Cats are independent creatures that like to live on their own terms. They don’t take kindly to commands, and they decide alone when they will interact or show affection. So, when it comes to things like keeping your cat safe from candles, the process should be taken seriously. Candles can be safely burned around cats, but there are a few things that you should know and precautions that you should take. Here’s the lowdown.
Safety Depends on the Type of Candle
The first thing to keep in mind is that scented candles may not be ideal if you plan on burning them in rooms where your cat spends time. Many candles are scented with essential oils, some of which can be toxic to cats. These include cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, wintergreen oil, ylang-ylang oil, and clove oil.
There are a few essential oils that are safe for cats, such as lavender oil, frankincense oil, and copaiba oil. Candles that are not scented with essential oils are typically scented with artificial materials that are not always good for humans or cats. If you can’t find candles scented with essential oils that are safe for cats, it’s best to stick with non-scented candles overall.
Always Ventilate the Room
No matter what kind of candle you decide to burn in your home, it is a good idea to ventilate the room that you’re burning the candle in to ensure that the smoke does not overwhelm your kitty. The smoke should be able to escape the room easily. Any fragrances or byproducts that burn off into the smoke will be less likely to affect your cat. You can ventilate the room that you’re burning a candle in simply by opening a window. If it’s too cold outside to do so, run a fan in the room to usher the candle smoke out through a cracked window.
Make Supervision a Priority
It’s extremely important to make supervision a priority whenever you burn candles in your home, especially if a cat is around. Cats are curious creatures and may try to play with or interact with the flame of a candle, which could lead to serious injuries or fires. Therefore, supervising your candle burning will help keep your cat — and your home — safe in the long run.
Burn Candles in Places Where Your Cat Doesn’t Usually Hang Out
If you like to burn candles, try to burn them in places where your cat does not spend much time, like in the bathroom. Use windowsills to burn candles on instead of interior countertops to make it easy for the smoke to escape the room. Burn a candle in the living room after putting your cat in the bedroom for the night, or burn a candle in your bedroom at bedtime after leaving your kitty in the living room. The idea is to expose your kitty to as little smoke, fumes, and scents as possible.
A Quick Recap
Cats don’t seem to mind spending time around candles, but they are not aware of the dangers that candles can pose. Hopefully, this simple guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools necessary to keep your kitty safe whenever you decide to burn candles inside your home. Candles aren’t bad things, but precautions must be taken if you have cats.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
