Are Humidifiers Okay For Cats?

Humidifiers add an unmatched level of comfort and calm to our home environments, keeping the perfect amount of moisture in the air throughout the year.

These appliances are simple yet powerful, helping us breathe better, stay healthy, and even enjoy the therapeutic benefits of aromatic essential oils.

Our cats, on the other hand, may not be so accustomed to the humidifier life. You need to tread carefully when using these machines if you have furry friends in the house.

Let’s take a closer look at how cats respond to humidifiers and what you can do to make sure they stay happy and healthy for life.

Ideal Humidity Levels for Cats

Cats are indeed highly sensitive to humidity in the air, and many of us believe that humidifiers and pets don’t mix.

However, cats and humans are closer than you may think in terms of our need for proper humidity in the home, and overly dry air can have similar adverse effects on us both.

When there isn’t enough moisture in the air, cats can suffer from ailments such as dry skin, sinus congestion, and other problems that humans encounter.

Some cats even suffer asthma, meaning that balanced humidity is even more critical to their long-term health and quality of life.

That’s why you should always make sure your home humidity lies somewhere between 30% and 50% at all times, keeping an eye on the hygrometer to make sure things stay in the right range.

As a responsible pet owner, be sure to get word from your veterinarian to see what humidity levels are best for your cat and try to find an agreeable daily moisture level to keep you and your pets happy and safe.

Cat-Safe Humidifiers

Before you run to the store and buy the first humidifier you see on display, remember that cats have distinct physiological features from humans, despite many similarities.

First of all, they do not respond well to high heat, which is why they groom themselves so vigorously in the summer months to remove excess hair and stay cool.

If you introduce a heat-based steam humidifier to your home setting, your cat may be weighed down and made extremely uncomfortable by these warm vapors. That’s why you need to opt for a cool-mist ultrasonic humidifier if you have felines in the house.

No matter the season, your cat will be far more at ease with a humidifier that emits cool vapors.

Not only is it better for their coats and respiratory systems, but these units are also much safer to handle and will not burn any curious cats poking around.

The best humidifiers also run quietly, so as not to disturb your cat, and can be programmed for any length of time for when you leave the house.

Be Careful With Essential Oils

While cool-mist humidifiers are definitely recommended for cat owners, essential oils can present a problem if you aren’t cautious.

Since cats have an extremely attuned sense of smell, they may be overpowered by the scents that come from your essential oil diffuser or humidifier, even if you can barely detect them yourself.

Many essential oils, like citrus, cinnamon, and peppermint, are also poisonous to cats, so beware. Do your research to see which oils are off-limits and stock up on safe ones.

While you can get away with a few drops of cat-friendly essential oil, try to keep their use to a minimum and stick with regular cool-mist water vapor most of the time.

Conclusion

The right humidifier can be a friend to both you and your beloved cats. Be sure you select the best machine for your needs and create a safe, soothing environment at home for everyone.