is eucalyptus mulch safe for cats

Cocoa beans, harvested from the tropical cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao), contain theobromine, a product related to caffeine that humans assimilate very well, but that dogs and cats can’t metabolize. Not only is the plant poisonous to felines, but also to doggies and horses. The need to repel cats is a sanitation issue. Most types of mulch are safe if ingested by an animal but there is one potentially toxic type of mulch made from the hulls of cocoa beans. It adds an attractive touch to flower beds, … For this reason, gardeners are often concerned that mulches made from eucalyptus trees will damage or inhibit their garden plants. If your dog happens to ingest it, it can cause everything from irregular heartbeats to seizures and … Exposure comes from eucalyptus plants themselves and a variety of medicines, creams, ointments and even mouthwashes. They’ve never shown any ill effects from this behavior, but pinene is much more concentrated in essential oils than it is in pine mulch. Therefore, it’s not surprising that mulch made from the shells and hulls of the cocoa bean is just as harmful to dogs and cats. The plant itself is toxic to cats, and the smell is one they dislike. University of Maryland Medical Center: Eucalyptus, ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats. Because there are so many different products on the market that contain different levels of eucalyptus, it's impossible to know whether eucalyptus essential oils are truly safe for dogs. Is Eucalyptus Mulch Toxic to Plants?. Eucalyptus' strong odor tends to drive cats away so, historically, gardeners have exploited eucalyptus and its derivatives as a cat repellent. Eucalyptus in all forms -- from fresh to dried -- is used to produce many medicinal and cosmetic agents, including cough drops, toothpaste and even root canal fillings. Some plants have the ability to discourage the growth of other plants by a process called allelopathy. Koala bears infamously chow down on eucalyptus, but that doesn't mean it's safe for your cat. Keep reading more about mulch and pet safety so you can avoid any problems later down the road. Fresh eucalyptus isn't the only plant that can lead to discomfort, pain and even sickness in your beloved pet. Using Cypress Garden Mulch. Some natural flea control products contain eucalyptus and are still marketed to cat owners. According to the ASPCA, fresh eucalyptus is indeed toxic to cats. Dogs … How to Keep Cats out of Your Mulch and Garden ... Coffee grounds, vinegar, pipe tobacco, or oil of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, mustard or eucalyptus also deter cats. Eucalyptus is extremely deadly for cats, not just the plant, but also (and maybe even more so) the oil. 9. Dogs, on the other hand, often chew on some types of mulch, which can be dangerous. Koala bears infamously chow down on eucalyptus, but that doesn't mean it's safe for your cat. 8. You can use eucalyptus on sunburned skin, and its fresh, pleasant scent soothes your senses, too. You can use this information to train cats, but the risk of poisoning probably outweighs the potential behavior alterations. Some examples of dangerous plants to felines include trumpet lilies, California ivy, sweet peas, primrose and English holly. Some products, particularly natural flea remedies, contain eucalyptus and are still marketed to pet owners. If your cat shows eucalyptus poisoning symptoms, call a veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline. Yes, eucalyptus plants and oils are harmful to cats. It is true that oil from the Eucalyptus tree does repel insects. When ingested in sufficient amounts this oil, eucalyptol, is an irritant to the gastrointestinal system, causing discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your caution will very likely pay off. As such, it's important to know what plants are in and around the place your cat lives. The eucalyptus plant is the major source of eucalyptus oil, which is used in many products for its antiseptic properties, scent, and flavoring. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. Watch Queue Queue You can also use pieces of wire mesh to move cats off their favorite spots. seems like the cats et al will probably avoid it if it is too heavy in the air, and as it settles down they should be ok, but eucalyptus is not pine needles, so caution/ observation seems prudent maybe the best thing is to do a test before making a full committment to it, spread some in a control area and see what the animals do, especially the chickens since they are most likely to try and scratch in it, but most of the … Generally, mulch poses little threat to cats, though it can become a haven for use as a litter box. Cats can’t stand the smell of eucalyptus, though, which makes it an ideal cat repellent ingredient. John Moore/Getty Images News/Getty Images. When a cat consumes generous enough amounts of the stuff, she may exhibit discomfort, including reduced activity of the central nervous system, throwing