Cats are sensitive to a lot of substances that are fine for us. So, if you’re using essential oils at home you should be aware if they will affect your cats or not.
Frankincense essential oil is one of the best oils to help you relax after a long day. I use frankincense sometimes, but is frankincense oil safe for cats?
To get straight to the point, frankincense isn’t safe for cats, no.
It’s potentially harmful to cats. You can use it around the home in small amounts if you know your cat isn’t going to be exposed to it, but you have to use it with caution.
What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?
Frankincense essential oil is made from sap extracted from Boswellia genustrees. It’s been used for thousands of years for its powerful healing properties and is commonly diffused around the home.
It’s great at helping you relieve the feelings and symptoms of stress, can soothe digestive issues, help fight off colds and flu, reduce inflammation, and more.
I diffuse frankincense myself along with some other oils. I like experimenting with essential oils and have felt their powerful healing properties.
I always recommend oils to friends, however, you need to be really careful when using them around cats.
Why Is Frankincense Essential Oil Toxic to Cats?
The scientific reason frankincense and other oils are harmful to cats is because they do not have a particular liver enzyme that we do.
This enzyme breaks down oils for us so they don’t build up in our bodies. For cats, however, the properties in the oil builds up in their liver and causes some serious illness issues.
It’s not an immediate process and may not even be evident for weeks, or months. But exposing your cat to essential oils will build up the toxicity levels in their bodies.
Signs of Essential Oil Toxicity in Cats
If you’re concerned that your cat is sick due to being exposed to essential oils, either through breathing in the oil or licking it directly you should take them to a vet immediately.
Symptoms of toxicity include:
- Rapid or irregular breathing
- Acting lethargic or unresponsive
- Drooling uncontrollably
- Muscle spasms or tremors
- Vomiting
- Inflammation or redness around the mouth or nose
- Pawing at their face
- General signs of confusion or dizziness