Normally, your cat would need to consume a significant amount of menthol before showing symptoms of menthol poisoning. Menthol is biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other tobacco elements, which can contribute to cell damage or death. Chemicals in Vicks vaposteam like camphor bind to the charcoal and get flashed out of the dogs body. Benson gets a little to aggressive around this smell. Catnip is a mint family Labiatae perennial herb. Some cat owners believe they are one of the same things. If you feel the urge to give your cat a food treat, then give them one thats actually made for cats, and in moderation. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. While German chamomile is considered safe, English/Garden/Roman/True chamomile can cause contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions in pets. 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. Cats like mint-scented products or mint plants because the mint smells similar to catnip. They are enamored with the smell, taste, texture, and everything in between. So, it is understandable if you find yourself wondering, Is Vicks vaporizer safe for cats and dogs?. Menthol has a scent similar to catnip. These aptly named herbs for cats can also help with feline allergies. Frequent hairballs can also be a sign of gastrointestinal disease. Active charcoal helps kill the toxicity of camphor poisoning in the blood. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. These machines release water vapor into the air in the form of fumes that can be very helpful for humans. | Powered by WordPress. It relieves pain. However, every cat reacts differently to different herbs. However, this is what they regard as the active ingredients. 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. Some of them can be harmful, if not fatal, to cats. 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. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors, and flavorsall ingredients that may cause gastrointestinal upset. Specially, they think cats are attracted to the chlorine in bleach. Long haired queen, are kittens latching . As long as no vital organs are severely damaged, your pet will be discharged to recuperate at home. 6. Tarragon. Most topical ointments humans use, contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot, both contain the menthol, and a lot of it. Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. Valerian is a great option for your indoor cat garden. ZooAwesome should not be considered as an alternative to professional vet advice. It helps soothe pain. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. "To close your eyes will not ease another's pain.". 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. Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. One of my cats have a thing for under-arm deodorant! Cat Pee On Your Fabric Couch? Menthol can also be produced in a lab. Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Other essential oils safe for pets include mountain savory, cinnamon bark, Laurus nobilis, and lavender. So, to be safe, it is best avoided. From any analgesic rub to Salonpas the cat loves those smells but has no desire for anything catnip. Max went bonkers. This can be found in various products, such as Vicks Vaporub. Ensure that your window screens are sturdy and limit window openings to an inch or two when youre not around to keep Kitty safely indoors. JavaScript is disabled. Yes, Vick's steam rub could harm your cat. She eats well, looks good, and hasnt changed her activity level. Updated and reviewed for accuracy on February 24, 2020 by Dr. Nicole Silva, DVM. [And what to do? There are others included, classed as inactive. Menthol is a chemical compound found naturally in peppermint and other similar plants. Dr. Susan : If your cat is congested, after consulting your vet, you can use some natural methods to help with congestion. So, even though they live with the smell it is not safe for them to lick on it. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying herbs safe for cats. But cats, like the rest of us, can experience subtle health shifts, from poor vision to kidney dysfunction. A small amount of onion or garlic in some sauce is not likely to cause problems. Home & Forums | 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. Your cat will recognize the similarities between the two herbs and will be attracted to them. They dont mind the smell of mint. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. That's so funny that you brought it up! Buckle your cats carrier in place for a safe road trip. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! They don't mind the smell of mint. Rose. While it may be cute that they want to lick our skin after application, these creams are actually toxic to cats. Wrong. If you grow mint in your garden, dont be shocked if it attracts cats. 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. Keep reading to get these answers, and so much more. 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. Are there other ingredients in it that are not ideal for cats? A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. But lending a hand in grooming can greatly reduce the amount of hair your cat ingests, which means theres less to be processed or spewed up. I want to empty them myself to avoid taking her to the animal hospital so often. 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. Avoid growing the following herbs in your cat garden, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pets: Lemongrass. Menthol and nutmeg oil are the two primary elements unsafe for dogs. 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. What about inhaling the steam from a Vicks vaposteam? Here's what you should know, Safety of Cats and Essential Oils - Tisserand Institute, Is Vicks VapoSteam safe for cats? Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. Many sites list chamomile in the column of herbs safe for cats; however, this is a dangerous generalization, as some types of chamomile are toxic to cats and dogs alike. Nikko, that is too funny. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants. Cats like menthol because they are likely to confuse it with another herb from the mint family: catnip! According to Wikipedia, It is a menthol-based ointment used for colds, muscular pain, or even for treating mosquito bites. Copyright 2022 by Feline Follower. Severe toxicity is unlikely from single acute exposures to such ointments. Fortunately, menthol is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin. If your aim is to help your cat get over a cold then there are other safe options. I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. Salicylates, the generic name for aspirin, are found in both Bengay and Icy Hot. ], 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. Chocolate: Since chocolate contains not only sugar and caffeine but also theobromine, complications with the heart and brain can occur. This herb, which belongs to the mint family, contains an essential oil called nepetalactone that drives many cats wild. What are the potential side effects? You dont have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. If your dog ate something containing menthol, call your vet and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Never try to understand cats and what they do. If your cat has a mild flea infestation, a comb through with a stiff comb dipped in water and non-toxic liquid dish detergent could fix things. Download : Download high-res image (665KB) Download : Download full-size image; Fig. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Benzocaine most often causes gastrointestinal upset; however, benzocaine is metabolized into compounds which are capable of causing methemoglobinemia at high doses. Some cats develop skin problems when they come into contact with camphor oil. Ingesting enough of this herb can cause photosensitization in pets (ulcerative and exudative dermatitis). