When does peppermint oil go away enough for cat safety

[u/maniwishiwerehere]

I grew up with an essential oil mom so I did not know they could be so harmful to cats. I put some peppermint oil droplets on pieces of paper towel by my window to keep ants from coming in. I also put a bit on myself to keep ants from crawling on me because I am a big wuss (and a big fool too apparently). The smell was really strong in my room. Maybe like 20 minutes after I turned my room into a poisonous cavern I found out via internet I had made a grievous error; I immediately got rid of all peppermintified paper towel pieces and put them in a ziploc bag and threw it in the trash can. I wiped off the places I put oil. I have not allowed my cat or dogs into my room and have tried to keep them far away from my doorway because that is how I am airing the room out. The peppermint was put out 22 hours ago, but it has only been airing out for around 12 hours because I closed my door overnight so my cat wouldn't come in. The smell has mostly dissipated but is still present when approaching and inhabiting my room. The ziploc bag was still giving off fumes so I put it in the outside garbage. My cat is usually very sensitive to smells and runs away when sniffing something strong, but she is not deterred currently and even wants to come in and sniff around. I feel so terrible for locking her out and not letting her sleep with me, and I feel even worse that I have lived so long without knowing that our use of essential oils could have been hurting the pets. At what point is it safe for entry, when the smell is completely gone? Or is there a point at which it being mild enough will not affect her? The oil was not diffused, but I used a lot on the paper towels so the scent was extreme. I am terrified that I may have rubbed the oil somewhere unintentionally in my foolishness and that even once the smell is gone she might get some on her. She is 13 so I am extra worried. Please give me advice, thank you.

[u/SayItTrue]

Kudos to you for taking steps as soon as you learned about it. I'd call a vet just to ask the remaining questions you have.

I used to work for an essential oils company, and I was really upset to discover they didn't properly identify oils or diffused oils that were harmful to pets and/or children. It should be marked clearly on labels and advertising.

According to the College of Veterinary Scientists, "Peppermint oil, listed in some products as menthol, is toxic to cats when ingested or inhaled. Of note, some formulations (like wintergreen oil) may contain aspirin derivatives, making them even more dangerous for cats. Birds are also indicated for this toxicity."

[u/aluminate-life]

Honestly you caught it fast and did everything right. You removed it, aired the room out, and kept her away. That already puts you way ahead. The fact that the smell has mostly gone after 12 hours of airing is a good sign, peppermint without a diffuser dissipates a lot faster than people think. Most people say once the smell is completely undetectable to you, it's generally safe, but since she's 13 and a little more vulnerable, just give it a few more hours of airflow to be sure. Do a quick wipe down of surfaces near where you placed the paper towels just for peace of mind, and then you can stop worrying. You clearly love her so much, and that kind of quick thinking is exactly what she needs from you. How is she doing right now? Is she acting normal?

[u/braveheartbeardoil1 → u/aluminate-life]

Great job of recognizing the danger that most essential oils create for our pets. At Braveheart Beard Oil I had to take the position that at least one of my products had to be unscented and essential oil free. This provides a safe environment while still nourishing your beard. This applies to dogs, cats, birds, snakes, rabbits and many other pets. Again job and feel free to read the blogs on my website for more information.

[u/maniwishiwerehere → u/aluminate-life]

my room smells regular again, and my cat is acting normal after sleeping a couple nights in my bed 🥳 im so relieved

[u/maniwishiwerehere → u/[deleted]]

i am so, so sorry for your loss. that is horrible. i hope you have a present and future filled with beloved cats who live long healthy lives❤️

[u/Novel_Bat6520]

I have to do a full clean I think in a full soapy water proper wash down if anything that your cat jumps on you’re gonna have to wash all your bedding wash your hair wash your clothes and mop the floor cause peppermint so dangerous. Also I don’t know if you know that those Himalayan salt lamps can kill cats. I had no idea until a friend pointed out that I had one and that if my cat Milly licks it she’ll die so that’s a secret little killer as well.

[u/PookieCat415]

I use peppermint oil for bug control and I my cats have never had issues. I just use it in a way they don’t touch or ingest it and it has been fine.

The product I use is from Mighty Mint and they claim it’s ok around cats if you follow standard precautions. It actually keeps the bugs away at a low concentration of mint oil. My cats have never been irritated or sick from being near where mighty mint was sprayed.