Aroma Pets

EOFC - FLEA & TICK OIL RECIPES 

Infestation is one of the most problematic issues when it comes to raising cats and dogs. When diagnosed with infestation such as fleas or ticks, a veterinarian will usually prescribe products that aim to kill these parasites in a straightforward manner. However, some chemicals contained in a lot of pest killing products such as soaps, powders, and shampoos are also extremely toxic when accidentally ingested by your pet. This is particularly true for pyrethroid - based products and those with organophosphates. Of course, they can also harm humans who use those products in their pets either by ingestion or through frequent skin contact.

Surprisingly, the EPA or Environmental Protection Agency is allowing these products to be sold in the market. So if you're still using commercial products to eliminate fleas and ticks on your pets, be extra cautious and check if the product you're buying is pyrethroid-based or not. Nevertheless, this is basically why more people feel comfortable when using natural 'home' remedies for fleas and ticks - especially essential oils. Not only are specific oil blends helpful in repelling and eliminating fleas and ticks, they also improve the emotional wellbeing and the overall skin health of your pet.

Without further ado, here are some of the best essential oil recipes for removing fleas and ticks for your cat:

CEDARWOOD & LAVENDER FLEA REPELLENT
First of all, there are plenty of essential oils that can be used on their own as natural insect repellants. This includes orange, lemon, pine, and tea tree essential oil. While they are very potent in preventing the spread of fleas, ticks, and other insects, these essential oils in particular are more likely to be unsafe for cats than other essential oils. Furthermore, remember that essential oil blends specifically made for insect infestations may be diluted in water or remain undiluted. This will maximize the potency of these oils, but can put your cat at risk with overuse. Use caution and be sure to follow the instructions exactly as stated in each recipe.

With this being said, it is best to start with the safest essential oil blend and see if it does the job properly. This particular blend contains lavender and Cedarwood essential oils. Cedarwood oil is known as an insecticidal, anti-bacterial, and moisturizing essential oil that can be safely used on cats. To produce the Cedarwood & lavender insect repellant for your cat, use the following recipe:

To begin, simply mix all the ingredients in a small bowl or cup and pour it into the spray bottle. To use this repellant, lightly and evenly spray your cat 1-3 times a day - depending on the severity of the infestation. Alternatively, you can create a blend of these essential oils in a carrier oil and apply it at least once a day using the Kitty Raindrop technique. The proper dilution for this would be 2 drops cedar oil, 2 drops lavender oil, and 30-50 drops appropriate carrier oil.

PALO SANTO & LAVENDER INSECT KILLER

The next essential oil blend for fleas and ticks is a little more aggressive. This should only be used if the infestation is severe to a point where you can frequently see the fleas and ticks move around under your cat's coat. This recipe uses lavender oil and Palo Santo Oil.

Here is the recipe for creating the Palo Santo & Lavender insect killing blend:

This particular blend is used undiluted, which is more effective for serious infestations. To use, dip a piece of cotton Q-tip into the mixture and dab it on to affected areas. Just remember to rinse the oils well from your pet's skin with a warm, wet and clean cloth.

ROSEMARY & PALO SANTO FLEA SPRAY 

This particular recipe is a great alternative to the Cedarwood & lavender spray mentioned earlier. Rosemary is another safe essential oil that also acts as a natural repellant for fleas, ticks, and other insects such as flies and mosquitoes. You may even use natural rosemary leaves to repel insects by themselves.

Take note that this blend is slightly less potent than the Cedarwood & Lavender spray. On the other hand, this recipe will be making a spray with more volume. You can apply it 2-4 times a day on your cat.

Getting rid of fleas and other insects hiding underneat your cat's coat is your first step to improving its overall skin health. It should be more enjoyable to pet and cuddle with it now that insect infestation is under control. But it's time to take your pet's skincare to the next level. 

Reference: Essential Oils For Cats : The Blokehead

EOFC - THERAPEUTIC OILS FOR CATS

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CATS

BASIC STEPS TO USING ESSENTIAL OILS

When using essential oils on humans, it is advised to use the skin test to identify allergies or any undesired reactions. Simply put, you need to determine whether or not a particular oil is suitable for you. And when it comes to pets , the equivalent of the skin test is the smell test.

PERFORMING THE SMELL TEST
Even if you're using essential oil that's known to be safe for cats, sometimes they just react negatively to them. remember that essential oils are an experience for cats, too. This means some of them simply wouldn't like to have the experience again. This is why before using any essential oil on your pet's delicate body, make sure to perform the smell test to detect any adverse reactions.

Performing the smell test is actually very simple. But never allow the untested oil to touch the cat or even sniff it directly. Remember that felines have a significantly keener sense of smell, meaning what may come is mild to you could be exceedingly overwhelming to the cat. The best strategy is to use a toothpick, dip it into the essential oil, and wipe it on a clean cloth.

