- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Do you love burning incense to relax or for spiritual reasons but worry if it’s safe for your cat? Cats have delicate noses and lungs, so making sure it’s safe is paramount!
Dr. Brad Krohn, a veterinarian at The Cat Behavior Clinic, says burning incense can trigger or worsen breathing problems like asthma in cats. The fragrant smell can also be stressful for cats due to their sensitive sense of smell.
Keep reading to learn what’s in incense, why it can harm cats, and signs your cat might be affected. We’ll also share tips to burn incense safely and explore cat-friendly alternatives.
What is Incense Made Of?
Incense is made from different ingredients, but the main ones are:
- Gum resins: Sticky stuff from gum trees that holds incense together and makes it smell nice.
- Wood powders: Tiny pieces of wood that help it burn evenly.
- Herbs and spices: Plant parts that give it a strong scent.
Even though these ingredients are natural, the smoke and smell can harm cats. Some incense might also have other toxic stuff that’s dangerous for cats, explains Dr. Preston Turano, a veterinarian and spokesperson for Felix Cat Insurance.
Are All Types of Incense Bad For Cats?
Common types of incense include sticks, cones, and coils – all of which can be unsafe for cats.
Though most incense has similar ingredients, their unique design affects how they burn. For example, incense sticks are longer and burn gradually over time, cones are shorter and burn quicker, and coils cover more area for a longer and more aromatic burn.
Even if some types produce less smoke, Dr. Krohn says any smoke or strong smell can irritate your cat’s nose or cause breathing problems.
5 Reasons Why Incense is Bad For Cats
Burning incense might seem harmless, but it can pose serious risks to your cat’s health and well-being. From toxic ingredients to harmful smoke, here are five reasons why incense isn’t safe for cats.
Toxic ingredients
Some incense contains unsafe essential oils that can make cats sick or even be deadly.
Cats can be harmed if they eat incense or breathe in its toxic fumes.
Harmful smoke
Dr. Krohn says incense smoke can irritate a cat’s lungs, even in healthy cats. Cats pre-existing breathing are even more at risk.
Research also shows incense smoke can lead to shortness of breath, lung inflammation, and asthma.
Dangerous chemicals
Burning incense releases harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene, which are also found in cigarette smoke.
These pollutants can hurt a cat’s lungs and irritate their skin.
Stress or discomfort
Cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans. Dr. Turano says incense scents can overwhelm them, causing stress or anxiety.
Like people, cats rely on their sense of smell to understand their surroundings, so overpowering scents can upset them.
Long-term health problems
Breathing incense smoke regularly can lead to lasting lung issues. Every cat is different, but frequent exposure could cause chronic respiratory problems.
As always, talk to your vet if you’re worried about your cat’s health.
How to Tell If Incense is Affecting Your Cat
As we’ve mentioned, cats have a stronger sense of smell; so, even if we don’t feel affected by burning incense, they might.
Dr. Turano says to look for these signs that incense might be harming your cat:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing or breathing with an open mouth
- Wheezing
- Runny nose
- Eye discharge
- Swollen eyes
- Dizziness
What to Do If Your Incense Bothers Your Cat
If your cat seems sick or upset, Dr. Turano says to stop burning incense right away and move your cat to a smoke-free area. Open windows to air out the room.
If your cat doesn’t get better after the smoke clears, call your vet for further help.
Can You Burn Incense Safely Around Cats?
Dr. Turano suggests avoiding incense around cats and choosing safer options instead. However, if you need to burn incense for religious or spiritual reasons, keep your cat in another room or out of the house with a cat sitter or loved one.
Once you’re done, air out the room and make sure all the smoke is gone before letting your cat back in.
Cat-Safe Alternatives to Incense
The best way to protect your cat is to skip burning incense. While candles might seem better, Dr. Turano warns that any smoke can still be harmful.
Try these safe alternatives instead:
- Air purifiers: Devices that clean the air and remove bad smells.
- Pet-safe plants: Greenery that makes your space feel calm and fresh without hurting your cat.
- Pet-safe air fresheners: Options like Febreze, water mixed with lemon juice, or boiling water with cinnamon sticks for a fresh scent.
Takeaway
Burning incense might create a relaxing atmosphere for you, but it can pose serious risks to your cat’s health. From toxic ingredients to harmful smoke, even small amounts can irritate their lungs or overwhelm their sensitive noses.
The safest choice is to avoid incense altogether and explore cat-friendly alternatives. If you notice your cat showing signs of distress, stop using incense and consult your vet to keep your kitty happy and healthy.
