When the whole family takes care of itself naturally and mainly with aromatherapy, we would also like our animals to benefit from the same advantages. Although pets are generally less subject to medication than humans, sometimes it is necessary. Also, we would like to use, as for us, essential oils, hydrolats, Bach flowers, gemmotherapy, etc. But is it really suitable? Moreover, whether you have a cat, a dog or a hamster, the protocol will not be the same because our furry friends do not react in the same way to a medical treatment, no matter how natural.
Nos félins face aux huiles essentielles.
It would be easy to apply a drop of tea tree essential oil on the skin of our felines if a tick has clung to them. Unfortunately, the dogs, this will not be a problem, it will not be the same for cats.
Indeed, their smaller size and their much thinner skin can already leave to think (let us not forget that essential oils are products to be used with care and conscience) but in addition, our cats are not adapted to an environment such as that in which bath essential oils.
This is mainly due to the fact that cats do not have a particular enzyme, the "glucuronyl transferase" which allows them to eliminate phenols, among other things, major component of most essential oils. Let us therefore remember that essential oils are toxic products for cats that can, in contact with them, quickly become ill by intoxication.
Indeed, while the enzyme "glucuronyl transferase" allows humans to eliminate more than 50% of toxic substances, the cat will eliminate barely 3% through the urine. From then on, the toxic molecules for the cat will accumulate in its liver until it saturates and causes the death of the animal.
Although complete avoidance is recommended for our furry friends, the priority will really be on hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver) and neurotoxic (toxic to the nervous system) essential oils, thus oils composed of phenol molecules and ketone molecules. These should be totally banned from the feline environment. Obviously, dermocaustic oils, such as citrus oils, should be avoided as well, as they are too abrasive for the sensitive skin of felines.
Liste non exhaustive des huiles essentielles non recommandées :
Eucalytpus
Oregano
Thyme
Savory
Clove
Cinnamon
Cedar
Sage
Peppermint
Cajeput
Pine
Lemon
Orange
Grapefruit
Tangerine
Juniper
Clove
Tea tree
Lavender
Ginger
Chamomile
Thyme Rosemary
If you wish to treat your animal with essential oils, I invite you to consult a veterinarian trained in aromatherapy who will know perfectly all the essential oils adapted to the animal environment. Indeed, he will be able to advise you according to your animal while allowing a safer accompaniment for its overall health.
Some people might be tempted to put a few drops of lemon essential oil in their cat's litter box to prevent bad odors. Be aware that this is also toxic to the animal and for the same reason as above..
Quelles méthodes douces pour nos chats ?
Other natural products are less invasive than essential oils and could be used more easily:
The hydrolats cures
The Bach flowers
Lithotherapy (our animals are very sensitive to the energies of stones)
But here again, we strongly advise you to take advice from a veterinarian trained in natural methods for the most appropriate treatment.