Self-Selected Essential Oils and Absolutes as Supportive Treatment to Emotional Distress and Depression-Like State in a Domestic Cat

Many animals exhibit self-medication behaviour, when given the choice, by selecting natural compounds that may serve as supportive therapeutic agents against various diseases and illnesses. We describe the use of ethnoveterinary medicine, specifically its subset, Applied Zoopharmacognosy, in a case of a cat ( Felis catus ) apparently demonstrating emotional distress. The cat was referred with emotional distress signs including sadness, apathy, and accentuated inappetence. No abnormality in physiological parameters was observed. Four therapeutic grade essential oils (EOs) and two absolute oils were chosen to initiate the olfactory stimulation: Lavender EO ( Lavendula officinalis/augustifolia ), German Chamomile EO ( Matricaria recutita ), Neroli EO ( Citrus aurantium ), Yarrow EO ( Achillea millefolium ), Jasmine absolute ( Jasminum grandiflorum ), and Linden Blossom absolute ( Tilia cordata ). Based on the self-selection of the cat, olfactory stimulation with therapeutic-grade volatiles was performed. During the acute phase of the depression-like state, the cat chose to inhale Neroli and Yarrow EOs, while during the recovery phase, the cat self-selected Jasmine and Linden Blossom absolutes for inhalation. Concomitantly, the owners provided comforting contact behaviour, including touch and auditory stimulation. This case suggests a potential role for Applied Zoopharmacognosy, that is using olfactory stimulation with self-selected EOs and absolutes, as a complementary approach for domestic cats displaying emotional distress, which warrants further investigation as a supportive therapy. Highlights Animals have a natural ability to self-medicate. In domestic and companion animals this is called Applied Zoopharmacognosy. A case study of a domestic cat recovering from emotional stress and depression using self-medication is presented. Applied Zoopharmacognosy can be an effective, supportive therapy for emotional disorders in domestic cats.