Safe To Use Menthol Crystals Around Cats?

[kelley]

Does anyone know if it's safe to use a diffuser with menthol crystals around cats?

My cat is elderly--about 16 years old---and he has CRF (Chronic Renal Failure). He only has one kidney.

I'm desperate to use the crystals, since I've had such great relief for the last two days from using Vicks Vapor Rub on myself---but am concerned about any effect it may have on him. I've been searching the internet to try and find a definitive answer, but I keep seeing conflicting information.

BTW--I'm a new member, and a little unsure about posting protocols, so I hope it's okay to post this here.

[Franky]

Hi Kelly and welcome to the site! One question, so you think your pet cat has morgellons or is this a more general question?

[kelley]

Hi frankybme---

I'm not sure if he has morgellons. I've watching for extra twitching and itching, lesions, etc. but haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary.

He does seems to have sensitive ears, and will shake his head, as if there's something in there. There's also a dark build-up that accrues in his ears. I saw a vet a few years ago about this (pre-morgellons symptoms for me) and they said it wasn't ear mites and gave me some ear cleaner to use.

Thanks for the welcome!

[Dog Lover]

Hi Kelly,

I'm Dog Lover, but I also love cats. I used to have three cats, but my husband only wants us to have dogs now. So we have 2 German Shorthaired Pointers.

Menthol is a natural compound usually made from a mint plant. It has local anesthetic and counter irritant qualities. It is widly used to releive irritation.

There is complete science of rubbing various oils on pets paws to relieve many symptoms. Peppermint, which is one of the plants used to make menthol is widely used.

Hope that helps.

Have you ever given your cat MSM. It is also widely used in pets to help with stress and sound like kidney failure is a big stress.

DL

[kelley]

Thanks DL---

I've read some rather dire warnings about using essential oils---such as peppermint---around cats. According to these sites, they say that cats lack the ability to metabolize certain components and that the build-up can be lethal.

Yet others, like yourself, recommend the use of peppermint oil.

Haven't tried MSM for my cat yet---should I use lotion or pills?

I, too love dogs---but in order to keep my cat's stress level low (which they advise for CRF cats) we are currently dogless

[Kritters]

Hi Kelly,
(welcome to the forum)

I'm not an expert on essential oils, but I have read some negatives about certain usage of the mint family, menthol and eucalyptus. If I were you, I'd research further until I knew for sure.

Kritters

[Dog Lover]

Dear Kelley,

Apparently you are right about the oils not being safe for cats. I only saw a vet use them on dogs and assumed. That was not a good idea! Cats have a unique physiology that does not always respond well to what works on dogs and humans. For example, aspirin could be fatal to a cat.

I went to a site called essentialanimals (dot) com and under treatments for cats, they said "Cats are highly sensitive to essential oils as their liver has a very limited ability to metabolize them. It is always better to have professional guidance when using essential oils with cats."

"Using Aromatherapy with Cats.

Do not apply the oils topically or force oils on a cat as their ability to metabolise them is limited and overuse or long-term use can cause liver failure. Often Hydrosols (floral waters) are a better option for cats as they are gentler."

In answer to your question about MSM. I was told to use only the powder and only use it like salt for cats, very very little. Just a pinch per meal and gradually work up. The web site I found said this:

"MSM FOR PETS dogs and cats dosage

Feed 1/8 tablespoon (500 mg.) once a day per 25 pounds body weight or as directed by your veterinarian."

DL

[kelley]

Thank you DL---I will try the MSM!

---Kelley