Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Dogs and Cats | Full List

As an aromatherapist, I’m often asked whether essential oils are safe to use around pets -  especially cats and dogs.

With essential oils becoming part of many people’s daily rituals, it’s important to understand that animals process scent and plant compounds differently to humans. Cats in particular metabolise certain compounds less efficiently, which is why concentrated or direct exposure requires caution.

That doesn’t mean all home fragrance is inherently dangerous - but it does mean we need to approach it thoughtfully.

In this blog, we’ll explore what the veterinary evidence actually shows, clear up common misconceptions, and share practical guidance for using essential oil products responsibly in a pet-friendly home.

Why you can trust Tyler Aromatherapy:

• Trained in Aromatherapy and expert in essential oils. 

• Over 4000 customers love our products. (Including Cat Owners!)

• We rigorously study the latest  practices, and science.

Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from plants, typically through steam distillation or cold pressing. They capture the natural aromatic compounds responsible for a plant’s scent and many of its active constituents.

Essential oils are widely used in homes for their scent and wellbeing benefits - but when you share your space with pets, it’s completely natural to have questions.

The reality is more nuanced than the internet often suggests. While certain essential oils have been associated with toxicity in pets - particularly when used in concentrated forms or applied directly - risk varies depending on the oil, the method of exposure, the concentration, and the individual animal.

With the right knowledge and sensible precautions, many aromatherapy products can be used responsibly in pet-owning households. 

Before exploring which essential oils require extra caution around pets, it’s important to understand how problems typically occur. In most documented veterinary cases, issues arise from concentrated exposure or direct contact rather than passive, well-ventilated use.

1. Skin Contact
   Applying essential oils directly to a pet’s skin can lead to irritation, sensitisation, or toxicity - particularly with concentrated (neat) oils. Cats may also ingest oils by grooming them off their fur.

2. Ingestion
   Ingesting essential oils - either directly or via contaminated fur, bedding, or spills - poses the greatest risk. Cats metabolise certain plant compounds less efficiently than humans, which means concentrated exposure can lead to adverse effects, particularly affecting the nervous system or liver.

3. Respiratory Sensitivity
   Strong aromas in poorly ventilated spaces may irritate a pet’s respiratory system, especially in animals with asthma or pre-existing airway conditions. Ensuring good airflow and allowing pets to leave the room freely reduces this risk.

Veterinary toxicology reports and poison control data most frequently associate the following essential oils with adverse reactions in dogs - particularly when used in concentrated form, applied directly to the skin, or ingested:

• Tea tree (Melaleuca)

• Pennyroyal

• Wintergreen

• Sweet birch

• Pine

• Cinnamon

• Clove

• Eucalyptus

• Peppermint (in high concentrations)

• Citrus oils (especially highly concentrated forms)

Most documented cases involve ingestion or direct topical application rather than passive environmental exposure.

Cats are generally considered more sensitive than dogs due to differences in how they metabolise certain plant compounds. Veterinary sources most commonly flag the following oils:

• Tea tree (Melaleuca)

• Wintergreen

• Sweet birch

• Pennyroyal

• Pine

• Eucalyptus

• Cinnamon

• Clove

• Peppermint (particularly concentrated exposure)

• Highly concentrated citrus oils

• Ylang ylang

Again, reported toxicosis cases typically involve concentrated oils, ingestion, or direct skin application.

If you share your home with pets and enjoy essential oil products, simple precautions go a long way:

• Avoid applying essential oils directly to pets.

• Store oils securely and clean up spills immediately.

• Avoid highly concentrated oils in enclosed spaces.

• Ensure good ventilation when burning candles or diffusing scent.

• Allow pets to move freely between rooms.

• Monitor behaviour, particularly if your pet has asthma or respiratory sensitivities.

When used thoughtfully and indirectly, many home fragrance products can be enjoyed responsibly in pet-owning households.

Creating a calming home means considering everyone who lives in it - including your pets.

At Tyler Aromatherapy, we’re deeply aware of how important safety and wellbeing are for animal-loving households. Our candles are carefully formulated for ambient scenting, with essential oils blended into wax rather than applied directly or dispersed in concentrated form.

When used as directed - in a well-ventilated space, allowing pets to move freely - this type of fragrance is considered low risk for healthy adult dogs and cats based on current veterinary guidance.

We believe beautiful scent and responsible pet ownership can comfortably coexist with a little common sense and care.

Please note that a small number of our blends contain essential oils that are more commonly associated with sensitivity in dogs. If you’d like guidance on which scents may be more suitable for your home, feel free to email us at hello@tyleraromatherapy.com - we’re always happy to help.