For many pet owners, the idea of having a pleasantly scented home seems harmless enough. But when it comes to products like Scentsy wax melts, the question of pet safety raises some concerns.
Is Scentsy toxic to pets, especially cats? The answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no. Scentsy’s signature products are wickless, flameless candles made from wax melts that slowly release fragrance when warmed.
Compared to traditional candles, they eliminate the risks of open flames and hot wax splatters that could injure pets. Wax melts still pose some potential hazards to our furry friends that shouldn’t be ignored.
What are Scentsy products and how do they affect pets?
Scentsy products, like wax warmers and air fresheners, are designed to fill spaces with delightful fragrances. While these scents can create a cosy atmosphere for humans, it’s essential to consider their impact on our furry friends.
Pets, especially cats and dogs have sensitive noses and respiratory systems, so strong fragrances might overwhelm or irritate them. Some scented products contain ingredients that could be harmful if ingested by curious pets.
Therefore, it’s crucial to be cautious when using Scentsy products around pets and to monitor their reactions closely to ensure their safety and well-being.
What Are the Concerns for Cats Surrounding Scentsy?
The two primary issues with using Scentsy wax melts around cats are:
- Ingestion of the Wax: Cats are naturally curious and may be tempted to lick or chew on the fragrant wax, whether melted or solid. Ingesting wax can lead to digestive issues or even poisoning.
- Inhaling Volatile Oils: When heated, wax melts release concentrated scents in the form of volatile oils. While generally safe for humans, these potent aromas could irritate a cat’s more sensitive respiratory system.
To illustrate the ingestion concern, consider this scenario: You return home to find your favorite wax melt has been knocked over, with telltale paw prints leading away from the crime scene.
Your furry culprit is now grooming itself, having treated the spilled wax like an impromptu snack. This situation could quickly turn into a medical emergency.
Read More : Is Bougainvillea Toxic To Dogs? A Crucial Guide For Pet Owners
Is Scentsy Wax Toxic to Cats if Ingested?
The simple answer is no, Scentsy wax itself is not toxic if ingested in small amounts. The wax is made from food-grade paraffin and doesn’t contain any overtly poisonous chemicals. That doesn’t mean ingesting wax melts is risk-free for cats.
Many wax melts include essential oils and fragrance oils that can be hazardous if consumed, especially by smaller animals like cats. Here are some examples of oils commonly used in wax melts that could be toxic to cats:
- Citrus oils (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit)
- Pine oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Peppermint oil
- Wintergreen oil
- Clove oil
- Tea tree oil
- Pennyroyal oil
- Ylang Ylang oil
While small amounts may only cause minor digestive upset, larger quantities of these oils can lead to more severe symptoms like liver damage, seizures, or even life-threatening poisoning in cats.
A 2017 case study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology highlighted the dangers of essential oil exposure in cats. Two felines showed signs of metabolic acidosis, liver injury and neurological depression after ingesting or inhaling diffused exotic oil blends containing camphor, eucalyptus and phenol-based compounds.
Essential oils and cats don’t mix well due to their unique metabolism and biochemistry compared to humans. Even small ingested amounts can potentially wreak havoc on their bodies.” – Dr. Ahna Brutlag, Board-Certified Veterinary Toxicologist
2. Inhaling the Volatile Oils
Volatile oils are the compounds that give wax melts their alluring scents. When the wax is warmed, these oils are slowly released into the air in concentrated form.
For humans, inhaling these aromas is generally harmless. But for our feline friends, concentrated volatile oils could potentially irritate their more sensitive respiratory systems.
The level of risk depends on several factors:
- The specific oils used and their concentration levels
- How close the cat is to the wax warmer
- Whether the cat has any pre-existing respiratory conditions
Pure essential oils would be more risky than volatile oils from wax tarts. But in poorly ventilated spaces or for cats with asthma, inhaling even small amounts of these potent scents over time could potentially exacerbate breathing issues.
A 2021 study in the journal Inhalation Toxicology found that exposure to volatile organic compounds like those emitted by air fresheners and candles impaired respiratory function and caused airway inflammation in mice, especially those prone to allergies.
So, Is Scentsy Toxic to Pets?
To summarize, Scentsy wax melts themselves are not overtly toxic when used as intended. However, there are still some very real risks, especially for cats:
- Ingestion hazard: Eating the wax or ingesting larger amounts of the fragrance oils used could potentially cause poisoning and require emergency veterinary treatment.
- Respiratory irritation: Inhaling high concentrations of volatile fragrance oils may irritate a cat’s sensitive airways, particularly if the cat has asthma or other respiratory issues.
