What other better way can you relax on chill evenings or during the weekends after a stressful day at work? Aromatherapy! But is Palo Santo toxic to cats? Palo Santo can ease your stress when you use its innocence, candles, or essential oil in a diffuser.
Although good for humans, also santo is not good for cats, it is understood that the wood will not be toxic if nibbled a little by your kitty, but the essential oil contains D-limonene which causes toxicity in cats. Also, incense or burned palo santo poses the threat of respiratory dysfunction and cancer.
We have carefully compounded everything you need to know about palo santo toxicity in cats. Let’s go…
Table of Contents
- What is Palo Santo?
- Is Palo Santo Safe For cats?
- Is Palo Santo Smoke Safe For Cats
- Is Palo Santo Spray Safe For Cats
- Is Palo Santo Toxic To Cats? – Final Thoughts
What is Palo Santo?
Palo Santo, a Spanish word for Holy Wood, is a mystical tree native to South America. It has been used for centuries as a spiritual remedy for purifying and cleansing and to promote feelings of positivity and well-being. This fragrant wood has recently become popular in the US and Europe for its purported healing properties.
Palo Santo is a type of tree found in the dry tropical forests of South America, primarily in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. It belongs to the same family as frankincense and myrrh trees and can reach up to 15 feet in height. The wood of the Palo Santo tree is highly valued for its fragrant aroma and is used to make incense, jewelry, and other items.
When burned, Palo Santo releases a pleasant, sweet aroma similar to that of pine, citrus, and mint. This aroma can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is said to clear negative energy, promote calmness and relaxation, and bring luck and protection. Burning Palo Santo can also help to reduce headaches, boost immunity, and even reduce asthma symptoms.
Palo Santo can be used to make incense, essential oils, and home fragrances. It can be purchased in various forms, such as sticks, chips, and powder, and is used to create incense sticks, cones, and other items. Palo Santo essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and is said to reduce stress, calm the mind, and promote positive energy. The wood is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to be beneficial for skin ailments.
Is Palo Santo Safe For cats?
There is no report of a cat being poisoned by Palo santo, and neither is there specific research on the toxicity of this plant for cats since most research focuses on household plants, but this doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain compounds that could be toxic to cats. Palo santo contains D-Limonene, it’s also used for making incense and essential oil which could affect your cat’s respiratory and general body system. Here are the reasons why palo santo could be toxic to your cat.
Contains D-limonene
D-limonene is a versatile naturally occurring compound found in most citrus fruit peels. Known for its anti-inflammatory agents and its ability to prevent the growth of microorganisms, D-limonene is commonly used for hand sanitizers and shampoo.
D-limonene is the same compound found in lemon and its derivatives such as lemon pepper tuna that leads to severe drooling, lethargy, loss of coordination, tremors, and irritation of the gum, mouth, and intestinal tract, in some cases, it will lead to death. This is one of the reasons Palo Santo is considered toxic to cats.
Palo Santo Essential oil
Essential oils have a pleasant scent, lower stress levels, treat fungus infections, and promote sleep. They are concentrated plant extractions. The “essence” of a plant is transformed into a liquid form through a process called distillation for a variety of therapeutic and recreational uses. They can be absorbed into the body through the skin or Ingested by mouth.
Some essential oil such as lavender, copaiba, frankincense, and helichrysum are considered safe for cats, but most others are unsafe as a result of their high phenol or phenolic compounds, which are known to cause drooling, lowered heart rate, and liver failure as a result of the lack of glucuronyltransferase in cats—an enzyme in the liver that helps process and breaks down essential oil. So, avoid making use of the unsafe (if possible all) essential oils around your cat.
Is Palo Santo Smoke Safe For Cats
Palo Santo when burned serves as a stimulant for pets, it encourages them to play almost as catnip will, but it’s not entirely safe for pets as residues are left after you may have burnt the wood or incense, your kitty could lick these residues. So, if you must burn palo santo, limit it to a little area and ensure your cat’s food or water bowl is not around.
Also, smoke heightens the likelihood of oral squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of mouth cancer in cats as they are likely going to consume smoke particles that land on their fur while grooming themselves. We also have the risk of feline asthma. This is why Palo Santo smoke is not safe for cats.
Is Palo Santo Spray Safe For Cats
Yes, palo santo spray is safe for cats when used in moderation. Palo santo essential oil is a natural remedy that can help to soothe anxiety and stress, and it can also help to repel fleas and other insects. However, cats can be sensitive to the aroma of essential oils, so it’s important to use caution when spraying palo santo around cats.
It’s best to introduce palo santo to cats gradually. Cats may be scared of the scent at first, so start by spraying a small amount and gradually increase the amount over time. Make sure to spray only a light mist, and never directly onto your cat’s fur. If your cat shows signs of discomfort, such as sneezing, coughing, or excessive grooming, stop using the spray immediately and seek advice from a veterinarian.
Palo santo can also be used in other ways around cats. For instance, you can place a few drops of palo santo oil onto a cotton ball and set it near your cat’s bed or favorite spot. This can help to keep them calm and relaxed. You can also add a few drops of palo santo oil to a diffuser and set it in a room where your cat spends a lot of time.
Is Palo Santo Toxic To Cats? – Final Thoughts
Palo santo can be safe for cats when used seldomly, but when the use is regular and in large amounts, your feline friend is at risk of certain health problems like liver failure, cancer, and all symptoms of toxicity; this is why its best to avoid the use around cats entirely.
Instead of using Palo Santo around your cat, you could use other safe essential oils like lavender or you should only make use of it in areas your cat can’t access.
