As you can see, cats are naturally attracted to menthol. As little as a tablespoon of any form of alcohol can put an adult cat in a coma; more than that can kill them. She eats plenty, drinks, and has a very playful personality. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. Same thing happened to DH when he used the lotion. Thyme. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver and brain damage. Thank you as always for your heartfelt and passionate comments. This is especially important if your cat is displaying symptoms such as muscle tremors or repeated vomiting. To make sure we are on the same page let me clarify what Vicks VapoRub is. Also, be sure to always keep your flu season supplies stored safely out of paws reach! The stems, leaves, and flowers of the mint contain high contents of essential oils, which are not safe for cats. My cat seems to have a bit of difficulty breathing when she sleeps. Most topical pain creams and ointments contain wintergreen or menthol in their formula, and both Bengay and Icy Hot are high in menthol. Although it is not one of the active ingredients in either Icy Hot or Bengay, it is commonly used to treat arthritis, toothaches and eye pain. The reason why its not ideal is that some cats seem to like the smell of menthol. It has potential toxic effects and . If you have ever been sick with a cold or flu as a kid you may remember your mom applying this to your chest. Yes, Vicks vapor rub could hurt your cat. They are well aware of the toxicity of these plants and stay away from them. So far we have established that camphor is harmful to your cat and dog when ingested or comes into contact with the skin. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning. You don't have to worry about hurting your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. It is important not to overdo it though, just a couple of minutes a day is enough to clear it up. Methemoglobinemia is a form of anemia that can cause symptoms such as: depression, weakness, rapid breathing, discoloration of skin and mucous membranes, jaundice, vomiting, hypothermia or the swelling of face or jaw. My Cat Stopped Purring When I Got A New Kitten Why? This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. These are all members of the same family. Cough suppressants and cough drops are common remedies to keep us going throughout our days when we start to feel a cold coming on, and although these remedies often resemble our favorite hard candies, some of the ingredients in cough drops can be potentially dangerous to our pets. ASPCA states that mint is toxic to cats. Cats can become lactose intolerant when they become adults. The first thing you should do when trying to get rid of cats is to make sure your garden doesn't have any mint (or catnip) plants. Jan 29, 2011 #3 jazzythecat TCS Member Super Cat Joined Apr 4, 2010 Messages 1,007 Purraise 10 Location Playing with Jazzy & Ginga. Even a small ingestion of these can cause damage to your cats red blood cells, leading to anemia or even death. 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. It hasn't gotten so bad that she breathes thru her mouth. I did have a cat that loved my friends hair. Are ferns bad for health? This can pose a risk for aspiration and may become a choking hazard, particularly in those pets that may be more susceptible to aspiration. As you can see, cats are naturally attracted to menthol. Normally, your cat would need to consume a significant amount of menthol before showing symptoms of menthol poisoning. My Tyler loves anise pizzelles. In fact, all members of the allium familyincluding onions, leeks, scallions, and shallotsare toxic to felines. Brushing your cats teeth daily, or at least a few times each week, is the best way keep Kittys gums and teeth healthy and reduce the frequency of expensive, professional dental cleanings. Catnip is a member of the. I too use Goldbond and my Stumpy tries to lick it off my hands every time I apply it. Basil, tea tree, oregano, and clove are all safe for your cat. Menthol is a great pain-reliever - for humans. So, even though they live with the smell it is not safe for them to lick on it. Cats are drawn to them for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint they are all members of the same family. Menthol Can Cause Problems For Your Cat. If youre at work when the incident happens, hours could pass before you realize your cat is hurt or missing. Simply dampen cotton balls with witch hazel and wipe your cats chin once or twice a day. My cat doesnt like catnip oh, it has nothing to do with Menthol smelling like a mint. 1 Menthol can change the way the brain registers the sensations of taste and pain. Not literally, but the mint plant produces methol. Message and data rates may apply. You know that open-nose feeling you get when you breathe in menthol? 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. If you grow mint in your garden, dont be shocked if it attracts cats. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Your cat is obsessed with mint because it is often confused with another herb in the mint family: catnip! Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info. Larger doses are a problem, so keep your products secured in the medicine cabinet to prevent her from. Yes, Vick's steam rub could harm your cat. Even the simplest oversight may have big consequences on your cats well being and quality of life. Essential oils and animals can be a harmful combination. Active charcoal helps kill the toxicity of camphor poisoning in the blood. Mint. Your cat may appear to hate you after using Vicks Vaporub for a couple of reasons. Menthol is used in a wide range of products, including inhalants, lozenges, mouthwashes, breath fresheners, and creams, lotions, or ointments for alleviating pain. Severe toxicity is unlikely from single acute exposures to such ointments. Cats can be attracted to the smell for the exact reason they're attracted to cat mint. Pet parents may be surprised to learn that there are a number of herbs safe for cats. Here's what you should know, Safety of Cats and Essential Oils - Tisserand Institute, Is Vicks VapoSteam safe for cats? Salicylates, the generic name for aspirin, are found in both Bengay and Icy Hot. Believe it or not, veterinarians sometimes suggest using witch hazel to treat feline acne. Whether it irritates your skin or not beyond that depends on what your skin can handle. 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. Consult a vet to help you determine the best medication for decongesting your cat. Fortunately . Like all toxins, it is dose-related, so a small amount for a big dog is not as significant as a large amount for a small dog. However, catmint does not have the same effect. Cats are not fond of anyone touching their precious pearly whites, and your cats reluctance to open wide may have convinced you that cat dentaltreats are enough to protect Kittys smile. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying herbs safe for cats. Excess camphor oil can cause deadly seizures that result in the death of a cat. Menthol, for example, is primarily metabolized (in humans and rodents) through glucuronidation, and toxicity testing shows that menthol is 3-4 times more toxic to a cat than a rat (Opdyke 1976). Cats love the smell of both catnip and menthol, and they often gravitate towards it if they smell it in your house. Dr. Susan : cats, I recommend Chlortrimeton. Privacy Policy Legal Info, Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia and possible liver injury, 199 Dogs Were Killed at Iowa Puppy Mill in ONE Day. As long as no vital organs are severely damaged, your pet will be discharged to recuperate at home. 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. Tarragon. Some cat owners believe they are one of the same things. If menthol were so bad, dermatologists and chemists wouldn't be putting it in products. Lions, tigers and other big cats are attracted to menthol, too. Catnip is also a member of the mint family; offer Nala some and enjoy her response. 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. Avoid growing the following herbs in your cat garden, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pets: Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying herbs safe for cats. Camphor is an extract. An unconfined cat is distracting to the driver, and vulnerable to injury or escape. This helps your vet in making a proper diagnosis. 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! Why is my cat sniffing the ground and rolling over? If you have any unanswered questions, let us know in the comments section. With plenty of prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available,keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier. Dec 29, 2008. Catnip is a member of the mint family, thus it has many of the same qualities as mint. Mint, wintergreen, and menthol More smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as wintergreen and menthol. Consumption can cause heart arrhythmias, muscle tremors, or seizures. Because menthol smells similar to catnip, cats enjoy products scented with menthol or mint plants. These devices typically have a negative connotation attached but, in this context, for clearing congestion, it is a different circumstance. Cats can tolerate the smell of these plants, but consuming them in any form can cause issues. To put it in perspective, a typical cough drop contains between 5 and 10 mg of menthol. There are far more poisonous items on the market that are a far greater cause of concern for your cat. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. If ignored, impacted sacs can become infected or rupture, causing bleeding and pain. This behavior can be seen in both domestic and big cats. Download : Download high-res image (665KB) Download : Download full-size image; Fig. This may be the reason why your cat may seem intrigued with the menthol in the Vicks VaporRub. And does anyone know why they love it so much? Hey, she knows where she lives and shed never wander off, right? If your dog ate something containing menthol, call your vet and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. We first noticed that years ago when Max was living. An annual vet exam can pinpoint the start of any health concerns and treat minor issues before they become major issues. YourCat is obsessed with mintbecause it is often confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! Sometimes cats cough up or sneeze out droplets of the inhalant that caused pneumonia, such as mint oil. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. Chemicals in Vicks vaposteam like camphor bind to the charcoal and get flashed out of the dogs body. Are vaporizers safe for dogs and/or cats?. Cats will only be harmed by menthol if they consume huge amounts of the herb, which is rare. ASPCA Surpasses $200 Million in Grant Funding to Nationwide Organizations and Animal Welfare Groups. Pine Whenever I apply a menthol skin product, Nala rubs up against me, licks my skin and follows me around, not leaving me alone. Although it is not harmful if inhaled, it's worth noting that cats can go crazy for the scent. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! It relieves pain. 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. But, in fact, they are actually two different plants. Do cats like the smell of menthol? 11 /19. Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. Privacy -Designed by Thrive Themes
Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. Whether these come in contact with their skin or are inhaled, they may result in toxicity. Its amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy over. This HealthHearty write-up lists out the uses, benefits, and side effects of menthol. Then praise Misty and offer her a treat so she'll be happy to have you help her again in a month or two. Your cat seems healthy. So, it is understandable if you find yourself wondering, Is Vicks vaporizer safe for cats and dogs?. (Find out now!) If you want to use essential oils on your cat, ensure they are pet-approved. Some individuals believe that cats are inherently crazy. Eucalyptus oil is bad for cats as cats do not have the enzymes to break eucalyptus oil which can cause severe problems. Menthol reduces the feeling of respiratory discomfort . This could be from the air they consume or even through the water. And Mint is in the same family as catnip and catmint. They are enamored with the smell, taste, texture, and everything in between. I hope you enjoy any product or service that I recommend. Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. Menthol could be bad for cats if ingested in large quantities. If you have not heard of a vaporizer before it is used to create inhalable vapor. You will often find menthol in cleansers and washes designed for acne or other painful skin . I'm just curious if anyone elses cats love the smell of menthol products as much as my cats do? But, if it is a lot, in extreme cases, it could lead to a seizure or acting depressed. This pungent herb is known to transform lazy (read: chubby) cats into the feline equivalent of Richard Simmons. Kramer doesn't like the smell of menthol and will leave me alone if he smells it anywhere on me. Catnip is related to mint I think - that maybe why your kitties like mint. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Essential Oils For Dogs The Safest And Worst Oil To Use, Golden Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix (Golden Ridgeback) Info, Pictures, & Facts, Corgi Basenji Mix (Corsengi) Info, Pictures, & Facts, Boxer Bloodhound Mix Info, Pictures, & Facts, Catahoula Beagle Mix Info, Pictures, & Facts, Akita Doberman Mix (Doberkita Inu) Info, Pictures, & Facts) Info, Pictures, & Facts, It is absorbed through the cats skin and into the bloodstream, It can get into the body through broken or punctured skin, Is experiencing breathing issues from camphor poisoning, Has inflamed mucus membrane from the burning effect of camphor, Has damaged internal organs from camphor poisoning, Take Fido out of the area while you use the vaporizer (these vapors can stay long so keeping them away would be ideal), Ensure proper room ventilation, if you can release the air out of the house via an exhaust, well and good, Keep Fido out in the open air and return them once vapor has dissipated. But is camphor in Vicks vaposteam safe for cats? Garlic and chives are by and large the most dangerous herbs for your cat. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Unfortunately, Vicks vaposteam is unsafe for cats. Your email address will not be published. Find out more about my story. 6. Also, there are advanced medical drugs that control seizures caused by camphor oil poisoning. | Animal Advisor, 5 Smells Cats Hate vs. Please tell me how to accomplish this. Cats can be attracted to the smell for the same reason they are attracted to catnip. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Larger doses are a problem, so keep your products secured in the medicine cabinet to prevent her from chewing the containers and consuming their contents. 11 Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Cat. Even plain yogurt may cause stomach problems if not fed in moderation, so check out the vet-approved serving size first. What about inhaling the steam from a Vicks vaposteam? Contact her at, Print Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, mint leaves. We have the utmost respect for youand ask that you extend that respect on to one another as well. Cats have been known to go crazy over peppermint gum, candy, etc. While German chamomile is considered safe, English/Garden/Roman/True chamomile can cause contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions in pets. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. However, eating a clove of garlic or a green onion may cause digestive upset. This is not good for cats. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. 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