing, and other measures as indicated by the specific circumstances. Do not give your cat any other human medicines - cats are not small people and many of our home remedies are toxic to them. Whether it irritates your skin or not beyond that depends on what your skin can handle. This is a question we typically receive from pet owners who also have sensitive skins and physiology to aerial drought and were here to clarify: Any vaporizer or humidifier is unsafe for dogs. Even if you never share your food, plenty of cats help themselves to something they shouldnt. Vicks Vaporub can be used as a substitute for catnip. Avoid growing the following herbs in your cat garden, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pets: Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying herbs safe for cats. Loosely screened windows can pose a hazard to curious cats. Are fragrance oils safe for dogs to smell? An unconfined cat is distracting to the driver, and vulnerable to injury or escape. Some zookeepers apply a menthol-containing ointment such as Vicks VapoRub to surfaces inside the cat enclosures to entertain the great cats. There are far more dangerous things out there that are far more dangerous to your cat. Please tell me how to accomplish this. Nikko, that is too funny. Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. Because of this, cat owners must exercise extreme caution and avoid exposing their cat to the actual ointment, as some can be harmful to cats. Cats dont enjoy hurling those hairballs any more than we enjoy removing them from the living room carpet. This behavior can be seen in both domestic and big cats. 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. ZooAwesome is not intended as replacement to any veterinarian advice. Still scooping? When a pet owner tells you their dog or cat has ingested cough drops, the first thing you should do is check the ingredient list, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. According to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), the first thing you should do if your pet ingests cough drops is check the ingredients list. Toxic for cats to inhale no idea smell of Vicks is used for treating congestion Is the smell of Vicks bad for cats? A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. I know the dogs dont like vicks, Last time i was sick Tanner was being a pest so i let him smell it and he made the funniest face. The darker the chocolate is, the more dangerous it is to your cat and death can occur if enough is consumed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If your cat is congested, after consulting your vet, you can use some natural methods to help with congestion. I backed up and he leaned forward towards me and looked like he was going to lunge at me, mouth slightly open. Warm, moist air will open up her nasal passages and let her breathe easier. Camphor is an organic compound used in creams, lotions, and ointments. According to Wikipedia, It is a menthol-based ointment used for colds, muscular pain, or even for treating mosquito bites. Numerous chemicals had been isolated from bracken ferns. | Powered by WordPress. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Download : Download high-res image (665KB) Download : Download full-size image; Fig. Is a Vicks vaporizer safe to use around my cat? 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? Catnip is a member of the mint family, so it shares many of the same properties as spearmint. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. Call your veterinarian, or contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213-6680. If you have ever been sick with a cold or flu as a kid you may remember your mom applying this to your chest. This is especially important if your cat is displaying symptoms such as muscle tremors or repeated vomiting. Yes, cats can eat yogurt, although it is not recommended. But plaque buildupeventually turns to tartar, which can lead to pain and even tooth loss down the road. i'll have to test that. Vet experts even warn that the harmful effects of Vicks vaporizer or humidifier can be pronounced in dogs. Thanks if you use my links, I really appreciate your support. Cats will only be harmed by menthol if they consume huge amounts of the herb, which is rare. Aspirin sensitivity can occur in both dogs and cats, especially cats. Redhaired103 6 yr. ago. Caveat: Its important to note that if a cat consumes large quantities of catnip (or any garden mint variety), he may experience vomiting and diarrhea. That said, many of our readers on social media have requested a thorough treatment on the topicand we plan to deliver one in the coming weeks. The fragrance of menthol is frequently confused with that of catnip by cats. Your cat lick menthol for the same reason they lick mint, which is they both smell like catnip which attracts cats. No, coconut oil is not toxic. Cats are drawn to them for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint they are all members of the same family. 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. These are all members of the same family. And, for those cats, it could work in reverse. To keep the great cats entertained, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces inside the cat enclosures. Most topical pain creams and ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in their formula, and both Bengay and Icy Hot are high in menthol. And if you've already tried using peppermint oil on your cat, you've learned that cats despise the smell as well. Too cute! Simply dampen cotton balls with witch hazel and wipe your cats chin once or twice a day. If your cat goes outside, avoid growing St. Johns Wort where he can consume it. Whenever I apply a menthol skin product, Nala rubs up against me, licks my skin and follows me around, not leaving me alone. Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. Cats are attracted to minty scents so be very wary of putting out creams, lotions or foods containing menthol when you have a cat. . Is menthol bad for dogs? With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. You may walk fleas into your home after visiting a friend with a dog or cat, and mosquitos can zip through a door or window that is left open for just a few seconds. Cats are not fond of anyone touching their precious pearly whites, and your cats reluctance to open wide may have convinced you that cat dentaltreats are enough to protect Kittys smile. This is not good for cats. Specially, they think cats are attracted to the chlorine in bleach. Doberman vs Rottweiler Spot the Difference. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments containing a specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. Your cat seems healthy. You might even consider planting a few of these herbs as a cute little cat garden. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying herbs safe for cats. If you suspect your cat has camphor poisoning, rush them to the vet immediately. It has potential toxic effects and . Physical manifestations may be: Diarrhea Agitation Heavy panting Seizures Comatose Cardiac arrests Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! Zinc oxide ointment may be toxic if regularly applied to and licked off the skin or paws. In cosmetics and skincare products, menthol is used to help relieve pain and to improve the scent and flavour of the product. The arnica plant, Arnica montana is an alpine plant, related to the common daisy, grows in meadows up to 3,000 metres above sea level, where it is exposed to strong sunlight. Extreme Cat Poop Problem Shocking Find PLEASE HELP, Magic Kingdom vs. Hollywood Studios: The Ultimate Comparison, Are burritos from Mexico? 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. Even the simplest oversight may have big consequences on your cats well being and quality of life. Camphor in Vicks vaposteam is safe for humans. My 8-yr old male is FeLeuk positive and we've had many trips to the vet in the past 6 weeks. Vicks vaporizer is not ideal for cats. Its getting to be that time of year again: time for flu shots, cough drops and all the precautions we take to avoid getting sick during the colder months. Also, be sure to always keep your flu season supplies stored safely out of paws reach! Clinicians should include cough drop use in history taking of patients with persisting cough illnesses. I've tried the dried stuff and in a spray form and nothing. 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. However, menthol gavage clearly relieved the unpleasant sensation caused by acid treatment, as those mice showed an increase in both body weight (Fig. 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. Menthol is used in a wide range of products, including inhalants, lozenges, mouthwashes, breath . Thyme. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Do cats like the smell of the Vicks VapoRub? Because we reap so many benefits from Vicks vaposteam, we may want to use it on our pets when they suffer muscle pain or inflammation. Therefore, there is a theoretical risk of increased toxicity to cats, though this is very much less of an issue with dogs. Some cat owners believe they are one of the same things. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Some people believe that Vicks vaporizer is safe for cats when inhaled but not ingested. Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family Lamiaceae. Because the scent of menthol is similar to that of catnip, cats enjoy it. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the chin. Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. Peppermint oil is, quite simply, not safe for cats. These aptly named herbs for cats can also help with feline allergies. It is typically found in topical pain, or even rubs used for arthritis. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: If you have heard of Camphor before, in the context of health remedies, you may have wondered exactly what it is, and where it comes from. 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? Tolly too LOVES mint and menthol. What's this all about? he just said he likes it our cat goes crazy for twinkies. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments that contain one specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. From any analgesic rub to Salonpas the cat loves those smells but has no desire for anything catnip. Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia and possible liver injurydepending on the amount present in the drops and how many were ingested. Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. However, any sugary or flavored yogurts are better avoided. Are ferns bad for health? However, this is known to be quite toxic for them. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. like my Ari, go crazy over the scent. Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. Most cats dislike travelingand resent being cooped up in their cat carriers, but a free-range cat in a moving vehicle can become a terrified, furry missile. Although getting sick is sometimes unavoidable, you shouldnt forget about your furry friends as you stock your medicine cabinet this year. Try aself-cleaning litter box. This could be from the air they consume or even through the water. When your cathacks up a hairball, you probably just sigh in annoyancethats how cats are, right?and clean up the mess. Rose. Sandalwood. This herb, which belongs to the mint family, contains an essential oil called nepetalactone that drives many cats wild. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. Now they have some reaction,but not much or for very long. , to be quite toxic for them screened windows can pose a hazard curious... 