Implementing incense in day-to-day activities has been a preserved custom throughout different societies. It ranges from calming breathing techniques to worship and evoking sentiments. Nevertheless, cat owners need to appreciate precisely how incense may impact their cat’s health. Domestic felines have particular biological features making them more vulnerable to certain factors, including airborne materials. This article discusses the composition of incense, its impact on cats, and ways to keep you and your cats living in safety and peace. We will also try to find the answer to a very common question, is incense bad for cats?
What is Incense Made Of?
Incense is mostly made of natural substances that can provide fragrance when set on fire. It includes:
Herbs and Spices: Diverse foliage added for certain specific fragrances.
Wood Powders: Finely milled wood that promotes constant burning.
Gum Resins: Stick like liquid excreted from trees, serves as glue and gives incense its fragrance.
The resultant smoke is still able to pose risks, especially to cats, as they have sensitive respiratory tracts. This remains true even though the ingredients are all considered natural.
Is Incense Bad For Cats?
Whether in the form of sticks, cones, or coils, incense is available in diverse varieties. The act of burning incense will always emit smoke and particulates into the atmosphere, and in the case of cats, this has the potential to be harmful. All ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ incense sticks still produce smoke which could irritate the rest of their tracts. The concern lies not in the type of incense, but the smoke produced because of burning it.
5 Reasons Why Incense is Bad For Cats
Respiratory Irritation:
Cats are highly sensitive, and their respiratory systems in particular are delicate. Breathing in the smoke from incense will immediately irritate, and in the long run, result in coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.
Aggravation of Asthma:
Asthmatic cats are frequent sufferers of attacks. The mere exposure to incense smoke will easily trigger or worsen an asthma attack. It is most appropriate in the case when cats have asthma already.
Exposure to Dangerous Additional Chemicals:
Burning incense releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It includes benzene and toluene, and is unhealthy for inhalation. While those in question would attack a cat’s health, they do harm when inhaled.
Incessant Overpowering Scents:
Cats have a highly sophisticated sense of smell, and so strong fragrances from incense can be overwhelming. In turn, they can cause stress or behavioural changes.
Risk of Accidental Ingestion:
Cats are inquisitive animals. Cats may accidentally burn themselves or get injured from dangerous burns from the incense or the smoke that it produces.
How to Tell If Incense Is Affecting Your Cat?
Your cat’s actions alongside their physical health may provide insight into how incense impacts them. There are some important aspects to understand is incense bad for cats. It might be affecting your cat in the following ways:
Breathing Issues: Coughs, sneezes, wheezing, and even short breaths may signify smoke is bothering your cat.
Eye and Nose Symptoms: Pawing at the face or nasal discharge may worsen, along with build-up of tears.
Change in Attitude: Anger or annoyance can increase as does hiding, or even worse, avoidance of places where incense is burned.
Loss of Energy: Lack of motivation to partake in routine activities.
It’s tempting to continue burning incense; however, after noticing these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional veterinary help.
What to Do If Incense is Overpowering for Your Cat
If you believe incense is causing detrimental health issues for your pet:
Stop Incense Use: Burning or lighting incense sticks should be restrained immediately to decrease exposure.
Increase Fresh Air: Close windows and doors and allow for an inflow of fresh air to clear the premises of surplus smoke and smell.
Consult with a vet: Speak with the cat’s doctor to check on their health as well as give clear pointers for treatment and options if they are required; otherwise, leave it to the owner.
Can You Burn Incense Safely Around Cats?
Considering the possible dangers, it is the safest practice to refrain from burning incense around cats. However, if you decide to burn incense around cats, please take the following precautions:
Proper Ventilation: Ensure the space is ventilated so the concentration of smoke is reduced.
Limit Exposure: Keep your cat in another room far away from where the incense is burning.
Low-Smoke Options: Choose incense that does not produce a lot of smoke, although you may not eliminate the risks.
Monitor Your Cat: Watch your cat to see if they show any signs of discomfort or respiratory problems while and after monitored incense burnings.
Air Purifiers: Set up air purifiers with HEPA filters that capture bad odours and improve air quality.
Scented Dried Herbs: Put sachets filled with lavender and rosemary around the house for a light scent. Make sure the herbs are non-toxic to cats.
Regular Cleaning: Avoid foul smells by washing fabrics, vacuuming, and cleaning the litter box regularly.
How to Safely Burn Incense Around Cats?
If you decide to burn incense regardless of the hazards, follow these precautions:
Burn in Well-Ventilated Areas: Make certain that windows are open, and that air can circulate freely.
Ensure your Cat Cannot Access the Incense Burners: To prevent contact or ingestion, keep burners in places where cats will not have access.
Minimise the Duration of Incense Burns: To reduce the amount of smoke, only light incense for a short duration.
Conclusion
Although burning incense can add appeal to a home, one must consider the potential dangers it presents to their cats. Cats possess delicate respiratory systems that are easily aggravated by smoke, leading to several health complications. To protect your furry friends, it is best not to burn incense in their vicinity. You can use other safer alternatives to make the home smell nice. This article answers your question, is incense bad for cats?
FAQs
Yes, cats can develop chronic health conditions as a result of incense smoke, such as relentless coughing and asthma.
Not any type of incense can be safe for felines. All emit smoke and scents capable of agitating their breathing passages.
If your cat starts coughing, wheezing, or has some trouble breathing, you should immediately stop using incense and get in touch with a veterinarian.
While air purifiers can improve the quality of the air, they are not guaranteed to remove all harmful particles from the smoke emitted by incense. They should not be used in the presence of cats.
Scented candles can also release substances that may irritate a cat’s respiratory system. It’s better to go for unscented candles or other cat-friendly options to clean your house.
