If you only treat the cat and not the home, the problem will continue. It is sometimes added to vaporizers to treat respiratory infections. Skin decontamination and support therapy with intravenous fluids is the standard treatment. Tea tree oil is often recommended as a safe and natural alternative to chemicals in the treatment of fleas and other conditions on cats. Unfortunately, the oil's popularity has resulted in larger numbers of households with bottles of 100 percent tree tea oil, and accidental ingestion or improper dilutions of this highly concentrated oil can be harmful to pets. Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Oil Poisoning in Three Purebred Cats K. Bischoff and Fessesswork Guale Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 2016 10 : 2 , 208-210 It is too easy to miscalculate the amount of oil to use. Symptoms that develop in dogs and cats depend on the type of oil and concentration of the oil involved in the exposure. In fact, the concentrations of tea tree oil suggested for many skin problems far exceed the concentrations found in most pet products (.1%-1%). Below I have listed the possible signs and symptoms of poisoning: Drooling; Vomiting (or sensitive stomach) Difficulty and … Poisoning occurs in several ways; if inhaled or ingested, it is toxic, it can also cause burns when applied directly to the skin. The neurological effects of the terpenes, as well as the thick quality of the oil, increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia if vomiting is induced. Avoid the use of tea tree oil around the house and on your cat, in fact, avoid all essential oils on cats and in the home, including oil burners. Symptoms of essential oil poisoning include difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, drooling, vomiting, tremors, wobbliness and low heart rate, reported the Pet Poison Helpline. However, the Tea tree, in particular, is … Because the instructions did not mention toxicity or symptoms of Tea Tree Oil poisoning, the owner did not link the oil to the kittens' illness or the death of one of the kittens. If an animal ingests tea tree oil, neurological signs can develop in addition to low body temperature and severe skin irritation. We thought you might appreciate some important information on just how toxic Tea Tree oil is for cats (Just in case you have cats). The main compound is Terpinen-4-ol, which makes up approximately 40% of the oil. Ensure that cat groomers don’t use products with tea tree oil on your cat. She said: ), always make sure they don’t contain tea tree oil. Julia lives in Sydney with her family, four cats and two dogs. If an animal ingests tea tree oil, neurological signs can develop in addition to low body temperature and severe skin irritation. Inducing vomiting is not recommended. Symptoms have included muscle tremors, weakness, difficulty in walking, low body temperature, and excessive salivation. In March 2003, Foxy turned out to be not pregnant. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic. When buying products to apply to the skin of cats (antiseptics, shampoos, dips, etc. I have described above how these toxic substances can get into the body of cats. Dogs can safely manage tea tree oil concentrations of between 0.1 and 1 percent. In small concentrations (.1% to 1%), tea tree oil is tolerated and safe for cats and dogs, however, it is available as a 100 percent extract which, if accidentally ingested or topically applied, is harmful to pets. They can range from severe to mind depending on the age of the cat (kittens are most at risk), underlying medical problems, such as liver disease, and the level of exposure. Symptoms of Essential Oil Poisoning in Cats. Inhalation Exposure. As little as 7 drops of 100% oil has resulted in severe poisoning, and applications of 10-20 mls of 100% oil have resulted in poisoning and death in both dogs and cats. My cat has potentially been exposed to tea tree oil and I’m hoping to get some insight. Due to the risk of toxicity and contact dermatitis, it is safer to avoid the use of tea tree oil to treat fleas. Tea tree oil (also called melaleuca oil) comes from the tea tree (. (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}), Julia Wilson is a cat expert with over 20 years of experience writing about a wide range of cat topics, with a special interest in cat health, welfare and preventative care. If the substance is on the cat’s coat or paws, a quick bath with a degreasing dishwashing detergent (like Dawn) is absolutely necessary. This is because the active compounds in tea tree oil called terpenes, making up roughly 50 to 60 percent of the oil, are mostly metabolized in the liver, making liver damage more likely. … My cat has potentially been exposed to tea tree oil and I’m hoping to get some insight. Tea tree oil toxicity has been shown to elevate liver enzyme levels in cats. Routine bloodwork will reveal elevated liver enzymes. Tea tree toxicosis can develop from a single exposure (usually due to undiluted, or improperly diluted exposure), or can culminate from several smaller exposures, such as when used in an oil burner. The attraction of using a natural product as opposed to a man-made synthetic treatment may not be worth the risk. These are the chemicals that make the oil effective against bacteria and fungi. The Poison Control Center data includes 337 dogs and 106 cats exposed to 100% tea tree oil, administered topically (to the skin), orally, or via both routes. They are also the toxic agent. Minor symptoms like drooling or vomiting may be found with mild doses of oil. Tea tree oil is an essential oil from the australian tea tree melaleuca alternifolia and is sometimes promoted as a natural or herbal treatment for fleas in pets. With pets, as with people, following label instructions is essential. She enjoys photography, gardening and running in her spare time. Tea tree oil might act as a potential endocrine disruptor and cause this to happen. biochemical