Plug-in air fresheners are toxic to cats and should only be used in areas your cat cannot access; avoid placing them by your pet’s food, water, or litter box. It’s best to ditch the air fresheners altogether and use a few of the natural methods we listed above to freshen your home.
The Dangers of Air Fresheners for Your Cat
Most plug-in air fresheners (and other scented products) contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs.) These substances quickly turn from liquid to gas at room temperature, allowing the plug-in to spread fragrance throughout the room. According to research, VOCs are associated with numerous health issues in humans and pets.1
Essential oil plug-in fresheners are not necessarily any safer, either. They can also give off VOCs. Certain essential oil air fresheners emit tiny product droplets into the atmosphere, increasing the risk to cats.
Cats exposed to plug-in essential oil air fresheners may collect droplets on their fur. Because cats groom so frequently, they can ingest these essential oil particles, many of which are toxic.2 Breathing in the oil is also dangerous; some essential oils can be absorbed through the skin.
Cats may also be at risk of chewing on or shattering the plug-in air freshener, depending on the kind.
As part of their commitment to safety and transparency, you can find a complete list of Febreze ingredients HERE and via SmartLabel.org. They do NOT use phthalates, formaldehyde or flammable propellants in any Febreze products. Huh okay so Febreze doesnt have any of those, so again why did I stop using it as much? This is where I was beginning to realize I hadnt really made an informed decision.
That I ramble on and talk and write too much? Okay true, did I not mention that I have a tendency to do that? Oops sorry, my bad, too late but I hope you caught the gist of what I was sharing. Can you answer the question of whether or not Febreze is safe to use around dogs, cats and homo sapiens too with a big resounding yes?! If youre not ready to say yes but are willing to dig a little deeper then that makes me happy too because that willingness means youre ready to find out more. Youre open to the facts and researching them more so you can make an informed decision.
They go above and beyond to test for safety and won’t put products out that they wouldn’t use in their own homes as well. This got me excited because I started to realize I could once again have a bottle of Febreze in all of my home’s rooms without fear. Who gets excited about Febreze? Uh, I do when youve had enough wet dog smell, manure smell from the farms down the road, skunk and think of another dozen stinkiest of the stinky odours youd be excited too.
Why I used Febreze for Stinky Odours and then I didnt
Recall that we are discussing the use of Febreze as an air freshener, not the application of the chemical to humans or animals. Having said that, it’s still safe to spray a room in case someone were to walk in and breathe it in or get some on them. Were not talking about spraying large amounts on anyone ever.
Folks, remember that Febreze is only one of the four Febrezes. There are other odor neutralizers, like citric acid, which is found in lemons. Why is that significant? Well, consider this: when you squeeze a lemon over fish, it doesn’t smell as fishy, does it? Citric acid neutralizes odors by bringing their pH level closer to that of water, making fish less stinky.
Health Risks of Plug-in Air Fresheners for Cats
The most frequent health risks that plug-in air fresheners may pose to cats are upset stomachs, liver damage, and breathing problems. Because they lack a vital enzyme that aids in the breakdown of toxins, including those found in essential oils, cats are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of these oils than either dogs or humans.
Cats exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or essential oil air fresheners may experience breathing issues. Cats who suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma are more vulnerable. Cats who are exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other respiratory irritants may also be more likely to develop asthma.
If your cat chews on a plug-in air freshener or swallows particles of essential oil while grooming, it may upset its digestive system. Some essential oils may also impact the nervous system. Finally, your cat could suffer an electrical shock by chewing on a plug-in air freshener or develop an intestinal blockage by swallowing parts of the plug-in.3
The following indications could indicate that your cat is experiencing harmful consequences from a plug-in air freshener:
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Drooling
- Coughing/sneezing
- Lethargy
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Tremors
- Disorientation
These symptoms could appear suddenly or gradually. If your plug-in air freshener starts to show any of these symptoms, immediately take your cat out of the room so they can get some fresh air. Contact your veterinarian for further instructions.
FAQ
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