Many essential oils toxic to cats

Dear Dr. Fox: I recently started using essential oils. When I happened to mention it to my vet in an email, she told me many essential oils are toxic to cats, as there is a liver enzyme necessary to process the oils that cats do not have. I have three rescue cats that I love.

She then sent me to a website that she trusted for research, which had information about essential oils and cats. I have also found information on another website. The two sites differ somewhat in describing the types of the missing enzymes, plant chemicals in the oils, and oils that are toxic to cats.

I would venture to guess that many veterinarians and thousands of cat owners do not know about this. Essential oils are very popular in the U.S. and overseas, and are used as alternative medicine for physical ailments and emotional problems for humans.

There is even an essential oil company that has come out with a line of pet care products, including treats, that contain many of the oils toxic to cats.

I find all of this very scary. Please let your readers know what you think about this potentially deadly problem for their cats.

— J.C., Springfield, Virginia

Dear J.C.: I appreciate you sending me the information that you have gathered about the risks of most essential oils to cats, because as you said, cats lack a liver enzyme to process these substances and neutralize possible toxic consequences.

Humans and dogs do not have this deficiency, so with cats, a weaker and safer form of various beneficial herbal extracts called hydrosols are used. Veterinarians using essential oils are quite aware of the risks to cats.

I would like to hear from other readers about their experiences with essential oils and their hydrosol alternatives, ideally under veterinary supervision, on their animal companions.

Quick takes: Bans and lawsuits

■ Court upholds Chicago’s ban on sale of pets from large breeders: “The 7th U.S. Circuit

Court of Appeals upheld Chicago’s ban on pet store sales of animals from large commercial breeders and dismissed a lawsuit initiated by two pet stores and a breeding operation.” — Chicago Tribune, Sept. 26

■ Maine’s largest city bans display of wild animals: “A unanimous vote by the Portland, Maine, City Council bans the display of big cats, elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and other wild and exotic animals, joining more than 125 other municipalities and four states with similar bans. Domesticated livestock are exempt.” — Portland (Maine) Press Herald, Sept. 18

This good news gives me hope because it is clear evidence that people who care can make a difference where there is empathy, conviction and commitment.