The "3-Cat Rule": Why We Obsess Over Pet Safe Essential Oils

The "3-Cat Rule": Why We Obsess Over Pet Safe Essential Oils

A promise from our family to yours.

Hi, we’re Cassie and Megenta, the founders of Aurawell(Auraspring).

On paper, we run this company. But if you walked into our home, you’d quickly realize who’s actually in charge. That would be Walle, Huluhulu, and Eva.

Our journey with them is deeply personal. Walle and Eva came to us during our years studying in Sydney. A senior schoolmate could no longer care for them due to unforeseen circumstances, so we stepped in, promising to give them a forever home. Later, Huluhulu joined the squad when a close friend became pregnant and needed a trusted family to take over the care of her beloved cat.

To us, they aren’t just "pets" we picked out. They are family members we promised to protect when others couldn't. They are our roommates, our comfort after a long day, and—unknowingly—the strictest Quality Control team Aurawell has.

This is why we have a non-negotiable rule: If it’s not safe for Walle, Huluhulu, and Eva, it doesn't go in the bottle.

We know how scary it is to navigate the world of home scents as a "cat mom." You see conflicting advice everywhere. Can I use Citrus? Is Cinnamon okay?

Because we develop products that we use in our own home every day, we developed a system to navigate this. We call it the "Traffic Light System."

Here is our guide to keeping your home smelling amazing without compromising the safety of your furry loved ones.

Why Are Cats So Sensitive? (The Science Bit)

You might wonder, "Why can I eat an orange, but my cat shouldn't be overwhelmed by one?"

It comes down to biology. Cats lack a specific liver enzyme (called glucuronyl transferase) responsible for breaking down certain compounds found in plants—specifically phenols and monoterpenes. Because their livers can’t process these efficiently, toxins can build up if they are exposed to high concentrations over long periods.

This doesn't mean you have to live a scent-free life. It just means you need to know which scents are for diffusing, which are for spritzing, and which are for personal use.

The Aurawell "Traffic Light" System

We categorize scents into three levels to ensure we use them safely around the cats.

🔴 Red Light: Strictly Avoid

These are ingredients known to be highly toxic to cats even in small doses, often causing immediate issues. We simply do not allow these in our home in any form.

  • Tea Tree (Melaleuca): A big no-no. It is highly toxic to cats.
  • Wintergreen: Contains salicylates which are dangerous for felines.
  • Pine & Birch: Hard for their livers to process.

🟡 Yellow Light: Use with Intention (Sprays & Perfumes)

This category includes potent scents like Citrus, Peppermint, and Cinnamon.

We love these for their energy and warmth—you'll find them in our [Fortune] spray (Citrus) or our [Mulled Wine] natural perfume (Cinnamon). But we treat them differently than our gentle woody scents.

  • The Rule: We treat these as "Human Rituals."
    • For Citrus/Mint: We use them as Room Sprays in well-ventilated areas (like the bathroom or office) for a quick refresh, ensuring the cats aren't trapped in the mist.
    • For Cinnamon (Spices): Ingredients like Cinnamon are strong. We use products like Mulled Wine as a personal perfume or for short mindfulness moments. We enjoy the scent on ourselves, but we skip putting high-concentration cinnamon oil in a continuous diffuser where Walle, Huluhulu, and Eva sleep.
  • Why it works: It allows us to enjoy the rich, warm notes of the season as a personal experience without overwhelming our pets' sensitive systems.

🟢 Green Light: The "Cat-Approved" List

These are the gentle, grounding scents we feel comfortable using in our living room where the cats nap.

  • Cedarwood & Sandalwood: These woody notes are the backbone of our [Grounded Collection]. They are calming for humans and generally well-tolerated by cats. Walle often sleeps soundly near our woody scents.
  • Frankincense: A gentle resin that creates a peaceful vibe.
  • Lavender (High Quality): Safe in moderation and incredibly soothing.

It’s Not Just What, It’s How

Safety isn't just about the oil; it's about how you use it. With three cats running around, we adhere to three safety protocols:

  1. The "Open Door" Policy

We never scent a closed room where the cats are trapped. We always leave the door open. Cats are smart; if a scent is too strong for their sensitive noses, they will leave. We respect their choice.

  1. No Direct Contact

We use our products for ambiance or personal fragrance, never for topical treatment on pets. We never apply oils directly to their fur or paws.

  1. The Art of "Cold Throw" (No Flame Needed)

Eva loves to jump on tables, so open flames often make us nervous. But here is the secret behind our [Grounded Soy Candle Set]: You don't always need to light it.

We specifically formulated our candles using premium soy wax and a high load of essential oils to have an excellent "Cold Throw." This means you can simply take the lid off the jar, and the scent will naturally diffuse into the room. It creates a gentle, non-aggressive "scent bubble" that is comfortable for cats and 100% safe from fire risks.

From Our Family to Yours

Every time we finalize a new scent at Aurawell, we look at Walle, Huluhulu, and Eva and ask, "Is this okay for you?"

We hope this guide gives you the confidence to enjoy scent again. Whether you need a quick citrus boost in the office or a calming woody glow in the living room, there is a safe way to do it.

Shop safely.

For the safest, cat-friendly experience, explore our [Grounded Soy Candle Set]. Its natural cold diffusion creates a gentle sanctuary that even the most sensitive noses will love.

❓ FAQ: Pet Safe Aromatherapy

Q: I see your [Mulled Wine] perfume has Cinnamon. Is that safe?

A: Yes, for personal use! There is a huge difference between slathering a cat in essential oil (never do that!) versus you wearing a natural perfume. Since Mulled Wine is designed for you to wear or use for personal mindfulness, the exposure to your cat is minimal. Just don't let your cat lick your wrist directly after application!

Q: I see you sell Citrus sprays. Are those safe for cats?

A: Yes, when used correctly! There is a big difference between diffusing a scent for hours and using a quick spritz. We recommend using our Fortune or Slow Down sprays in well-ventilated areas (like a bathroom or office) rather than continuously diffusing them in your cat's sleeping quarters.

Q: Are soy candles safe for cats?

A: Yes! Unlike paraffin candles which release petro-chemicals, 100% soy wax is clean-burning and non-toxic. Our candles are also designed to smell great even when unlit (cold throw), which is the safest option for playful cats.

Q: Is it safe to scent a room with a kitten?

A: Kittens have very sensitive systems. We recommend using the "Cold Throw" method—simply placing an unlit Grounded candle in the room. This releases a very subtle, gentle scent that won't overwhelm them.

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