Experts say it will be difficult to keep your cat away from the drug that has menthol on your knee because he's preoccupied with the smell, but if you let him hold onto your hind leg where the drug is, just hold it covered all the time He is there and wash your hands properly. Arnica for cats. Ginga is the worse out of my two, they both normally rub and bite softly though, I let them do that on my feet, doesn't hurt as much. So far we have established that camphor is harmful to your cat and dog when ingested or comes into contact with the skin. Is menthol bad for dogs? Monitor your cats reaction whenever you are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier. Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to catmint. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying herbs safe for cats. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? To put it in perspective, a typical cough drop contains between 5 and 10 mg of menthol. Menthol, which is commonly found in cough syrups for dogs, is considered an irritant to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. | Powered by WordPress. Not all scents are harmful to kitties or will cause any kind of essential oil toxicity. But, what is this camphor? Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it is especially dangerous to cats. Rosemary. While you don't want your cat to swallow menthol, there's no need to worry if a small amount is consumed. Dr. Susan : It can act as a laxative to some degree, so you may see some loose stool or diarrhea as a result. If you are concerned that your cat has a cold you may be keen to understand what signs or symptoms to look out for. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: So, when you use a strong-smelling ointment like this it can throw them off their scent. These are all members of the same family. . How to choose the right food for your cat. Pet owners (particularly cat parents) should be mindful when using essential oil diffusers, especially if the device is a so-called "active diffuser," a veterinarian in Ohio recently warned. These toxins then build up in your cat's system and cause damage. JavaScript is disabled. When your cathacks up a hairball, you probably just sigh in annoyancethats how cats are, right?and clean up the mess. The scent of menthol is often confused with that ofCatnip from cats. Your email address will not be published. 5. But, most homes will identify with it being used for colds. Top Ten Tips on How to Keep Your Cats Teeth Clean, Four Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Entertained While Youre Away, 6 Things You Should Never Do When Adopting a Cat, Top 3 Things You Should Know About the Bengal Cat, Leaving Your Cat Alone: 9 Things You Need to Know, Senior Cats: A Few Things To Keep In Mind, 6 Things To Know About Flea Dips for Cats. 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 herb is used topically for its anti-inflammatory properties. Most topical pain creams and ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in their formula, and both Bengay and Icy Hot contain a lot of menthol. Menthol is not safe for cats and you should protect from ingesting products containing menthol. Yes, cats like the smell of menthol and other similar minty scents. This may be the reason why your cat may seem intrigued with the menthol in the Vicks VaporRub. Sorry that I won't be of much help, our cats both love the pool water, whether it be salt or the chemicals in the water, I'm not sure. While you dont want your cat to swallow menthol, theres no need to be concerned if a small amount is consumed. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. Menthol is used in a wide range of products, including inhalants, lozenges, mouthwashes, breath . It can cause instant seizures and depression if not taken care of early. If you have ever been sick with a cold or flu as a kid you may remember your mom applying this to your chest. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. Even plain yogurt may cause stomach problems if not fed in moderation, so check out the vet-approved serving size first. Menthol reduces the feeling of respiratory discomfort . You don't have to worry about hurting your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Privacy -Designed by Thrive Themes Normally, your cat would need to consume a significant amount of menthol before showing symptoms of menthol poisoning. Menthol is safe to breathe, but is toxic when consumed in large amounts. [Describing the process would be too graphic for some newspaper readers, but there are instructional videos on YouTube.]. LOL I have a jar of mentholatum, like vaporub. Your cat stays indoors and rarely comes in contact with other animals. Cough drops can be helpful for a sore throat or a nagging cough. All rights reserved. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors, and flavorsall ingredients that may cause gastrointestinal upset. If you have not heard of a vaporizer before it is used to create inhalable vapor. 9. ], 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. One of my cats have a thing for under-arm deodorant! Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. If you have any unanswered questions, ask us in the comments section. This is what the cat owner was told. However, some drops contain ingredients that can create more serious consequences: Xylitol. If ingested by cats, dairy products can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. This article will talk about why do cats like menthol and is it safe for them. The ointment in Vicks Vaposteam is known to contain camphor. Salicylates, the generic name for aspirin, are found in both Bengay and Icy Hot. Eucalyptus is known to be bad for cats. They like it for a bit, but not too crazily, not like minty stuff and olives and celery. Thyme. Some cats do like the smell of Vicks VapoRub. Some are even deadly. If a cat likes a scent, it can become obsessional. To be honest, I found it quite effective. It contains products like menthol and nutmeg oil which have shown to have serious side effects when inhaled by pets. These things run in the same family. Also, catnip has well-known effects on cats. Caveat: Its important to note that if a cat consumes large quantities of catnip (or any garden mint variety), he may experience vomiting and diarrhea. Why bother with a flea and heartworm preventive for an indoor cat? Your cat seems healthy. This may be for good reason, as ingesting mint and its relatives can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. I actually have to fight him off to keep him away. If you feel the urge to give your cat a food treat, then give them one thats actually made for cats, and in moderation. The FDA issued a warning about topical ointments containing a specific drug, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. "To close your eyes will not ease another's pain.". 2 In cigarettes, menthol creates a cooling sensation in the throat and airways, making the smoke feel less harsh and easier to inhale. 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. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Cats will only be harmed by menthol if they consume huge amounts of the herb, which is rare. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. 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. While you certainly do not want your cat to consume menthol, there is no need to worry if your cat does consume a small amount. Can you just give the catnip like straight out of the bag to them ..? They love the smell, the taste, the texture . Our goal was for cat owners to enhance those often-overlooked, common instances with increased presence and concern via suggestions from our experts. Pure menthol is poisonous and not for internal consumption. Menthol is safe when inhaled, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, so keep the Biofreeze container away from Shanie. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. While German chamomile is considered safe, English/Garden/Roman/True chamomile can cause contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions in pets. Pet Toxicology Camphor is found under many common trade names including Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, and others. Causes and Solutions. Here's what you should know, Safety of Cats and Essential Oils - Tisserand Institute, Is Vicks VapoSteam safe for cats? Some cats may be deterred by the smell of Vicks. Warm, moist air will open up her nasal passages and let her breathe easier. for cats. The two herbs share many similar attributes that your cat recognizes and is drawn to. If your cat has a mild flea infestation, a comb through with a stiff comb dipped in water and non-toxic liquid dish detergent could fix things. If your kitty gets a nose of mint oil, she could contract aspiration pneumonia. Are they safe for dogs? However, this is known to be quite toxic for them. Menthol is a chemical compound found naturally in peppermint and other similar plants. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Most cats dislike traveling and resent being cooped up in their cat carriers, but a free-range cat in a moving vehicle can become a terrified, furry missile. It's amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy. My Cat Stopped Purring When I Got A New Kitten Why? Dairy: Despite popular belief, cats that are no . Just like poisoning in humans, the key to reacting to poisoning in your pet is to act fast. Their active ingredient, menthol, can result in an overdose in extremely high amounts, but these are hard to get from eating even large quantities of cough drops. In general, cough drops cannot cause an overdose and are safe to use. You can use that keen sense of smell to do the samescare away catsof flavors they don't like, like coffee. Humidifiers are safe for cats. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. Is Vicks safe for cats? 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