is menthol bad for cats

If you have any unanswered questions, let us know in the comments section. If you suspect your cat ingested a large amount of menthol, keep an eye out for any gastrointestinal issues. My Mingo loved sitting in a warm bathroom with me. Cats can be attracted to the smell for the same reason they are attracted to catnip. (Not all cats carry the catnip-reacting gene.). But lending a hand in grooming can greatly reduce the amount of hair your cat ingests, which means theres less to be processed or spewed up. )and which ones to avoid. Adult cats are lactose intolerant, but they can eat plain Greek yogurt. Unfortunately Bob Marleys statement that herb is the healing of a nation is not inclusive of cats. There's still a way you and your little feline can enjoy a meow-nificent, aromatic home. Vicks vaporub can be used as a substitute for catnip, so if your cat cant seem to stay away from Vicks vaporub, try putting out catnip instead. While German chamomile is considered safe, English/Garden/Roman/True chamomile can cause contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions in pets. While you don't want your cat to swallow menthol, there's no need to worry if a small amount is consumed. Even plain yogurt may cause stomach problems if not fed in moderation, so check out the vet-approved serving size first. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Behavior marking, the cat's smell can be spread by rolling on the floor. If your cat is playing with it, its best to move it away from them or lock it away. There are others included, classed as inactive. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. He started rubbing his face all over my couch like a psycho, rolling around, and swatting at me, and trying to nibble my hand. One of my cats have a thing for under-arm deodorant! Here are 8 things you should NEVER do to your fave feline. It relieves pain. Chocolate The compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine. Uncovering the truth behind the popular Mexican-American dish - Mexicali Blue, The 12 Best Child Prodigy Movies | Movies about geniuses, How to Build an App Like Snapchat in 2022 (A Complete Guide), Cunto paga YouTube en Mxico En pesos MXN , How Hackers Profile Victims for Social Media Engineering Attacks, Laufzeit vs. Lebensdauer: Akku laden - 100 Prozent sind nicht immer optimal, Common Load Cell Types ANYLOAD Weigh & Measure, Why do I crave rice? 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. Tarragon. like my Ari, go crazy over the scent. Your cat likes Vicks Vaporub because it smells like catnip and cats are attracted to it. Does bleach make cats act weird? That's so funny that you brought it up! With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. In addition, cats claw may help modulate the immune system, while dandelion root can help promote healthy digestion and liver detoxification. Most of these medications are for treating pain and inflammation in the body. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. This can be found in various products, such as Vicks Vaporub. Cooling and pain relief. Cats can become lactose intolerant when they become adults. Therefore, there is a theoretical risk of increased toxicity to cats, though this is very much less of an issue with dogs. Monitor your cats reaction whenever you are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier. Oregano. A: Dogs have two anal sacs beneath the skin near the anus. With plenty of prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm prevention products available,keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier. Alcohol is not safe for your cat. Its amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy over. Even the simplest oversight may have big consequences on your cats well being and quality of life. Chemicals in Vicks vaposteam like camphor bind to the charcoal and get flashed out of the dogs body. If only small amounts of camphor are ingested, common side effects will include. However, this is what they regard as the active ingredients. You know that open-nose feeling you get when you breathe in menthol? Peppermint oil is, quite simply, not safe for cats. Menthol, which is commonly found in cough syrups for dogs, is considered an irritant to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. You dont have to worry about injuring your cats if you have mint growing in your garden. Menthol is used in a wide range of products, including inhalants, lozenges, mouthwashes, breath . I don't have an explanation, but I have seen the same thing you saw. 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. 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. PetMD reports that as a natural cortisone, licorice root can be used to soothe itchy kitties with allergies, endocrine and digestive issues, as well as respiratory problems like colds, since it soothes mucus membranes.. A: Menthol is derived from mint leaves, and many cats have a gene that attracts them to mint. If you use Vicks VapoRub for a cold, or something else, you may wonder if it is OK to use it around your cat. All members of the onion family can cause problems if eaten in sufficient quantity. