Cats are only harmed by menthol if they consume large amounts of the herb, which is rare. Your cat seems healthy. Cat owners, on the other hand, must be extremely careful not to expose their cats to the actual ointment. And, if you know about catnip, you know that cats generally go crazy for it. Why is my cat sniffing the floor and rolling around? If you grow mint in your garden, dont be shocked if it attracts cats. Unlocking The Mystery, Why Is My Black Cat Turning Brown? Don't delay contacting a professional. Clinical experience suggests calendula can accelerate wound healing. Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. She did NOT like it at all! With plenty of prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available,keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier. If in doubt it best to check in with your vet. 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. Yes, cats like the smell of menthol and other similar minty scents. [And what to do? A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. So, even though they live with the smell it is not safe for them to lick on it. The best prevention is to keep human food out of reach of your cat. The go absolutely nuts for that stuff. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: It can even cause a painful condition called steatitis, or inflammation of the body's fat, when fed to cats on a regular basis. You know that open-nose feeling you get when you breathe in menthol? This can pose a risk for aspiration and may become a choking hazard, particularly in those pets that may be more susceptible to aspiration. Your cat may appear to hate you after using Vicks Vaporub for a couple of reasons. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The fragrance of menthol is frequently confused with that of catnip by cats. Tea tree. Please tell me how to accomplish this. Tolly too LOVES mint and menthol. It has potential toxic effects and . I'm o.k. Cats like menthol because they are likely getting it confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the chin. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Catnip is a member of the mint family, so it shares many of the same properties as spearmint. Menthol is biologically active and actually interacts with nicotine and other tobacco elements, which can contribute to cell damage or death. Rosemary. In general, cough drops cannot cause an overdose and are safe to use. Humans have a total of 5 million scent sensors, while cats have 200 million. Anyway, my point is methol, catnip and catmint are all from the same family and it is believed that this is why cats have a fascination with it. If your cat is playing with it, its best to move it away from them or lock it away. You don't have to worry about hurting your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. Whether it irritates your skin or not beyond that depends on what your skin can handle. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. It's amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy. Think your cat longs to explore all of springtimes splendors on her own? They are mysterious. The berries contain sapogenins, which are toxic to cats and can immediately cause irritation and gastrointestinal upset. They are in love with the smell, taste, texture and everything in between. Can you just give the catnip like straight out of the bag to them ..? The higher the altitude, the more aromatic the plant will . Cats are attracted to them for the same reason they are attracted to catnip - they are all members of the same family. Your cat will recognize the similarities between the two herbs and will be attracted to them. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Cats have a far stronger sense of smell than humans. Even a small ingestion of these can cause damage to your cats red blood cells, leading to anemia or even death. They love the smell, the taste, the texture . Menthol is safe to breathe, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts. Keep Kitty safely harnessed, leashed, and reassured by your presence when outdoors, for her peace of mindand yours. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. Sometimes I just sewed little soft toys for them and put the catnip inside. Dr. Susan : cats, I recommend Chlortrimeton. 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. Explained! Since cats like menthol, they are fascinated by it and enjoy sniffing it. But, to their owner, they will appear to be quite ill and cause concern. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! [Describing the process would be too graphic for some newspaper readers, but there are instructional videos on YouTube.]. Indoor cats can catch colds from contact with other cats, especially in households with multiple cats. This is another reason why some cat owners steer clear of it. The lesser-known alternative to catnip and silver vine, valerian also acts as a stimulant on cats. Severe toxicity is unlikely from single acute exposures to such ointments. 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. If your cat is congested, according to this site, a vaporizer is known to help with this. ], 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. Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. You may see your cat have a runny nose, sneeze, or some aches and pains. He started absolutely freaking out! Dairy: Despite popular belief, cats that are no . Alternatively, always use your Vicks vaporizer or humidifier in a separate room away from your cat. They dont mind the smell of mint. You can't just take a shower and go to bed and try to fall asleep without her attacking you. Are fragrance oils safe for dogs to smell? Menthol is used in a wide range of products, including inhalants, lozenges, mouthwashes, breath fresheners, and creams, lotions, or ointments for alleviating pain. Not literally, but the mint plant produces methol. I have had the same effect when using BenGay. Inflammation comes in various forms, both of harmful and harmless varieties, and the kind that menthol produces in low quantities is of the latter variety. Fortunately . | Powered by WordPress. Garlic and chives are by and large the most dangerous herbs for your cat. You don't have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. Excitement over a robins fly-by may cause your mellow tabby to accidentally dislodge that screen and plummet to the ground. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Wrong. As a general rule, cats are often more sensitive to the potentially toxic and other dangerous effects of essential oils and other scents than dogs are, but it very much depends on the scent, the delivery method, and the uniqueness of the pet. Believe it or not, fleas and the mosquitos that carry heartworms can easily enter your home and cause big problems for cats. These things run in the same family. Why does my cat like the smell of Bengay? So, now you know more about it. Toxic for cats to inhale no idea smell of Vicks is used for treating congestion Is the smell of Vicks bad for cats? What are the side effects of Camphor for cats? Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it is especially dangerous to cats. If you have any unanswered questions, let us know in the comments section. That said, many of our readers on social media have requested a thorough treatment on the topicand we plan to deliver one in the coming weeks. Same thing happened to DH when he used the lotion. There are far more poisonous items on the market that are a far greater cause of concern for your cat. I don't know why but she would slobber and claw my poor friend. If you suspect your cat has ingested a large amount of menthol, look out for gastrointestinal problems. Menthol is made from a mint, just as catnip is. There has been a lot of debate on whether your cat should inhale vaposteam. I've been fighting a wicked cold and I pulled out the good old Vick's and Stanley kept trying to steal it from me! 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. 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. Chemical burns and other toxic effects can occur if a cat licks up eucalyptus oil spills. The following herbs for cats may not offer medicinal benefits, but they are flavorful and considered safe for felines: Lets end with the obvious: catnip! Monitor your cats reaction whenever you are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier. Cats are sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds which are found in many essential oils. So, now you know it is not a good idea. Certain scents that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. However, several cats have died as a result of coming into contact with Flurbiprofen. However, any sugary or flavored yogurts are better avoided. They are enamored with the smell, taste, texture, and everything in between. Cats can be attracted to catnip for the same reason that they both smell like catnip. Valerian is a great option for your indoor cat garden. Some people believe that cats are naturally crazy. Talk to your veterinarian if you have to clean up more than one or two a month. I'm not sure, I've always put it in something. However, this is what they regard as the active ingredients. Other harmful ingredients used in topical products like Vicks include: A pet owner who loves to share useful facts and information about a variety of animals. 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. Keep a close check on your dog to see if anything out of the ordinary occurs or they are exhibiting any symptoms of poisoning. None of my other cats respond to it that way. Dr. Susan : However, some drops contain ingredients that can create more serious consequences: Xylitol. So, now you know some of the potential effects to look out for. Cats are often attracted to menthol smells. If a cat likes a scent, it can become obsessional. 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. 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. Always consult with a licensed and credible veterinarian for pet related concerns. Specially, they think cats are attracted to the chlorine in bleach. Chemicals in Vicks vaposteam like camphor bind to the charcoal and get flashed out of the dogs body. In fact, all members of the allium familyincluding onions, leeks, scallions, and shallotsare toxic to felines. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Please consult your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist first before adding these foods to your cat's diet.There is risk of vomiting, diarrhea, Salmonella or E. coli with these foods for some animals, especially when given improperly. This may be the reason why your cat may seem intrigued with the menthol in the Vicks VaporRub. I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. Q: My dog Misty had been licking and scooting her behind across the carpet, leaving a brown streak. Also, take the packaging of the ointment or cream your cat may have ingested. These machines release water vapor into the air in the form of fumes that can be very helpful for humans. One method is steam. Camphor is an organic compound used in creams, lotions, and ointments. Oh my gosh, this is an old thread, but I just searched 'menthol' and it came up. This site is owned and operated by D Three Ltd. D Three Ltd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But is camphor in Vicks vaposteam safe for cats? I'm sure someone else will be able to properly help you. If you have heard of Camphor before, in the context of health remedies, you may have wondered exactly what it is, and where it comes from. Lions, tigers and other big cats are attracted to menthol, too. No, coconut oil is not toxic. Dr. Susan : You can also try an antihistamine . So, to be safe, it is best avoided. 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! Fortunately, menthol is safe at the small doses Nala ingests when she licks your skin. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Seek medical treatment immediately. Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. like my Ari, go crazy over the scent. The reason your cat is obsessed with menthol is that its smell resembles the smell of catnip. Keep a watch out for any gastrointestinal troubles if you suspect your cat took a substantial amount of menthol. ZooAwesome should not be considered as an alternative to professional vet advice. 2 In cigarettes, menthol creates a cooling sensation in the throat and airways, making the smoke feel less harsh and easier to inhale. D Three Ltd is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. If you grow mint in your garden, don't be shocked if it attracts cats. Interesting !!! Although it is not harmful if inhaled, it's worth noting that cats can go crazy for the scent. Mint, wintergreen, and menthol More smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as wintergreen and menthol. Cats are attracted to Vicks Vaporub because of the scent it gives off. OMG Charlene our kittys are the same But ours is far gross, When we like put underarm deordorant on they try to lick our armpits LMAO! 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. How to choose the right food for your cat. Thyme. 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? Your cat is obsessed with mint because it is often confused with another herb in the mint family: catnip! Mint. Catnip is a member of the. A bland diet may also be suggested to help heal the mucus membranes of the cat. The smell is banned from the house unless we can lock ourselves away. How Long Will An Older Cat Hiss At a Kitten? Because cats communicate primarily through the way someone or something smells, they use scent glands on their cheeks, paws, and flanks to imbue it with their own scent. Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you. This HealthHearty write-up lists out the uses, benefits, and side effects of menthol. Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. All these chemicals and oils are toxic to dogs. Silence the Superstitions, Why Do Cats Purr When You Talk To Them? Heres a list of human foods that you should keep away from your feline family member, along with some advice on what to do if your cat does get ahold of one of these types of food. Know in the mint plant produces methol consume large amounts poor friend of poisoning infrequently Xylitol... Sure someone else will be able to properly help you and pains lotions and... 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