Be Wary of Aromatherapy Claims Made for Cats

By Sue Martin - continued -

4. Another big mistake is to apply the healing benefits of essential oils seen in the human situation to the feline situation.

5. Many make the mistake of applying an essential oil dosage suitable for a human baby to a cat, thinking that, due to its small size, if it is safe enough for a baby, it must be safe for cats. Babies do not have a cat�s liver!

6. There is a debate about the use of hydrosols and cats. Hydrosols also named hydrolats or floral waters are promoted as 100% safe for use with cats, when there is no proof that this is so. Testing is not required* of hydrosols as it is with essential oils, so 99% of the suppliers don�t even know what compounds are in their product.  No valid information exists to confirm that the use of hydrosols topically and internally with cats is safe, therefore using hydrosols on your cat may have unknown risks. Remember essential oils were once considered safe until cats started getting sick and dying due to their special liver physiology!

*There is one exception to testing required which makes Turkish Rose Hydrosol the only hydrosol that I use in the same environment as my cats:

 

The Turkish Government considers production of Rose Otto and Rose Hydrosol to be a serious issue.  Accordingly, the Turkish Standards Institute has issued standards of acceptance for such products and the Turkish Rose Grower's Association uses the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant and Drug Research Center's analysis facilities to ensure that standards are met.  In fact, the standards published (in Turkish) fill seven pages but I've capsulized it to what I see as pertinent information.

 

 1.2 - Properties (Rose Hydrosol)

 

1.2.1 - Appearance, Odor, Taste

 

Rose Hydrosol should be clear, with a colorless to dim (somewhat turbid)
appearance.  There should be no sediment, artificial materials or color
additives.

 

1.2.2 - Physical and Chemical Properties

 

       CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES               QUANTITATIVE

 

Ph                                                                             5.5 - 7
Specific weight, max 20 deg + 1 deg C.                0.9999
Acidity, maximum                                                     0.4
None-essential mat - maximum mass %                0.015
Essential Oil - minimum mass  %                            0.01
Pathogens/microorganisms                                     None

 

References:

 

1.�Natural Aromatic Materials � Odours & Origins � Tony Burfield pub. AIA, Tampa.�

 

2.Dr. Khan, DVM, PhD, DABVT � National Animal Poison Control Center

 

3.Toxicity of Melaleuca Oil and Related Essential Oils Applied Topically on Dogs and Cats. Villar DVM, Hansen DVM, Buck DVM. National Animal Poison Control Center. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana.

 

4.  Published in Resmi Gazete (Turkish Government Official Register) on 7
June 89, No.  20188, contributed by Butch Owen, http://www.AV-AT.com