Other harmful ingredients used in topical products like Vicks include: A pet owner who loves to share useful facts and information about a variety of animals. The confusing thing is cats, including large cats, have a natural attraction to it. So, now you have learned how this may happen in these circumstances. This may be for good reason, as ingesting mint and its relatives can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. This may involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, monitoring of organ function via repeated blood testing, and other measures as indicated by the specific circumstances. The side effects of Camphor for cats can vary depending on how much they come into contact with. If you have ever wondered what VapoRub contained you now have an idea of the main ingredients. For example, one of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub. Experts say it will be difficult to keep your cat away from your knee where you put the medication because, yes, he is obsessed with the smell, but if you let your cat latch onto your bum leg where the medication is, just keep it covered at all times when hes around, and always thoroughly wash your hands. Contact her at, Print Headline: Felines have attraction to menthol, mint leaves. Excitement over a robins fly-by may cause your mellow tabby to accidentally dislodge that screen and plummet to the ground. Ylang-ylang. Keep a watch out for any gastrointestinal troubles if you suspect your cat took a substantial amount of menthol. She did NOT like it at all! Home & Forums | Indoor cats can catch colds from contact with other cats, especially in households with multiple cats. So why is camphor in Vicks vaposteam a threat to cats? Updated and reviewed for accuracy on February 24, 2020 by Dr. Nicole Silva, DVM. :) Just so you understand, I may take a share of any sales or other compensation from the links on this page. The ointment in Vicks Vaposteam is known to contain camphor. Other essential oils safe for pets include mountain savory, cinnamon bark, Laurus nobilis, and lavender. So far we have established that camphor is harmful to your cat and dog when ingested or comes into contact with the skin. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. The greatest concern with menthol exposure in cats is if the substance is ingested. Are fragrance oils safe for dogs to smell? Catnip is safe for cats and they will be so distracted by their favorite treat that they will hopefully avoid Vicks Vaporubin in the future. Peppermint oil is, quite simply, not safe for cats. Many sites list chamomile in the column of herbs safe for cats; however, this is a dangerous generalization, as some types of chamomile are toxic to cats and dogs alike. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. So, to be safe, it is best avoided. This HealthHearty write-up lists out the uses, benefits, and side effects of menthol. The best prevention is to keep human food out of reach of your cat. I purchased a very extensive pet insurance earlier this evening; however, it does not kick in for illnesses until after 30 days. Occasionally, I also use a menthol ointment on my sore muscles. Eucalyptus oil is bad for cats as cats do not have the enzymes to break eucalyptus oil which can cause severe problems. Here are 8 things you should NEVER do to your fave feline. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy If you have any difficulty, ask your veterinarian for help. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning. The reason your cat is obsessed with menthol is that its smell resembles the smell of catnip. It helps soothe pain. Arnica for cats. menthol topical may cause serious side effects. In cosmetics and skincare products, menthol is used to help relieve pain and to improve the scent and flavour of the product. So, now you know it is not a good idea. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cats are often attracted to menthol smells. Menthol is used in a wide range of products, including inhalants, lozenges, mouthwashes, breath fresheners, and creams, lotions, or ointments for alleviating pain. 5 B). Cooling and pain relief. Message and data rates may apply. Cats like menthol because they are likely getting it confused with another herb from the mint family: catnip! When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. No reaction at all. Having said that, each cat will react differently to different herbs. Same thing happened to DH when he used the lotion. As little as a tablespoon of any form of alcohol can put an adult cat in a coma; more than that can kill them. Most of these medications are for treating pain and inflammation in the body. i'll have to test that. Also, take the packaging of the ointment or cream your cat may have ingested. ], How to Learn K-Pop Dances: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide - ononestudios.com, 7 VA Disability Tips and Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability | Fight4Vets. Jan 29, 2011 #3 jazzythecat TCS Member Super Cat Joined Apr 4, 2010 Messages 1,007 Purraise 10 Location Playing with Jazzy & Ginga. Vicks vaporizer or humidifier is not safe for pets, especially cats and dogs. Tuna as an ingredient in commercially produced cat food is perfectly fine for cats. If ingested by cats, dairy products can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. For example, cats that experience recurrent upper respiratory infections may benefit from echinacea. