AROMATHERAPY FOR CATS

AROMATHERAPY FOR CATS

Aromatherapy can be used as successfully with cats as it is with humans – although when administering to cats you must always use a lower dilution.

AN ‘UNSETTLED’ CAT

A cat can become unsettled for a variety of reasons, ranging from a move of home, change of ownership or general hyperactivity. To combat this, the use of essential oils is very helpful. They can be applied directly to the cat’s coat behind it’s ears, on it’s collar or burned within the home.

2 drops of Lavender

2 drops of Chamomile

2 drops of Ylang Ylang

2 drops of Neroli

2 drops of Marjoram

A ‘LAZY’ CAT

To ‘pep-up’ a cat who lies around all day and you would prefer him/her to be a little more active, a leaf oil can be used in the same way as for the ‘unsettled’ cat.

2 drops of Rosemary

2 drops of Peppermint

CAT SCRATCHES and BATTLE WOUNDS

Tea Tree oil can be used for anything that looks as though it may become infected. Bathe the area first with Lavender water. Use Lavender for anything that appears red, irritated or inflamed. Any oils that you apply to the cat’s coat will be ingested in small quantities when they lick their fur. This is fine and will not harm them in any way – in fact, if you are healing a wound the ingested oil will also help to heal from the inside.

FLEAS

Fleas can be annoying to cats and can irritate their skin. To combat this, a flea collar can be made.

2 drops of Tea Tree

3 drops of Citronella

2 drops of Thyme

3 drops of Lavender

1 garlic capsule

This blend can be rubbed into a leather or fabric collar as frequently as needed. Adding a garlic capsule to the cat’s food every day will also help to keep fleas at bay.

SCRATCHING FURNITURE and MARKING TERRITORY

When cats scratch the furniture they are simply trying to shed their nails and place their scent into their territory. If your cat enjoys scratching the furniture a simple ‘scratching post’ can be made with a few drops of Valerian oil added to it regularly. Cats love Valerian. Catnip is also an excellent herb to use as cats are immensely attracted to it.

CAT COLDS

Cats can suffer from coughs, colds and bronchitis.

3 drops of Eucalyptus

2 drops of Cajeput

1 dessert spoon of carrier oil

Combine the oils and massage along the cat’s back and chest to help them to breathe easier. If the cat is distressed whilst ill use some ‘unsettled cat’ blend as well to calm them and aid in the healing.

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