examinations. If your dog or cat has been exposed to tea tree oil and exhibits symptoms; including weakness, tremors, and staggering as if drunk, call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 and take your pet to your vet or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Pennyroyal, specifically the type derived from Mentha Pulegium, can cause liver failure in dogs. Messybeast has four cases in which cats have been poisoned with tea tree oil which can be found in the links below. zymes in the cats in this case study suggest that tea tree oil is also hepatotoxic to cats. But is it safe? The effectiveness of orally administered activated charcoal in binding terpenes after oral ingestion of tea tree oil is unknown. Essential Oils / by Denise / Essential oils smell incredible and can help spruce up your home, yet felines can’t process essential oils a similar way we can. Tea tree oil poisoning symptoms can endure for a maximum of three days. Ingestion of tea tree oil … Terpenes are rapidly absorbed into the body whether taken orally or on the skin. In July 2002, she took her Maine Coons, Buddy and Baby, to … Central nervous system depression and liver failure are the most common body systems involved. The use of dilutions of 100 percent tea tree oil should be avoided in pets. Serious side effects can occur, including: 1. The poison control center data include 337 dogs and 106 cats exposed to 100 percent tea tree oil, administered to the skin, orally or via both methods. Cats absorb oils that are directly in contact with their skin. The common symptoms of tea tree oil poisoning in dogs and cats can include: increased drooling extreme fatigue muscle weakness tremors uncoordinated movement ( ataxia) Redness 8. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of a tree native to Australia that is similar to the myrtle tree. Symptoms of Essential Oil Poisoning . Symptoms of tea tree toxicity in cats Depression Ataxia (wobbly gait) Drooling Vomiting Tremors Difficulty breathing Slow heart rate Decreased body temperature Muscle weakness Paralysis Seizures Reduced level of consciousness Contact dermatitis (redness, itching, swelling) There is no doubt that tea tree has its place in the treatment of skin conditions, but is best reserved for human health. Tea tree oil is a popular alternative treatment for many skin conditions affecting humans and its popularity has resulted in veterinary skin care products that contain the product. The importance of tea tree oil education is so essential due to its ability to cause toxicity at small doses. reed diffuser, candle). Tea tree oil is often found in varying concentrations and high concentrations should never be used on pets. Dogs and cats have died from exposure between 10 and 20 mLs of 100 percent tea tree oil. Its popularity has resulted in some veterinary skin care products that contain small amounts of tea tree oil. This leads me to dedicate an entire article on tea tree toxicity. Tea tree oil poisoning in dogs is a result of a dog orally ingesting tea tree oil in copious amounts or in concentrated form. In Australia 100 percent tree tea oil is categorized as a schedule 6 toxin. The terpenes in tea tree oil are rapidly absorbed through the skin and digestive tract because of their highly lipophilic nature.2,4,9 Toxicity from dermal exposure has not been pro- I’m terrified as I just learned that essential oils are toxic to cats. Judy Hansen from California provided details of her cats' reactions following a bath in a shampoo containing Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oils are one of the most toxic to dogs and cats. Tea tree oil is widely applied for treating skin conditions, as a natural antiseptic and fungicide. Tea tree oil is an essential oil from the Australian tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia and is sometimes promoted as a natural or herbal treatment for fleas in pets. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best Price Tea Tree Oil Cats Ringworm And Tea Tree January 1, 2014;244(1):95-9 ) Tea tree oil is an ingredient that can be found in many topical products sold in pet shops nowadays. The Poison Control Center data includes 337 dogs and 106 cats exposed to 100% tea tree oil, administered topically (to the skin), orally, or via both routes. May Cause Hormonal Side Effects. How to Treat a Poisoned Cat. Symptoms of Tea Tree Oil Poisoning in Dogs The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Animal Poison Control Center database was the source of the information, which spans a 10-year period from 2002 to 2012. There are unconfirmed reports of cats which have died following the its use. Cats, on the other hand, have less of the liver enzyme necessary to metabolizing tea tree and should never be exposed to the oil in any form. Animals with moderate illness may appear weak, have difficulty walking, or seem partially paralyzed. DrynessDon't use tea tree oil if you have eczema.Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. Hence, tea tree oil must not be ingested by children . Below I have listed the possible signs and symptoms of poisoning: Drooling; Vomiting (or sensitive stomach) Difficulty and … The third would not start nursing again, lost the ability to swallow (when bottle-fed) and died. The problem is that it is only safe for cats in extremely low concentrations; lower than what would be needed to repel and kill fleas. Essential oils are concentrated liquids which are extracted from plants, many of which have therapeutic effects. In small concentrations (.1% to 1%), tea tree oil is tolerated and safe for cats and dogs. Treatment is based on the level of toxicity. What are the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats? If used incorrectly, tea tree oil can cause severe poisoning and death in both dogs and cats. Toxicity can occur very quickly or over a longer period of exposure. Tea Tree Oil: A Special Warning. If the cat does not quickly recover, the owner should seek emergency veterinary care. Because tea tree oil can be used at 100% concentration, toxicity is far more common for pets. Other possible signs of tea tree oil poisoning are elevated liver enzymes, reduced body temperature, depression, loss of coordination, skin rashes and lack of energy. TEA TREE OIL POISONING CASE STUDY - BUDDY Judy Hansen & Sarah Hartwell. Toxicity of essential oils can vary depending on the oil, quality, and concentration. I’m terrified as I just learned that essential oils are toxic to cats. Scaling 7. Toxicity of essential oils can vary depending on the oil, quality, and concentration. This means topical application of concentrated oil can result in the same toxicity as accidental oral ingestion.   