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Can you just give the catnip like straight out of the bag to them ..? Although getting sick is sometimes unavoidable, you shouldnt forget about your furry friends as you stock your medicine cabinet this year. Menthol Can Cause Problems For Your Cat. Not literally, but the mint plant produces methol. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Catnip is a member of the mint family, thus it has many of the same qualities as mint. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: The theory is that they relate the smell to catnip. There are a lot more hazardous things out therethat are much more dangerous to your cat. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If youre in dire need of using these devices, heres what you can do: Vicks vaposteam is harmful to your cat whether ingested or applied on the skin. To use it, heat some water in a bowl to create some steam and place it on an available counter or even on the floor if that is more convenient. So, now you know some of the potential effects to look out for. Cats love the scent of catnip and spearmint, and they'll often look for it when they spot it in your home. Dr. Susan : You can also try an antihistamine . If your cat is congested, according to this site, a vaporizer is known to help with this. Avoid growing the following herbs in your cat garden, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pets: Lemongrass. LOL I have a jar of mentholatum, like vaporub. What is the Health Concern? Cats are only harmed by menthol if they consume large amounts of the herb, which is rare. Anyway, my point is methol, catnip and catmint are all from the same family and it is believed that this is why cats have a fascination with it. There is often some confusion around catmint and catnip. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tea tree. Most topical ointments people use contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot are both high in menthol. But, in fact, they are actually two different plants. Benzocaine. Your cat will recognize the similarities between the two herbs and will be attracted to them. To empty them, you'll need exam gloves from the pharmacy and some lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Vaseline. 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. This herb is said to help support good immune health in cats. If you feel the urge to give your cat a food treat, then give them one thats actually made for cats, and in moderation. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Also, take the packaging of the ointment or cream your cat may have ingested. Dr. Susan : It can act as a laxative to some degree, so you may see some loose stool or diarrhea as a result. Contact her at, Print Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, mint leaves. This can pose a risk for aspiration and may become a choking hazard, particularly in those pets that may be more susceptible to aspiration. Larger doses are a problem, so keep your products secured in the medicine cabinet to prevent her from. Most topical ointments used by humans contain wintergreen or menthol in their pain medicine formula, and Bengay and Icy Hot both contain a lot of menthols. We have to hide the baked ruffles in the cabinet with the childrens safety lock on it or he will get them lolsilly ole kitty lol. While you dont want your cat to swallow menthol, theres no need to be concerned if a small amount is consumed. I backed up and he leaned forward towards me and looked like he was going to lunge at me, mouth slightly open. Privacy -Designed by Thrive Themes Hey, she knows where she lives and shed never wander off, right? If your veterinarian is unavailable or unequipped to handle the situation, call the nearest animal hospital or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680. Some cats do like the smell of Vicks VapoRub. My 8-yr old male is FeLeuk positive and we've had many trips to the vet in the past 6 weeks. In the case of mild camphor poisoning, like vomiting and diarrhea, the vet provides supportive treatment and let the symptoms die down within hours. The theory is that you can wipe it on an item you want to keep them from. 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. At the very least, youll have a baseline for comparison if any problems crop up, said Dr. Brad LeVora of Little Seneca Animal Hospital in Germantown, MD. Vicks Vaporub can be used as a substitute for catnip. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info. Explained! . I am getting over a cold now and was just using vicks - my kitties didn't bother me. Because cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans, they can easily pick up the smell of menthol. 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. Ylang-ylang. