There’s nothing like lighting a candle at the end of the day. The glow instantly softens a room, the fragrance creates a mood, and the simple ritual feels grounding. But if you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably asked yourself at least once: are candles safe for cats and dogs?

The short answer is: it depends on the candle. Some are perfectly fine to enjoy around pets, while others may release irritants or pose risks you don’t want in your home. In this guide, we’ll walk through the main concerns, ingredients to avoid, safer alternatives, and some recommendations for pet-friendly candles that still give you the cozy experience you love.

Most people don’t think twice about burning a candle, but cats and dogs have much more sensitive respiratory systems than we do. That means what seems like a harmless whiff of fragrance to you could be irritating—or even harmful—to them.

The biggest concerns include:

- Paraffin wax: This petroleum byproduct is still widely used because it’s cheap and holds fragrance well. The downside? When burned, it can release soot and trace chemicals that linger in the air.

- Synthetic fragrance oils and dyes: Heavily perfumed candles can overwhelm pets and sometimes cause watery eyes, sneezing, or coughing.

- Essential oils in high concentration: While some essential oils are fine in moderation, strong notes of eucalyptus, citrus, tea tree, or pine can be problematic for pets (especially cats).

- Fire safety: Let’s not forget the obvious risk—a curious cat or wagging dog tail can knock over an open flame in an instant.

None of this means you can’t enjoy candles if you share your home with pets. It just means being thoughtful about the ones you choose.

The best pet-friendly candles are the ones made with clean, simple ingredients. Here are a few markers of quality you can trust:

- Natural waxes such as soy, coconut, or beeswax instead of paraffin

- Cotton or wooden wicks rather than anything with metal

- Fragrances free from phthalates, parabens, and dyes

- Balanced scent throw — strong enough to fill a room, but not so intense that it overwhelms sensitive noses

At Affinati, every candle is hand-poured with soy wax and clean fragrance blends that meet these standards. They’re designed to give you all the benefits of a richly scented home without exposing you—or your pets—to unnecessary irritants.

Even if you choose clean-burning candles, a little common sense goes a long way toward keeping your pets safe:

1. Keep candles out of reach — especially from shelves or counters that your cat might leap onto.

2. Use sturdy jars with wide bases — this makes it harder for accidents to happen if a dog brushes against a table.

3. Limit burn times to a few hours — long sessions increase soot buildup in the air.

4. Ventilate your space — crack a window if possible so the air doesn’t feel heavy.

5. Pay attention to your pet’s behavior — if you notice sneezing, watery eyes, or unusual coughing, extinguish the candle and let in fresh air.

For homes with especially curious pets, flameless options like reed diffusers can give you the fragrance without the flame.

Looking for candles you can feel confident burning with cats and dogs around? Here are some favorites from Affinati that are both soy-based and free from parabens, phthalates, and dyes.

A herbal scent that feels clean and refreshing without being overpowering. Great for kitchens or living rooms where you want freshness but not heavy perfume.

Warm and playful, this dessert-inspired candle blends banana and vanilla for a fragrance that feels cozy without overwhelming the space. Perfect for evenings when you want sweetness in the air.

Rich, woodsy, and sophisticated, this candle brings depth without harshness. It’s ideal for fall and winter months when you want something grounding and elegant.

These options are all 3-wick soy candles that burn evenly and give strong fragrance throw—without the toxins of paraffin blends.

Because so many people Google questions like “are soy candles safe for pets” or “are Bath & Body Works candles safe for cats,” here are some clear, straightforward answers:

Are soy candles safe for pets?

Yes. Soy is one of the cleanest waxes available. As long as the fragrance is phthalate-free, soy candles are a safe option for homes with pets.

Which candle scents are safest for cats and dogs?

Gentle scents like vanilla, sage, and light florals are generally fine. Avoid heavily citrus-based or sharp herbal oils like eucalyptus or pine.

Are popular brands like Yankee or Bath & Body Works okay around pets?

These brands often use paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance oils. They’re widely loved, but if you want the cleanest option for pets, soy or coconut wax is better.

What’s the safest way to burn candles with pets?

Keep them out of reach, never leave them unattended, and ventilate the room. For absolute peace of mind, alternate with flameless options like reed diffusers.

So, are candles safe for pets? The answer depends entirely on the candle you choose and how you use it. Paraffin and heavily perfumed candles can be irritating for cats and dogs, but soy candles with clean fragrance blends offer a safe, long-lasting way to enjoy a scented home.

At Affinati, we’ve built our collection around that exact philosophy: hand-poured soy wax, toxin-free fragrance, and elegant vessels designed to elevate your home while keeping it safe for everyone—including the four-legged family members.

Read More:

1. The Science of Candle Scents: How Fragrance Affects Mood | Affinati

2. French Vanilla Candle 2025 | Affinati Luxury 3-Wick Spotlight

3. Best Winter Candles for Bedrooms | Affinati Signature Collection