Why Your Scented Candles Could Be Harming Your Cat (And What to Use Instead)

Introduction:

I used to light a lavender candle every night. It was part of my wind-down routine—dim the lights, light the wick, and let the day melt away. But I started noticing something subtle. My cat, Cocoa, would leave the room every time I lit that candle. At first, I thought it was just coincidence—maybe he preferred a quieter space. But then came the sneezing, watery eyes, and restlessness.

That’s when I learned the truth: many popular candles, oils, and home scents are toxic to cats. If you’re a cat parent trying to build a safe and cozy space, this is something you can’t ignore. Here’s everything I wish I had known earlier.

1. The Hidden Danger in Your Living Room

Candles and air fresheners might make your home smell amazing, but many contain chemicals and fragrances that are dangerous—or even deadly—to cats.

The biggest risks include:

• Paraffin wax, which releases harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene when burned.
• Essential oils, such as eucalyptus or tea tree, which can be toxic even when inhaled.
• Synthetic fragrance oils, which often contain phthalates that irritate the respiratory system.

“Cats have a limited ability to metabolize certain compounds found in essential oils and synthetic fragrances. Even small exposures can cause cumulative toxicity over time.”
— Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, Pet Poison Helpline

2. Toxic Scents to Avoid at All Cost

Here are some of the most common home scents that can be harmful to cats:

• Eucalyptus
• Tea Tree
• Citrus (orange, lemon, lime)
• Peppermint
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Pine
• Ylang Ylang
• Wintergreen
• Lavender (especially concentrated oil form)

Even diffusers can pose a risk. Passive diffusion (like reed diffusers) may seem harmless, but volatile oils can linger in the air and be absorbed through your cat’s respiratory tract or skin.

3. What Happened With Cocoa

After about a week of lighting my favorite lavender soy candle, Cocoa’s behavior changed. He began avoiding my room, sneezing occasionally, and had mild watery eyes. I didn’t put two and two together until I turned off the candle for a few days—and he came right back, curled up in my lap like nothing had happened.

I switched to an unscented beeswax candle and never had the same issue again.

“It’s not about living scent-free—it’s about choosing scents that won’t harm your pet.”
— Uzair Ahmed, Cat Parent and Co-Founder of The Pet Merch

4. Safe Alternatives for Cat-Friendly Homes

You don’t have to give up a cozy, fresh-smelling space. There are plenty of safer ways to keep your home inviting:

Safer Candle Options:

• Beeswax candles (unscented)
• Soy candles made without fragrance oils or essential oils
• Battery-powered LED candles for ambiance without the smoke

Non-Candle Options:

• Simmer pots: Boil citrus peels and herbs like thyme or rosemary (in another room away from your cat)
• Baking soda jars: Naturally absorb odors in small spaces
• Pet-safe air purifiers: Especially helpful in litter areas

Always check labels, and when in doubt—ask your vet.

5. How to Cat-Proof Your Candle Setup

If you still want to use candles occasionally, here are a few safety rules I now live by:

• Never leave candles unattended—even for a second
• Keep candles on stable, high shelves far from paw-reach
• Use wide bases or enclosed glass holders
• Consider warmers or wax melters without flame
• Ventilate the space after extinguishing the candle

Even with non-toxic candles, it’s always best to burn them in well-ventilated rooms and for short periods only.

Helpful Resources:

• ASPCA – List of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants & Substances
• Pet Poison Helpline – Household Toxins
• Dr. Justine Lee – Essential Oils & Cats

Final Thoughts

Being a responsible cat parent isn’t just about feeding your cat and cleaning the litter box. It’s about making your entire home a safe environment. That means questioning even the things that seem harmless—like your favorite candle.

I made the switch for Cocoa. He’s healthier, happier, and never runs from my room anymore. Now, our nightly routine includes a warm mug of tea, a beeswax candle flickering gently, and Cocoa purring beside me—safe and sound.

Question for You:

Have you ever noticed your cat reacting to a scent in your home? What changes have you made to create a safer space for them? Share your tips in the comments—let’s help each other do better.