If you have a cat at home, you may be wondering if it’s safe to use Airwick essential oil mist around them. With their sensitive respiratory systems and inability to verbalize discomfort, it’s natural to have concerns about diffused chemicals.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about using Airwick essential mist safely around feline friends.

What Is Airwick Essential Mist?

Key Ingredients

Airwick Essential Mist products contain water, fragrance oils, and dispersing propellants as the main ingredients. The water acts as a carrier for the fragrance oils, allowing them to be dispersed into the air. The propellants are used to create a fine mist when sprayed.

Some varieties also contain additional ingredients like essential oils for added fragrance.

Scent Varieties

Airwick offers Essential Mists in a wide variety of scents. Some popular varieties include:

  • Fresh Waters – A clean, aquatic scent.
  • Lavender & Chamomile – A relaxing herbal blend.
  • Crisp Linen – A fresh laundry-like aroma.
  • Wild Berries & Vanilla – A sweet, fruity bouquet.

Usage Instructions

Airwick Essential Mists are easy to use. The general directions are:

  • Choose a scent and shake the can before use.
  • Hold the can upright about 12 inches from the desired surface.
  • Spray in short bursts, avoiding direct contact with pets, plants, and polished surfaces.
  • Reapply as desired to maintain fragrance.

Most mists provide air freshening for up to 30 days when used daily as directed. The cans should be stored at room temperature away from extreme heat to maintain optimal performance.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Cats?

Respiratory and Skin Sensitivity

Essential oils can be quite harmful to cats due to their heightened sensitivity and inability to efficiently metabolize certain compounds. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver called glucuronyl transferase which helps break down phenols and terpenes, the main constituents of essential oils.

Build up of these compounds in a cat’s body can lead to toxicity.In addition, cats have a weaker respiratory system, thinner skin, and lack the ability to release oils from their skin naturally through sweat glands.

Exposure to highly concentrated oils can lead to breathing problems, skin irritations, neurological issues, and in rare cases may even be fatal if ingested internally.

Toxicity Risks

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, commonly used essential oils like lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint and citrus oils can be very toxic to cats. Some effects of exposure may include drooling, tremors, lethargy, vomiting, and even organ damage or death in severe cases.

Oils that contain phenols or phenolic compounds like cinnamaldehyde, citronellal, cinnamon bark, cedarwood, pennyroyal, pine, sweet birch, and wintergreen are especially hazardous and should be avoided around all cats.

Safe Exposure Limits

While it’s best to avoid diffusing any essential oils around cats, some properties may be tolerated in small doses if adequately diluted and used judiciously. Speak to your vet before exposing cats to any essential oils.

Oils that are relatively neutral and do not contain phenols like geranium, lavandin grosso, helichrysum italicum, and palo santo when used briefly and highly diluted may be tolerated by some cats.

As a general rule of thumb, no more than 1 drop per 50 lbs of body weight of cat is considered the maximum safe exposure dose if diluted further in a carrier oil and rinsed off the fur after a few minutes.

Potential Risks of Airwick for Cats

Ingredient Safety

Airwick products contain various chemical ingredients that may be unsafe for feline exposure, especially in concentrated forms. Key concerns include phthalates like diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dimethyl phthalate (DMP), both common in air fresheners and linked to endocrine disorders with repeated exposure.

Short-chain aldehydes like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde are also common Airwick components known to irritate mucous membranes. Essential oils, terpenes, and fragrances pose ingestion risks as well due to toxicity.

Airborne Irritation

The micro-droplets dispersed by Airwick can cause airway irritation when inhaled by cats. A 2018 veterinary study found nearly 2 times higher rate of respiratory issues in cats exposed to air fresheners. The moist mist allows more rapid absorption of chemicals into mucus membranes.

Resulting effects may include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. More severe cases can progress to chemical burns or pneumonia. Cats with asthma or allergies are at heightened sensitivity.