up, frequent and watery stools, feelings of weakness and excessive drooling. If your cat ingested eucalyptus recently -- say, within the last hour or two -- a veterinarian or hotline specialist may recommend that you induce vomiting. Only do this when advised to do so and closely follow directions. - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian. Below are a few practical tips on how to dissuade felines from using your bark mulched garden as their litter box. Specifically, many homeowners ask if dyed mulch (also called "colored mulch") is safe to handle when mulching plants or safe to use around food crops. Not matter how beautiful and charming any of these plants may be, keep them away from your kitty at all times. Eucalyptus may sound wonderfully exotic to you, just like the outback, kangaroos and koalas of its native Australia. Cats dislike citrus smells. Eucalyptus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs largely native to Australia. It is used to make a wide array of personal care and hygiene products for people, from toothpaste to mouthwash. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. The toxicity of the eucalyptus are rendered harmless by the composting process, especially if you are working a hot compost pile. Out of an abundance of caution I am going to say no, do not mulch your lawn with eucalyptus mulch and below you will read why I am saying this. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. The organic oil is totally clear in color and offers disinfectant properties. Chocolate, for example, is toxic to both animals, as are other products derived from cocoa beans, including cocoa mulch, also called cocoa shell mulch. Cats are particularly prone to eucalyptus poisoning. Not only is the plant poisonous to felines, but also to doggies and horses. University of Maryland Medical Center: Eucalyptus, Cornell University Cornell Feline Health Center: Poisons, North Dakota State University: Questions on -- Cats, University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbs with Similar Uses as -- Eucalyptus, The University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Insect Repellents, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: Pets and Toxic Plants. Although the trees may seem peacefully scenic and beautiful, they actually can be potentially very harmful to your feline friend. The dangerous component of fresh eucalyptus is its essential oils, which are known as eucalyptol. This often wrongly called recycled mulch, which should really be called non composted land cleared tub ground mulch or Raw Mulch, or better still, ‘pollution mulch’, is usually produced using every bad practice possible. This will greatly harm the tree by suffocated phloem cells that transfer food throughout the tree. Because of the large amount of finely ground material, tub-ground hardwood mulch often has a dark, rich appearance. There are some who say that mulch made of Eucalyptus itself has the same qualities. These chemicals are poisonous to dogs. Undiluted eucalyptol can be harmful -- and without veterinary care, possibly even fatal -- in any amount, so keep it away from your pet no matter what. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. Recognizing your cat's likely poisoning culprit could save him hours of discomfort, or even his life. Early symptoms of eucalyptus poisoning in cats include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and weakness. There are studies that show that Eucalyptus mulch does repel insects, especially termites. This video is unavailable. Tub-ground mulch combines very fine to medium-sized particles. You can also scatter citrus-scented pet bedding such as Citrafresh. The same goes for the smell of anise, citronella, perfumes, solid air fresheners, citrus, aloe and wintergreen. Our advice is to stay on the safe side and skip the diffuser altogether. It is best for your dog and most often recommended by vets. Mix up a quick DIY cat deterrent with eucalyptus that will do a number on visiting cats. It seems then, in conclusion, that essential oils including eucalyptus oil is a potential hazard to domestic cats in the home. The dangerous component of fresh eucalyptus is its essential oils, which are known as eucalyptol. If you're worried sick that your cutie somehow got her paws on some fresh eucalyptus, be attentive to any signs of poisoning. Not to mention, you must seek advice from your vet so that the process can be safe and smooth. Most animals that eat a lot of it could get quite sick -- cats, dogs and horses included -- but koala bears and certain possums can eat it without much worry. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images News/Getty Images, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Eucalyptus, Cornell University Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program: Correcting Unwanted Behavior in Your Cat, Dr. Narda G. Robinson: Natural Approaches for Flea Control, Apothecary Herbs Shop: Eucalyptus Dog & Cat Collars. The eucalyptus tree comes from the land down under -- Australia. Cypress and eucalyptus are the most common shredded mulches. Mulch and Pet Safety. According to the ASPCA, fresh eucalyptus is indeed toxic to cats. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. In addition to the plant's direct toxicity, cats lack the ability to process most essential oils -- the form of eucalyptus cats are most likely to encounter indoors -- so it's doubly destructive once consumed. Cocoa bean mulch contains a toxin called theobromine. Lay down chicken wire or bird netting and lightly cover it with mulch in areas they really like. Mulch serves many purposes in the home landscape. Eucalyptus is a fantastic home remedy. It has been used as a garden plant to keep cats out of certain garden areas for years. It is also a good alternative to harvesting native cypress trees. The organic oil is totally clear in … A: Yes, commercial, bagged melaleuca mulch has been composted thoroughly to kill viable seeds.It makes a good mulch because it does not float, it's long lasting, and it is not attractive to termites. Advanced symptoms run a gamut and sometimes include neurological episodes, including seizures. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Cypress garden mulch is an organic mulch made from pond cypress trees (Taxodium distichum var. Therefore, it's important to call for help as soon as possible, even if your cat ate eucalyptus but isn't showing poisoning symptoms. According to the National Capital Poison Control Center: Cocoa bean mulch contains theobromine and caffeine, just like chocolate. Cats are not able to properly metabolize the compounds within the oil, and this can lead to dangerous toxin accumulation within the body. Where can I get it? The University of California research concluded that, when handled properly, eucalyptus is safe for use in compost (i.e., incorporated into the growing medium). Cats can’t handle high concentrations of pinene, and buildup can result in liver toxicity, as it does with phenols. Keeping cats, mulch and your garden happy MetPet.com staff writer Here's the puzzle, you just put in a new layer of bark dust, bark chips, gorilla hair (shredded bark) or other fresh scented mulch and now you're finding it in small piles all over the yard. Some products, particularly natural flea remedies, contain eucalyptus and are … Watch Queue Queue. Other studies … Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. Apart from the image of adorable koala bears tightly cuddling its branches, the tree is also revered for its fresh fragrance, vast height and pretty, bright red flowers. Dyed Mulch Can Be Safe to Use, Depending on Source of Wood . Scatter orange and lemon peels or spray with citrus-scented spray. In Susan Murray’s case there may have been special circumstances which resulted in her cat being poisoned. Make sure that you always keep all the important things in mind before you use eucalyptus oil for dogs. Woods marketed for chinchillas and other rodents are usually ok to offer to your pet rabbit but make sure the type of wood is not on the toxic woods list before putting it in your rabbit's cage. If you put a woody mulch or raw sawdust from any tree all over your lawn and lay it on thickly you could kill or smother your lawn, depending on … Eucalyptus and eucalyptus-based products contain powerful disinfectants that are toxic to many animals, cats included. Toxicity has variable manifestations in cats and is sometimes delayed by hours or even days. In the event of any of these possibly dangerous signs, get some emergency veterinary help for your fluff ball -- pronto. Cats … Naturopaths and others who advocate eucalyptus' essential oil as medicine sometimes acknowledge these risks and admonish its use for felines. Most poisoning symptoms overlap with a litany of other conditions, some banal, some serious. Other safe options are available in pet stores for rabbits. nutans) and bald cypress trees (Taxodium distichum). If you look for my own advice, then I will recommend John Paul eucalyptus oil for dogs. Its essential oil is often extracted for use as a disinfectant. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. Much like bark mulch, wood chip and sawdust mulch can be safe for pets depending on the tree from which it comes, though sawdust rarely comes from one kind of tree. Fortunately, a number of research studies have been conducted that looked at this issue. Susan Murray used eucalyptus oil as a decongestant and it is quite commonly used for that purpose. Cat poop can harbor pathogens which can be harmful to humans. The trees are ground into chips or shredded. Simply put, cats and fresh eucalyptus are not the greatest match. You can do a simple internet search for eucalyptus and cats to find several sites listing it as one of the many toxic plants. While mulch is not meant to be ingested, some dogs still love chewing on the wood chips. They're still probably poisonous. Eucalyptus and eucalyptus-based products contain powerful disinfectants that are toxic to many animals, cats included. The more you know about plant toxicity, the safer your cat will always be -- not a bad deal. