Incense is a plant material that gives off certain scents when burned, and it’s been around for centuries. People use it for multiple purposes, such as meditation, getting rid of negative energy, relaxation, and aromatherapy. Incense is deeply embedded within our culture, so cat owners may not think about the health risks to their cats while burning incense.

That said, how do you safely burn incense around cats? The truth is, incense is bad for cats and shouldn’t be burned around them, as the smoke can be dangerous to their health. That said, it may be possible to burn incense with your kitty in the house if you take the necessary precautions for their health. Read on to learn more about burning incense around cats.

The 3 Tips to Safely Burn Incense Around Cats

1. Put Your Cat in a Different Room

Smoke from burning incense is harmful to your cat. If you plan to burn incense, place your cat in a different room, ideally at the opposite end of your home from the one in which you will be burning the incense. The last thing you want is your cat sitting beside you and inhaling the smoke.

2. Open All the Windows

Ventilation is vital when burning incense with your cat at home to air out the smoke. One downside is that the scent will not be as potent with the windows open, but it’s much safer to let the smoke escape through the windows to protect your cat. Cats are super sensitive to smoke, and when cats inhale it, they can have upper respiratory signs like watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and congestion.

3. Remove Your Cat From the Home

The best bet is to simply remove your cat completely from the inside of the home before lighting the incense. This will be easy for those with outside cats, but if your cat is strictly an indoor cat, you may want to ask a friend or family member to keep your kitty for a while.

Be sure to air out your home entirely before letting your cat back inside, as an extra safety measure.

Safer Alternatives to Incense

Clearly, burning incense around your cat is not recommended for safety purposes, but if you’re looking for ways to make your home smell pleasant, you can try other methods that are more cat-friendly.

Use Febreze

Febreze can make your home smell nice, and it has been deemed safe by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. You still need to take precautions while using this product, though. You don’t want to spray it near your cat, and it’s best to let it dry completely before letting your cat near the product.

Burn Pet-Friendly Candles

Pet-friendly candles are made with non-toxic materials like soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, or vegetable wax. They still burn and give off smoke, and it’s best to light these candles out of your cat’s reach. You should still avoid burning any candle if your cat has asthma or another respiratory condition, even if the candle is labeled as organic. When burning candles, ensure that you have them in a safe place where your cat cannot knock them over.

Use Air Purifiers

Air purifiers help eliminate pet odors by using UV light to destroy germs and allergens that cause odor. They also sanitize the air by drawing in pollutants by way of a fan, which then goes through a filter. The cleaned air is then released back into the environment.

Conclusion

Incense can be dangerous to cats and should be avoided. If you must burn incense around your cat, follow the methods mentioned here to do it as safely as possible.

Ideally, you should use safer alternatives, such as pet-friendly candles, air purifiers, and Febreze. Ensure that you take precautions while using Febreze, though, and never spray it directly on your cat. Always have your home well-ventilated when burning incense, and don’t allow your cat to be in the same room.

Featured Image Credit: Denis Oliveira, Unsplash