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Using Aromatherapy with Cats
Do not apply the oils topically or force oils on a cat as their ability to metabolise them is limited and overuse or long-term use can cause liver failure. Often Hydrosols are a better option for cats as they are gentler.
How to offer the oils and assess the reaction
Take each essential oil that you have chosen and dilute it 1 drop to 10 mls of base oil. Never offer more than 3 oils at a time. To offer the oils, open the bottle and hold it in your hand at least 12 inches away from your cats nose. Be patient and allow the cat to come towards the bottle if it wants to, rather than you going towards the cat.
Signs of a keen interest: smelling intently for a long time, licking the lips or trying to lick the bottle, follows you around with the aroma, rolls on its back, rubs against you - Offer once or twice a day.
Signs of a moderate interest: A few sniffs then looks away, a small sniff but returns to the bottle, tongue licks quickly, easily distracted from the aromas - Offer once a day.
No interest: turns away from the aroma, one sniff and no further interest, tries to leave the room - Do not apply.
Cats are very sensitive to the oils and just a few sniffs is all that will be needed to trigger the healing process.
If the cat shows signs of wanting to lick the oil allow it to lick from your fingers if it will or put a few drops on a saucer and leave it on the floor near its usual eating place.
Even if the cat shows little or no interest offer the oil for three days in a row and try varying the order in which the oils are offered (in the case of having more than one oil.) If after three days there is still no response or the cat is showing a distinct dislike to the oils (e.g. disappearing when it sees you get out the bottles!) call me for a consultation.
To use hydrosols add ten drops to 50mls of filtered/spring water and put some in a saucer for the cat to self medicate. Change the water at least twice a day and make sure that the cat has access to pure water as well.
Topical application:
Topical application is never recommended for cats. However there are occasions where topical application is indicated for other animals (e.g. for injuries or skin problems). You still offer the oils individually for the animal to choose then blend the chosen oils in a water based gel (such as aloe vera) no more than 10 drops of essential oil blend to 25 mls of base. Let the gel down to a suitable consistency using water or hydrosol and apply to affected area. The animal will quite clearly indicate when the gel is no longer needed by fidgeting or moving away from you on application.
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