Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Inflammation comes in various forms, both of harmful and harmless varieties, and the kind that menthol produces in low quantities is of the latter variety. Cats are sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds which are found in many essential oils. Behavioral Marking, The cats scent can be spread by rolling on the ground. My husband rubbed some Flexall 454 on my back. Find out which herbs are safe for cats (and may even benefit them! The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments containing a specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. 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. As a general rule, cats are often more sensitive to the potentially toxic and other dangerous effects of essential oils and other scents than dogs are, but it very much depends on the scent, the delivery method, and the uniqueness of the pet. Camphor in Vicks vaposteam is safe for humans. Buckle your cats carrier in place for a safe road trip. Your cat's olfactory receptors are 14 times more powerful than your own. Customer: is camphor, eucalyptus, menthol harmful to cats? My Tyler loves anise pizzelles. However, any sugary or flavored yogurts are better avoided. Dec 29, 2008. I actually have to fight him off to keep him away. 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. Tuna as an ingredient in commercially produced cat food is perfectly fine for cats. You don't have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. However, it is not guaranteed as a cat repellent. Cats adore the scents of catnip and mint, and they will often seek it out if they detect it in your home. Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying herbs safe for cats. We first noticed that years ago when Max was living. Here's what you should know, Safety of Cats and Essential Oils - Tisserand Institute, Is Vicks VapoSteam safe for cats? Because cats enjoy menthol, they are enamored with it and enjoy sniffing it. (Find out now!) These machines release water vapor into the air in the form of fumes that can be very helpful for humans. If in doubt it best to check in with your vet. Editors Note: The slideshow 8 Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat was not created as a definitive and complete guide to cat care, but rather as a reminder of the small daily interactions many established cat owners have with their beloved companions. 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. The two herbs share many similar attributes that your cat recognizes and is drawn to. According to Vicks, it contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Find out more about my story. Vicks vaporizer is not ideal for cats. Keep a watch out for any gastrointestinal troubles if you suspect your cat took a substantial amount of menthol. Garlic and chives are by and large the most dangerous herbs for your cat. [And what to do? Wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint and mint. Cats like the smell of methol because it is closely related to catnip. If ignored, impacted sacs can become infected or rupture, causing bleeding and pain. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Q: My dog Misty had been licking and scooting her behind across the carpet, leaving a brown streak. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Pet parents may be surprised to learn that there are a number of herbs safe for cats. Ylang-ylang. Cats have a powerful sense of smell, so its not hard for them to find it. The greatest concern with menthol exposure in cats is if the substance is ingested. Behavior marking, the cat's smell can be spread by rolling on the floor. Unlocking The Mystery, Why Is My Black Cat Turning Brown? For example, cats that experience recurrent upper respiratory infections may benefit from echinacea. Are ferns bad for health? Cats are much smaller and have a unique metabolism, and small amounts of camphor are considered highly toxic to them. Alcohol is not safe for your cat. Loosely screened windows can pose a hazard to curious cats. Tea tree. 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. 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? Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the chin. Cats are part of the family, so you may be tempted to share a few pieces of food with them here and there. As you can see, cats are naturally attracted to menthol. Menthol is safe when inhaled, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so keep the Biofreeze container away from Shanie. 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. However, this is known to be quite toxic for them. When your cathacks up a hairball, you probably just sigh in annoyancethats how cats are, right?and clean up the mess. You will often find menthol in cleansers and washes designed for acne or other painful skin . )and which ones to avoid. He has a headcold and I'm wondering if a dab of vicks vaporrub under his chin would help clear the congestion so he can smell again. And, now you have an idea of what to look out for to confirm this. ZooAwesome is not intended as replacement to any veterinarian advice. This is because of the menthol and nutmeg oil which has been observed to cause side effects when inhaled by pets. What is the Health Concern? Menthol is a great pain-reliever - for humans. If a cat likes a smell, it can become obsessive. (Video) How To TREAT Cats Cold with Natural and Effective HERBAL Remedies, (Video) How to Clear Nasal Congestion in Kittens : Cat Health Care & Behavior, 2. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. Is menthol bad for dogs? It contains ingredients like camphor oil which can cause mild to serious side effects to your feline. It is typically found in topical pain, or even rubs used for arthritis. (Not all cats carry the catnip-reacting gene.). If you want to get rid of cats, one of the first things you should do is make sure your garden doesnt have any mint (or catnip) plants. Cooling and pain relief. This behavior can be observed in both domestic and large cats. If you have any unanswered questions, ask us in the comments section. If your aim is to help your cat get over a cold then there are other safe options. In addition, cats claw may help modulate the immune system, while dandelion root can help promote healthy digestion and liver detoxification. Indoor cats can catch colds from contact with other cats, especially in households with multiple cats. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. There are far more poisonous items on the market that are a far greater cause of concern for your cat. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. How about vaporizers? But, for the purpose of this article that is enough. Pure menthol is poisonous and not for internal consumption. The lesser-known alternative to catnip and silver vine, valerian also acts as a stimulant on cats. Wrong. Cats love both the smell of catnip and menthol and are often drawn to it when they smell it in your home. Most of these medications are for treating pain and inflammation in the body. Cats are drawn to them for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint they are all members of the same family. Also, catnip has well-known effects on cats. This article will talk about why cats like menthol and if it's safe for them. If you suspect your cat has camphor poisoning, rush them to the vet immediately. Baby food made from meat is often seasoned with onion or garlic, so it should not be fed to cats. If your cat shows some cold symptoms you may be wondering if it has cat flu. 5 A) and food consumption (Fig. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. Menthol, which is commonly found in cough syrups for dogs, is considered an irritant to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. If you have heard about the dangers of Camphor for your cat you may be wondering what side effects you should be looking out for. What's this all about? Because cats communicate primarily through the way someone or something smells, they use scent glands on their cheeks, paws, and flanks to infuse them with their own scent. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. And, for that reason, it is best to keep it away from cats. So far we have established that camphor is harmful to your cat and dog when ingested or comes into contact with the skin. If ingested by cats, dairy products can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The scent of menthol is often confused with that ofCatnip from cats. Herbs have many culinary and medicinal benefitsand not just for humans! They like it for a bit, but not too crazily, not like minty stuff and olives and celery. They are well aware of the toxicity of these plants and stay away from them. Do cats like cat mint? You may find, in time, it searches for the catnip before thinking about your Vicks. About TheCatSite.com. These oils are unsafe for pets. Simply dampen cotton balls with witch hazel and wipe your cats chin once or twice a day. This is another reason why some cat owners avoid ointments that contain this, such as Vicks VaporRub, which has it as one of its active ingredients. Cats rely heavily on their scent for identification and claiming their territory. Believe it or not, veterinarians sometimes suggest using witch hazel to treat feline acne. Are fragrance oils safe for dogs to smell? 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. Another ingredient in Vicks Vaposteam is menthol. 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. Cats have a far stronger sense of smell than humans. Menthol attracts lions, tigers and other big cats. Well, I do for sure. Your cat licks menthol for the same reason she licks mint, which means they both smell like catnip, which cats are attracted to. Chocolate The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. Menthol is safe to breathe, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts. Tarragon. These aptly named herbs for cats can also help with feline allergies. Home & Forums | Your indoor kittys reaction to the great outdoors might be curiosity, confusion, or fright. If youre at work when the incident happens, hours could pass before you realize your cat is hurt or missing. Physical manifestations may be: Diarrhea Agitation Heavy panting Seizures Comatose Cardiac arrests Cats love the scent of catnip and spearmint, and they'll often look for it when they spot it in your home. Is a Vicks vaporizer safe to use around my cat? Severe toxicity is unlikely from single acute exposures to such ointments. Your cat will recognize the similarities between the two herbs and will be attracted to them. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family Labiatae. Your email address will not be published. Menthol can also be produced in a lab. JavaScript is disabled. If your cat goes outside, avoid growing St. Johns Wort where he can consume it. Cats are attracted to them for the same reason they are attracted to catnip - they are all members of the same family. Since roughly a third of all cigarettes purchased by America's more than 35 million smokers have menthol as their characterizing flavor and most of the rest contain some of the minty substance, a. Consult a vet to help you determine the best medication for decongesting your cat. One of my cats have a thing for under-arm deodorant! While you don't want your cat to swallow menthol, there's no need to worry if a small amount is consumed. 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. A small amount of onion or garlic in some sauce is not likely to cause problems. If you have ever been sick with a cold or flu as a kid you may remember your mom applying this to your chest. A: Dogs have two anal sacs beneath the skin near the anus. Camphor is an organic compound used in creams, lotions, and ointments. This may involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, monitoring of organ function via repeated blood testing, and other measures as indicated by the specific circumstances. A cat has a deficiency of the enzyme, glucuronyl transferase, resulting in a reduced ability to metabolize certain toxins. Menthol, for example, is primarily metabolized (in humans and rodents) through glucuronidation, and toxicity testing shows that menthol is 3-4 times more toxic to a cat than a rat (Opdyke 1976). Cats dont enjoy hurling those hairballs any more than we enjoy removing them from the living room carpet. Any food not specifically formulated for cats can affect the digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. This herb, which belongs to the mint family, contains an essential oil called nepetalactone that drives many cats wild. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors, and flavorsall ingredients that may cause gastrointestinal upset. Thanks if you use my links, I really appreciate your support. And Mint is in the same family as catnip and catmint. If you have any difficulty, ask your veterinarian for help. 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.. Tuna has too much unsaturated fatty acid and does not have sufficient vitamin E or other antioxidants, whereas commercial cat foods usually supplement vitamin E. If you suspect your cat ate any of these foods, try to determine how much they may have eaten. 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. Cats are attracted to Vicks Vaporub because of the scent it gives off. Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. 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. There is often some confusion around catmint and catnip. In cosmetics and skincare products, menthol is used to help relieve pain and to improve the scent and flavour of the product. Required fields are marked *. The side effects of Camphor for cats can vary depending on how much they come into contact with. The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. So, now you know some of the potential effects to look out for. 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. Vicks vaposteam is a great product for giving us relief from the flu. Vicks Vaporub can be used as a substitute for catnip. However, several cats have died as a result of coming into contact with Flurbiprofen. Your cat recognizes and is drawn to the similarities between the two herbs. Frequent hairballs can also be a sign of gastrointestinal disease. To empty them, you'll need exam gloves from the pharmacy and some lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Vaseline. JavaScript is disabled. So, when you use a strong-smelling ointment like this it can throw them off their scent. Why are menthol cough drops bad? I too use Goldbond and my Stumpy tries to lick it off my hands every time I apply it. Menthol can also function as a topical analgesic or pain reliever in certain skincare products. Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. D Three Ltd is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family Lamiaceae. Most topical pain creams and ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in their formula, and both Bengay and Icy Hot are high in menthol. However, every cat reacts differently to different herbs. The sacs are lined by glands that produce a foul-smelling liquid which is released through ducts at the anus. This herb is said to help support good immune health in cats. Dr. Susan : You can also try an antihistamine . 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. There is no information available on the toxicity of e-cigarette capsules with menthol flavors, but the menthol part of the cartridge is not very toxic, unlike the nicotine which we know is very dangerous to your pets. As little as a tablespoon of any form of alcohol can put an adult cat in a coma; more than that can kill them. The methol in Vicks can be breathed in, if in small doses. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. If you are concerned that your cat has a cold you may be keen to understand what signs or symptoms to look out for. You know that open-nose feeling you get when you breathe in menthol? Breathe, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts, it contains peppermint essential oil called that... Determine the best medication for decongesting your cat has a cold or flu as a result of coming into with... In place for a better experience is menthol bad for cats please enable JavaScript in your home cat Turning brown coming! Vicks can be used as a kid you may find, in,. Also function as a cat likes a smell, so its not for. 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