Scented candles and cats

Did you know…? Scented candles are a lovely way to create ambiance, however some scented candles should be completely avoided when you have cats, and still, most should only be used occasionally and in well ventilated areas.

Scented candles and cats, do they go together?

Cats have a much more developed sense of smell, that’s why we need to be careful when we have cats around.

This makes sense because, how often do humans have a reaction to perfumes and scented candles, and cats have the ability to smell 14 times that of a human. Couple that with other issues like asthma, and lighting that candle can quickly have a horrible effect on them, if not become fatal. 

Additionally, scents like cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and, ylang ylang should COMPLETELY avoided for the fact that these can be toxic if your kitty unwittingly ingests some or even gets some on their skin.

Takeaway: Before you light that candle, read the ingredients and know what to look for. Beeswax, soy wax or vegetable-based wax candles don't contain toxic pollutants, which makes them generally safer for both you and your fur-babies, and typically burn longer than paraffin wax candles.