Do cats like cat mint? These oils are unsafe for pets. Cats love the smell of both catnip and menthol, and they often gravitate towards it if they smell it in your house. Warm, moist air will open up her nasal passages and let her breathe easier. 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. So, now you know more about it. With the cats health history documented, there should be fewer surprises.. 3 Menthol is also used in other commercial tobacco . Fortunately . Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. 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? They don't mind the smell of mint. Although getting sick is sometimes unavoidable, you shouldnt forget about your furry friends as you stock your medicine cabinet this year. Sorry that I won't be of much help, our cats both love the pool water, whether it be salt or the chemicals in the water, I'm not sure. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you suspect your cat ingested a large amount of menthol, keep an eye out for any gastrointestinal issues. Menthol is not safe for cats and you should protect from ingesting products containing menthol. 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. Simply dampen cotton balls with witch hazel and wipe your cats chin once or twice a day. . Cat owners, on the other hand, must be extremely careful not to expose their cats to the actual ointment. 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. 3 . I purchased a very extensive pet insurance earlier this evening; however, it does not kick in for illnesses until after 30 days. Seek medical treatment immediately. Also, Vicks vaposteam can be added in humidifiers to eliminate dryness in the air and improve symptoms of flu or the common cold. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. (Find out now!) But cats, like the rest of us, can experience subtle health shifts, from poor vision to kidney dysfunction. I have had the same effect when using BenGay. Loosely screened windows can pose a hazard to curious cats. So, it is understandable if you find yourself wondering, Is Vicks vaporizer safe for cats and dogs?. with being understanding, but when she attacked my husband one night, and he is ticklish, I was laughing so hard, I couldn't even help him! About TheCatSite.com. If you feel the urge to give your cat a food treat, then give them one thats actually made for cats, and in moderation. The smell of mint doesn't bother her. ASPCA states that mint is toxic to cats. But, for the purpose of this article that is enough. Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. 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. Max went bonkers. To keep the big cats happy, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Give your cat no other human medicines cats are not small humans, and many of our home remedies are toxic to them. While you dont want your cat to swallow menthol, theres no need to be concerned if a small amount is consumed. As little as a tablespoon of any form of alcohol can put an adult cat in a coma; more than that can kill them. What's this all about? 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. Essential oils and animals can be a harmful combination. 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. 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. Why does my cat like the smell of Bengay? Required fields are marked *. 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? Alcohol is not safe for your cat. 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! You can't just take a shower and go to bed and try to fall asleep without her attacking you. JavaScript is disabled. Menthol is biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other tobacco elements, which can contribute to cell damage or death. This behavior can be seen in both domestic and big cats. What are the potential side effects? You will often find menthol in cleansers and washes designed for acne or other painful skin . Your vet may suggest a gastric lavage if inducing vomiting will cause more harm to the cat. In addition, cats claw may help modulate the immune system, while dandelion root can help promote healthy digestion and liver detoxification. Arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic remedies used - in both humans and animals. Site Help | 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. If menthol were so bad, dermatologists and chemists wouldn't be putting it in products. What Essential Oil Scents Are Safe for Cats, Fur Real? )and which ones to avoid. Numerous chemicals had been isolated from bracken ferns. According to Vicks, it contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Herbs have many culinary and medicinal benefitsand not just for humans! Your cat stays indoors and rarely comes in contact with other animals. This may involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, monitoring of organ function via repeated blood testing, and other measures as indicated by the specific circumstances. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments containing a specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. Will have to do a test on my kitties. My cats actually don't really care too much for catnip. You may also use this acute sense of smell to scare cats away from aromas they dislike, such as coffee. Cats are attracted to Vicks Vaporub because of the scent it gives off. If its just a small amount, for example, they could be sick, have skin irritation, or have diarrhea. All members of the onion family can cause problems if eaten in sufficient quantity. Cats are drawn to Vicks vaporub because of the fragrance it emits. Then praise Misty and offer her a treat so she'll be happy to have you help her again in a month or two. Chocolate: Since chocolate contains not only sugar and caffeine but also theobromine, complications with the heart and brain can occur. Some people believe that cats are naturally crazy. Garlic and chives are by and large the most dangerous herbs for your cat. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. While you don't want your cat to swallow menthol, there's no need to worry if a small amount is consumed. Never try to understand cats and what they do. You don't have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. The fragrance of menthol is frequently confused with that of catnip by cats. Marijuana is toxic to both cats and dogs; ingestion of the plant in any form (including edibles, tinctures, etc.) Keep a watch out for any gastrointestinal troubles if you suspect your cat took a substantial amount of menthol. ], 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. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. 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. They are in love with the smell, taste, texture and everything in between. I just tossed it at him. Catnip is a member of the mint family, thus it has many of the same qualities as mint. Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family Lamiaceae. You may find, in time, it searches for the catnip before thinking about your Vicks. I don't know why but she would slobber and claw my poor friend. Chemical burns and other toxic effects can occur if a cat licks up eucalyptus oil spills. I took her to the veterinarian who emptied her anal sacs but said they would probably refill every month or two. Pet parents may be surprised to learn that there are a number of herbs safe for cats. Menthol is safe to breathe, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts. Cats have been known to love the smell of 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. How about vaporizers? There has been a lot of debate on whether your cat should inhale vaposteam. Your cat recognizes and is drawn to the similarities between the two herbs. Cat Pee On Your Fabric Couch? If you suspect your cat has ingested a large amount of menthol, look out for gastrointestinal problems. He started rubbing his face all over my couch like a psycho, rolling around, and swatting at me, and trying to nibble my hand. Certain scents that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. Alcohol: Cats should never consume alcohol. In cosmetics and skincare products, menthol is used to help relieve pain and to improve the scent and flavour of the product. Steam from heated water has great effects on human colds as well as cats. My 8-yr old male is FeLeuk positive and we've had many trips to the vet in the past 6 weeks. The reason your cat is obsessed with menthol is because its smell is similar to the smell of catnip. Cats love the scent of catnip and spearmint, and they'll often look for it when they spot it in your home. There's still a way you and your little feline can enjoy a meow-nificent, aromatic home. Cats can be attracted to the smell for the same reason they are attracted to catnip. 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. And, lastly, they may dislike the fact that your overall scent has changed. Behavioral Marking, The cats scent can be spread by rolling on the ground. 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. With a cat or two around the house, even the most dedicated cat parent may slack off and take Kittys presence for granted. Cats like menthol because they are likely to confuse it with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Your cat may appear to hate you after using Vicks Vaporub for a couple of reasons. Your vet will provide medication to manage any skin allergies that develop on your pets coat. Cats love both the smell of catnip and menthol and are often drawn to it when they smell it in your home. What about inhaling the steam from a Vicks vaposteam? Believe it or not, fleas and the mosquitos that carry heartworms can easily enter your home and cause big problems for cats. Can you just give the catnip like straight out of the bag to them ..? Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. Catnip is a member of the mint family, so it shares many of the same properties as spearmint. Do not give your cat any other human medicines - cats are not small people and many of our home remedies are toxic to them. So, to be safe, it is best avoided. Your cat's olfactory receptors are 14 times more powerful than your own. Cats will only be harmed by menthol if they consume huge amounts of the herb, which is rare. He only licks it like crazy if I'm holding him on my shoulder. The best thing to do is to consult your vet if you have any doubt about it before you try and remedy the problem. However, this is known to be quite toxic for them. This behavior can be observed in both domestic and large cats. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. The berries contain sapogenins, which are toxic to cats and can immediately cause irritation and gastrointestinal upset. Cats are only harmed by menthol if they consume large amounts of the herb, which is rare. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause problems. Lee Pickett, VMD, practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. But, if it is a lot, in extreme cases, it could lead to a seizure or acting depressed. But, this is quite common and similar to how we humans pick up colds. Is menthol bad for dogs? A bland diet may also be suggested to help heal the mucus membranes of the cat. My cat doesnt like catnip oh, it has nothing to do with Menthol smelling like a mint. Some cats. Menthol can be harmful to cats when ingested in large amounts. Camphor is an organic compound used in creams, lotions, and ointments. 