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Lick mint, which can cause serious neurological problems and lead to pain and even tooth loss down road... Safe for cats your chest for them has many of the Vicks VapoRub the. Tigers, and dimenhydrinate, quite simply, not safe for cats capture loose fur, is!, or have diarrhea you use my links, i may take a share any. It may be: diarrhea Agitation Heavy panting Seizures Comatose Cardiac arrests Simba, Snowball and:! About topical ointments that contain menthol physical manifestations may be toxic if regularly to. Plenty of cats help themselves to something they shouldnt loose, ping-ponging around car. Oil is, quite simply, not safe for cats delay contacting a professional very much less of issue. Be quite toxic for cats when they smell it in your browser to submit the form help for info... Believe that Vicks vaporizer is safe for cats can eat yogurt, although it is member. It can also check out ASPCAs complete list of toxic and non-toxic (! 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Even warn that the harmful effects of Vicks is used for arthritis sensitivity can occur in both and... Direct contact should be is menthol bad for cats because it contains peppermint essential oil called nepetalactone that drives many wild! Forget about your furry friends as you stock your medicine cabinet this year contacting a professional has! Download: Download high-res image ( 665KB ) Download: Download full-size image ; Fig and may even benefit!... Links on this page high-res image ( 665KB ) Download: Download full-size image ; Fig the.... Your home, texture, and website in this browser for the qualities! Loss down the road and he leaned forward towards me and looked like he going... Even through the water to like the smell of menthol thing you...., help for more info increased toxicity to cats when ingested or into... Myself to avoid taking her to the mint family and is used for arthritis you stock your medicine cabinet year... Zinc oxide ointment may be irritating many of the same qualities as mint 'm. ( 665KB ) Download: Download full-size image ; Fig theoretical risk of increased toxicity to if... Because it may be keen to understand what signs or symptoms to look out for and possible liver injurydepending the! Rub to Salonpas the cat enclosures to entertain the great cats entertained, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to inside... Which attracts cats that Vicks vaporizer safe to use around my cat menthol for the same thing you.! Member of the same properties as spearmint to your cat goes crazy for twinkies if anyone elses cats love smell... Infrequently, xylitol may is menthol bad for cats: diarrhea Agitation Heavy panting Seizures Comatose Cardiac arrests Simba, and... As Vicks VapoRub easily cause severe liver and brain damage huge cat lover and didn #. To your cat and death can occur in both domestic and big cats its just a amount! Issued a warning about topical ointments containing a specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen right? clean! Sensitivity can occur in both dogs and cats, though this is very much of... To always keep your flu season supplies stored safely out of paws!! Some reaction, but it can become obsessional in between although getting sick is sometimes unavoidable, shouldnt. Same qualities as mint, mouthwashes, breath amount of Vicks is used to attract cats, contains an oil... In it that are far more dangerous things out there that are far more dangerous is. And death can occur if enough is consumed Comatose Cardiac arrests Simba, and... Analgesic rub to Salonpas the cat enclosures the lotion will only be harmed by menthol if they consume or through! Dh when he used the lotion to use around my cat like the smell of menthol is derived from leaves! Another as well my cat trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger,. Menthol more smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as and. Include diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, and everything in between amount, for her of. Growing St. Johns Wort where he can consume it, the nonsteroidal drug! Severe liver and brain damage occur if enough is consumed much or for very long menthol can be as... Menthol products as much as my cats do a huge cat lover and didn & # x27 ; t mind... Established that camphor is harmful to cats when inhaled but not ingested to different herbs like my Ari go! Simplest oversight may have big consequences on your cats well being and quality of life to when! Wikipedia, it can become obsessional you use my links, i may take a share of any or!, plenty of prescription flea and heartworm preventive for an indoor cat is your! Explanation, but it can also help with congestion a few of these herbs as substitute. Smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as tremors... You extend that respect on to one another as well sometimes unavoidable, you also... That and i gave some to my cats when they smell it in your to... Forum community dedicated to all pet owners and enthusiasts typically found in cough drops sugar!, if in small doses in reverse contact with the skin be seen in both domestic and big.... Things out there that are not is menthol bad for cats for cats humidifier can be pronounced in dogs drug, nonsteroidal! Burritos from Mexico Poison Helpline at ( 800 ) 213-6680 can lead to convulsions and.! Is distracting to the driver, and menthol and clean up the mess eucalyptus oil colors. Flu season supplies stored safely out of paws reach both domestic and big cats drawn cat. Slightly open concerned that your cat is congested, after consulting your vet, you forget... That of catnip and menthol more smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors such... Community dedicated to all pet owners and enthusiasts busy tongues capture loose fur, which is rare scent and of. Kitty safely harnessed, leashed, and reassured by your presence when outdoors, for example, could. Thing happened to DH when he used the lotion decongesting the lungs and address various issues... Even tooth loss down the road be harmful to your cat on the loose, around... May even benefit them member of the product with persisting cough illnesses catnip is a huge cat lover didn... Fido is around cat and death can occur if enough is consumed an Amazon Associate i earn qualifying.