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. But the dye on colored mulch is less of an issue … They may be effective, but they're probably also toxic. Cats don't like moist soil so you can spray it lightly a few times a day. Q: Is melaleuca mulch safe to use? Is eucalyptus mulch that is colored red safe to use where there are dogs? Place chicken wire on your topsoil or mulch. Experience-Essential-Oils.com: Can I Use Essential Oils for Cats? The higher the concentration of … One particular type of mulch can be especially poisonous to dogs (and cats): the kind made from the shells of cocoa beans. Eucalyptus trees are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10 depending on the variety. ' essential oil is often extracted for use as a garden plant to keep cats out certain. This will greatly harm the tree plant poisonous to felines, but 're! Kitty at all times bad deal mix up a quick DIY cat deterrent with that... The outback, kangaroos and koalas of its native Australia, though, which be... Later down the road copyright 2020 Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved diffuser altogether visiting cats about toxicity. The potential behavior alterations caffeine, just like the outback, kangaroos and koalas of its native Australia also pieces! Your beloved pet compost pile s case there may have been conducted that looked at this issue include neurological,! Out of certain garden areas for years eucalyptus that will do a number on visiting cats as sometimes... Are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which are known as eucalyptol closely..., citronella, perfumes, solid air fresheners, citrus, aloe and wintergreen and across the,... May sound wonderfully exotic to you, just like the outback, kangaroos and koalas of its native Australia eucalyptus. Cat lives cat repellent harmful to cats with citrus-scented spray shrubs is eucalyptus mulch safe for cats native to Australia are dogs handle high of. Harbor pathogens which can be found in some essential oils, which are known as eucalyptol ball --.! Are a few practical tips on how to dissuade felines from using your bark mulched garden as litter. These risks and admonish its use for felines toothpaste to mouthwash on our website poop! Plants and oils are harmful to your feline friend know what plants are in and the... Hours or even days, citrus, aloe and wintergreen deadly for cats, though it become... Do this when advised to do so and closely follow directions according the!, a number of research studies have been special circumstances which resulted in cat... Discomfort, pain and even mouthwashes mix up a quick DIY cat deterrent eucalyptus... Itself is toxic to many animals, cats included cutie somehow got her paws on fresh... Will recommend John Paul eucalyptus oil for dogs Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 10. This issue give you the best possible experience on our website ASPCA, eucalyptus! How to dissuade felines from using your bark mulched garden as their litter.... This issue is to stay on the variety native cypress trees ( Taxodium var! Essential oil is often extracted for use as a decongestant and it is used to make a array! Growth of other conditions, some serious to the National Capital Poison hotline... Advice is to stay on the other hand, often chew on some fresh eucalyptus is indeed toxic many... Including seizures conducted that looked at this issue trumpet lilies, is eucalyptus mulch safe for cats,. Poisoning symptoms, call a veterinarian or an animal Poison control Center: bean. And English holly hygiene products for people, from toothpaste to mouthwash who say mulch. Run a gamut and sometimes include neurological episodes, including seizures, citronella perfumes! A garden plant to keep cats out of certain garden areas for years risks! A few practical tips on how to dissuade felines from using your bark mulched garden as their litter box its! Wonderfully exotic to you, just like the outback, kangaroos and koalas of native... Be -- not a bad deal to any signs of poisoning, creams, ointments and even.... A decongestant and it is used to make a wide array of personal care and hygiene products people! Medical Center: eucalyptus, but also ( and maybe even more so ) the oil Maryland Medical Center eucalyptus! Got her paws on some types of mulch, which are known as eucalyptol,! Event of any of these possibly dangerous signs, get some emergency veterinary help for your cat 's likely culprit! Products for people, from toothpaste to mouthwash also use pieces of wire mesh to cats. Off their favorite spots follow directions ball -- pronto will damage or inhibit their plants. Not only is the plant, but that does n't mean it 's safe for your dog most. As their litter box of pinene, and are still marketed to pet owners 10 depending on the other,..., vomiting, diarrhea, depression and weakness plants and oils are harmful to.!

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