Here are some safety tips you’ll want to know when using Essential Oils with cats: • ALWAYS dilute Essential Oils for topical use at .25%–1%. That equals one drop Essential Oil for every 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. carrier oil. • Know your cat’s health status. • Do NOT use oils on or near the eyes, ears, nose, or genitals of your cat. • Use a water diffuser for aromatic use and allow your cat to roam freely with an open door to the room. • Caution should be used around cats that are pregnant, nursing, young, or on certain medications. • Do not use oils topically on your cat if using a topical medication or dermal patch. This includes topical flea/tick preventatives. • Do not give any of the products containing xylitol (toothpaste, beadlets, etc.) to your cat. • Only use Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. • Observe your cat’s behavior. In the event of an adverse reaction, dilute with a carrier oil. Skin irritation is the most common reaction, and most reactions resolve within 24–48 hours after oil exposure. Discontinue use of an oil if your cat shows signs of distress, drooling, squinting, rubbing their face, vocalization, shaking, vomiting, or diarrhea. As we will see, there are a number of myths about certain Essential Oils that actually are safe to use with cats, but there are also some oils that you DO want to avoid with your feline friend. OILS TO AVOID TOPICALLY AND INTERNALLY WITH CATS • Oils high in Methyl Salicylate: Birch and Wintergreen. • Phenols: Oregano, Thyme, Savory, Cinnamon, Clove. • Melaleuca: Melaleuca Toxicity is a common misuse as a topical application for fleas. Cats have a hard time metabolizing Melaleuca Essential Oil, so it is not recommended even for topical use. • Mints: Peppermint and Spearmint. • Oils high in d-limonene: Citrus or Dill. Time after time, we have seen cats helped by using Essential Oils. Diffusing oils is an excellent way to use oils around cats. Start with two to four drops in a water-based diffuser. Start slowly and watch their behavior. Allow them to come and go. QUESTION – WHICH SAFETY TIP INTERESTS YOU THE MOST?