The key is being aware of these potential dangers and taking proper precautions to prevent your cat from ingesting or being overexposed to Scentsy products.
While not all wax melts are dangerous or toxic to cats, some can contain harmful ingredients like essential oils and paraffin which are especially harmful.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your cat is much more sensitive than you are to certain smells.” – Jen Jones, Pet Safety Advisor
How to Prevent Your Cat from Ingesting Wax Melts
The simplest way to keep your cat safe is by restricting all access to wax melts when not in use. Store them securely in tightly sealed containers or locked cabinets, just as you would with any potentially hazardous household products.
When using wax melts, it’s best to keep your cat completely out of the room to eliminate any temptation. Cats have a knack for getting into trouble when our backs are turned!
If that isn’t possible, keep the wax warmer elevated on a high shelf, counter or other raised surface your cat cannot access. Never leave a cat unsupervised in the same room as exposed wax melts.
You can also invest in child-proof locking containers explicitly designed for storing wax melts and tarts safely out of reach. Look for the same safety latches used on cabinet locks.
Another smart strategy is rotating which rooms you use wax melts in. Cats are territorial and may be drawn to newly introduced smells in their territory. By switching up locations, you reduce the risk of any single area becoming an ingestion hazard.
What To Do if Your Cat Does Ingest Wax Melts
In the event your cat does manage to ingest any quantity of melted or solid wax:
- Remove remaining wax: Gently wipe out your cat’s mouth to prevent further ingestion.
- Identify the product: Note the brand and specific fragrance of wax melt your cat consumed.
- Call your veterinarian immediately: Explain what happened and have the product ingredients handy.
- Watch for symptoms: Common signs of wax or oil ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, drooling, lack of appetite and abdominal discomfort.
Seeking prompt veterinary attention is crucial, as your vet can assess the risk based on the specific oils ingested and induce vomiting if needed. Delaying treatment could allow any toxins to further absorb into your cat’s system.
Some veterinarians may recommend giving a cat an adsorbent like activated charcoal to help bind any toxins. In severe cases of poisoning, further supportive care like intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medication or liver protectants may be necessary.
How to Prevent Your Cat from Inhaling Volatile Oils
To minimize your cat’s exposure to volatile fragrance oils from wax warmers, the best practice is keeping them completely out of the room when melts are in use.
Again, elevating the warmer as high as possible can help reduce the concentration of vapors your cat inhales. Proper ventilation by opening windows or using fans will also help disperse the fragrant oils more quickly.
After using wax melts, always allow adequate time for the room to air out completely before letting your cat back in. The lush, lingering scents we humans enjoy could be overwhelming to a cat’s keen sense of smell.
You can also look for wax melts specifically formulated without any added fragrance oils. While not as aromatic, these plain options eliminate the volatile oil exposure risk altogether.
What To Do if Your Cat Suffers From Respiratory or Liver Issues
For cats with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis or any other chronic lung disease, any exposure to volatile oils could potentially exacerbate their symptoms.
The same applies for cats with liver disease, as their bodies may not be able to properly process and filter out the oils. In these cases, it’s advisable to avoid using any scented products like wax melts, essential oil diffusers, or even certain harsh household cleaners.
Stick to unscented, pet-safe alternatives to err on the side of caution. Some additional tips for these higher-risk feline friends:
Use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality Groom cats frequently to remove shed fur that can trap irritating particles Talk to your vet about supplementing with omega fatty acids to support respiratory health
The bottom line is that any strong, pervasive odors from fragrance products could potentially trigger asthma attacks, excessive grooming, vomiting or other distress in sensitive cats. When in doubt, avoid scented products altogether.
Conclusion
Scentsy wax melts are generally safe when used properly. Pet owners need to be careful. Cats can get sick from eating the wax or breathing the scented oils. To keep cats safe, never let them near wax melts.
Store melts in locked containers. Use them in rooms cats cannot enter. If a cat does ingest wax or show breathing issues after smelling melts, contact a vet right away. With some precautions, wax melts can be enjoyed without harming pets.
Frequently asked question
Can Scentsy be used around pets?
Yes, but with caution and consideration for pet safety.
Is Scentsy Fresh pet safe?
Scentsy Fresh for Pets is specifically designed to be safe for pets.
Are wax melts safe for pets?
Wax melts can be safe for pets if used responsibly and kept out of their reach.
Is Scentsy pet shampoo safe for cats?
Scentsy pet shampoo is formulated to be safe for cats when used according to the instructions.
