Your Pet AuPair
- Oct 15, 2019
- 2 min read

Top 5 Essential Oils for Your Cat

Updated: Oct 7, 2020

Our previous blog, Bel Air Dog Walker Has The Top 5 Essential Oils For Your Dog, discussed

the best essential oils to use for a variety of health issues your dog may have. Since we also have clients with cats, your Bel Air cat sitter wanted to share the top 5 essential oils to use around your cat.

Notice how we say around, not on…

Cats are very sensitive to essential oils, and we suggest using them in low concentrations with the go-ahead from your vet or just using them diffused around your cat. Some oils, such as rosemary, are safe to put in cat shampoos, for example, since the essential oil will have a low concentration in the shampoo.

With a very strong sense of smell, cats will notice a new fragrance immediately, so it is best to slowly introduce any type of essential oil you use to your cat. Also, essential oils should be used around adult cats without any type of underlying diseases (unless the oil is helpful for that disease).

Here is a list of the top 5 essential oils to use around your cat (or in low-concentrated doses):

1. Clary Sage

Clary sage has been used for its calming effects around humans and has been deemed safe by the ASPCA to use around cats. It can keep cats and their humans calm when diffused in the home.

2. Rosemary

This popular essential oil has been used in shampoos for cats and dogs alike. A rosemary-infused cat shampoo is safe and effective in killing fleas, we just don’t recommend putting this oil directly on your cat.

3. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is safe to be diffused around cats. It’s been known to keep fleas and mosquitoes

away, so diffusing it in your home is safe for your cat.

4. Geranium

This oil has been known for its calming properties and as a good hormone balancer. Ask your vet about using this oil directly on your cat.

5. Frankincense

Known for relieving constipation, frankincense is a great anti-inflammatory. It can also be used as a disinfectant for minor cuts and scrapes.

Cat sitting Miss Abigail

The use of essential oils on or around cats has been widely debated, so it is always best to check with your vet before using any type of oil on your cat. Kittens and older cats, or cats with existing health issues should not be given any oils topically. Always monitor your cat when you start using essential oils. Some warning signs of a reaction may be drooling, lack of appetite and lethargy. Definitely stop using them if they have a bad reaction and seek a vet’s medical attention.

Do you use essential oils for your cats? What have you used in the past that has helped your cat?

As a Bel Air cat sitter, we want cat owners to make sure they are using essential oils that are safe and being cautious while starting to use them. Contact us HERE for cat sitting services today!