Lora Lee 
There was a time in my life when I was a big user of essential oils. That was until I learned that essential oils were toxic to cats. Or so I thought. Over a year ago, I discovered Julie-Anne Thorne from Naturally Cats and her book, The Aromatic Cat. A guide to using herbs, hydrosols and essential oils for your cats through a process called self-selection. The book has been my number 1 go-to resource for which herbs gardens my cats may need. I still had some reservations about using essential oils with them. I was really excited when I found out that Caroline Ingraham, the founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy, was doing a session on this topic during the Holistic Cat Conference.
Breaking the Myths
For years, I have always heard that the use of essential oils around cats was dangerous. It is true that cats lack certain enzymes that provide the ability to properly metabolize the various compounds in essential oils, phenols in particular. However, when offered and used correctly, essential oils have many great benefits for your cats. Let’s think about this, a cat out in the natural world is exposed to all kinds of essential oils. Anytime he walks around trees, plants and flowers, he is exposed to those oils, and he still is alive. The reason is because of the small amounts that he is exposed to, but also because of his ability to self-select, or choose what he needs to heal.
Attending the session about essential oils and cats with Caroline was so empowering for me. Like I said, I was a dedicated user of essential oils in the past. I missed the benefits that they provide. Learning that my cats can have these same benefits is game changing for me. There are rules when using essential oils with your cats. Caroline has an amazing resource on Working with Your Cat. Be sure to use high-quality essential oils. Sourcing is very important. Always allow your cat a way to leave the room. Never force an essential oil on your cat. Remember, self-selection is key here. Allowing them to choose what oil they need and how long they need it is essential.
Another Amazing Resource
All of my reservations about essential oils and my cat have been removed. I so excited to be able to add another resource in my Cat Care Toolbelt. The essential oils and cats rabbit hole has been opened. I have found a few courses that I am interested in. There will also be a purchase made of Caroline’s book, Animal Self-Medication. Until then, I will be referring back to my copy of The Aromatic Cat in search of which oils will benefit my cats. Maybe I can find some that will help bring peace and harmony between Bodie, Zazzles, and Hemingway.
“Animals are sentient, intelligent, perceptive, funny and entertaining. We owe them a duty of care as we do to children.” – Michael Morpurgo
There is so much misinformation online about essential oils and cats. I’m glad it’s changing. I’m a cat and aromatherapy expert. Quick anecdote: when I taught aromatherapy back in the 90s my two Siamese cats insisted on participating in class. They self-selected what they liked and needed. My older cat lived to the ripe old age of 21.5.
That is awesome!! I am still fascinated when my cats use self-selection.
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