fresh eucalyptus smell and cat

November 23, 2019 4:25 PM

If I hang fresh eucalyptus over my shower head, is the smell bad for my cat? Litter box is in the bathroom. The cat won't be able to get at the eucalyptus but the bathroom smells strongly of it
posted by the twistinside to Pets & Animals (3 answers total)

I live in Australia surrounded by Eucalyptus trees. In previous houses they have been right outside my window. They smell strongly when it rains and in the heat. Yet somehow everyone's cats are just fine! My cat even used to sleep curled up by the gum tree.
posted by lollusc at 6:23 PM on November 23, 2019 [3 favorites]

The cat might not use the litter box if (s)he doesn't like the smell in the bathroom. But that really depends on the cat in question.

Where's the cat tax?
posted by Weeping_angel at 10:47 AM on November 24, 2019 [2 favorites]

It's mostly that the essential oil is bad for them. Just the fresh branches are fine, as long as she can't get to them to chew it or anything. I also live around many, many eucalyptus trees and none of my neighborhood cats seem worse for wear playing around them.

But if kitty doesn't like the smell and won't use the litter box you may have to rethink your scent options.
posted by ananci at 10:48 AM on November 25, 2019