Are Candles Safe for Cats?Follow this Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe

Every day is a candle day. You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to light your favorite scented candle. Aromas help you relax, set the mood in the lonely evening, enrich your scent during bath time, and of course, evoke memories of the past and fill you with energy for the future. It’s always nice to cheer up with your favorite scented candle and your fluffy and cute cat. We always wondered if this sensual candle scent is safe for our cats. You can’t say no to the beautiful decoration of your house, but you would want them to harm your cat. 

are candles safe for cats

Remember that an open flame can cause trouble:

• Burn our pet if they come close to lighting a scented candle. 
• Being knocked over by pets if we are not there.
• We have to know that burning paraffin candles is dangerous and toxic to cats. 

In this article, we will closely go and look at some factors that make scented candles bad for pets, as well as teach you how to select pet safe candles and give you some safety tips on how to burn candles when there is a cat around. 

Are Candles Harmful to Pets?

The answer to that question is complicated because not all candles are dangerous to cats. So, if you like to burn a candle and at the same time you have a cat, then you must pay attention to avoid risk for your pet. 

What Makes Candles Dangerous for Cats?

There are some important facts about harmless candles that we have to remember before we burn candles around cats or any other animals. 

Burn Risk 

When talking about candles there is always risk around if they are not used properly. Becarfull, when you use them and keep them away from anything flammable, don’t leave them unattended especially when your kids or cats are around. Always keep your eyes on them.

burning candles

Essential Oils 

Essential oils used in candles play a big role in the pet’s health. 

Cats & dogs have exceptional senses of smell. We might think that a light smell will not cause any problems or health issues for our little friends, but at the same time, they are getting very sensitive noses and overwhelmed by the aromas.

Some essential oils are less toxic than others. They come from plants, and some cats are allergic to the plants.Only a few essential oils can be used when they are heavily diluted. This will lessen the effect of the aromas on sensitive noses, but it will also reduce the amount of oil that comes to your cat. If your cat has eaten a large amount of essential oil he will need medical attention. 

pet safe oils

Particular essential oils are dangerous to your cats and dogs. Pet owners prefer to avoid those essential oils to keep your fairy and pets healthy and safe:

• Citrus scents 
• Clove
• Eucalyptus 
• Peppermint 
• Ylang ylang 
• Pine
• Wintergreen 

Paraffin wax

Most commercial-scented candle brands use bad-quality, paraffin candles wax made from petroleum which can contain toxins, including carcinogens like acetone and benzene.

Paraffin candles are not safe for pets and even humans. To be safe use candles that are made from natural wax and not containing paraffin wax. 

candle wax

Wick materials 

Wick materials are also important when choosing the correct and pet safe candle for your home. Some candles have lead wicks. These wicks are banned by many countries. Those candles produce lead vapors and dust when burning. They are very dangerous for your health, so better care while getting them. 

How to Choose Pet-Safe Candles?

Don’t worry, nowadays you can find pet safe candles and lots of scented candles on retail with safe ingredients for cats and you. Just look for some things as below:

Organic or Pet-friendly candles safe for cats and dogs

Those candles are available in retail and you can buy them in-store or online. Usually, they are good quality with no paraben, sulfates, or dyes. The scented candles are environmentally-friendly. 

 Natural candle wax

Usually, candles are made from paraffin wax with petroleum-based wax as it’s cheaper and easy to mix with different scents. In retail many natural scented candles are made from soy wax, beeswax, and coconut wax, without chemicals and with light aromas. Search for organic ones that will be best for your pet. 

Wick.

The wick materials are also important. The best is cotton and wooden wicks. Cotton wick made of tiny cotton fibers that are twisted and covered with wicks. Wooden wicks are good as they burn more evenly and clearly than standard cotton wicks. They burn evenly and have less black smoke. Wooden Wick is known for its cracking sound.

Flameless candles. 

Sometimes to give your living space a romantic ambiance and light, flameless candles or battery’s operated candles are simply the best. They are designed to remove the need for an open flame, reducing the potential for fire hazards. You will not be worrying about danger lit candles either.

Tips that you can follow to keep your cat safe

To reduce the risk of harm to your cat,its best to avoid using candlesaltogether,especially if your cat like to play or climb on surfaces near the candles. However, if you like or must use candles, here are some tips to keep your cat safe

Keep your candle out of reach 

When your burning candle then put in some high or unreachable cat areas in your room. Don’t forget that they are great climbers and they may jump onto table or shelveswhere candles are placed. Make sure candles are placed in a sturdy holder on a stable surface. So,never leave the same room when lit candles.

Candle holders and covers

Cats love to jump and play around the house. They can reach the top shelves easily. In this case, you can cover the candle top with a protective cover and use lanterns or other candle holders. It will protect your cat from putting its paw inside.

paraffin candle

Burn your Candle in a Well Ventilated Room

Even if you are using natural candles they still have scents that are also harmful for sensitive pets. Burn your candle in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of inhalation of harmful chemicals and soot. This is especially important if your cat has respiratory problems. Ventilated room will help your feel less scented and make your pet happy and healthy.

Don’t Keep your Pet Unattended

You have to be very careful at home when the pet safe candles are burning. Always keep a close eyes and check what your pet is doing after you have lit candles. See how they behave and make sure they stay out of problems. Never leave a burning candle unattended and close the falme before leaving the room.

are candles safe for cats

Use Natural Wax Candles 

There are many natural scented candles without chemicals and with mild not too strong aromas. Such types of candles, such as those made from soy or beeswax, are non-toxic and safe for pets. Look for candles that are labeled as pet-friendly or non-toxic,and avoid candles made from paraffin wax.

First Aid for Pets 

In case it happened and your cat got hurt then go after the tips below for first aid:

• Observe the wound and condition of your pet.
• Try to cool the burn with running water but never use ice.
• Don’t touch or burst any blisters.
• No need to apply any cream. 
• To avoid shock keep your pet warm.
• You can apply a cool compress with a towel.
• Bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

We hope you found helpful information for yourself in this article. Are candles safe for cats? Yes, but you have to follow rules to ensure their safety. Now you know how to choose candle scents that suit your furry friend. Remember to always implement safety tips, so no injuries or fires occur. 

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