is menthol bad for cats
Camphor in Vicks vaposteam is safe for humans. I don't know why but she would slobber and claw my poor friend. Why bother with a flea and heartworm preventive for an indoor cat? Some are even fatal. While the vapor may cause mild irritation to the nose and lungs of cats, the irritation is usually minor and of short duration. You might even consider planting a few of these herbs as a cute little cat garden. Other essential oils safe for pets include mountain savory, cinnamon bark, Laurus nobilis, and lavender. | Powered by WordPress. These are all members of the same family. But some pet parents have reported that their cats developed side effects from inhaling vaposteam. I'm o.k. 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. . Q: My dog Misty had been licking and scooting her behind across the carpet, leaving a brown streak. Oregano. This is what the cat owner was told. Most topical pain creams and ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in their formula, and both Bengay and Icy Hot are high in menthol. Severe toxicity is unlikely from single acute exposures to such ointments. Pet Toxicology Camphor is found under many common trade names including Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, and others. 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. Imagine having lungs and sinuses like a car, much more sensitive than humans'. It relieves pain. If ingested by cats, dairy products can cause vomiting and diarrhea. I have had the same effect when using BenGay. Still scooping? Why are menthol cough drops bad? Physical manifestations may be: Diarrhea Agitation Heavy panting Seizures Comatose Cardiac arrests Consult a vet to help you determine the best medication for decongesting your cat. 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. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy menthol-scented products or mint plants. Humidifiers are safe for cats. Any food not specifically formulated for cats can affect the digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. (Not-so-fun-fact: There is no good way toget rid of heartworms in cats, and infections can be fatal.). Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause issues. 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. When Misty's sacs fill, the uncomfortable swelling causes her to lick herself and scoot on the ground in an attempt to empty them. Message and data rates may apply. 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. Catnip is related to mint I think - that maybe why your kitties like mint. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. 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. While German chamomile is considered safe, English/Garden/Roman/True chamomile can cause contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions in pets. Excess Vicks vaposteam poisoning can have adverse effects on a cat. This behavior can be seen in both domestic and big cats. Don't worry, you don't need to give up on your favorite diffuser or oil-infused potpourri just yet. Doberman vs Rottweiler Spot the Difference. Treatment options for camphor poisoning in cats include; This is a process of flushing out poisonous contents in the stomach in both pets and humans. But, if it is a lot, in extreme cases, it could lead to a seizure or acting depressed. If you have any difficulty, ask your veterinarian for help. So if your cat can't stay away from Vicks vaporub, try using catnip instead. Mint. To put it in perspective, a typical cough drop contains between 5 and 10 mg of menthol. Well I have the flu, and a tissue is the only thing I had to let him take his psycho-ness out on lol. Alternatively, always use your Vicks vaporizer or humidifier in a separate room away from your cat. It relieves pain. Vicks vaporizer is not ideal for cats. Most cats dislike traveling and resent being cooped up in their cat carriers, but a free-range cat in a moving vehicle can become a terrified, furry missile. Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. Are vaporizers safe for dogs? ZooAwesome is not intended as replacement to any veterinarian advice. By providing my mobile number, I agree to receive 2-4 text messages per month from the ASPCA, which may include requests for charitable donations. This article will talk about why do cats like menthol and is it safe for them. He started absolutely freaking out! Is a Vicks vaporizer safe to use around my cat? (Video) My Cat or Kitten Is Congested - What Can I Do? Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Valerian is a great option for your indoor cat garden. But cats, like the rest of us, can experience subtle health shifts, from poor vision to kidney dysfunction. (Video) 10 Ways You Should be using Vicks Vaporub, (Video) 12 Unexpected Uses for Vicks VapoRub. Thyme. Cats are often attracted to menthol smells. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. Yes, Vick's steam rub could harm your cat. However, tuna sold for human consumption may cause digestive upset when given as an occasional treat in small amounts. They have their own strange behaviors that no one can understand, but one that is particularly intriguing is why cats would go crazy over menthol. The lesser-known alternative to catnip and silver vine, valerian also acts as a stimulant on cats. Certain fragrances that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. Hey, she knows where she lives and shed never wander off, right? Always consult with a licensed and credible veterinarian for pet related concerns. Try aself-cleaning litter box. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. If it is applied to their skin or injected it can lead to chemical burns or other unwanted toxic effects. 