If you use essential oils around the home and have cats you should always check if the oils you’re using are harmful to your kitties as a lot of essential oils are very toxic to them.
If you use frankincense essential oil you need to know is frankincense safe for cats if they come into contact with it either by touch, or if you’re diffusing the oil around your home.
The short answer is – no.
Frankincense essential oil is toxic to cats. You should never diffuse it around them or leave it anywhere a curious cat can come into contact with some.
I will explain why in more detail..
What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?
For those who do not use Frankincense oil and are not sure what it is. Frankincense is one of the oldest oils that has been used for therapeutic reasons for thousands of years.
It’s used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety, reduce pain, boost the immune system, and much more.
It’s an easy oil to use. You can diffuse it around the home, add a few drops to a bath, or apply it topically when diluted.
As with all oils however, you need to handle them with care. They are highly concentrated in their pure form, so you need to be careful not only when using it with yourself, but if you have any pets and children in your home.
Why Is Frankincense Essential Oil Poisonous to Cats?
Cat’s are a little unique when comparing to us, or even to dogs, in that they do not have a liver enzyme that would otherwise break down oils.
This means if they ingest essential oils the compounds within the oils will build up in their liver. This causes anything from vomiting and sickness, to some serious health issues.
It’s a slow process over time, and if you now realize you’ve been using oils around your cats then stop right away and it may not be too late.
There are some oils that are safe for cats. I also know some people use hydrosols with their cats too, but really it’s far better to be safe than sorry.
Some cats might not show any ill effects for a long time. But don’t take this as a sign that the oils you’re using around the home are not harming them.
Also, don’t assume that oils are ok just because your cat is interested in the oil and attracted to the smell. Cats are curious creatures as any cat owner will know all too well, but they don’t always know what’s best for themselves!
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.