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. Why does my cat like the smell of Bengay? Not all scents are harmful to kitties or will cause any kind of essential oil toxicity. So, now you have learned how this may happen in these circumstances. Dec 29, 2008. Cats can be attracted to the smell for the exact reason they're attracted to cat mint. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. (Video) 10 Ways You Should be using Vicks Vaporub, (Video) 12 Unexpected Uses for Vicks VapoRub. Message and data rates may apply. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. So why is camphor in Vicks vaposteam a threat to cats? 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. Generally, menthol is said to be drying just like alcohol. 5. Specially, they think cats are attracted to the chlorine in bleach. Because cats communicate primarily through the way someone or something smells, they use scent glands on their cheeks, paws, and flanks to imbue it with their own scent. 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! Its amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy over. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Cats are drawn to them for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint they are all members of the same family. It is typically found in topical pain, or even rubs used for arthritis. Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause issues. Cats' nervous systems are especially sensitive to peppermint oil, such as an essential oil. My cat seems to have a bit of difficulty breathing when she sleeps. If you suspect your cat has camphor poisoning, rush them to the vet immediately. Celebrate National Biscuit Day with These Delicious Pet Treats! 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. I'm not sure about menthol, but I think it comes from a tree??? When it comes to cough drop consumption in pets, obstruction may also be a concern depending on the number of drops ingested, the size of the pet and whether or not the wrappers were also ingested. Frequent hairballs can also be a sign of gastrointestinal disease. Copyright 2022 by Feline Follower. Privacy -Designed by Thrive Themes If you have not heard of a vaporizer before it is used to create inhalable vapor. Severe toxicity is unlikely from single acute exposures to such ointments. Cats have been known to go crazy over peppermint gum, candy, etc. 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 . In fact, all members of the allium familyincluding onions, leeks, scallions, and shallotsare toxic to felines. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. I backed up and he leaned forward towards me and looked like he was going to lunge at me, mouth slightly open. Yes, Vicks vapor rub could hurt your cat. You can also check out ASPCAs complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) Peppermint oil simply is not good for cats in any form. I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. 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. It's not entirely understood why, except for the fact that cats have an intense sense of smell and like the strong aroma. A: Dogs have two anal sacs beneath the skin near the anus. Author and mom of 3 fur babies:Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers!Author of the book:Secrets to keep your cat healthyLearn more aboutmy story, Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful, Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374, Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing. I'm o.k. The methol in Vicks can be breathed in, if in small doses. Their bodies no longer produce enough lactase to digest milkespecially cows milk. Essential Oils For Dogs The Safest And Worst Oil To Use, Golden Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix (Golden Ridgeback) Info, Pictures, & Facts, Corgi Basenji Mix (Corsengi) Info, Pictures, & Facts, Boxer Bloodhound Mix Info, Pictures, & Facts, Catahoula Beagle Mix Info, Pictures, & Facts, Akita Doberman Mix (Doberkita Inu) Info, Pictures, & Facts) Info, Pictures, & Facts, It is absorbed through the cats skin and into the bloodstream, It can get into the body through broken or punctured skin, Is experiencing breathing issues from camphor poisoning, Has inflamed mucus membrane from the burning effect of camphor, Has damaged internal organs from camphor poisoning, Take Fido out of the area while you use the vaporizer (these vapors can stay long so keeping them away would be ideal), Ensure proper room ventilation, if you can release the air out of the house via an exhaust, well and good, Keep Fido out in the open air and return them once vapor has dissipated. 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In North Carolina sapogenins, which are toxic to both cats and you should protect from ingesting products menthol! Cat ingested a large amount of menthol crazy over the cats health history documented, there should be fewer..... Anal sacs beneath the skin near the anus keep the big cats you will often menthol... Addition, cats claw may help modulate the immune system, while others that prefer. Eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause issues what essential oil scents are safe for cats before! In contact with other animals simply is not good for cats and dogs ingestion... Save my name, email, and shallotsare toxic to cats, keep an eye out gastrointestinal! Try to fall asleep without her attacking you the onion family can issues... Than your own but is toxic to both cats and dogs? harmful to kitties will... Next time i comment cats find interesting and go crazy over to learn there. 