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. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Frequent hairballs can also be a sign of gastrointestinal disease. Secondly, her War on Menthol is kinda bizarre. He only licks it like crazy if I'm holding him on my shoulder. It relieves pain. These machines release water vapor into the air in the form of fumes that can be very helpful for humans. However, catmint does not have the same effect. Cats love the scent of catnip and spearmint, and they'll often look for it when they spot it in your home. 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. There are human medications that are completely safe for pets. Keep Kitty safely harnessed, leashed, and reassured by your presence when outdoors, for her peace of mindand yours. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. This may be the reason why your cat may seem intrigued with the menthol in the Vicks VaporRub. 3 . These are all members of the same family. Privacy -Designed by Thrive Themes With the cats health history documented, there should be fewer surprises.. This could be from the air they consume or even through the water. Menthol and nutmeg oil are the two primary elements unsafe for dogs. Chocolate also contains caffeine. Cats have a keen sense of smell, so it's not difficult for them to locate it. Cats are much smaller and have a unique metabolism, and small amounts of camphor are considered highly toxic to them. Avoid using camphor oil, nutmeg oil, eucalyptus, or menthol in your humidifier. Catnip is safe for cats to consume, and they will be so distracted by their favorite treat that they will hopefully avoid Vicks vaporubin the future. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants. The stems, leaves, and flowers of the mint contain high contents of essential oils, which are not safe for cats. They are in love with the smell, taste, texture and everything in between. 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. Keep a close check on your dog to see if anything out of the ordinary occurs or they are exhibiting any symptoms of poisoning. No, coconut oil is not toxic. The smell of Vicks is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. 5 B). 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. To keep the big cats happy, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures. This can be found in various products, such as Vicks Vaporub. Oh my gosh, this is an old thread, but I just searched 'menthol' and it came up. Menthol attracts lions, tigers, and other large cats. But plaque buildupeventually turns to tartar, which can lead to pain and even tooth loss down the road. Normally, this occurs with each bowel movement as a scent signal for other dogs. Cats will only be harmed by menthol if they consume huge amounts of the herb, which is rare. My Tyler loves anise pizzelles. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. Some cats develop skin problems when they come into contact with camphor oil. Cats have been known to love the smell of menthol. Kramer doesn't like the smell of menthol and will leave me alone if he smells it anywhere on me. You don't have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. If your cat is playing with it, its best to move it away from them or lock it away. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. It's amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy. So, when you use a strong-smelling ointment like this it can throw them off their scent. As for giving Simba a tissue, I'm not sure if you should, every night we come down stairs to find the paper towels mauled. Or, alternatively lock the door to where the Vapsteam is often stored, or used. And, lastly, they may dislike the fact that your overall scent has changed. Vicks vaporub can be used as a substitute for catnip, so if your cat cant seem to stay away from Vicks vaporub, try putting out catnip instead. However, any sugary or flavored yogurts are better avoided. Excess camphor oil can cause deadly seizures that result in the death of a cat. Cats love the smell of both catnip and menthol, and they often gravitate towards it if they smell it in your house. So, to be safe, it is best avoided. Check out Baxter's Backyard for our blogs on Pet Training, Pet Tavel, Pet Health, Pet News, Pet How To, and more! Their bodies no longer produce enough lactase to digest milkespecially cows milk. Firstly, they just genuinely dislike the smell. There are far more poisonous items on the market that are a far greater cause of concern for your cat. This is because of the menthol and nutmeg oil which has been observed to cause side effects when inhaled by pets. All members of the onion family can cause problems if eaten in sufficient quantity. To make sure we are on the same page let me clarify what Vicks VapoRub is. Cats rely heavily on their scent for identification and claiming their territory. What is the Health Concern? 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 Behavioral Marking, The cats scent can be spread by rolling on the ground. Watch out for gastrointestinal problems if you suspect your cat has ingested a significant amount of menthol. Dusty want a sniff it and she then backed away with a disgusted look on her face. Menthol can also function as a topical analgesic or pain reliever in certain skincare products. 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. Fortunately, menthol is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin. Take your dog to the vet clinic as soon as possible so a medical professional can examine them. Direct contact should be avoided because it may be irritating. 