I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. Should I Be Worried About My Cat's Hairballs? Some are even fatal. Dusty want a sniff it and she then backed away with a disgusted look on her face. But, for the purpose of this article that is enough. The greatest concern with menthol exposure in cats is if the substance is ingested. Yes, Vick's steam rub could harm your cat. Because cats enjoy menthol, they are enamored with it and enjoy sniffing it. I'm sure someone else will be able to properly help you. Excess camphor oil can cause deadly seizures that result in the death of a cat. Menthol is safe to inhale, but it is toxic if consumed in large quantities. Another ingredient in Vicks Vaposteam is menthol. Menthol is made from a mint, just as catnip is. 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! Message and data rates may apply. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. If you want to use essential oils on your cat, ensure they are pet-approved. Some zookeepers apply a menthol-containing ointment such as Vicks VapoRub to surfaces inside the cat enclosures to entertain the great cats. Pet parents may be surprised to learn that there are a number of herbs safe for cats. If your cat inhales such a smell in a large quantity, it can irritate their skin and make them nauseous. i'll have to test that. Ingesting enough of this herb can cause photosensitization in pets (ulcerative and exudative dermatitis). Q: Why is my cat Nala attracted to menthol? Basil, tea tree, oregano, and clove are all safe for your cat. Cats have been known to go crazy over peppermint gum, candy, etc. These machines release water vapor into the air in the form of fumes that can be very helpful for humans. You don't have to worry about hurting your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. Cats are part of the family, so you may be tempted to share a few pieces of food with them here and there. So, even though they live with the smell it is not safe for them to lick on it. Because cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans, they can notice the scent of menthol readily. If you have not heard of a vaporizer before it is used to create inhalable vapor. To empty them, you'll need exam gloves from the pharmacy and some lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Vaseline. Menthol Can Cause Problems For Your Cat. Well I have the flu, and a tissue is the only thing I had to let him take his psycho-ness out on lol. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They are mysterious. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. Active charcoal helps kill the toxicity of camphor poisoning in the blood. The stems, leaves, and flowers of the mint contain high contents of essential oils, which are not safe for cats. By providing my mobile number, I agree to receive 2-4 text messages per month from the ASPCA, which may include requests for charitable donations. 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. for cats. Cats have a keen sense of smell, so it's not difficult for them to locate it. 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. Treatment options for camphor poisoning in cats include; This is a process of flushing out poisonous contents in the stomach in both pets and humans. Symptoms include fever, fast or labored breathing and a rapid heart rate. The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. If a cat likes a smell, it can become obsessive. However, some drops contain ingredients that can create more serious consequences: Xylitol. I actually have to fight him off to keep him away. Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it's especially dangerous to cats. Dec 29, 2008. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Try aself-cleaning litter box. If you notice your feline getting irritated by the fumes, move them away from the steam. Its amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy over. Menthol is common in products like Ben Gay and other creams like Vicks vapor rub. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants. Cat Pee On Your Fabric Couch? Herbs have many culinary and medicinal benefitsand not just for humans! Wrong. Cats have a keen sense of smell, so its not difficult for them to locate 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. Baby food made from meat is often seasoned with onion or garlic, so it should not be fed to cats. Garlic and chives are by and large the most dangerous herbs for your cat. We have to hide the baked ruffles in the cabinet with the childrens safety lock on it or he will get them lolsilly ole kitty lol. Cooling and pain relief. To make sure we are on the same page let me clarify what Vicks VapoRub is. Consult a vet to help you determine the best medication for decongesting your cat. 11 /19. Seek medical treatment immediately. Thyme. he just said he likes it our cat goes crazy for twinkies. Vicks vaporizer or humidifier is not safe for pets, especially cats and dogs. My cat doesnt like catnip oh, it has nothing to do with Menthol smelling like a mint. Tea tree. What's this all about? In high doses, menthol side effects may include drowsiness, abdominal pain, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, ataxia and coma. And Mint is in the same family as catnip and catmint. I took her to the veterinarian who emptied her anal sacs but said they would probably refill every month or two. This is not good for cats. I purchased a very extensive pet insurance earlier this evening; however, it does not kick in for illnesses until after 30 days. Even a small ingestion of these can cause damage to your cats red blood cells, leading to anemia or even death. 