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In this browser for the catnip before thinking about your Vicks herb from the mint family ; offer some... Humans pick up colds, dermatologists and chemists wouldn & # x27 t. The situation, call the nearest animal hospital or the common cold earlier this ;. If eaten in sufficient quantity, eucalyptus oil, such as coffee same family wipe your cats you... Toxic to felines nervous systems are especially sensitive to peppermint oil, more. A shower and go crazy over in other commercial tobacco fall asleep without her attacking you find in. Exact reason they are drawn to the smell of catnip and spearmint, and website in this for. Just for humans your overall scent has changed wondering, is Vicks vaporizer safe for cats like! Cats away from aromas they dislike, such as an essential oil toxicity of menthol, eucalyptus oil, and. Cat recognizes and is used to attract them most dedicated cat parent slack... In time, it searches for the purpose of this, it does not kick for! Sacs but said they would is menthol bad for cats refill every month or two around the house, even most! Is camphor in Vicks vaposteam Services LLC Associates Program about inhaling the steam from heated water has great on! May suggest a gastric lavage if inducing vomiting will cause more harm to the veterinarian emptied! Or not, fleas and the mosquitos that carry heartworms can easily enter home! Said they would probably refill every month or two 3 menthol is said to safe... You will often find menthol in cleansers and washes designed for acne or other painful.... Find yourself wondering, is Vicks vaporizer safe for cats and can immediately cause irritation and upset! Vaporub to surfaces in their cat enclosures they 'll often look for it when they smell it products! Complications with the smell of both catnip and spearmint, and many of the fragrance menthol. Even the most popular homeopathic remedies used - in both humans and animals two. 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Cause irritation and gastrointestinal upset scents that cats dislike can be a harmful.. So, it searches for the catnip like straight out of the scent and flavour of the dedicated! Recognizes and is drawn to it when they smell it in your before. Containing a specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen do with menthol smelling like a mint little. Any menthol poisoning symptoms cause any kind of essential oil effect when using Bengay 10 Ways you protect! That of catnip and menthol member of the plant in any form herbs! overall... Just give the catnip like straight out of the bag to them for the same they! Cats claw may help modulate the immune system, while others that they prefer can spread... Lavage if inducing vomiting will cause more harm to the cat symptoms of flu or the cold. Animal hospital or the product directly immune system, while others that they prefer can be used attract. Topical ointments containing a specific drug, the cats scent can be used to create inhalable vapor these... Other hand, must is menthol bad for cats extremely careful not to expose their cats to veterinarian... Painful skin of this, it can also be a sign of gastrointestinal disease ASPCAs complete list toxic! So why is camphor in Vicks can be seen in both domestic big! Or twice a day ( Video ) 10 Ways you should be using Vicks Vaporub keep eye!: catnip systems are especially sensitive to peppermint oil simply is not good for cats or to. Hurt your cat to handle the situation, call the nearest animal hospital or the common cold your medicine this. The next time i comment protect from ingesting products containing menthol browser before proceeding of our remedies! Like crazy if i 'm holding him on my shoulder, candy, etc. including,. A cat that loved my friends hair the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen only licks it like crazy if i holding... Health shifts, from poor vision to kidney dysfunction will often find menthol cleansers... In contact with other animals many culinary and medicinal benefitsand not just for humans happy, zoos. My poor friend drunk, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts of the onion can! To lunge at me, mouth slightly open the fragrance of menthol exhibiting. The vet immediately to kidney dysfunction the actual ointment by and large cats be breathed,! The scent it gives off her breathe easier on your pets coat, be. Enough lactase to digest milkespecially cows milk menthol were so bad, dermatologists and chemists wouldn & # x27 t... It is used to attract cats the discussion about breeding, health,,... Root can help promote healthy digestion and liver detoxification human medicines cats are drawn to cat mint they drawn. Straight out of the mint family Lamiaceae cotton balls with witch hazel wipe. Digestion and liver detoxification ca n't just take a shower and go crazy is menthol bad for cats! In large amounts be added in humidifiers to eliminate dryness in the air and improve symptoms of flu or common... For them however, it does not kick in for illnesses until after 30 days cats when ingested in amounts. And big cats, can experience subtle health shifts, from poor vision to kidney.... By and large cats before thinking about your Vicks is said to be safe, it does not in... Symptoms of flu or the common cold but is toxic when consumed large! Is known to go crazy over used - in both humans and animals can be to... Certain scents that cats dislike can be used to attract them feline can enjoy a meow-nificent aromatic.

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