Our pets are family. But many of the fragrances we love — candles, essential oils, incense — can quietly harm them. Here's what to watch out for, and what to use instead.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be wonderful for humans, promoting relaxation, focus, and energy. But for pets — especially cats — they can be dangerous. Cats have highly sensitive skin and digestive systems, and because they groom themselves constantly, any oil on their coat or nearby surfaces can be ingested. Even heavily diluted oils can cause vomiting, drooling, tremors, or liver damage in cats. Unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it, avoid applying any essential oil directly to your pet or diffusing concentrated oils in enclosed spaces where pets spend time.
Scented Candles
Not all candles are created equal. Paraffin-based candles release toxic byproducts when burned, including benzene and toluene, which can irritate your pet's lungs over time and contribute to respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. If you love candles, switch to natural soy wax candles — they burn cleaner and are a much safer choice for homes with pets. And always keep lit candles out of reach — curious pets and open flames are never a good combination.
Incense
Incense smoke is particularly harsh on pets' airways. The particles released during burning are fine enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, and with regular exposure, this can lead to serious respiratory conditions. If you use incense for spiritual or religious practices, consider moving the practice to a well-ventilated area away from your pets.
Synthetic Air Fresheners
Many commercial air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and synthetic chemicals that can trigger lung sensitivity in pets. Dogs and cats breathe closer to the ground where these particles settle, making them more vulnerable than humans. Instead of spraying synthetic fresheners, try opening a window for fresh air or using a natural linen spray — our Ocean Breeze, Aloha Kakou, and Pure Aspen linen sprays are plant-based and free from harsh chemicals, making them a much gentler choice for fragrance-loving pet owners.
The Bottom Line
You don't have to choose between a beautifully scented home and a safe one. By choosing natural, plant-based home fragrance products and being mindful of where and how you use them, you can protect your pets while still enjoying the scents you love.
Explore our full range of natural home fragrance products — crafted with your family and pets in mind.