[Written by a Veterinarian] Are Perfumes and Fabric Softeners Bad for Cats? | How Scents Affect Cats' Health and Tips for Avoiding Stress

While perfumes and fabric softeners may have a pleasant scent for humans, they may not be so for cats. Some perfumes and fabric softeners can even be harmful to a cat's health. In this article, we will explain in detail the effects of scents on cats.

Cats are sensitive to scents: Characteristics of their sense of smell and scent-related stress

A cat's sense of smell is several times more sensitive than a human's

There are many olfactory cells in the nose that detect odors, but cats have far more of them than humans. As a result, a cat's sense of smell is much more developed than a human's, said to be 14 times superior.

Why "pleasant scents" can be irritating or uncomfortable for cats

What smells pleasant to humans and what smells pleasant to cats are different. What humans perceive as pleasant scents are often plant-based. Therefore, perfumes and fabric softeners often contain these scents or ingredients as fragrances. However, cats seem to perceive these as unpleasant odors. One reason for this is that cats can be poisoned by plants. Examples include lavender, lilies, and citrus fruits.

The effects of perfumes, fabric softeners, aromas, and air fresheners on cats

These products use plant scents. Cats can be poisoned by the smell of plants. Therefore, strong-smelling items like perfumes are harmful to cats. Perfumes can also cause sneezing and coughing. Aroma oils are particularly dangerous. Most aroma oils are harmful to cats. Aroma oils are concentrated, fat-soluble oils called essential oils, which cats cannot metabolize, leading to poisoning.

What scents are dangerous for cats?｜Precautions for perfumes, fabric softeners, and aromas

Effects of synthetic fragrances and chemical substances contained in fabric softeners and perfumes

Fabric softeners and perfumes contain various fragrances and chemical substances. While it's not entirely clear how they affect cats, cats have different metabolic pathways in their livers than humans, making it difficult for their livers to metabolize chemical substances. This means they are more susceptible to poisoning. Additionally, fragrances can irritate the respiratory tract, potentially causing coughing, sneezing, and feline asthma.

Risk of poisoning from aroma oils and diffusers

Aroma oils and aroma diffusers are dangerous for cats. These essential oils contain concentrated plant oils, which cats cannot break down. Therefore, cats should not be exposed to aroma oils. Inhaling vaporized essential oils from a diffuser or direct skin contact can lead to symptoms of poisoning.

Reactions such as cats running away, vomiting, or becoming lethargic

Cats have a superior sense of smell compared to humans, so they may run away when they encounter an unpleasant odor. They may also vomit repeatedly or become lethargic and listless.

We have had cases reported to our clinic where a cat started vomiting frequently after its owner used a scented eye mask.

Don't miss the signs of stress in cats caused by scents

Excessive grooming, urinating/defecating outside the litter box, decreased appetite, etc.

When exposed to an unpleasant odor, cats may engage in excessive grooming to try and remove it. Additionally, if stress becomes severe, symptoms such as urinating/defecating outside the litter box, decreased appetite, and lethargy may appear.

Behaviors such as hiding to avoid scents or becoming restless

Cats try to distance themselves from unpleasant things and protect themselves. They may hide away from strong scents or become restless while trying to hide.

How to distinguish from other health problems

Various symptoms caused by scents can also manifest as symptoms of other illnesses. Usually, these symptoms disappear once the cause is resolved, so if the source of the scent is removed, the symptoms may also disappear. If symptoms do not improve even after removing the scent, there may be a possibility of other health problems or poisoning caused by the fragrance.

Consider scents when living with cats｜How to deal with scents safely

Tips for choosing products with less scent or unscented products

Cats have a much keener sense of smell than humans. Also, because their metabolic pathways are different from humans, something harmless to humans can be harmful to cats. In addition, some fragrances contain plant-derived ingredients. To avoid putting a burden on your cat, try to choose products with less scent or unscented products as much as possible.

When is it safe to use fabric softener or perfume?

There is no known safe timing for using scented products. Immediately after use, scent components are released particularly strongly, so it is not advisable to come into contact with cats at that time. Since perfumes are sprayed directly onto the skin, they may also adhere to the cat's skin immediately after use. If you are going to come into contact with your cat, it is probably necessary to wash the area where you applied the perfume.

If odors are trapped, cats may inhale them for extended periods. It is necessary to take odor countermeasures, such as ventilating the room after using scented products.

Key lifestyle points to consider for cats and scents to coexist

People tend to become accustomed to scents when using them continuously. As a result, they may no longer perceive the smell themselves and start using larger quantities. Perfume is a good example of this. When using perfume, people get used to the smell and may apply so much that others find it unpleasant, leading to what is called "scent pollution." Cats, too, can be exposed to odors for extended periods, which can lead to bronchitis, symptoms of poisoning, and allergic reactions to scents.

If you live with cats, choose products with as little fragrance as possible or unscented ones.

Summary｜"Reconsider scents" for your cat

What brings comfort to humans can be a burden to cats

Cats not only have a superior sense of smell compared to humans but also can be poisoned by fragrances due to differences in their metabolic pathways. While aroma oils are considered beneficial for humans, they can have the opposite effect on cats. It is advisable to avoid using fragrances as much as possible to ensure cats can live comfortably.

Changing scents might reduce cat stress

The fabric softener or air freshener you are currently using may contain plant-derived fragrances that could be toxic. If your cat is experiencing coughing, vomiting, or excessive grooming, changing the scent might reduce these behaviors.

First, check the scents around you

If your cat seems unwell or has been sneezing recently, fragrances might be the cause. Not only strong-smelling products but even faintly scented ones like aroma oils can be harmful. Check if there are any such products around. If the condition does not improve for a long time, it might not be due to fragrances. Always consult a veterinarian.

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