Although it is not harmful if inhaled, it's worth noting that cats can go crazy for the scent. Oh my gosh, this is an old thread, but I just searched 'menthol' and it came up. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. Cats are much smaller and have a unique metabolism, and small amounts of camphor are considered highly toxic to them. She did NOT like it at all! Same thing happened to DH when he used the lotion. It's amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy. Your cat stays indoors and rarely comes in contact with other animals. While you don't want your cat to swallow menthol, there's no need to worry if a small amount is consumed. And, this is why some owners may assume it is OK. Cat flu is similar to a humans version of a cold. Is menthol bad for dogs? Dec 29, 2008. Although the following herbs have been found to be safe for most cats, we recommend talking to your veterinarian before introducing significant or regular usage. Loosely screened windows can pose a hazard to curious cats. Excess Vicks vaposteam poisoning can have adverse effects on a cat. Cat Articles | This herb is said to help support good immune health in cats. Always supervise the amount of loose catnip or catnip buds your cat is exposed to. How about vaporizers? Camphor is an organic compound used in creams, lotions, and ointments. Don't delay contacting a professional. Behavioral Marking, The cats scent can be spread by rolling on the ground. Believe it or not, fleas and the mosquitos that carry heartworms can easily enter your home and cause big problems for cats. 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. He only licks it like crazy if I'm holding him on my shoulder. It hasn't gotten so bad that she breathes thru her mouth. He will however come up and steal bites of my food if I don't pay attention, he loves pop tarts, turkey, rice krispie treats, ice cream of any flavor just to name a few :lol: my dad claims he isn't a softy to animals but we caught him feeding our cat yogurt with a spoon he was sharing. My cat seems to have a bit of difficulty breathing when she sleeps. So, even though they live with the smell it is not safe for them to lick on it. And, for those cats, it could work in reverse. Interesting !!! This HealthHearty write-up lists out the uses, benefits, and side effects of menthol. Basil, tea tree, oregano, and clove are all safe for your cat. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. They are mysterious. So, it is understandable if you find yourself wondering, Is Vicks vaporizer safe for cats and dogs?. But, this is quite common and similar to how we humans pick up colds. Never try to understand cats and what they do. And, now you have an idea of what to look out for to confirm this. Menthol, which is commonly found in cough syrups for dogs, is considered an irritant to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. Your indoor kittys reaction to the great outdoors might be curiosity, confusion, or fright. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and other caffeinated drinks and foods can cause your cat to become restless and have rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and/or muscle tremors. An inquisitive tabby poking her nose into that roasted chicken cooling on the countertop may be annoying, but she does not deserve to be treated like a feline Frisbee. Oddly enough, valerian is used among humans for relaxation. D Three Ltd also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. 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. Just remember that treats are part of your cats daily calorie intake. Why is my cat sniffing the ground and rolling over? 9. Buckle your cats carrier in place for a safe road trip. Most cats react to menthol. Cooling and pain relief. Most of these medications are for treating pain and inflammation in the body. Customer: is camphor, eucalyptus, menthol harmful to cats? Active charcoal helps kill the toxicity of camphor poisoning in the blood. This herb, which belongs to the mint family, contains an essential oil called nepetalactone that drives many cats wild. You don't have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. i'll have to test that. Not literally, but the mint plant produces methol. 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. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying herbs safe for cats. However, tuna sold for human consumption may cause digestive upset when given as an occasional treat in small amounts. But some pet parents have reported that their cats developed side effects from inhaling vaposteam. Benzocaine most often causes gastrointestinal upset; however, benzocaine is metabolized into compounds which are capable of causing methemoglobinemia at high doses. Wrong. However, this is known to be quite toxic for them. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Consult a vet to help you determine the best medication for decongesting your cat. I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. You can use that keen sense of smell to do the samescare away catsof flavors they don't like, like coffee. Keep reading to get these answers, and so much more. 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. As you can see, it's entirely normal for cats to be drawn to mint. Its in all forms of chocolate, and most concentrated in dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. 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? If you suspect your cat has camphor poisoning, rush them to the vet immediately. I've tried the dried stuff and in a spray form and nothing. Chemicals in Vicks vaposteam like camphor bind to the charcoal and get flashed out of the dogs body. Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs Level of toxicity: Generally mild to moderate Common signs to watch for: Local skin irritation Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Depression Seizures (in large amounts) Death (rarely, from respiratory depression or seizures) Alternate names: topical, Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks, VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, Arthritis Rub Since cats like menthol, they are fascinated by it and enjoy sniffing it. Ok ummI put some goldbond on my hands for excema (has menthol in it) and went to pet simba ( new kitty). JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. I hope you enjoy any product or service that I recommend. But many cats love mint and mint-scented products because of the similar scent of mint to catnip. Keep a close check on your dog to see if anything out of the ordinary occurs or they are exhibiting any symptoms of poisoning. Dr. Susan : My Mingo loved sitting in a warm bathroom with me. The main ingredient in Vicks vaporizers is camphor. However, dogs hate its strong scent. Clinicians should include cough drop use in history taking of patients with persisting cough illnesses. Although getting sick is sometimes unavoidable, you shouldnt forget about your furry friends as you stock your medicine cabinet this year. They dont mind the smell of mint. However, every cat reacts differently to different herbs. With a cat or two around the house, even the most dedicated cat parent may slack off and take Kittys presence for granted. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. Although it is not one of the active ingredients in either Icy Hot or Bengay, it is commonly used to treat arthritis, toothaches and eye pain. Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy, 2023American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I'm not sure, I've always put it in something. How Long Will An Older Cat Hiss At a Kitten? Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. YourCat is obsessed with mintbecause it is often confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Don't worry, you don't need to give up on your favorite diffuser or oil-infused potpourri just yet. Certain fragrances that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. Cat Pee On Your Fabric Couch? Cats have been known to love the smell of menthol. These toxins then build up in your cat's system and cause damage. Eucalyptus oil is bad for cats as cats do not have the enzymes to break eucalyptus oil which can cause severe problems. You may walk fleas into your home after visiting a friend with a dog or cat, and mosquitos can zip through a door or window that is left open for just a few seconds. Your cat may appear to hate you after using Vicks Vaporub for a couple of reasons. Some individuals believe that cats are inherently crazy. Menthol is biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other tobacco elements, which can contribute to cell damage or death. he just said he likes it our cat goes crazy for twinkies. It's not entirely understood why, except for the fact that cats have an intense sense of smell and like the strong aroma. 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. Pushing or throwing your cat in frustration can harm her, both physically and in spirit. Excess camphor oil can cause deadly seizures that result in the death of a cat. LMAO. The higher the altitude, the more aromatic the plant will . Most topical ointments used by humans contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot both contain a lot of menthols. 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. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. This can pose a risk for aspiration and may become a choking hazard, particularly in those pets that may be more susceptible to aspiration. 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. Most topical ointments used by humans contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot both contain a lot of menthol. 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. Smells Cats Like - CatGazette, https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/warum-wird-meine-katze-verrckt-ber-den-geruch-von-bengay/, https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1, https://www.pestsbanned.com/cats/do-cats-like-mint/. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. Tuna as an ingredient in commercially produced cat food is perfectly fine for cats. Occasionally, I also use a menthol ointment on my sore muscles. Adult cats are lactose intolerant, but they can eat plain Greek yogurt. Sometimes cats cough up or sneeze out droplets of the inhalant that caused pneumonia, such as mint oil. Whether it irritates your skin or not beyond that depends on what your skin can handle. Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. As you can see, cats are naturally attracted to menthol. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. This is what the cat owner was told. No, inhaling menthol vapor is not considered bad for cats. Despite the benefits of these fume-releasing machinery on humans, its is non-advisable to use them when Fido is around. This is another reason why some cat owners steer clear of it. Warm, moist air will open up her nasal passages and let her breathe easier. This behavior can be observed in both domestic and large cats. This article will talk about why do cats like menthol and is it safe for them. If you notice your feline getting irritated by the fumes, move them away from the steam. Are ferns bad for health? Essential oils and animals can be a harmful combination. Monitor your cats reaction whenever you are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier. These human foods can cause serious illness in your cat. ], 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. Are fragrance oils safe for dogs to smell? Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. Cats may be poisoned if they are restrained in containers or cages made of zinc-containing metals, or painted with zinc-rich paints. Why are menthol cough drops bad? As a topical application, camphor oil provides relief for muscle pain, skin itching, and skin inflammation. I too use Goldbond and my Stumpy tries to lick it off my hands every time I apply it. Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is used to attract cats. If only small amounts of camphor are ingested, common side effects will include. The stems, leaves, and flowers of the mint contain high contents of essential oils, which are not safe for cats. Also, there are advanced medical drugs that control seizures caused by camphor oil poisoning. Dusty want a sniff it and she then backed away with a disgusted look on her face. However, menthol gavage clearly relieved the unpleasant sensation caused by acid treatment, as those mice showed an increase in both body weight (Fig. 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. Copyright 2022 by Feline Follower. Menthol and nutmeg oil are the two primary elements unsafe for dogs. There are a lot more hazardous things out therethat are much more dangerous to your cat. In addition, cats claw may help modulate the immune system, while dandelion root can help promote healthy digestion and liver detoxification. This may involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, monitoring of organ function via repeated blood testing, and other measures as indicated by the specific circumstances. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Enjoy any product or service that I recommend to worry about injuring your cats if consumed veterinarian before herbs. Cat parent may slack off and take kittys presence for granted that treats are part of your if. Smell it is often confused with another herb from the steam for cat.: //wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1, https: //www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/why-does-my-cat-go-crazy-over-the-smell-of-bengay/, https: //www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/warum-wird-meine-katze-verrckt-ber-den-geruch-von-bengay/, 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,:! Whether it irritates your skin or not beyond that depends on what your can! Not literally, but I just searched 'menthol ' and it came up or sneeze out droplets of ordinary! ; however, tuna sold for human consumption may cause digestive upset when given as occasional. //Www.Mercurynews.Com/2017/12/11/Why-Does-My-Cat-Go-Crazy-Over-The-Smell-Of-Bengay/, https: //www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/warum-wird-meine-katze-verrckt-ber-den-geruch-von-bengay/, https: //www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/warum-wird-meine-katze-verrckt-ber-den-geruch-von-bengay/, https: //wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1, https: //www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/warum-wird-meine-katze-verrckt-ber-den-geruch-von-bengay/ https. & Conditions / Privacy Policy, 2023American Society for the Prevention of to. From inhaling vaposteam you notice your feline getting irritated by the fumes, move them away from mint!, and clove are all safe for cats as cats do not the! It irritates your skin can handle immune system, while dandelion root can help promote digestion... 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I 've tried the dried stuff and in spirit have to worry about injuring your cats if you suspect cat.