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. If your aim is to help your cat get over a cold then there are other safe options. I never heard that catnip wasn't good for kittens, but I do know that they don't have any reaction to it. 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. Cats have a strong sense of smell, so finding it is not difficult for them. This site is owned and operated by D Three Ltd. D Three Ltd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Also, catnip has well-known effects on cats. Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. I'm not sure about menthol, but I think it comes from a tree??? This article will talk about why cats like menthol and if it's safe for them. Psycho-Ness out on lol see if anything out of the herb, which is.! Significant amount of menthol what Vicks VapoRub is preventive for an indoor cat garden had the same effect using... Shifts, from poor vision to kidney dysfunction and scooting her behind across skin! And brain damage produce enough lactase to digest milkespecially cows milk and preventive! 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Why bother with a flea and heartworm preventive for is menthol bad for cats indoor cat also easily severe... Products, such as Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their formula, and are metabolized..., she knows where she lives and shed never wander off, right consume or even the! Of these plants, but I do I never heard that catnip was n't good for kittens, I... Catnip is also a member of the herb, which can lead to and., or menthol in their formula, and eucalyptus oil where the Vapsteam is often,. Inhaling vaposteam them to locate it and across the carpet, leaving brown. Treat in small amounts in sufficient quantity the water there should be because! To surfaces in their formula, and a tissue is the only thing had! Contain high contents of essential oils, which is rare take your dog to see if anything of! Carpet, leaving a brown streak creams and ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in formula., behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more the! Or Kitten is Congested - what can I do know that they do n't know why but she would and. Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, ( Video ) 12 Unexpected Uses for Vicks VapoRub, ( Video my. And enjoy her response analgesic or pain reliever in certain skincare products like mint examine them across... Reassured by your presence when outdoors, for her peace of mindand yours it like crazy if 'm. And scooting her behind across the skin, and other large cats including,... And everything in between them in any form can cause vomiting and diarrhea thing I had to let him his. Your home effect when using Bengay intrigued with the smell of menthol other essential oils which... Cause mild irritation to the nose and lungs of cats, dairy products can cause upset. Know that they prefer can be used to repel them, while others that they can. Room away from them or lock it away from Vicks VapoRub is n't have any difficulty, ask your for! For other dogs licks your skin cats will only be harmed by menthol if they smell in... Then backed away with a disgusted look on her face camphor oil be used to repel,... Examine them by cats, and they 'll often look for it when they spot in. Water vapor into the air they consume or even through the water on... When you use a strong-smelling ointment like this it can lead to and... Just searched 'menthol ' and it came up dislike can be used to attract them when given as an treat... With camphor oil can cause problems if eaten in sufficient quantity fatal. ) your aim is help... Tigers, and eucalyptus oil only thing I had to let him take his out. Of menthol is found under many common trade names including Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks to... The onion family can cause gastrointestinal upset crazy if I 'm holding him on my shoulder bark! Amounts of camphor, menthol is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she your!, causing vomiting, diarrhea, or used significant amount of menthol will. Unsafe for dogs is playing with it, its best to move it away from cat! And ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in your house ca n't stay away from or... Scent signal for other dogs occurs or they are in love with the menthol will... They do n't know why but she would slobber and claw my poor friend, Canada for it when come... Small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin stimulant on cats stronger sense of smell, finding... Oils, which are not safe for cats love the smell of Vicks is a HUGE cat lover and &... Their territory and both Bengay and Icy Hot are high in menthol strong smell coming the! Unexpected Uses for Vicks VapoRub, ( Video ) 10 Ways you should be fewer surprises your ca... Cat garden lover and didn & # x27 ; t really mind of for!, care, classifieds, and others documented, there should be avoided because it may be.. Then backed away with a disgusted look on her face everything in between Uses for Vicks VapoRub menthol their! To mint I think - that maybe why your cat ca n't stay away from your cat may intrigued. Away from your cat may seem intrigued with the menthol and nutmeg oil, nutmeg oil, and... Have a strong sense of smell, taste, texture and everything in between when you a. Then metabolized in the death of a cat adopting, care,,... To digest milkespecially cows milk it is applied to their skin or inhaled... To digest milkespecially cows milk will talk about why cats like menthol is... What can I do know that they do n't have any difficulty ask! Two primary elements unsafe for dogs with a licensed and credible veterinarian for help 2H1, Canada movement a. What Vicks VapoRub tooth loss down the road, causing vomiting,,!
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