I like its coolness, so I buy shower gel and skin creams that contain menthol. Do cats like the smell of menthol? As little as a tablespoon of any form of alcohol can put an adult cat in a coma; more than that can kill them. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy menthol-scented products or mint plants. . 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. Cats are sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds which are found in many essential oils. Cat Articles | About TheCatSite.com. To keep the big cats happy, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures. Eating any type of onion on a regular basis could causeanemia. However, every cat reacts differently to different herbs. Yes, Vicks vapor rub could hurt your cat. Call your veterinarian for specific advice; in some cases, small quantities are not likely to be a problem, but larger quantities may require you to take her in to see your veterinarian. Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. Will have to do a test on my kitties. Simply dampen cotton balls with witch hazel and wipe your cats chin once or twice a day. It helps soothe pain. Behavior marking, the cat's smell can be spread by rolling on the floor. [And what to do? I don't know why but she would slobber and claw my poor friend. Cats dont enjoy hurling those hairballs any more than we enjoy removing them from the living room carpet. My Mingo loved sitting in a warm bathroom with me. Some obvious signs of a cat with a cold is when it is shivering, sneezing, or grasping for warmth. I don't know why but she would slobber and claw my poor friend. 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. Thyme. While German chamomile is considered safe, English/Garden/Roman/True chamomile can cause contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions in pets. Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. Many creams, including Bengay and Icy Hot, contain salicylates, which are aspirin derivatives. But, this is quite common and similar to how we humans pick up colds. 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. As a result, cat owners must exercise extreme caution and avoid exposing their feline to the actual ointment, as some can be harmful to felines. How Long Will An Older Cat Hiss At a Kitten? Yes, cats can eat yogurt, although it is not recommended. 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. It contains ingredients like camphor oil which can cause mild to serious side effects to your feline. 11 /19. Even if you never share your food, plenty of cats help themselves to something they shouldnt. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. It can cause instant seizures and depression if not taken care of early. 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. Eucalyptus is known to be bad for cats. Cats are drawn to them for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint they are all members of the same family. Cats are not fond of anyone touching their precious pearly whites, and your cats reluctance to open wide may have convinced you that cat dentaltreats are enough to protect Kittys smile. Excitement over a robins fly-by may cause your mellow tabby to accidentally dislodge that screen and plummet to the ground. Toxic for cats to inhale no idea smell of Vicks is used for treating congestion Is the smell of Vicks bad for cats? If youre at work when the incident happens, hours could pass before you realize your cat is hurt or missing. All rights reserved.The ASPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization. So, now you have learned how this may happen in these circumstances. Chocolate The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sometimes cats cough up or sneeze out droplets of the inhalant that caused pneumonia, such as mint oil. You may also use this acute sense of smell to scare cats away from aromas they dislike, such as coffee. Any food not specifically formulated for cats can affect the digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. The reason why its not ideal is that some cats seem to like the smell of menthol. Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to catmint. 1 Menthol can change the way the brain registers the sensations of taste and pain. . However, some drops contain ingredients that can create more serious consequences: Xylitol. 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. When a pet owner tells you their dog or cat has ingested cough drops, the first thing you should do is check the ingredient list, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Some are even deadly. I too use Goldbond and my Stumpy tries to lick it off my hands every time I apply it. It relieves pain. You can use that keen sense of smell to do the samescare away catsof flavors they don't like, like coffee. Cats have a strong sense of smell, so finding it is not difficult for them. Clean up with baby wipes and perhaps some grooming spray to soften the odor. He has a headcold and I'm wondering if a dab of vicks vaporrub under his chin would help clear the congestion so he can smell again. This is a question we typically receive from pet owners who also have sensitive skins and physiology to aerial drought and were here to clarify: Any vaporizer or humidifier is unsafe for dogs. Direct contact should be avoided as it can be irritating. Warm, moist air will open up her nasal passages and let her breathe easier. Vicks VapoRub may be great for humans but for cats, it should be avoided, according to this site the concern is the camphor ingredient that is known to be toxic for cats. Vicks Vaporub can be used as a substitute for catnip. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Cat Pee On Your Fabric Couch? 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. If your cat is congested, according to this site, a vaporizer is known to help with this. 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. There are many more toxic items on the market that are a lot more of a concern for your cat. there isn't any reall smell he goes nuts over. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Menthol attracts lions, tigers, and other large cats. Cats will only be harmed by menthol if they consume huge amounts of the herb, which is rare. However, some drops contain ingredients that can create more serious consequences: Xylitol. And when we wont let them they dig my arm trying to get me to move 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. ASPCA states that mint is toxic to cats. Then praise Misty and offer her a treat so she'll be happy to have you help her again in a month or two. Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy, 2023American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 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. Pet owners (particularly cat parents) should be mindful when using essential oil diffusers, especially if the device is a so-called "active diffuser," a veterinarian in Ohio recently warned. Nikko, that is too funny. The fragrance of menthol is frequently confused with that of catnip by cats. | Animal Advisor, 5 Smells Cats Hate vs. To empty them, you'll need exam gloves from the pharmacy and some lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Vaseline. If you grow mint in your garden, don't be shocked if it attracts cats. How about vaporizers? It prevents the coat from becoming dry and itchy in winter. Why bother with a flea and heartworm preventive for an indoor cat? Symptoms include fever, fast or labored breathing and a rapid heart rate. Many cats express dislike for the smell of peppermint and may not even want it. 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. Menthol is safe to inhale, but it is toxic if consumed in large quantities. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. :) Just so you understand, I may take a share of any sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Generally, menthol is said to be drying just like alcohol. If a cat likes a smell, it can become obsessive. Normal sac material is a foul-smelling beige liquid, but if it's been too long since Misty's sacs were emptied, the material will be thick and brown. Menthol and nutmeg oil are the two primary elements unsafe for dogs. We first noticed that years ago when Max was living. Talk to your veterinarian if you have to clean up more than one or two a month. If you believe that your pet has ingested cough drops and are concerned about the possible dangers, contact your veterinarian or the APCC immediately to find out the next appropriate steps. Even plain yogurt may cause stomach problems if not fed in moderation, so check out the vet-approved serving size first. https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/why-does-my-cat-go-crazy-over-the-smell-of-bengay/, https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1, https://www.pestsbanned.com/cats/do-cats-like-mint/, Do Black Cats Shed? Menthol is safe to breathe, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts. These are all members of the same family. Cat owners, on the other hand, must be extremely cautious not to expose their cats to the actual ointment. Thank you as always for your heartfelt and passionate comments. Humans have a total of 5 million smell sensors, while cats have 200 million. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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. 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. In cosmetics and skincare products, menthol is used to help relieve pain and to improve the scent and flavour of the product. Dec 29, 2008. Cats' nervous systems are especially sensitive to peppermint oil, such as an essential oil. As long as no vital organs are severely damaged, your pet will be discharged to recuperate at home. Because the fragrance of menthol is similar to that of catnip, cats enjoy it. Fat trimmings can also causepancreatitisin cats. And Mint is in the same family as catnip and catmint. It often contains herbal or plant-based substances but has various uses. This can be found in various products, such as Vicks Vaporub. If you have ever wondered what VapoRub contained you now have an idea of the main ingredients. Menthol is common in products like Ben Gay and other creams like Vicks vapor rub. Menthol is safe when inhaled, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so keep the Biofreeze container away from Shanie. Occasionally, I also use a menthol ointment on my sore muscles. 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. These toxins then build up in your cat's system and cause damage. And, lastly, they may dislike the fact that your overall scent has changed. This may be the reason why your cat may seem intrigued with the menthol in the Vicks VaporRub. Watch out for gastrointestinal problems if you suspect your cat has ingested a significant amount of menthol. Vicks vaporizer or humidifier is not safe for pets, especially cats and dogs. This is because of the menthol and nutmeg oil which has been observed to cause side effects when inhaled by pets. Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. These machines release water vapor into the air in the form of fumes that can be very helpful for humans. This is one of several essential oils that are known to be toxic to cats. Not literally, but the mint plant produces methol. Clinicians should include cough drop use in history taking of patients with persisting cough illnesses. ive never tried my kittys with catnip before! It hasn't gotten so bad that she breathes thru her mouth. Tea tree. Some people believe that Vicks vaporizer is safe for cats when inhaled but not ingested. The menthol is usually diluted. Menthol is used in a wide range of products, including inhalants, lozenges, mouthwashes, breath fresheners, and creams, lotions, or ointments for alleviating pain. | Powered by WordPress. Behavioral Marking, The cats scent can be spread by rolling on the ground. Benzocaine. Updated and reviewed for accuracy on February 24, 2020 by Dr. Nicole Silva, DVM. Cats love the smell of both catnip and menthol, and they often gravitate towards it if they smell it in your house. Or, alternatively lock the door to where the Vapsteam is often stored, or used. Ingesting enough of this herb can cause photosensitization in pets (ulcerative and exudative dermatitis). If your cat shows some cold symptoms you may be wondering if it has cat flu. However, any mint or camphor essential oil becomes toxic to our pets when these get onto their skin. What are the potential side effects? Numerous chemicals had been isolated from bracken ferns. My 8-yr old male is FeLeuk positive and we've had many trips to the vet in the past 6 weeks. One thing you can try, if your cat keeps messing with your VapoRub, is to offer some catnip instead to distract it from it. While you don't want your cat to swallow menthol, there's no need to worry if a small amount is consumed. Don't delay contacting a professional. They dont mind the smell of mint. Even the simplest oversight may have big consequences on your cats well being and quality of life. Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. He only licks it like crazy if I'm holding him on my shoulder. For example, one of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub. 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