Citronella is infamous for being used by many pet owners as a natural insect repellent hoping to repel mosquitoes. The citronella geraniums plants ( Pelargonium cv. ‘Citrosa’) are crushed which smells like Citronella, an essential oil extracted from lemongrass varieties. However, is it safe to use around cats? If you are growing scented geraniums, keep your cats away, as they are toxic to pets. Many pet owners keep it on the patio or backyard to repel the mosquitoes, whereas cats also hang out with their owners. Therefore, it is important to understand the potential risks, precautions, and safety measures to keep your cats safe if they are in danger.
What is Citronella?
Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus are two species of citronella plants that are not harmful to cats, as per the ASPCA. However, it is important to keep your cats away from it and its products, like essential oils or candles. It is also best to plant it where your cats don't have any access to it, just to be on the safe side, even though cats won't go near it as they hate the citrus smell.
It is easily confused with lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) or oil grass which is definitely toxic for cats. This is actually a type of geranium that sometimes goes by the name of Citronella. This citronella geranium is considered toxic by ASPCA.
How Cats React to Citronella?
Citronella grass is usually safe for cats in its plant form, but the oil cultivated from it tells a different story. These essential oils consist of some compounds that cats cannot metabolize due to their lack of certain enzymes. Cats' reaction is highly risky due to the inhalation of Citronella’s strong scent, as they have a sensitive sense of smell.
Neurological issues - Cats are ninjas at hiding their discomfort, and if you notice any unusual behavior, immediately contact the vet. The symptoms can turn out to be neurological issues like tremors and seizures; hence, these signs require veterinary intervention.
Respiratory issues - Symptoms like rapid breathing, coughing, wheezing, open-mouth breathing, and panting(this is a serious emergency) can be caused due to the inhalation of essential oils through diffusers or candles. Make sure to move your cat in the fresh air and contact the vet immediately, especially if your cat doesn't get better in the fresh air.
Skin irritation - Cats getting in touch with citronella torches or candles can lead to skin irritation if they groom themselves afterward. If the citronella oil on their coat is met with sunlight, it can also cause skin irritation or worse. Moreover, skin reactions such as redness, swelling, or itchiness, particularly around the mouth, show that Citronella has rubbed your cat.
Toxicity - If your cats have sudden disinterest in food or drooling unusually, be alert. Gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea are the signals of trouble of Citronella toxicity in cats. Also, cats are not lazy due to lethargy and wobbly gait; these are the signs of immediate check-ups.
What to Do if Cats Are Exposed to Citronella?
The emergency knocks on the door without permission; hence, even if your cat is not showing any signs of citronella contact, ingestion, or inhalation, immediately reach out to the vet. The symptoms could be drooling, vomiting, skin irritation, difficulty breathing, or any other severe reaction, and that is when you have to take action without wasting a minute. Always keep a vet's number and the contact number of a pet poison hotline for any emergency.
Precautions for Using Citronella Around Cats
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It is okay to light the candles (consisting of Citronella)outside as long as you keep your cat away from them, which might not happen as cats dislike the lemony scent.
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Torches consist of more concentrated citronella oil. Therefore, if there is any spillage, make sure cats don't ingest or get citronella oil on their paws or fur.
Conclusion
It is evident that the true citronella plant is technically safe for cats, but the oil cultivated from the true citronella and citronella geranium is not safe for them. Any essential oil could be poisonous and potentially life-threatening to cats so it is best to keep your cats far away.
Also, there should not be any use of essential oils in a diffuser, as inhalation can cause severe damage as well. Make sure to contact your vet for the advice and requirements which would keep the cat safe.