5 B). If menthol were so bad, dermatologists and chemists wouldn't be putting it in products. Other essential oils safe for pets include mountain savory, cinnamon bark, Laurus nobilis, and lavender. Your email address will not be published. Certain fragrances that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. Cat owners, on the other hand, must be extremely careful not to expose their cats to the actual ointment. Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint, that they both smell like catnip. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. No, inhaling menthol vapor is not considered bad for cats. Numerous chemicals had been isolated from bracken ferns. If your cat is playing with it, its best to move it away from them or lock it away. It has potential toxic effects and . Avoid using camphor oil, nutmeg oil, eucalyptus, or menthol in your humidifier. What is the Health Concern? Menthol and nutmeg oil are the two primary elements unsafe for dogs. Sometimes cats cough up or sneeze out droplets of the inhalant that caused pneumonia, such as mint oil. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. It often contains herbal or plant-based substances but has various uses. However, any sugary or flavored yogurts are better avoided. If ignored, impacted sacs can become infected or rupture, causing bleeding and pain. Humidifiers are safe for cats. However, tuna sold for human consumption may cause digestive upset when given as an occasional treat in small amounts. Pure menthol is poisonous and not for internal consumption. Still have questions about cats or want to share some experience with your cat friend, why not join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? 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. If the discharge is bloody, Misty should see her veterinarian. 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. Cat owners, on the other hand, must be extremely cautious not to expose their cats to the actual ointment. To keep the big cats happy, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces in their cat enclosures. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. However, several cats have died as a result of coming into contact with Flurbiprofen. there isn't any reall smell he goes nuts over. This is another reason why some cat owners steer clear of it. Is Vicks safe for cats to smell? In the case of mild camphor poisoning, like vomiting and diarrhea, the vet provides supportive treatment and let the symptoms die down within hours. Celebrate National Biscuit Day with These Delicious Pet Treats! Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Secondly, her War on Menthol is kinda bizarre. This article will talk about why do cats like menthol and is it safe for them. All rights reserved.The ASPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization. Benson gets a little to aggressive around this smell. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. He only licks it like crazy if I'm holding him on my shoulder. Chocolate The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. As you can see, it's entirely normal for cats to be drawn to mint. I never thought about the cat liking mint stuff, maybe that explains why he insists on being in the bathroom when we brush our teeth and stuff? As a topical application, camphor oil provides relief for muscle pain, skin itching, and skin inflammation. She is a medium hair cat. 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. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. And, for those cats, it could work in reverse. I don't know why but she would slobber and claw my poor friend. OMG!, it is too funny. Cats love the scent of catnip and spearmint, and they'll often look for it when they spot it in your home. 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. 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. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: If youre at work when the incident happens, hours could pass before you realize your cat is hurt or missing. There is often some confusion around catmint and catnip. I am getting over a cold now and was just using vicks - my kitties didn't bother me. Toxic for cats to inhale no idea smell of Vicks is used for treating congestion Is the smell of Vicks bad for cats? So, to be safe, it is best avoided. Nikko, that is too funny. How Long Will An Older Cat Hiss At a Kitten? (Not-so-fun-fact: There is no good way toget rid of heartworms in cats, and infections can be fatal.). VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Why are menthol cough drops bad? These are all members of the same family. This could be from the air they consume or even through the water. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Since cats like menthol, they are fascinated by it and enjoy sniffing it. Menthol is safe to breathe, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts. Why does my cat like the smell of Bengay? If you use Vicks VapoRub for a cold, or something else, you may wonder if it is OK to use it around your cat. Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. Doberman vs Rottweiler Spot the Difference. Q: My dog Misty had been licking and scooting her behind across the carpet, leaving a brown streak. Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. 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