Is it safe to use plug-in air fresheners in a home with cats? NO they are not. Many of the chemicals used in the products are toxic. Cats are sensitive little creatures and should not be exposed to these products.
Signs of Air Freshener Poisoning in Cats
Your pet may become ill from the ingredients in an air freshener if it leaks or is inhaled through the floor or air. These are a few indicators that your cat might have consumed something poisonous.
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
If your cat exhibits any milder symptoms, try giving your house a thorough cleaning to get rid of the smell and give up using air fresheners. But you have to keep an eye on them to see if the symptoms get worse. It’s best to get treatment from your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice the more serious symptoms or suspect that your cat may have consumed some of the chemicals.
Signs of a Toxic Reaction to Air Fresheners in Cats
Your cat may react differently to toxic air fresheners depending on how the cat and the poisonous substance interact. You might experience mild symptoms, for example, if you sprayed a toxic room freshener in the same room as your cat.
On the other hand, you might see a far more aggressive response if your cat licks the spilled area due to a leaky air freshener. Here’s what you can expect. The low-grade symptoms can include tearing up, sneezing, coughing, and producing nasal discharge. These happen when the cat comes into minimal contact with the poisonous material.
But the cat becomes distressed right away, as evidenced by its behavior. If you notice this, you should try smelling your cat. The smell should still be there if it has come into contact with a toxic compound from an air freshener, and it may help you determine what is wrong with your cat.
Take your cat to the vet even if the symptoms seem minor, as the vet may need to perform certain tests to determine whether the cat’s liver or kidneys have been impacted by the toxic substance. Furthermore, a demagogical examination of the area contaminated by the toxic compound and an eye examination are necessary.
The cat may exhibit more serious symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss. Since these symptoms could manifest hours or even days after the cat has been exposed to the toxic chemicals, it could be challenging to connect them to toxic exposure. Nevertheless, bear in mind that exposure to harmful substances from air fresheners may be the reason if your cat exhibits any of these signs.
Since your cat’s face and paws are the most likely places for contact, try smelling them. Depending on how much toxic air freshener the cat has come into contact with and how long ago this occurred, the smell may be milder or stronger.
Most likely, the cat consumed the toxic material because it was exhibiting symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
In the event that your cat exhibits these signs, examine any air fresheners you may have in your house. Look for any spills or leaks to determine whether these could be the source of the symptoms. Then, it would be best to schedule a check-up with the veterinarian for your cat.
This is the best course of action because, in the event of a toxic exposure, these general symptoms could become much more severe, and if you wait longer to see the veterinarian, you might arrive too late to have your cat treated.
Plug-In Air Fresheners and Cats
Because the chemicals that plug-in air fresheners emit can be poisonous to cats if inhaled or consumed, cats shouldn’t use them. The smells require a carrier in order to be released into the atmosphere, and that carrier is a substance called phthalates. It has been connected to issues with reproduction, cancer, and hormone imbalances.
This air freshener can affect your cat when they walk over it and eventually groom their fur because it leaves a film on your floors and carpets. They may also breathe in chemicals and scents, which can trigger allergies and asthma.
FAQ
Can I use Glade around my cat?
Are Glade solid air fresheners safe for pets?
What happens if air freshener gets on a cat?