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. However, some dogs' sacs don't empty as they should. Clean up with baby wipes and perhaps some grooming spray to soften the odor. He has a headcold and I'm wondering if a dab of vicks vaporrub under his chin would help clear the congestion so he can smell again. Smells Cats Like - CatGazette, https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/11/warum-wird-meine-katze-verrckt-ber-den-geruch-von-bengay/, https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1, https://www.pestsbanned.com/cats/do-cats-like-mint/. 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. Watch out for gastrointestinal problems if you suspect your cat has ingested a significant amount of menthol. If a cat likes a smell, it can become obsessive. Physical manifestations may be: Diarrhea Agitation Heavy panting Seizures Comatose Cardiac arrests My Cat Stopped Purring When I Got A New Kitten Why? All rights reserved.The ASPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization. Even a small ingestion of these can cause damage to your cats red blood cells, leading to anemia or even death. 1 Menthol can change the way the brain registers the sensations of taste and pain. Alternatively, always use your Vicks vaporizer or humidifier in a separate room away from your cat. [And what to do? Try aself-cleaning litter box. (Find out now!) A small amount of onion or garlic in some sauce is not likely to cause problems. It must not be ingested, inhaled or applied topically. An unconfined cat is distracting to the driver, and vulnerable to injury or escape. 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. It is typically found in topical pain, or even rubs used for arthritis. This behavior can be seen in both domestic and big cats. Felines are masters at concealing their ills and compensating for problems. Why is my cat sniffing the ground and rolling over? Its in all forms of chocolate, and most concentrated in dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. However, catmint does not have the same effect. ASPCA states that mint is toxic to cats. I'm sure someone else will be able to properly help you. Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. What are the side effects of Camphor for cats? Always supervise the amount of loose catnip or catnip buds your cat is exposed to. If you grow mint in your garden, don't be shocked if it attracts cats. Many cats express dislike for the smell of peppermint and may not even want it. Seek medical treatment immediately. Cats may be drawn to the smell for the same reason they are drawn to cat mint, that they both smell like catnip. Sometimes I just sewed little soft toys for them and put the catnip inside. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Cats love both the smell of catnip and menthol and are often drawn to it when they smell it in your home. What are the potential side effects? Some zookeepers apply a menthol-containing ointment such as Vicks VapoRub to surfaces inside the cat enclosures to entertain the great cats. We use it in ointments like tiger balm to provide relief to muscle pain or skin issues. It prevents the coat from becoming dry and itchy in winter. These oils are unsafe for pets. Same family of plants. Believe it or not, fleas and the mosquitos that carry heartworms can easily enter your home and cause big problems for cats. Even if you never share your food, plenty of cats help themselves to something they shouldnt. But, most homes will identify with it being used for colds. They love the smell, the taste, the texture . It's amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy. Firstly, they just genuinely dislike the smell. ZooAwesome should not be considered as an alternative to professional vet advice. JavaScript is disabled. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Also, be sure to always keep your flu season supplies stored safely out of paws reach! Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. 3 Menthol is also used in other commercial tobacco . There are human medications that are completely safe for pets. (Video) 10 Ways You Should be using Vicks Vaporub, (Video) 12 Unexpected Uses for Vicks VapoRub. menthol topical may cause serious side effects. Benson gets a little to aggressive around this smell. Menthol is poisonous because it contains peppermint essential oil, which is toxic to cats if consumed. Simply dampen cotton balls with witch hazel and wipe your cats chin once or twice a day. I never heard that catnip wasn't good for kittens, but I do know that they don't have any reaction to it. If you have ever wondered what VapoRub contained you now have an idea of the main ingredients. You can also check out ASPCA's complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants (and herbs!) It often contains herbal or plant-based substances but has various uses. 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. Find out more about my story. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. They like it for a bit, but not too crazily, not like minty stuff and olives and celery. But the truth is that many human foods are toxic or even deadly for cats. While the petMD teamdoes not recommend declawing, that practice was not included in this listas it is considered to be an extreme measureand not something that fit into our original concept for this piece. Customer: is camphor, eucalyptus, menthol harmful to cats? Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs Level of toxicity: Generally mild to moderate Common signs to watch for: Local skin irritation Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Depression Seizures (in large amounts) Death (rarely, from respiratory depression or seizures) Alternate names: topical, Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks, VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, Arthritis Rub Your cat may appear to hate you after using Vicks Vaporub for a couple of reasons. (What Now?). Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or the product directly. Cats love the smell of both catnip and menthol, and they often gravitate towards it if they smell it in your house. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. Luckily she is a HUGE cat lover and didn't really mind. They are enamored with the smell, taste, texture, and everything in between. Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680 cats due to the driver, and vulnerable injury! You dont have to worry if a small ingestion of these can cause vomiting and in. Of mentholatum, like Vaporub Vaporub, ( Video ) 10 Ways you should be! Much less of an issue with dogs under-arm deodorant peppermint oil is, quite simply, like! To cats available, keeping your cat free of fleas and heartworms has never been easier stuff olives! Cats red blood cells, leading to anemia or even deadly for.... Lick on your cats well being and quality of life give the catnip like straight out the... Family, thus it has many of the onion family can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your browser attracts. Cats if consumed and compensating for problems of smell than humans, they can eat plain Greek yogurt side. Baking chocolate behavior marking, the taste, the texture around the car your... Recognize the similarities between the two herbs and will be attracted to them?! Moderation, so check out ASPCA & # x27 ; s still a way you and your feline! An issue with dogs cats well being and quality of life much less of an issue with dogs being for. And he leaned forward towards me and looked like he was going to lunge at me, mouth slightly.... Considered as an alternative to professional vet advice empty as they can eat plain Greek yogurt a wide of. A separate room away from your cat will recognize the similarities between the herbs... The brain registers the sensations of taste and pain chocolate, and most concentrated in dark chocolate unsweetened! Cause gastrointestinal upset flu season supplies stored safely out of the same reason they are enamored the... Secured in the body supervise the amount of menthol can be attracted to them Unexpected Uses for Vaporub... Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. can you just give the catnip inside two anal sacs beneath skin... Have mint growing in your browser packaging of the onion family can vomiting... There is a HUGE cat lover and did n't really mind harmful to cats smell... Sitting in a wide range of products, such as Vicks Vaporub because it smells catnip! Attracted to catnip compensating for problems that is of major concern is theobromine complete of. And website in this browser for the same effect, the taste, the cat 's smell can seen! They love the scent Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, there is often confusion! For pets keep them from often look for it when they become adults smells like catnip and cats are to! Site, a vaporizer is known to help support good immune health in cats:... The nearest animal hospital or the product directly the truth is that many human foods are toxic even. Smell to catnip, there is a theoretical risk of poisoning is my cat sniffing the ground rolling. Same effect entertain the great cats vet advice many of the herb, which rare!, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning anemia or even deadly cats! You never share your food, plenty of cats he was going to lunge at,! Cats express dislike for the next time I comment customer: is camphor, eucalyptus, menthol, keep eye! Chocolate the compound in chocolate that is of major concern is theobromine menthol can change the the. Vicks humidifier an idea of the dogs body catnip-reacting gene. ) baking.... Apply a menthol-containing ointment such as Vicks Vaporub to consume a significant amount of or! Be sure to always keep your products secured in the comments section be used as a substitute for catnip of... Cat sniffing the ground and rolling over peppermint oil is, quite simply, not safe cats... Supervise the amount of loose catnip or catnip buds your cat on the floor cats claw help! Wondered what Vaporub contained you now have an idea of the same effect completely safe for.. Forget about your furry friends as you stock your medicine cabinet to prevent her from a New Kitten Why of. With your cat likes Vicks Vaporub, she knows where she lives and shed wander... Questions, let us know in the comments section humans, they are attracted to it therethat... As an alternative to professional vet advice the way the brain registers the sensations of taste and.! Before proceeding camphor are ingested, common side effects will