Bath and Body Works candles are a popular choice for adding a pleasant fragrance and some ambiance to the home.
However, if you own a cat, you may be wondering whether these candles are safe to use around your feline friend.
Unfortunately, the short answer is no they’re not safe around cats.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use candles around the home if you have a cat, but you certainly need to be mindful of some things and more careful.
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What are Bath and Body Works Candles made from?
Bath and Body Works candles are made from a variety of ingredients, typically essential oils or fragrances to scent the candle, a cotton wick, and wax.
While these ingredients mean you get a wonderful-looking and smelling candle, some of them can also be harmful to cats.
The paraffin wax candles are the most toxic to cats as they contain a variety of chemicals which can be harmful when burned.
These candles also produce soot when they are lit, which your cat’s lungs would be better off if they didn’t inhale.
Scented candles can also be problematic for cats, especially if they contain essential oils.
Essential oils are known to be toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues if ingested or inhaled in large amounts.
Fragrance oils aren’t much better as they’re made from man-made chemicals and can cause cats respiratory issues as well.
Bath and Body Works also produces candles made from more eco-friendly ingredients, such as vegetable wax and soy which are much safer.
So, if you’re going to use candles around your cat I suggest you use soy, beeswax, coconut wax, or some other eco-friendly option.
Cats are very sensitive creatures, so it’s important to take precautions when using candles around them!
Related – Are Bath and Body Works Wallflowers Safe for Cats?
Chemicals that are potentially toxic to cats
You can argue no fragrances are OK, but certain essential oils and fragrances are more toxic to cats if ingested or inhaled than others.
For example, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and citrus oils can all be harmful to cats.
In addition, the fumes produced by burning candles can contain chemicals such as benzene and toluene, which can be harmful to cats if inhaled in large quantities.
This is why it’s better to just not burn candles if you have cats – sorry about that!
Why candles present a potential fire hazard to cats
In addition to the potential toxic effects of candles, they also present a potential fire hazard to cats.
Cats are curious animals and may be attracted to the flame of a candle.
If a cat were to knock over a candle, it could start a fire, which could be dangerous for both the cat and the humans in the home.
What candles are OK for cats?
If you do want to use candles in your home, there are a few options that are safer for cats:
- Soy candles: Soy candles are made from soybean oil, which is a natural and biodegradable resource. Soy candles are also non-toxic and burn cleanly, which reduces the risk of harmful fumes.
- Beeswax candles: Beeswax candles are another natural option that is safe for cats. They are made from the wax produced by bees and are non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
- LED candles: LED candles are a safer alternative to traditional candles! They do not produce any flames or harmful fumes, and they can be used around pets without any risk.
At the end of the day, if you’re using candles you’re either after the scent or the candlelight, right?
Both of these can be emulated by using items that are less risky for cats – like LED candles, wax melts, and diffusers.
These options still create a calming ambiance without the risk of toxicity or fire!
So, if you want to be safe rather than sorry, make sure to use these alternatives instead.
Related – More on why soy candles are the best type to use around cats and other pets.
Wrapping Up
In summary, Bath and Body Works candles are not 100% safe for cats due to the potentially toxic effects of the ingredients and the risk of fire.
If you do want to use candles in your home, you should consider using soy, beeswax, or even LED candles, which are safer options for cats.
This isn’t to say you can’t use candles at all if you have cats and other pets, of course, you can.
Let’s be honest, the risk of the odd few candles is minimal and lots of cat owners/parents use candles.
As long as you’re all clued up on the potential risks and take the appropriate steps to ensure you, your cat, and your home is as safe as possible, you can enjoy sweet candle scents and ambient candlelight.
Image credits – Photo by Melissa Mullin on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.