Citronella and cats

These bloodsuckers can easily ruin a beautiful night outside on a patio or catio or a nice walk with your pooch. Mosquitoes are more than citronella and cats a nuisance — they can spread harmful diseases like West Nile virus and Heartworm to your pets. Together, these two preventatives are incredibly effective at protecting your pup or outdoor cat. Most flea and tick preventives have an ingredient to repel mosquitoes — before they bite, citronella and cats.

You can discourage cats from coming into your garden in several ways that aren't harmful. For example, cats dislike certain smells, which means those scents are perfect to use in your plot to keep them out of your garden. It's perfectly possible to be a cat lover and keep cats from pooping in your garden. Just use these tricks! Interplant in the garden.

Citronella and cats

Citronella geraniums Pelargonium cv. Is citronella safe for pets? If you grow scented geraniums in the Pelargonium family, be sure to keep your dogs and cats away. Scented geraniums are toxic to pets. Citronella geraniums have deeply lobed, green leaves and small pinkish or lavender flowers that grow on multiple stems. They grow 2 to 3 feet cm. Oil of citronella, which is a naturally occurring insect repellent , is a main ingredient in many pesticides. Many people plant the geranium in containers on the patio or places where people congregate, hoping to repel mosquitoes. It is important to keep the containers away from curious cats and dogs who might decide to taste the plant, especially if you grow them indoors where your pets are. Dogs or cats who rub up against the plants may experience dermatitis-- a skin irritation or rash. Cats and dogs also could experience muscle weakness, loss of muscle coordination, depression, or even hypothermia if enough of the plant is ingested. Cats are most susceptible. If you suspect your dog or cat ingested a toxic substance or it shows any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away. After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a degree in English, Susan pursued a career in communications. In addition, she wrote garden articles for magazines and authored a newspaper gardening column for many years.

The problem then is that cats cannot metabolize and break down the essential oils.

Paola Cuevas. Citronella is an excellent insect repellent, and its fresh citrus scent can be pleasant to have around our houses too. But many substances that we use on a daily basis can have the potential to harm our feline friends. Is citronella on that list? All citronella products should be treated with caution around cats , as many of them are dangerous for our feline friends.

By Morris Hutton Veterinary Assistant. February 24, The information mentioned here has been fact checked and reviewed by experts to provide you original and accurate content. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more. Wondering is citronella safe for cats? Or if citronella is toxic to cats? Citronella products can be used to prevent kitty from mosquitoes? Felines are very sensitive creatures, and being a pet parent, you must have understood the things that should be kept in the house when your kitty is around.

Citronella and cats

Paola Cuevas. Citronella is an excellent insect repellent, and its fresh citrus scent can be pleasant to have around our houses too. But many substances that we use on a daily basis can have the potential to harm our feline friends.

Good night words images

Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Sign up for our newsletter! If you found this article helpful, sign up for AHS email , where we provide expert advice to keep pets and their people happy and healthy. Keep citronella products, especially candles and coils, out of the reach of your cats, and always read and follow the instructions on the labels. Cat's can cause issues if they are hanging out where they don't belong. Because of this, many people look for types of cat repellent. If you burn citronella torches or candles outside and keep your cat away from them, it should be safe enough. There are preparations for human use, as well as those for use on pets, as a flea control measure. Lower the heat to medium, and allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Search for: Search. It is also effective in keeping insects away. Fill to the top with water. Tap, filtered, purified, and bottled water will all work for the repellent.

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Related Resources. Candles and garden torches containing citronella oil are popular for warding off insects on those long summer nights when we love to eat outside. Apply to your garden beds. The problem then is that cats cannot metabolize and break down the essential oils. Hepper is reader-supported. Answered by Dr. It can cause burns and stomach upset. Citronella geraniums, scientific name Pelargonium cv. Inhaling essential oils through diffusers or candles can also make your cat quite ill. Pet-friendly mosquito repellents that humans can use too. Catster is reader-supported. Also try using garlic, ground coffee or chilli pepper. Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. Prince of Orange pelargoniums are scented leaf geraniums that exudes the warm aroma of citrus.