Have you ever considered using cloves as a natural pest repellent or for holiday decorations? Maybe you’ve even dabbled in the world of essential oils. But here’s something you might not know: cloves are actually harmful to cats. Let me share a personal experience to shed some light on this issue.
A Troubling Discovery
One day, when I was living with my family, I noticed that our cat, Sloan, was acting strangely. She couldn’t stand up straight, was drooling excessively, and seemed unable to jump onto the couch. It was like she was intoxicated. Worried, my mom and I rushed Sloan to the veterinarian.
To our frustration, the vet couldn’t find anything wrong with her. They asked if she had come into contact with any chemical cleaners or substances like windshield washer fluid, but we had nothing to report. Feeling helpless, we were given special cat food to try and feed Sloan, but she couldn’t eat, drink, or even use the litter box. She simply lay there, causing great concern for all of us.
Finally, my dad stumbled upon a clue. He discovered powdered cloves sprinkled near the back door. It all clicked: had Sloan ingested clove spice?
The Research and Confirmation
Determined to find answers, we researched the effects of cloves on cats and reached out to the vet. It turns out that cloves have a numbing effect on pets when consumed, whether it’s clove oil, whole cloves, or powdered cloves. It’s like a drug to them, and Sloan was experiencing the consequences.
Her vision was impaired, making her unable to walk straight. She couldn’t maintain her balance to jump or climb, and she felt numb, which meant she couldn’t even tell if she was hungry, thirsty, or needed to use the litter box. Moreover, clove consumption can be detrimental to their liver and lead to various symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty walking, tremors, wobbliness, lethargy, coughing, difficulty breathing, and weakness.
This discovery hit close to home because essential oils, including clove oil, have gained popularity recently, with many people using essential oil diffusers. While we all appreciate the aroma of lavender or eucalyptus oil, it’s crucial to understand that these oils, including cloves, can be harmful to pets like cats and dogs. Here’s a list of essential oils that should be avoided around pets:
- Eucalyptus oil
- Tea tree oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Citrus oil
- Oregano oil
- Pennyroyal oil
- Peppermint oils, including wintergreen oil
- Pine
- Sweet birch
- Ylang ylang oil
Sloan’s Recovery
Thankfully, Sloan made a full recovery. Although she spent a lot of time resting, she was awake and responsive. To help her regain her strength, I mashed up the wet food from the vet with some water and fed it to her using a plastic spoon. She loved the wet food and consumed it eagerly. I also encouraged her to drink plenty of water by holding a spoonful right under her mouth.
I can’t say for sure how much of the powdered cloves Sloan ingested, or what might have happened if she had been home alone. But I’m grateful that she is now healthy and happy.
Prioritizing Pet Safety
While I still support the use of natural cleaning products and other items, I now make sure to use ones that are safe for pets. The wellbeing of our furry friends should always be a top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is clove oil safe for cats?
No, clove oil is not safe for cats. Cloves, whether in oil, whole, or powdered form, have a numbing effect on pets and can cause various health issues. It’s best to keep them away from cats.
Q: What are the symptoms of clove consumption in cats?
Cats that have consumed cloves may experience symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty walking, tremors, wobbliness, lethargy, coughing, difficulty breathing, and weakness.
Q: Are other essential oils harmful to cats as well?
Yes, several essential oils are harmful to cats. These include eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, citrus oil, oregano oil, pennyroyal oil, peppermint oils (including wintergreen oil), pine, sweet birch, and ylang ylang oil.
Conclusion
Despite the potential benefits of using cloves or essential oils, it’s crucial to acknowledge the risks they pose to our beloved pets. In the case of cats, cloves can have distressing effects on their health. Let’s prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our furry friends by being mindful of the products we use around them. To learn more about pet safety and gain valuable insights from the pet industry, visit Pawsoha at pawsoha.com.