Candles in a home with cats and dogs: what pet owners should know
Many of our customers have a cat or a dog, and they often ask us the same question: can I light candles at home with a pet? The honest answer is yes, with a little care. Two things matter most: what the candle is made of, and where you put it.
Why vets are cautious about scented candles
Animals have far more sensitive noses than we do. Vets especially warn about essential oils, which are often used in scented candles, wax melts and diffusers. Several common oils, such as tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, pine and eucalyptus, can be toxic to dogs. Cats are even more vulnerable, because their liver lacks an enzyme that breaks these substances down. That is why vet advice often ends with a simple tip: choose unscented candles.
What our candles contain, and what they don’t
Vilma Candles are 100% soy wax with no added fragrance and no essential oils. They don’t release any perfume into the room. That doesn’t make a candle a pet toy, though: a flame is still a flame, and wax should never be chewed.
Five rules for candles around pets
- Higher than a tail. Cats jump onto tables and shelves, and a happy dog’s tail sweeps everything at its height. Place the candle where neither can reach it.
- Nothing above the flame. Leave open space above the candle, with no shelves, curtains or plants.
- A stable, fire-resistant base. A ceramic plate or tray catches drips and keeps the candle steady.
- Never leave it unattended. Blow it out when you leave the room, even for a minute.
- Fresh air. Air the room regularly, especially if your pet has breathing problems. In that case, ask your vet first.
For people who love animals
Vilma Candles’ animal designs are often bought by pet owners: a cat lover usually recognises their own cat in “The Cat” or “Zen Kitty”. They are just as lovely on a shelf unlit, as a small sculpture.
Sources: GoodRx; Ontario SPCA.