If you’re living in an area a bit too dry for comfort or you’re just gearing up for the winter weather, you might be considering a humidifier. The good news is that humidifiers are perfectly safe to use around cats and other pets as long as they’re being used as instructed and are of the cool-mist variety. Humidifiers can even be beneficial to your cat in many ways.
In this post, we’ll share how humidifiers benefit cats and drop some tips on how to keep your cat 100% safe if you’re planning on using one.
What Do Humidifiers Do?
A humidifier tackles dry air in your home by pumping moisture into the air. This is achieved by passing dry air through a wick filter that has been moistened within the humidifier. This is then pushed back out into the air as a fine mist.
Humidifiers are beneficial health-wise to humans because they help soothe uncomfortable conditions1 caused by dryness in the air, including dry skin, irritation in the nose, congestion, headaches, vocal cord irritation, dry hair, and dry coughs. They may also help reduce snoring, which can be caused by breathing in dry air while sleeping.
How Do Humidifiers Benefit Cats?
Air quality also has an impact on our pet’s quality of life, especially for cats with respiratory conditions. Just as humidifiers help humans with dry skin and hair, they can help keep your cat’s skin and coat in good condition. They may also help soothe symptoms of certain airway diseases.
Are Humidifiers Safe for Cats?
Generally, yes, as long as you’re keeping the humidity in your home at a healthy level. Excess humidity can make your home a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, and mold, and this can be dangerous for both you and your cats. It’s recommended to use cool mist humidifiers around cats, as these eliminate the risks involved in using warm mist humidifiers.
The 8 Tips for Using Humidifiers Around Cats
Though humidifiers can be safely used around cats, there are still a few things to watch out for. Check out these tips for making sure your home is as safe and comfortable as possible for your cat.
1. Avoid warm mist humidifiers, as the temperature of the water/mist can cause burns.
Cool mist humidifiers are a much safer option for your cat.
2. Ensure the water in the humidifier is clean.
Make sure it’s changed every now and then, and that the water chamber is also regularly cleaned.
3. Consider investing in a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in your home.
This way, you can make sure there’s not too much moisture in the air.
4. You may need to open the window occasionally to freshen up the air inside
This will depend on how humid it is outside and the manufacturer’s instructions,
5. Try to get a quiet humidifier.
Loud noises can be stressful to cats.
6. Choose a humidifier that won’t easily topple over.
Cats can get a little too curious sometimes and you just want to prevent them play around with it too much.
7. Do not put essential oils in your humidifier
Essential oils are toxic to cats.
8. Keep an eye on your cat for any symptoms of illness.
Seek veterinary help if you notice any negative changes in your cat’s health.
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Final Thoughts
To sum up, using a humidifier—particularly a cool mist one—as per the unit’s instructions can be beneficial for both you and your cat. Ensuring a healthy level of humidity in your home can do wonders for your cat in terms of preventing dry skin and respiratory issues. If you do decide to invest in a humidifier, remember to pick one that’s quiet, cool, and robust enough to stand up to a curious cat.
Featured Image Credit: asundermeier, Pixabay