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can use that keen sense of smell to do the samescare away catsof flavors they don't like, like coffee. Therefore, there is a theoretical risk of increased toxicity to cats, though this is very much less of an issue with dogs. Why is my cat sniffing the floor and rolling around? It has potential toxic effects and . There are many more toxic items on the market that are a lot more of a concern for your cat. With plenty of prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available,keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier. Cats adore the scents of catnip and mint, and they will often seek it out if they detect it in your home. Cats are attracted to them for the same reason they are attracted to catnip - they are all members of the same family. Some people believe that cats are naturally crazy. There's still a way you and your little feline can enjoy a meow-nificent, aromatic home. Marijuana is toxic to both cats and dogs; ingestion of the plant in any form (including edibles, tinctures, etc.) What is the Health Concern? 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. Fat trimmings can also causepancreatitisin cats. But is camphor in Vicks vaposteam safe for cats? In addition to the essential oils that you buy individually, they often appear in other household products such as paint thinner (turpentine is an essential oil) and insect repellent, which has a high risk of fatal reactions for cats, noted . JavaScript is disabled. If your cat shows some cold symptoms you may be wondering if it has cat flu. This may be the reason why your cat may seem intrigued with the menthol in the Vicks VaporRub. In general, cough drops cannot cause an overdose and are safe to use. 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. And, for those cats, it could work in reverse. 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). Give your cat no other human medicines cats are not small humans, and many of our home remedies are toxic to them. Ok ummI put some goldbond on my hands for excema (has menthol in it) and went to pet simba ( new kitty). Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause issues. 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. 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. Clinicians should include cough drop use in history taking of patients with persisting cough illnesses. Fortunately, menthol is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin. Dr. Susan : Coconut oil is very fattening, so I would not recommend using this long term. If you want to use essential oils on your cat, ensure they are pet-approved. I don't know why but she would slobber and claw my poor friend. But its regarded as toxic for them if it is ingested. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments that contain one specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. Certain scents that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. The two herbs share many similar attributes that your cat recognizes and is drawn to. Clean up with baby wipes and perhaps some grooming spray to soften the odor. Some people believe that Vicks vaporizer is safe for cats when inhaled but not ingested. Chocolate The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. Monitor your cats reaction whenever you are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. So why is camphor in Vicks vaposteam a threat to cats? Behavior marking, the cat's smell can be spread by rolling on the floor. So, now you know some of the potential effects to look out for. The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. Whether it irritates your skin or not beyond that depends on what your skin can handle. In cosmetics and skincare products, menthol is used to help relieve pain and to improve the scent and flavour of the product. Cats have a strong sense of smell, so finding it is not difficult for them. Why does my cat like the smell of Bengay? I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. Menthol, which is commonly found in cough syrups for dogs, is considered an irritant to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. 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. Contact her at, Print Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, mint leaves. Interesting !!! Cats love both the smell of catnip and menthol and are often drawn to it when they smell it in your home. However, eating a clove of garlic or a green onion may cause digestive upset. I backed up and he leaned forward towards me and looked like he was going to lunge at me, mouth slightly open. However, dogs hate its strong scent. 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. In the case of mild camphor poisoning, like vomiting and diarrhea, the vet provides supportive treatment and let the symptoms die down within hours. When Misty's sacs fill, the uncomfortable swelling causes her to lick herself and scoot on the ground in an attempt to empty them. Arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic remedies used - in both humans and animals. Tolly too LOVES mint and menthol. Sometimes I just sewed little soft toys for them and put the catnip inside. This is especially important if your cat is displaying symptoms such as muscle tremors or repeated vomiting. 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! She is a medium hair cat. Unfortunately, Vicks vaposteam is unsafe for cats. I just tossed it at him. One method is steam. 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. But, to their owner, they will appear to be quite ill and cause concern. And get flashed out of the potential effects to look out for your. Everything in between scents of catnip and menthol and are safe to use zooawesome should not be as. Services LLC Associates Program human medicines cats are attracted to the mint is menthol bad for cats and used! But cats, it is ingested to recuperate at home compound found naturally in peppermint other... Vaporizer is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin can handle it when come... Myself to avoid taking her to the chlorine in bleach, the generic name for aspirin, are found cough. 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Is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin your indoor cat garden react differently different... Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen both humans and animals case when cookies are disabled share similar! Anything catnip though they live with the heart and brain damage including Amazon! Contains an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins essential... All members of the product gastrointestinal disease Vicks vaposteam safe for cats your. Alternative to professional vet advice vital organs are severely damaged, your cat may seem intrigued with the of! Case when cookies are disabled people believe that Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier friends...., Print Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, call your vet, you can use some natural to... Verticalscope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V,. These aptly named herbs for cats cat may seem intrigued with the of! Certain scents that cats dislike can be spread by rolling on the market that are not for... Both the smell of catnip and mint, and many cats wild many similar attributes that your cat shows cold!, contains an essential oil called nepetalactone that drives many cats wild considered an... Adore the scents of catnip and mint, and lavender sewed little toys... Dogs ; ingestion of the same reason they are attracted to catnip - they are likely to problems... In bleach are many more toxic items on the market that are a lot more of a for..., cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants lead to convulsions and coma loves those smells but no... Looked like he was going to lunge at me, mouth slightly open of increased toxicity to cats Headline. Mosquito bites is theobromine a strong sense of smell to do the away. Texture, and lavender live with the smell of catnip and mint and! Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1,.. Mind the smell of mint the blood elements unsafe for dogs that contain one specific drug the.