Ingestion Hazards

Direct ingestion of Airwick liquid poses the greatest danger for cats. As little as 1 teaspoon can be lethal depending on the formulation. Symptoms arise rapidly and can include oral irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and kidney/liver damage.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports over 5,000 cases annually linked to household air freshener exposure, with a nearly 50% fatality rate. Quick action is essential if ingestion is witnessed, including rinsing the mouth and emergency veterinary care. Preventative measures are vital.

Precautions for Safe Use Around Cats

Ventilation

When using air fresheners like Airwick around cats, proper ventilation is crucial. Here are some tips for good airflow when using these products:

  • Keep windows open to allow fresh air to circulate. This will prevent the scent from becoming overwhelming in enclosed spaces.
  • Place air fresheners away from your cat’s main living areas like their bed, litter box, or food/water bowls.
  • Use air fresheners only in well-ventilated rooms your cat does not spend a lot of time in.
  • Consider using fans to improve airflow if ventilation is limited.
  • Do not use air fresheners in confined spaces like closets or bathrooms with poor ventilation.

Providing good airflow and ventilation dilutes the scent from air fresheners, preventing it from becoming too strong for your cat. Be sure to monitor your cat’s reaction and adjust freshener usage accordingly.

Location

Strategically placing air fresheners out of reach of curious cats is key. Here are some tips on ideal locations:

  • Put air fresheners up high, out of your cat’s reach. Wall-mounted or high shelf placements are great options.
  • Avoid setting them on end tables, countertops, or other low surfaces your cat could access.
  • Do not place near your cat’s litter box, food bowls, bed, or other areas they frequent.
  • Consider using child safety locks if placing fresheners in reachable areas.
  • Keep air freshener refills safely sealed and stored away.

Choosing locations cats cannot access prevents chewing, clawing, contaminating food, and other risky behavior. Take precautions if you have cats that tend to climb or jump to higher places.

Supervision

Closely supervising your cat anytime air fresheners are in use is vital. Here are some tips:

  • Do not leave air fresheners unattended in rooms your cat has access to.
  • Keep your cat away from spaces being treated with air fresheners until ventilation improves.
  • Watch for sneezing, watery eyes, wheezing or other signs of reaction.
  • Temporarily remove fresheners if concerning symptoms develop.
  • Consult your vet if you have ongoing concerns about the safety of fresheners for your cat.

Carefully observing your cat’s response allows you to quickly identify and remove air fresheners if they are not tolerated. Never assume all air fresheners are safe, even if labeled non-toxic.

Safer Alternatives for Feline Households

Unscented Options

When selecting air fresheners for homes with cats, it’s best to choose unscented options. Strong artificial fragrances from products like sprays and plug-in refills can be irritating and even toxic for cats due to their sensitive respiratory systems.

Gentler, fragrance-free choices are less likely to cause issues.

Natural Air Fresheners

There are various natural air fresheners that can safely scent a home with cats. These include:

  • Opening windows regularly to circulate fresh outdoor air
  • Simmering cinnamon sticks or citrus peels on the stove
  • Using essential oils like lemon or lavender in diffusers, with caution
  • Setting out fragrant flowers like roses or orchids
  • Sprinkling baking soda as a gentle deodorizer in litter boxes and on carpets

Targeted Cleaning

Frequent cleaning can also reduce odors without the need for perfumed sprays around cats. Target areas like:

  • Kitty litter boxes: Scoop daily and change litter regularly
  • Pet beds: Wash monthly
  • Fabric surfaces: Vacuum and steam-clean as needed
  • Garbage cans: Empty frequently, scrub with baking soda

Keeping a home clean and well-ventilated goes a long way to naturally combat odors even with pets.

Conclusion

To conclude, Airwick essential mist does carry some risks for cats if used irresponsibly. However, by carefully following usage guidelines, ventilating rooms properly, keeping products out of reach, and supervising all interactions, the product can likely be used safely in homes with cats present.

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