Essential Oils: Poisonous or Pleasure

[bassicmleodies]

I've gotten mixed reviews on the use of essential oils for ferrets. It can cause cats to be very ill if inhaled. It can cause ferrets to get sick if ingested because of the alcohol. So what about use on fabric or bedding for scent stimulation? If I remember correctly Eucalyptus is toxic to ferrets, so is that oil out of the question? Also, I've seen mention of flower essences on this forum. Are those the same as essential oils? Could it be a different extraction process? And if so would that be a different concern for toxicity?

Just thoughts.

Thanks!

[sherrylynne]

The problem with essential oils are that they cause respiratory problems/damage over the long term. I'd stay away from them entirely.

[Heather]

Treat ferret like you would cats with EO's.... don't do it. Ferrets cannot metabolise EO's either. You will not see anything to begin with (same as cats, short of respiratory issues) but seemingly it builds up in their livers and kidneys as their bodies try and move the toxins. They can't flush it, maybe it has something to do with how carnivores metabolise water but either way EO's are toxic. If you want to do some scent stimulation, try some vanilla extract (a suggestion from Bob Church). I've also used lavendar flowers too. Some ferrets react to catnip but make sure it's the real plant and it's not been treated with EO's (yes companies do this) to make a stronger scent.
ciao

[ls84]

Use for ferrets and cats how though? I mean, I use all natural cleaners and air fresheners and they are scented with essential oils...is this bad? I do not spray it around the cats or ferrets, but I do use it in the same rooms they occupy. I don't use EO's ON them though.

[Heather]

I don't use EO's at all around the furkids. Cleaning products are vinegar and water, nothing with scent. Am I being oversensitive about this, maybe but with all the issues that ferrets have with various organ failures (very similar to cats) I would prefer to err on the side of caution. Try reading some of the articles on this site and it might help you understand some of the issues www.holisticat.com/cat-herbs.html
I hope this helps
ciao

[Forum Administrator]

Instead of Essential Oils, Looking into Flower Essences for ferrets. These can be used directly on ferrets (and cats) and also be used on bedding, etc. The book "Whole Health for Happy Cats" is a wonderful resource in regards to the use of flower essences. You can apply this same info that's directed towards cats, towards ferrets.

[cristina]

So then would candles be grouped in this category, since Im guessing many have EO's?

I love using candles, but I rarely use them around the ferrets, usually just in other rooms.....so are these bad for them too? Should I error even more on the side of caution?

[sherrylynne]

If they have EO's, I wouldn't use them. The act of burning releases the EO's into the air(that's what makes the nice scent), and then they are inhaled.

[ls84]

Hmm, this goes against everything I've been thinking. I stopped using all regular wax candles to avoid the toxins given off from burning paraffin, and chemical fragrances. I started using beeswax and soy candles instead, which are often scented with EO's. Candle companies are not required to list ingredients, but most natural candles do give their list and its usually EOs. It's also hard to find out if your Yankee Candle or similar "normal" candle is using EO's or artificial scents in that specific scent. (both of which wouldn't be healthy for animals) I also stopped using all my toxic cleaning products and started using natural ones, which again, are scented with EO's.

So basically I tried to avoid all the bad stuff in my home products and replace them with the most natural stuff, and in turn probably did more damage? Now I have a whole cabinet full of cleaning products and candles I shouldn't use because they contain EO's...I wish I had known sooner, I was just under the impression that EOs shouldn't be used ON the cat or on their stuff...had no clue it couldn't even be in the air!

[cristina]

I did exactly what you did, I switched all my cleaning products to more natural ones but what I have realized is that I can make my own without the fragrance and the price

I dont think you've done more damage, b/c think about all the chemicals you have eliminated with the old products....I would just use them in other rooms where your pets dont normally go in too much and maybe just use "homemade" concoctions in the other places (imo....thats what I do at least)