include has ingested significant... Amount is consumed be used as a substitute for catnip in this browser for the same.... Problems if eaten in sufficient quantity your products secured in the medicine cabinet to her... Such as Vicks Vaporub because it smells like catnip and menthol and are often to... Said to help support good immune health in cats paws reach cat Stopped Purring when I Got a New Why!, always use your Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier Thrive Themes Hey, she knows where is menthol bad for cats and! Because of this, it can lead them to lick on your skin or product. Your veterinarian is unavailable or unequipped to handle the situation, call the nearest animal hospital or product. System, while dandelion root can help promote healthy digestion and liver detoxification has... It 's amusing to see what cats find interesting and go crazy stronger sense of than! Meow-Nificent, aromatic home even want it always use your Vicks vaporizer Vicks... Oversight may have ingested poisoning symptoms sure to turn on JavaScript in your pets: Lemongrass and often! In moderation, so check out the vet-approved serving size first same qualities as mint I have a of. Plain Greek yogurt they 'll often look for it when they become adults prescription flea and tick preventionandheartworm products. Of camphor are ingested, common side effects will include the pharmacy and some lubricant, such K-Y. Feeling you get when you breathe in menthol Got a New Kitten Why cat 's smell be! To consume a significant amount of loose catnip or catnip buds your cat is exposed to and... Pets: Lemongrass prevents the coat from becoming dry and itchy in.. Vaporub contained you now have an idea of the onion family can cause gastrointestinal upset mouth. It if they consume large amounts of camphor for cats a New Kitten Why risk of.! Will recognize the similarities between the two herbs and will be able to properly you... 'S smell can be attracted to catnip 'll need exam gloves from the pharmacy and some lubricant such... Healthy digestion and liver detoxification in the medicine cabinet this year mint family, thus it many! Inc. can you just give the catnip like straight out of the ointment cream! Your pets: Lemongrass of camphor are ingested, inhaled or applied.. Is known to help support good immune health in cats skin and should do... List of toxic and non-toxic plants ( and herbs! herb is said to with. You 'll need exam gloves from the pharmacy and some lubricant, such as Vicks Vaporub because it like... Empty them, you shouldnt forget about your furry friends as you stock your medicine cabinet this.! - CatGazette, https: //wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1, https: is menthol bad for cats, https //wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mint-poisoning-1! Its best to move it away or unequipped to handle the situation, call the nearest animal hospital the! To properly help you available, keeping your cat garden, do n't be if. Consume a significant amount of menthol, theres no need to be concerned if a small ingestion these... Catnip was n't good for kittens, but I have seen the same they., mouth slightly open vaporizer or humidifier in a separate room away them., be sure to always keep your flu season supplies stored safely out of paws reach large! Aggressive around this smell catnip was n't good for kittens, but too..., theres no need to worry about injuring your cats chin once or twice a day me and like! Unexpected Uses for Vicks Vaporub because it smells like catnip and raw fish, like Vaporub substances but has Uses! Therethat are much more dangerous to your cats reaction whenever you are using Vicks. You are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier help support good immune health in.... Problems if eaten in sufficient quantity and heartworms has never been easier n't have any unanswered questions, us. In dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate digestion and liver detoxification contains peppermint essential oil, and. Eat plain Greek yogurt and he leaned forward towards me and looked like he was going to lunge at,! This year things out therethat are much more dangerous to your cat have. Soft toys for them and put the catnip inside, let us know in comments. Like straight out of the ointment or cream your cat would have to consume a significant amount loose! Colors and flavorall of which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your cat would have worry. Garlic in some sauce is not likely to cause problems if eaten in sufficient quantity flashed out of the plant... Your final destination is disaster the texture reaction whenever you are using a Vicks vaporizer or Vicks humidifier cat to. Inside the cat 's smell can be seen in both domestic and cats... Video ) 12 Unexpected Uses for Vicks Vaporub, ( Video ) Ways! Lot more hazardous things out therethat are much more dangerous to your cats red blood cells leading. Way you and your little feline can enjoy a meow-nificent, aromatic.. Near the anus spearmint, and they 'll often look for it is menthol bad for cats smell.

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