Are Candles Harmful to Cats? A Candle Maker’s Guide

Candles have always been part of creating warmth, relaxation, and atmosphere in homes. 

As someone who works with waxes and candle making every day, I understand the joy people find in lighting a scented candle after a long day. 

However, I also know the concerns cat owners face when wondering if their favorite candles are safe to burn around pets. 

Cats are unique creatures with delicate respiratory systems and heightened senses. What feels harmless to us can sometimes have hidden effects on them.

In this post, I will share an expert perspective on candle safety for cats, exploring potential risks, safer choices, and how to enjoy candles without compromising your cat’s health. 

I’ll also reference insights from veterinarians, the ASPCA, and the Pet Poison Helpline so you get accurate information backed by authority.

Are Scented Candles Harmful to Cats?

Scented candles are often the first concern because fragrance is the very element that makes them appealing to humans. 

Cats, however, process airborne substances differently. Their liver lacks certain enzymes, specifically glucuronyl transferase, which helps break down toxins found in many essential oils and synthetic fragrance chemicals. 

This means even mild exposure can lead to toxic buildup over time.

Common scents like eucalyptus, tea tree, citrus, peppermint, and even lavender—while soothing to us—can cause respiratory irritation in cats. 

According to veterinarian associations and the Pet Poison Helpline, exposure may trigger symptoms like coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, or drooling. 

In some cases, prolonged inhalation of toxic compounds from scented candles could even cause liver damage or neurological effects.

Another overlooked factor is the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and phthalates when candles burn. 

These chemicals linger in indoor air and may accumulate in small or poorly ventilated spaces. 

While humans often tolerate low levels, cats’ smaller bodies and sensitive systems make them far more vulnerable. 

I’ve noticed that when I test fragrance-heavy candles in confined areas, even I can feel a slight throat irritation—so imagine how it impacts a pet with a much sharper sense of smell.

In short, scented candles can be risky for cats. They are not immediately poisonous in every case, but the risk grows with repeated exposure and certain ingredients.

Are Candles Safe for Cats?

Cats are naturally sensitive to airborne toxins, and while some products may be less harmful than others, nothing that produces heat, smoke, or strong fragrance is completely without risk. 

The real safety factor depends on what the item is made from, whether it contains additives like synthetic fragrances or essential oils toxic to cats, and how it is used in the home. 

Poor ventilation, long exposure, or leaving items unattended around curious pets increases the danger. 

With mindful choices and moderation, cat owners can reduce the risks, but it’s best to assume there is always some level of caution required.

Can You Burn Candles Around Cats?

The short answer is yes, but with caution. Cat owners can enjoy candles, but the way they use them makes all the difference. 

Candles should never be burned in areas where cats are left unsupervised. Good ventilation, placement out of reach, and limiting the burning time are essential. 

Even if you choose a pet-friendly candle, the risks are not just about ingredients but also about the environment and a cat’s behavior.

Cats are naturally curious, and their love of jumping onto tables or exploring shelves means a lit candle poses more than one type of danger. 

Below are the three biggest risks to consider if you plan to burn candles around your cat.

1. Risk of Toxic Fumes

When paraffin candles or heavily scented candles burn, they release toxic fumes, including VOCs, phthalates, and soot particles. 

Cats breathe closer to the ground, and because of their smaller lung capacity, the concentration of fumes can affect them faster than humans. 

Candle fumes and cats are a well-documented issue among veterinarian associations, which warn that frequent inhalation may lead to coughing, eye irritation, or even long-term respiratory problems.

2. Risk of Fire Hazards

From my personal experience, the fire hazard is one of the most immediate threats. Cats often approach candles out of curiosity. 

A simple tail flick can knock a jar candle onto the carpet, starting a fire. There are also risks of singed fur if cats get too close. 

The fire hazard risk to cats is not about candle composition but about natural feline behavior. This is why candles should always be placed high up and never left unattended.

3. Risk of Accidental Ingestion

Not all risks come from burning. Cats may lick cooled wax, chew wicks, or rub against jars coated with scented residue. 

Depending on the candle type, this can lead to candle poisoning in cats. Certain fragrance oils or dyes can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or worse if ingested. 

Even without direct toxicity, wax can create blockages in a cat’s digestive system. The Pet Poison Helpline warns that ingestion of scented or dyed wax should be treated as a potential emergency.

So, while you can burn candles around cats, it’s about balancing the enjoyment of ambiance with the responsibility of keeping your cat safe.

Which Candles Are Bad for Cats?

Not all candles are created equal. Some are clearly more dangerous for pets, and identifying them helps cat owners make safer choices. 

From my years in candle making, I’ve seen how different formulations impact air quality and how animals respond to them.

1. Paraffin candles: 

These are among the most common but also the least pet-friendly. Made from petroleum by-products, paraffin releases soot and chemicals like benzene and toluene. 

This makes them poisonous candles for pets when used regularly in small indoor spaces.

2. Gel candles: 

While visually appealing, gel candles often contain higher concentrations of synthetic fragrance oils. 

If spilled, the hot gel can also cause burns, making it risky in households with curious cats.

3. Candles with toxic essential oils:

Essential oils in candles and cats rarely mix well. Oils like eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint, pine, and tea tree are known toxins for cats. 

Exposure to these through fumes or skin contact can result in symptoms ranging from drooling and lethargy to more severe neurological effects.

4. Candles with metallic-core wicks: 

Although less common today, older candles and some imported brands may still use wicks with metal cores. 

Historically, these contained lead, and burning them released toxic heavy metals into indoor air. Even if lead is banned, zinc-core wicks are still a concern for sensitive pets.

5. Heavily fragranced or dyed candles: 

Candles with strong synthetic fragrances and vibrant dyes increase the risk of respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. 

Cats can even develop skin sensitivity if they come into contact with candle residue on furniture or fabrics.

Which Candles Are Safe for Cats?

While no candle is entirely risk-free, some options are far safer for cats than others.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various waxes and fragrance blends, and I’ve found that certain choices drastically reduce the risks. 

These are the candles I recommend when clients ask for pet-friendly candles.

1. Beeswax candles: 

Beeswax is one of the cleanest-burning natural waxes. It emits very little soot and naturally purifies the air by releasing negative ions. 

The gentle honey aroma is mild and far less likely to trigger respiratory irritation in cats. 

Beeswax candles are also typically free from harsh dyes and synthetic additives, making them a preferred choice for households with pets.

2. Soy wax candles: 

Soy is another safer option. It burns cooler and cleaner than paraffin, with minimal smoke output. 

Soy and beeswax candle safety is well-acknowledged among candle makers and even some veterinarian associations. 

However, the key lies in choosing unscented or lightly scented soy candles. Even with soy wax, avoid candles containing essential oils toxic to cats, such as citrus, eucalyptus, or peppermint.

3. Coconut wax candles: 

Though less common, coconut wax has grown in popularity because of its clean-burning nature. 

It produces little to no soot and blends well with safer fragrance oils. For cat owners looking for something both eco-friendly and gentle, coconut wax is worth considering.

4. Wicks and additives: 

Safe candles should always have cotton or wooden wicks without metal cores. 

They should also be free from phthalates, heavy dyes, and synthetic fragrance chemicals that could contribute to candle toxicity in cats.

Final Thoughts

Candles are not entirely good for cats, as their fumes and ingredients can pose health risks, but safer options like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax can reduce the danger when used mindfully. 

If you want complete peace of mind, flameless LED alternatives are the best choice for creating ambiance without putting your cat at risk.