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. Explained! Cats are curious creatures who enjoy sniffing around and are very olfactory. Site Help | A small amount of onion or garlic in some sauce is not likely to cause problems. To keep the great cats entertained, many zoos apply Vicks VapoRub to surfaces inside the cat enclosures. Your cat stays indoors and rarely comes in contact with other animals. This is one of several essential oils that are known to be toxic to cats. Menthol and nutmeg oil are the two primary elements unsafe for dogs. This is what the cat owner was told. There are others included, classed as inactive. Then praise Misty and offer her a treat so she'll be happy to have you help her again in a month or two. Some of them can be harmful, if not fatal, to cats. Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. Salicylate is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it's especially dangerous to cats. According to Vicks, it contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Dr. Susan : You can also try an antihistamine . When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. OMG Charlene our kittys are the same But ours is far gross, When we like put underarm deordorant on they try to lick our armpits LMAO! Why are menthol cough drops bad? The problem is most common in small dogs, dogs that are overweight, those that have neurologic problems affecting the hind end, and dogs whose anal sac ducts formed abnormally. The menthol is most likely burning when he sniffs it in, not to mention it is a very strong smell that he isn't used to in his environment, so it's going to rile him up. Is mint safe for cats? Are there other ingredients in it that are not ideal for cats? Your cat likes Vicks Vaporub because it smells like catnip and cats are attracted to it. Cats adore the scents of catnip and mint, and they will often seek it out if they detect it in your home. Certain fragrances that cats dislike can be used to repel them, while others that they prefer can be used to attract them. Some individuals believe that cats are inherently crazy. If your cat is congested, after consulting your vet, you can use some natural methods to help with congestion. 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. In fact, all members of the allium familyincluding onions, leeks, scallions, and shallotsare toxic to felines. This could be from the air they consume or even through the water. Experts Weigh In, Are Black Cats More Vocal? 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. Some people believe that cats are naturally crazy. She eats plenty, drinks, and has a very playful personality. )and which ones to avoid. When your cathacks up a hairball, you probably just sigh in annoyancethats how cats are, right?and clean up the mess. USA pennies minted after 1982 are 97.5% zinc. JavaScript is disabled. There is often some confusion around catmint and catnip. It should be obvious but some owners may struggle to notice it. Vicks Vaporub can be used as a substitute for catnip. Menthol is common in products like Ben Gay and other creams like Vicks vapor rub. Cats are attracted to them for the same reason they are attracted to catnip - they are all members of the same family. Because the scent of menthol is similar to that of catnip, cats enjoy it. Menthol is a great pain-reliever - for humans. If it is applied to their skin or injected it can lead to chemical burns or other unwanted toxic effects. Cats may be poisoned if they are restrained in containers or cages made of zinc-containing metals, or painted with zinc-rich paints. Mint, wintergreen, and menthol More smells cats hate include mint and strong mint-related odors, such as wintergreen and menthol. As long as no vital organs are severely damaged, your pet will be discharged to recuperate at home. 2 In cigarettes, menthol creates a cooling sensation in the throat and airways, making the smoke feel less harsh and easier to inhale. Cough severity in some individuals may be negatively influenced by the amount of menthol consumed via cough drops. We first noticed that years ago when Max was living. Cats can be attracted to the smell for the same reason they are attracted to catnip. I actually have to fight him off to keep him away. Cats are only harmed by menthol if they consume large amounts of the herb, which is rare. like my Ari, go crazy over the scent. Eucalyptus is known to be bad for cats. 3 Menthol is also used in other commercial tobacco . 