Soy candles are becoming more and more popular due to their sustainable nature. But are they safe for your feline friend? The answer is yes, with some important caveats.
The good news is, that soy wax itself is generally non-toxic to cats. The bad news however is that there are still potential hazards to consider. Firstly, curious cats might be tempted to ingest the wax, which can lead to an upset stomach. Secondly, essential or fragrance oils can be harmful if inhaled in large amounts or licked.
So, to create a more pleasant atmosphere for your cat, you have to know the following:
- Which scents are not safe for cats
- How to light a candle around cats
Which Scents Are Not Safe For Cats?
Based on some studies, it was found that some scents can pose a hazard to cats, especially essential oils. The reason? Phenols. These compounds exist in some plants and can be found in large amounts in essential oils. Unfortunately, our feline friends lack the enzymes to metabolize phenols.
Knowing that, here are the scents that you should avoid around your cat:
- Cinnamon
- Citrus
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Sweet Birch
- Tea Tree
- Eucalyptus
- Ylang Ylang
Ingestion or skin exposure can cause irritations and issues in your cat’s respiratory system. Consider other alternatives like chamomile, jasmine, and rosemary as those are more subtle scents that can be used around your feline friend.
How to light a candle around cats
If you enjoy lighting candles at home, even if you have a cat, you can take some precautions to minimize the damage.
- Keep candles out of your cat’s reach
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Extinguish flames before leaving the room.
- Trim the wick regularly to minimize soot.
- Monitor your cat while the candle is lit.
Additionally, always read the ingredients added to the candles before buying them. It would help if you avoided things like paraffin wax, the aforementioned essential oils, and candles that contain phthalates, which is a chemical that can be found in fragrance oils.
In conclusion, soy wax candles can be considered safer than other candles that contain paraffin or gel wax, but it’s better to educate yourself on which candles are harmful to cats and which aren’t. Take the proper precautions, always read the ingredients of the soy candle, and you will surely have a better environment for you and your furry friend.