Can I really not have reed diffusers or scented candles?

[Gardenshed86]

I have been reading that these are bad for cats. I have a 3 month old kitten and obviously don't want to harm her in any way. I do like the reed diffusers as they help the house smell nicer especially as having a cat , with the litter and cat food smell everywhere so I feel like I definitely need something to help mask it.
Do you use any air fresheners and reed diffusers if you have a cat and has the cat been ok?

I have both and cats are unfazed.

However, I have seen one cat have an adverse reaction when perfume was sprayed in the same room as him. It was only one spray and it caused him to wheeze.

I'm also a pet owner who is mildly paranoid about pet safety and get a slight anxiety attack every time someone buys me a bunch of flowers in case they have lilies in them.
I only have roses in the house in general.

However, I do have a reed diffuser in the bathroom and as far as I know, the cats don't care. It's at the far end of the house and is out of the way of the bedrooms so I don't think it bothers them.
And...when my girl cat was a kitten she knocked one over and doused herself in it. I had to bath her in the sink. Not enjoyable for anyone. But she's 6 years old now and no ill effects as far as I know!
So...if it's out of reach then go for it I reckon.

Whether other humans are bothered by them is a different matter! I do feel for people who react badly to fragrances

i had no idea this was a thing. We were given a reed diffuser last week (haven’t had one for years). Put it on a shelf in the bathroom. The cats don’t seem bothered in the slightest and still wander in and out when they fancy.

The lady from the RSPCA said at our home visit, there’s a lot of scaremongering about hypothetical risks to animals, especially if you look online- just be sensible.

I've always had scented candles and wax melts, no issues. Reed diffusers in the bathroom on a high shelf

The only thing I do is make sure there's a room with no scent so he can go in there and obviously keeping candles etc out of reach

I don’t have lilies in the house any longer because of the cat but in the past I had no idea they were dangerous and often bought them with no ill consequences to previous cats, Pinching out the stamens is an option too.

Keep an eye she doesn't develop respiratory issues. Making sure Reed diffusers are well out of reach and don't use essential oils that are toxic to cats shouldn't cause poisoning if there is no contact. Just be cautious about the oils being used as things like peppermint, lavender, tea tree are toxic to cats when inhaled.
https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/cats-and-essential-oils

It's not scaremongering when something is actually toxic to innocent animals that have no choice about what you use in your house.

This. They are harmful to both humans and pets. So don't use them. My cat goes back and forth to get cat food all day and my house doesn't smell of cat food. Maybe try changing brands?

If kitty is leaving wet food then I think you are feeding her too much at once. Try smaller portions. The food shouldn't smell ! Are you feeding her a good quality food ? Cats are obligate carnivores so her food should be meat. No grain/cereals/sugar etc. Choose a food that is single source meat not containing animal derivatives. It's a little more expensive but much better for her and won't smell. Also your little tray won't smell either as you'll get no smell poo's.
My two are fed on Schesir dry biscuits and single source wet. Their litter is Intersand classic. If budget is an issue then Sainsbury’s do and fabulous range called Delicious Recipes which doesn't have any nasties in it.
Trust me is you get the diet right you will achieve no smell poo's.

Just like people, some cats will be more sensitive to them than others.
I have a cat with asthma so don't use these kinds of products in the house.