Essential Oil Diffusers and Cats -- Terrible Combination

After decades of being the caretaker of a succession of wonderful cats, I finally woke up to some facts recently.  It started with Lysol.  At a certain point during the Covid crisis, I decided that we needed Lysol spray, as it has been shown to kill the coronavirus.  After looking for it fruitlessly for months, we finally scored a couple of spray cans.  As often happens with me, after this apparently happy event, I had a bright idea-- maybe I should look up Lysol and cats.  I was chagrined to discover that the phenol in Lysol is toxic to cats.  Out went the Lysol. 

Then it dawned on me, what about essential oils?  I'm a huge fan of lavender, but my research has revealed that most essential oils, including lavender, should not be used, certainly in diffusers, in a household with cats. 

I'm hoping that some of the cat mavens here who have been abstaining from diffusers because of their toxicity to cats have recommendations about using essential oils -- in sachets in drawers, perhaps? -- in ways that don't hurt their feline companions.  

don't know about essential oils, but look up Microban as  lysol alternative.  I had see it just as covid was starting...the bottle said kills BACTERIA for 24 hours...nothing about virus....but when i research it,it does also kill 99% of virus.

also, stop and shop had an alternative, it was in a clearish bottle/pressurized/smaller than typical lysol bottle.  i don't remember the name, but they had a lot..

i don't know the ingredients off hand, but you can look up microban....i have been seeing it in stores a lot lately.

https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/10-pet-safe-cleaners

Thanks to you both for the recommendation and the link.  I will check out these cleaners.  I did note that one of the recommendations in the Figo page link is Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, which contains essential oils.  No surprise there, because there is even a veterinary clinic whose website comes up as the top link when you google "essential oils" and "cats" that recommends lavender, despite the fact that the ASPCA as well as with other authoritative sources warns against its use.  

Still looking for advice on essential oils.  

I'm pretty cautious and I keep it simple. Bleach, as it is useful when treating the environment for cats with ringworm. Of course never take the advice of a certain madman and inject it.

I use white vinegar for floors, windows and surfaces. Safe and anti fungal.

Best part, neither is tested on animals. 

I don't even have a plant and only have a vase of flowers if it's in my cat free art studio which has all of the items a cat should not sample. They are allowed visits in between paintings.

The only plug in has been Feliway with calming pheromones for cats. And the cats are calming for me.

Thanks, Morganna.  Was hoping you'd weigh in.  I was using lavender to help get to sleep, but fell out of the habit, so it's easy to refrain.  I agree that cats are calming.  Studies indicate that the human/pet bond helps lower blood pressure.  However, I also really like scents, and it seems that some of my favorites have been ruled out.  Bergamot, for example, is not good for cats.  It's unclear how far the elimination of scent needs to go in a cat friendly household.

Elle_Cee said:

Thanks, Morganna.  Was hoping you'd weigh in.  I was using lavender to help get to sleep, but fell out of the habit, so it's easy to refrain.  I agree that cats are calming.  Studies indicate that the human/pet bond helps lower blood pressure.  However, I also really like scents, and it seems that some of my favorites have been ruled out.  Bergamot, for example, is not good for cats.  It's unclear how far the elimination of scent needs to go in a cat friendly household.

 I have a major sleep issue. I can't stay asleep for more than 4 hours, then it takes forever to get back to sleep. If I have aches from my ferocious gardening a baby aspirin or two helps and usually knocks me out. If it's just obsessing about something, I have a Corona Light which either relaxes my brain and makes me sleepy or makes the insomnia more pleasant.