ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CATS
Lisa's note: I have 3 cats. I diffuse all oils, but as this article states, I do allow them to go into rooms where diffusion is not occurring. I also limit my citruses where they are.
I use Cedarwood for fleas and ticks. I dilute with coconut oil and rub into skin on back of neck.
“Cats have very different safety guidelines than other animals when it comes to essential oils. Cats do not process oils the same as dogs, horses, goats, etc. and so they require more caution, more dilution and many oils should be avoided completely.
• Cats lack an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase. This is important for the Cytochrome p450 liver metabolism pathway. This makes cats very susceptible to ALL kinds of toxicity, including plant, NSAIDS (like aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol), chocolate and caffeine (methylxanthines), lead, zinc, and many, many types of pesticides.
• It’s not a good idea to use oils topically or internally on your cat every single day.
• Avoid oils high in phenols and eugenols for direct application (topical or internal) such as, Basil, Birch, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Melaleuca(tea tree), Oregano, Peppermint, Thyme, and Wintergreen as well as oils high in d-limonene which includes all Citrus oils. And avoid: Cassia, Cinnamon, Oregano, Nutmeg.
• I diffuse everything! Make sure not to diffuse anything in my kitty’s room (where her food is) and make sure she’s not “locked” in the room with the diffuser – she will go away if it’s one she doesn’t like.
• The main thing is, don’t give oils to cats topically or internally *every* day (with some exceptions), dilute them, only use top-grade, thoroughly-tested oils. Essential oils safe to use on cats when properly diluted: Lavender, Frankincense, Copaiba, Helichrysum, Geranium. From Dr. Tisserand, essential oil safety expert:
I certainly don’t advocate dousing your cat in large quantities of neat essential oils – ever.
As a general guideline, Tisserand believes that the occasional use of essential oils totaling no more than 1% of the product is generally safe for cats.
Watch for strange behavior or lethargy.
• Essential oils are likely safer for your cat to be around than artificial fragrances such as air fresheners.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BIRDS
essentialbird.com
Before using any of the essential oils mentioned in this list, we urge you to first determine the safety of the essential oil or blend for yourself.
Bird species that have been diffused with some of the essential oils on this list include: finches, canaries, chickens, turkeys, crows, doves and parrots.
- RAVENSARA: (Ravensara aromatica): antiviral, may help support the immune system, may help maintain healthy lung function
- BAY LAUREL: (Laurus nobilis); antibacterial and antiviral, high in antioxidants, may be uplifting and calming, may help support the digestive and respiratory systems
- THYME: (Thymus vulgaris): broad spectrum antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, a very strong essential oil that should be used conservatively
- LAVENDER: (Lavandula angustifolia): gently calming and antimicrobial
- HELICHRYSUM: (Helichrysum italicum): an anti-inflammatory and extremely effective wound healing essential oil, which may help regenerate tissue; also may be used for feather plucking issues
- FRANKINCENSE: (Boswellia carteri): may help stimulate and elevate the mind; its comforting properties may help overcome stress and despair; this oil is also known for its ability to reduce or eliminate tumors and to aid in lung conditions (use caution in birds with congestive lung issues as frankincense can be mucolytic)
- PALMAROSA: (Cymbopogon martini): an essential oil with strong antiviral properties, antiseptic, antifungal, a powerful broad spectrum bactericidal
- YLANG YLANG: (Cananga odorata): may be effective in calming and bringing about a sense of relaxation; may help release feelings of anger, tension, and nervous irritability; high in antioxidants
- LEMONGRASS: (Cymbopogon flexuosus): this oil may be used as an antimicrobial, an anti- inflammatory, an insect repellent, for kidney disorders, to regenerate connective tissue, and as an aid in cancer treatment. I have found that high dilutions of lemongrass can be overly stimulating to birds; therefore I recommend doses of 3 to 5% to be used in a diffuser. Birds seem to tolerate these lower dilutions well. Lemongrass is a strong oil that can cause extreme skin irritation. Use with respect and care.
- LEDUM: (ledum groenlandicum): Ledum may be helpful for liver and kidney detoxification and may help resolve diseases of the kidneys and liver. It may also be helpful in reducing tumors.
- COPAIBA: (Copaifera officinalis): Copaiba is the best anti-inflammatory essential oil that we have for use in birds. It is also an excellent oil for pain and will offer some antimicrobial properties as well. Copaiba is especially useful in cases of arthritis or with injuries such as broken limbs.
- PALO SANTO: (Bursera graveolens): I love to use palo santo for any injury involving bones, tendons or ligaments. Not only is palo santo an excellent anti-inflammatory oil, but it is especially talented when it comes to stimulating bone regrowth and the restoration of proper ligament and tendon function.