So, I'm thinking a small amount of coconut oil in the hand-salve recipe would be cat-safe. Issues come from folks feeding their cats coconut oil without checking with their vets or trying a small amount to start with...

https://www.thesprucepets.com/is-coconut-oil-safe-for-cats-4706850

#DIYSkinCareProducts #CatSafeIngredients

“Kitchen Sink” Hand Salve (unscented, cat-safe ingredients)

1-1/2 Tablespoons tallow (I used 1 Tablespoon deodorized tallow, 1/2 Tablespoon hand-rendered tallow, which was a bit harder)
2 Tablespoons palm oil (using up what's on hand. One could use beef tallow in place of palm)
1 Tablespoon cocoa butter (I like that better than the shea butter)
1/2 oz beeswax
1 Tablespoon olive oil

Heat ingredients together in a double-boiler on low heat, then pour into a jar.

Store in refrigerator to help slow down bacterial growth.

#DIYGifts #CatSafeIngredients #AnimalProducts #LeftoverSoapOils

@dianea Well, you might want to rethink using it on your kitties. I just came across this... Again, probably too much of a good thing...

Is Catnip Oil Safe for Cats? Everything You Need to Know

October 22, 2023 by Caring Pets Staff

"Catnip oil is becoming an increasingly popular essential oil. It’s an extract of the catnip plant, which is the same plant that gives cats the zoomies when they get near it or nibble on it. This has led people to wonder if catnip oil is safe for cats.

While catnip oil comes from the same place as the catnip your cat knows and loves, that doesn’t necessarily make it safe. In fact, you should only use it for yourself and avoid giving it to your cat.

That said, if your cat has a taste it won’t outright kill them, which makes its safety guidelines fairly complicated. Read on to learn more about catnip oil and whether or not it’s safe for cats."

https://www.caringpets.org/cats/is-catnip-oil-safe-for-cats-everything-you-need-to-know/

#CatHealth #CatSafeIngredients #CatnipOil

Just a reminder... Especially when making gifts for those with cats!

ASPCA List of Toxic #EssentialOils for Cats You Should Avoid

Author Becky Murray

Posted Aug 20, 2025

Excerpt: "If you're a cat owner who loves aromatherapy, be aware that some essential oils can be toxic to your feline friends. The ASPCA has a list of oils to avoid, and it's essential to check it out.

Peppermint oil is one of the oils on the list, and it can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats if ingested.

Some oils, like tea tree oil, can cause more severe symptoms, including tremors, seizures, and even liver failure in cats.

Eucalyptus oil is another oil to steer clear of, as it can cause respiratory problems and other issues in cats.

Other common toxic essential oils to cats and dogs include cinnamon, citrus, clove, peppermint, sweet birch, thyme, and YlangYlang.

If your pet comes into contact with any of these oils, immediately contact your vet, the ASPCA Poison Control Center, or visit the nearest veterinary emergency hospital.

Some essential oils that are particularly toxic to cats include:

Lavender oil (especially toxic to cats)
Oregano oil (especially toxic to cats)
Pine oil
Sweet Birch oil
Tea Tree oil
Thyme oil
Wintergreen oil
Ylang Ylang oil

Remember, even if an essential oil is natural, it's not inherently safe for your cat. Always keep essential oils out of reach of your pets and consult with your veterinarian if you're unsure about the safety of any product."

https://www.nahf.org/article/aspca-list-of-toxic-essential-oils-for-cats

#SolarPunkSunday #DIYGifts #DIY #DIYHouseholdProducts #DIYSkinCareProducts #Aromatherapy #PetHealth #CatSafeIngredients #CatHealth