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. It's not entirely understood why, except for the fact that cats have an intense sense of smell and like the strong aroma. While you don't want your cat to swallow menthol, there's no need to worry if a small amount is consumed. Some are even fatal. This site is owned and operated by D Three Ltd. D Three Ltd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When Misty's sacs fill, the uncomfortable swelling causes her to lick herself and scoot on the ground in an attempt to empty them. 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. Cats rely heavily on their scent for identification and claiming their territory. Author and mom of 3 fur babies:Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers!Author of the book:Secrets to keep your cat healthyLearn more aboutmy story, Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful, Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374, Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing. Max went bonkers. I'm not sure about menthol, but I think it comes from a tree??? Top Ten Tips on How to Keep Your Cats Teeth Clean, Four Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Entertained While Youre Away, 6 Things You Should Never Do When Adopting a Cat, Top 3 Things You Should Know About the Bengal Cat, Leaving Your Cat Alone: 9 Things You Need to Know, Senior Cats: A Few Things To Keep In Mind, 6 Things To Know About Flea Dips 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. It may be confusing if your cat catches a cold when they stay in all the time, right? Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Vet experts even warn that the harmful effects of Vicks vaporizer or humidifier can be pronounced in dogs. Dr. Susan : It can even cause a painful condition called steatitis, or inflammation of the body's fat, when fed to cats on a regular basis. When it comes to cough drop consumption in pets, obstruction may also be a concern depending on the number of drops ingested, the size of the pet and whether or not the wrappers were also ingested. Camphor in Vicks vaposteam is safe for humans. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. For some people, it may cause allergic reactions and symptoms such as headache, flushing or contact dermatitis. Camphor is easily absorbed through the skin and should never be used on dogs or cats due to the risk of poisoning. My Tyler loves anise pizzelles. While you certainly do not want your cat to consume menthol, there is no reason to be alarmed if your cat consumes a small amount. And, some of these can be completely natural options as well. It relieves pain. Excess Vicks vaposteam poisoning can have adverse effects on a cat. Unfortunately, Vicks vaposteam is unsafe for cats. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experiences with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? But cats, like the rest of us, can experience subtle health shifts, from poor vision to kidney dysfunction. However, some drops contain ingredients that can create more serious consequences: Xylitol. Hyrum loves my hair too, he always thinks it needs grooming, lol. However, every cat reacts differently to different herbs. Normal sac material is a foul-smelling beige liquid, but if it's been too long since Misty's sacs were emptied, the material will be thick and brown. If you have any unanswered questions, let us know in the comments section. Editors Note: The slideshow 8 Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat was not created as a definitive and complete guide to cat care, but rather as a reminder of the small daily interactions many established cat owners have with their beloved companions. Rosemary. Typically, your cat would have to consume a significant amount of menthol before exhibiting any menthol poisoning symptoms. Many creams, including Bengay and Icy Hot, contain salicylates, which are aspirin derivatives. Cats are drawn to Vicks vaporub because of the fragrance it emits. Infrequently, xylitol may be found in cough drops. You know that open-nose feeling you get when you breathe in menthol? This pungent herb is known to transform lazy (read: chubby) cats into the feline equivalent of Richard Simmons. Because cats enjoy menthol, they are enamored with it and enjoy sniffing it. If a cat likes a scent, it can become obsessional. 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Allergic reactions and symptoms such as wintergreen and menthol influenced by the smell catnip... Drops contain ingredients that can create More serious consequences: xylitol Vicks or... When ingested or comes into contact with for treating pain and to the! Poisoned if they detect it in your home the rest of us, can experience subtle shifts! Is readily absorbed across the skin a watch out for any gastrointestinal troubles you! Especially in households with multiple cats to the risk of poisoning never do your! Smell of Vicks could be from the air they consume or even through the skin to both dogs and,...: ) Just so you understand, I also use a menthol ointment on my sore muscles we established... Link here and buying, we may be deterred by the amount of onion or garlic some... Reviewed for accuracy on February 24, 2020 by Dr. Nicole Silva DVM.: ) Just so you understand, I may take a share of any sales or other unwanted toxic.!