Did you know Propylene Glycol is toxic to cats?
Propylene glycol (PG) is the main ingredient found in most e-liquids.
At Vapourium we pride ourselves in providing an awesome range of “max VG” (Maximum possible vegetable glycerin) e-liquid so our premium e-liquids contain mainly VG instead. However, in order to create the best flavours, or if nicotine is added to the e-liquid, our VG liquids will contain a small amount of PG.
Propylene glycol has the potential to cause hemolytic anemias via the presence of "Heinz bodies" in cat blood. As a result the FDA declared PG unsafe for cats in 1996, and PG has since been removed from all cat food. The fact that the issue was detected because PG was put in cat food until the 90s, helps us gain some insight as to the amount of PG that is required to cause serious concern.
"Research has shown that the effect is dose-dependent: in testing, five weeks of feeding cats PG in ordinary cat-food like quantities (1.6 g per kg in body weight) increased the percentage of Heinz bodies to 28, and after three weeks eating higher quantities (8 g per kg) it went up to 92 percent.." Source - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2708106)
Judging by the data, your cat would have to consume a lot of PG in order for the PG to have a significant effect on your cat's health, however, the data does not show any information about cats inhaling PG vapour. Although PG vapour, when dispersed in a room, dissipates rather quickly compared to cigarette smoke, it will still linger for a while in a room without much airflow. Depending on many factors like air movement, room size and the amount of vapour you are producing it's difficult to determine exactly what the potential harm is from passive vaping around cats.
In conclusion, it is unlikely that PG vapour will cause any harm to your cats, and it is VERY unlikely that any of Vapourium's premium e-liquid range will cause any harm to your cats, but please be considerate when vaping around your cat friends.
Even though Vapourium's premium e-liquid contains minimal PG, as there is a lack of data around the effects of passive PG vapour and cats, we would recommend not vaping directly on your cat or your cats' food to ensure your cat is happy and healthy. If you are concerned about vaping indoors, try and get some airflow in the room to dissipate the vapour faster.
Although unlikely, if you are vaping a PG based e-liquid, and your cat is exhibiting any of the following symptoms; Skin discolouration, fever, loss of appetite, weakness, pale lips mouth and gums, or red/brown urine, please seek veterinarian advice.
FAQs
Should I be concerned about vaping around my cats?
It is advisable to exercise caution when vaping around your cats, although the risk of harm from Propylene Glycol (PG) vapour is considered low. Ensuring good ventilation in the room and avoiding direct exposure of vapour to your cats can help minimise potential concerns.
Is Propylene Glycol toxic to cats?
Yes, Propylene Glycol (PG) is toxic to cats. It can potentially cause hemolytic anaemias in cats by forming "Heinz bodies" in their blood, and the FDA declared it unsafe for cats in 1996. However, the severity of the toxicity depends on the dosage, and most cats would need to consume a significant amount of PG for it to pose a severe threat to their health.