Afterwards, allow your cat to smell the cloth but never put it directly on its nose. Do not use a piece of cotton since you might accidentally squeeze it and put a drop of oil on your cat. Watch out for the good signs that mean you cat is 'accepting' the oil. This includes pushing its head onto the cloth, wanting to lick or sniff the cloth (of course, you should not allow this), rubbing on to the cloth, or staring at the cloth with eyes wide open. These are indications that the oil is safe to use on your cat. On the other hand, watch out for the negative signs such as cringing, running away, sneezing, or whining. This means the particular smell of the oil is displeasing you cat. If this is the case, avoid using the oil but do not throw it away. Either use it on your own or try again a week later to see if your cat reacts differently.

THE BEST CARRIER OILS
Never forget that essential oils must be diluted in carrier oils first before using, especially on animals. But just like the essentials, not all carrier oils are the same and not all of them can be used on animals. Using the right carrier oil is also an extremely important requirement for essential oil success and safety. For cats, there are two particular carrier oils  that work the best when it comes to oil efficacy and safety: the v-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, the Organic Olive Carrier Oil , and the Virgin Coconut Oil. here are brief introductions for each and why they are the best for your cat:

V-6 VEGETABLE OIL COMPLEX
The name V-6 came from the fact that it is a blend of 6 different vegetable oils that are safe enough to be ingested and used in food. These oils are, wheat germ oil, sunflower seed oil, organic olive oil, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, organic sesame seed oil, and fractionated coconut oil. It is also an excellent carrier oil to use for creating customized essential oil blends. This particular oil has no odour, color, and will not stain clothes, which add to the overall convenience. But most importantly, this oil is widely used for creating  essential oil blends for animals, including cats, dogs, and horses.

ORGANIC OLIVE OIL
out of all the carrier oils included in the V-6 oil complex, the organic olive oil stands out as one of the safest and most used carrier oils for cats. it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help repair cells and eliminate free radicals. It is also the ideal carrier oil for skin health and improved healing without being too expensive.

VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
An alternative to organic olive oil; virgin coconut oil is highly beneficial for your cat's coat and overall skin health. It can even be taken internally to improve digestion and immune system. The only downside is that its smell may not suit every one and it can overpower the aromas of other essential oils when used as a carrier oil. 

DILUTING YOUR ESSENTIAL OILS

For cats, the proper dilution ratio is at 50:2, meaning 2 drops of essential oil for every 50 drops of carrier oil. Remember that this is a 4% dilution: meaning you can adjust the number of drops depending on how much oils you want to use. The only exception for this is if the specific recipe requires a specific dilution ratio. For the purpose of diluting, you need to buy a dropper and some essential oil bottles which can be bought cheaply. Remember to wear gloves and avoid dropping undiluted essential oils to your skin; especially the best sellers of these carrier oils as well as the necessary dilution tools such as diffusers and spray bottles.

APPLYING ESSENTIAL OILS TO CATS
There are a few ways to apply essential oils to cats. Of course, the method of application depends on the particular condition you're trying to treat. For superficial wounds, injuries, and insect treatment, you could use sprays or direct applications of highly diluted oils. You also need to use a diffuser to use certain essential oils, but do so with care. Make it a habit to check the first chapter for safety references whenever using essential oils.

USING A DIFFUSER
The method of using a diffuser for cats is basically the same with using it for humans. As the name suggests, a diffuser scatters the fragrance of essential oils for a number of different purposes including aromatherapy. For cats, diffusing certtain oils can also eliminate odor and keep insects away. Most types of diffusers have their own set of instructions for usage,. However, remember that you don't really need to purchase an aromatherapy diffuser to gain the aromatic benefits of essential oils. There are several ways to stimulate the diffusing action of a diffuser with everyday household items.

TISSUE DIFFUSION
One of the easiest alternatives of using a diffuser is the tissue diffusion method. All you have to do is to put 3-4 drops of the oils on a piece of tissue and just leave it at the centre of the room. Undiluted oils can be used if you're using the essential oil for humans as long as you make sure the cat isn't in the room. As the air circulates around the room, the strong aroma of the oil should disperse as well. However, be extra careful where you place the tissue especially if your cat is around, also apply some weights at the corners of the tissue to prevent it from being blown away out of position. Other than that, you can leave the tissue in a certain area for as long as you like. Dispose of the tissue once done.

STEAM DIFFUSION
You can also add up to 10 drops of essential oils to 2 cups of water, boil the mixture, and allow the steam to circulate around the room. This is more effective than tissue diffusion when it comes to the area of effect and the potency of the aromas. It will also allow the oil's fragrance to spread quickly in the room. However, it takes more time and oils to prepare. Make sure to dispose of the boiled water once finished and never allow your cat to drink it or inhale the steam directly next to it.

CANDLE DIFFUSION
Some people create their own essential oil-infused candles specifically for aromatherapy. However, you can easily simulate the same effect with a soy candle. First, allow the candle to burn for five minutes  or until the wax on top significantly melts. Once this happens, put out the flame  and put 1 drop of the essential oil on the melted wax. Remember not to put the drop directly on the wick.

Practice caution when performing the candle diffusion method. Essential oils are flammable and may cause injuries on you or your pet. Before relighting the candle, make sure to wipe your hands, as well as traces of oil on the floor using a clean cloth or tissue. The benefit of candle diffusion is that it can easily be used in places where tissue diffusion or steam diffusion is inconvenient, such as the bathroom.

