Cats are curious creatures by nature and tend to explore their surroundings by licking, chewing, and sniffing. However, not everything in their environment is safe for them and some substances can cause significant harm to them. Oftentimes, we have encountered situations where our pets, specifically cats ingest something and we are frantic to find answers on the internet.
Among various other things, witch hazel is one such substance that is commonly used in households. Pet owners are concerned about the safety of their pets and want to know ‘is witch hazel safe for cats?’.
Check out the answers in the article below and know if any medical action should be taken if your cat licked witch hazel.
What is Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel is a plant that belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family and is commonly found in North America and parts of Asia. The plant has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, such as treating skin conditions and reducing inflammation.
It is also commonly used as an astringent, which helps to reduce inflammation and tighten the skin. Witch Hazel is commonly found in households to treat various medical conditions. Witch hazel is often used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses of witch hazel include treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as reducing puffiness and soothing skin irritation. It is also commonly used as a natural remedy for hemorrhoids, sunburns, and insect bites.
Witch hazel is often used as an ingredient in skincare products such as toners and moisturizers because of its ability to tighten and tone the skin. Additionally, it can be used as a natural remedy for minor cuts and bruises due to its antiseptic properties.
Source: icatcare.org
Is Witch Hazel Safe for Cats?
While witch hazel is generally safe for human use, it can be toxic to your pets if your cat licked Witch Hazel. This is because the active ingredients in witch hazel, such as tannins and volatile oils, can cause digestive upset and other serious health issues in cats.
If a cat licks or ingests witch hazel, they may experience several health symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. In severe cases, the ingestion of witch hazel can also lead to liver and kidney damage in your cats.
Can I Put Witch Hazel On My Cat’s Wound?
No, you should never try putting witch hazel on your cat’s wound. It is definitely not recommended in any case as it could lead to some major issues if it is congested or your cat licked witch hazel. It is important as pet owners to know that your cat is not as capable of taking the same medication as humans and not even some food items.
Cats are sensitive creatures and they most of the time lick whatever you apply to them in order to clean themselves. Thus, applying witch hazel on your cat’s wound is never an option that you should consider.
Symptoms of Witch Hazel Toxicity in Cats – How to Prevent Any Incident
If a cat licked witch hazel, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. However, in severe cases, the ingestion of witch hazel can also lead to liver and kidney damage in cats.
The best way to keep your pet healthy and happy is to prevent your pet getting near anything that can cause harm to their health. It is important to keep all products containing witch hazel out of reach of cats and store them in a secure location.
If you regularly use products containing witch hazel to your skin, it is important that you wash your hands thoroughly every time you are interacting with your pet or keep your pets away from the area until the product has dried.
It’s important to keep all products containing witch hazel out of reach of cats. This includes products such as witch hazel toners, wipes, and creams.
Source: Media.npr.org
What to Do if Your Cat Licked Witch Hazel?
If you suspect that your cat has ingested witch hazel, it is important that you immediately seek medical help and rush to your pet’s veterinary care. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and may also conduct blood and urine tests to determine the extent of the toxicity.
They may also recommend treatment options, such as inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal or providing supportive care such as fluid therapy.
Other Herbs That Are Harmful for Cats
While being completely safe and beneficial for humans, there are several herbs and organic medicine that are not suitable for your furry friends. Here is a list of commonly available herbs in many households that are safe or harmful for cats.
| Safe Herbs for Cats | Unsafe / Harmful Herbs for Cats |
| Thyme | Garlic and Chives |
| Valerian | Marijuana |
| Echinacea | St. John’s Wort |
| Licorice Root | Chamomile |
| Calendula | Mint |
| Goldenseal | Lemongrass |
| Catnip | Oregano |
| Basil | Tarragon |
| Cilantro / Coriander | |
| Cat’s Claw | |
| Dandelion Root | |
| Dill | |
| Rosemary |
As you can see, the herbs listed in the harmful for cats category are commonly available in most households and some may even pose as harmless as humans regularly consume them. But for your pet cats, these herbs may cause severe health issues and also cause them various health conditions.
Overview
It can be quite harmful if a cat licked witch hazel, causing digestive tract issues and other serious health issues including kidney and liver damages. To prevent any such incident from happening it is recommended that the pet owners avoid any harmful herbs for cats lying around the house within reach to cats.
It is best to avoid getting your cats exposed to witch hazel by keeping all products containing the substance out of reach of your pets and store them in a secure location. However, if your cat licked witch hazel or has come into contact with witch hazel in any way, seek veterinary care immediately. By following these simple steps, you can help keep your feline friends safe and healthy.
