Is Cats Safe?
Is Cedarwood Oil Safe for Cats?
Caution — Cedarwood Oil can be risky for cats.
Cedarwood oil safety for cats depends on its phenol content — high-phenol oils are not safe, while phenol-filtered products are used in some pet items. Cat-specific data is limited, so any exposure warrants a call to your vet, and you should only use products explicitly labelled cat-safe and phenol-free.
| Scientific name | Cedrus / Juniperus |
|---|---|
| Category | Essential Oils |
| Toxic principle | Toxicity is phenol-content dependent; phenol-filtered cedar products are used in some pet products, high-phenol oils are not safe. Cat-specific data limited. |
| Also known as | cedarwood, cedar oil, cedarwood essential oil |
Signs to watch for in cats
- If exposed: drooling
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Skin irritation. Use only products explicitly labelled cat-safe and phenol-free
- Never use the undiluted oil
If your cat may have been exposed to Cedarwood Oil:
- Don't wait for symptoms; don't induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
- Note what and how much, and take any packaging with you.
- Call your vet or a 24/7 line now — Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 · ASPCA 888-426-4435.
Browse all Essential Oils for cats · or check another item.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cedarwood Oil safe for cats?
Cedarwood Oil is best treated with caution — it isn't classed as toxic but can cause problems for cats in some forms or amounts.
What are the symptoms if a cat is exposed to Cedarwood Oil?
Reported signs include: If exposed: drooling, Vomiting, Lethargy, Skin irritation. Use only products explicitly labelled cat-safe and phenol-free, Never use the undiluted oil.
What makes Cedarwood Oil toxic to cats?
The harmful component reported for Cedarwood Oil is Toxicity is phenol-content dependent; phenol-filtered cedar products are used in some pet products, high-phenol oils are not safe. Cat-specific data limited.. Cats metabolise many such compounds poorly, so even small exposures can cause problems.
How much Cedarwood Oil is dangerous to cats?
There is no established "safe" amount — sensitivity varies by cat, and small exposures can still cause signs. Treat any exposure as potentially serious rather than waiting to see how much was involved.
What should I do if my cat ate Cedarwood Oil?
Contact your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line right away: Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).