A word of advise when using the diffusion method, always assume that the amount of essential oil is enough even if the aroma seems faint to you. Keep in mind that the sense of smell of cats is much stronger than yours. Since you will be using oils with high dilution, there will be some instances where you won't be able to detect the essential oils every once in a while. Aside from these methods, there is also another technique that experts use when using essential oils for cats;

THE RAINDROP TECHNIQUE

The Raindrop technique is a popular therapeutic technique for using essential oils on the human spine. with some adjustments and specific reworks, the raindrop technique is also being used today to apply essential oils as a therapy for cats. This improvised process is also known as the Kitty raindrop Technique or KRDT.

This technique has a variety of benefits for the general health of cats and alleviates any ongoing issues with their physical or emotional health. And believe it or not, cats can get bothered with emotional problems just as much with the Kitty Raindrop Technique, you can use different oil recipes that can be applied topically to improve the help of your cat.

Some people believe that the specific oils: oregano, thyme, basil, cypress, marjoram, wintergreen and peppermint: are required for the raindrop technique. However; notice that some of those oils are known to be unsafe for cats. This is because those oils are used in the raindrop technique for humans. This is why it's better to use oils that are known to be perfectly safe while also achieving positive benefits for your cat.

To perform the best Kitty raindrop technique for ctas, you mus first, calm it down  and pet it using valor essential oil. Make sure it is diluted in the proper carrier oil. Start by applying 2 drops of the diluted oil on your palms and stroke your cat from the shoulder down the spine. You can add more drops in case your cat's fur is too thick.

Finally, you need to add 6 drops of the essential oil blend you want to use and apply it in the same way as the valor oil. Start from the sholders to the bottom of the spine and massage your cat in any way you like.

USING HYDROSOLS
If you're still not convinced that an essential oil is afe for your cat, you can opt for hydrosols which are safer for cats. They are also generally cheaper than aromatherapy grade essential oils. To use hydrosols, simply substitute the matching product to the specified essential oils in the following chapters.

Reference: Essential Oil For Cats : The BLOKEHEAD

Essential Oil Safety For Animals

First and foremost, caution and knowledge are required to safely use essential oils even when using them on people. This is because essential oils are very potent substances and, if used incorrectly, may cause more harm than good. This alone is probably the only safety concern when it comes to using oils on animals and pets.

Always remember this: if used in the wrong way, essential oils can kill cats. There have been many controversies regarding essential oils for pets. Apparently, their body metabolisms work in a very different way than humans. Their lives simply lack the necessary detoxification capabilities to safely process certain chemicals and compounds out of their system. And with, improper use, essential oils  - especially low-quality ones - may induce toxicity.

In the past, the incorrect use of essential oils on house animals was linked to a number of health problems caused by toxicity. But most of these adverse effects arise from the use of undiluted oils, direct contact with the skin, ingestion, prolonged exposure, or the use of poor quality essential oil. With the proper method of application, one can effectively reduce or eliminate the risks of these side effects.

Keep Undiluted Oils Away
As a general rule of thumb, never use undiluted oils - regardless of application - on any living thing. For animals, you should always dilute essential oils with a ratio of 2:50 (50 drops of carrier oil to 2 drops of essential oil), unless stated otherwise in the recipe. Keep in mind that 50 drops is equal to 50ml. Refer to the dilution guide. If you have essential oils for yourself, keep the bottles in a secure location where pets and children cannot access them.

Don't Leave a Diffuse
If you will be using a diffuser, always avoid closing the doors and windows while leaving your cat inside the room. Store your diffuser properly always after using.

keep Cats Away When Cleaning
If you are using essential oils for cleaning products, specifically oils that are unsafe for animals, be sure to let the floor or area dry. It is crucial that cats never come into direct contact with harmful essential oils. 

Use Hydrosols

If you can, you should opt for hydrosols for using essential oils on your cat. Hydrosols are alcohol-free, water-based by products of the distillation of essential oils. But just like when shopping for essential oils, always choose a quality and trusted seller.

Furthermore, there are specific essential oils that should never be used on a cat regardless of the method of application. A lot of these oils ae over oxygenated compounds known as ketones and phenols - to which cats are found to be very sensitive .

List of Essential Oils That Must Never Be Used on Cats

Checking the Quality
Aside from the specific method of application, quality is extremely important when using essential oils not only on humans, but on animals as well. So always get your oils from a reliable store. Look for the variant of essential oils known as aromatherapy grade oils, which are usually made with the highest quality ingredients. They are manufactured solely for the purpose of aromatherapy, so they are as safe as you can get. Whether you are going to use them for human or cat use, you should always go for this type of oil whenever you can.

There are also the clinical grade oils which are commonly found in hospitals and in clinical research facilities. However, don't buy into the marketing hype known as therapeutic grade essential oils. In fact, avoid all other products coming from a vendor who supposedly sells therapeutic grade oils. Any respected oil producer will not use an 'unknown' (no health organization or institute ever set the standards for 'therapeutic grade' oils, specifically in the essential oil industry) word just to increase sales.

Reference: Essential Oils For Cats: The BLokehead