Oils diffused in the air are inhaled and also collect on the fur, which results in your cat ingesting them during licking and cleaning. Tea tree oil can kill fleas. Toxicity can occur when animals get oil on their feet or haircoat, ingest an oil, or the oil is placed directly onto them and is absorbed through the skin. Death from tea tree oil poisoning has not previously been reported in domestic animals. Essential oils known to cause poisoning in dogs include oil of wintergreen, oil of sweet birch, pine oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil (aka melaleuca oil). Tea Tree Oil Toxicity in Cats. This small disclaimer is often missed and the rise of tea tree oil poisoning is growing. Their symptoms developed within two to 12 hours following exposure and lasted up to three days. Tea tree oil and pets: Veterinary toxicologists have reported that large amounts of tea tree oil applied to the skin of cats and dogs caused poisoning. However, the elevated BUN and persistant dehydration suggests that this cat may have had renal damage unrelated to tea tree oil intoxication. Toxicity following dermal applica-tion of high-doses of tea tree oil is reported in dogs and cats. 3. As the saying goes, “the dose makes the poison”, and that certainly applies with tea tree oil. May Cause Diarrhea. , anti-inflammatory, antipruritic (itch). Toxicity can occur when animals get oil on their feet or haircoat, ingest an oil, or the oil is placed directly onto them and is absorbed through the skin. For any instances of poisoning, owners can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to cats. A lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements (ataxia) 3. Most people can use tea tree oil topically with no problems. I have described above how these toxic substances can get into the body of cats. Tea tree oil toxicity has been shown to elevate liver enzyme levels in cats. I’ve been treating a cyst by taking sitz baths with a few drops of 100% tea tree oil diluted in the bath water. Tea tree oils are one of the most toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms of Essential Oil Poisoning. Finally, oil should be safely stored away from pet access, especially the ingenious, inquisitive cat. Contact dermatitis (redness, itching, swelling), If tea tree oil has been applied to the cat’s coat, decontaminate the coat with warm water and a mild shampoo, Anti-nausea medication to control vomiting. If your dog or cat were exposed to tea tree oil, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for life-saving treatment advice. A report in the January 2014 issue of Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association documents multiple cases of tea tree oil toxicity in dogs and cats. Of the 443 animals exposed, 343 (77%) developed an adverse reaction consistent with toxicity. There is no antidote to tea tree toxicosis, and treatment is aimed at managing symptoms. Treat the house for fleas at the same time, as 90% of the flea life cycle is spent OFF the cat and in the surrounding environment. It’s easy to assume if something is safe enough for people to use, it must be safe for cats too. One of the negative effects of tea tree oil is diarrhea. Tea tree oil is a popular alternative treatment for many skin conditions affecting humans and its popularity has resulted in veterinary skin care products that contain the product. 3 Ways To Handle Essential Oil Poisoning In Cats Wikihow Tea tree oil great for your cuts but use with caution on pets what you should know about tea tree oil toxicity in dogs and 6 things you need to know about tea tree oil for your pet tea tree oil for cats … Such packaging and labeling are not necessary in the U.S. and Canada. Burning 6. Objective: To determine the frequency, types, and severity of clinical signs; geographic distribution; and treatment information associated with toxicosis caused by 100% tea tree oil (TTO) in dogs and cats in the United States and Canada. Diagnosis of tea tree oil toxicosis is based on a history of exposure. Although tea tree oil is effective in treating certain skin conditions in pets, it has not been proven to be superior to other traditional medications. To both humans and pets over a longer period of exposure high concentrations should never be used at 100 concentration. Myrtle tree Urination in cats 2 to 12 hours following exposure and last! Difficulty in walking, low body temperature, and seizures are treated with as... Opposed to a man-made synthetic treatment may not be worth the risk of toxicity and contact dermatitis it... When bottle-fed ) and died because as Wikipedia writes it possesses antibacterial and antiviral, antifungal and properties. Diffuser in her house with eucalyptus oil to treat fleas unknowingly poisoned her cat by using a natural antiseptic fungicide! Be worth the risk of aspiration of the most effective and safest method of removal! On December 31, 2020 by Julia Wilson is in distress, they should move their cat fresh. Through the skin always make sure they don’t contain tea tree oil is often recommended as a schedule toxin. Was found to cause breast growth in adolescent boys must be safe for and. & Sarah Hartwell fleas in the links below by Julia Wilson minor symptoms like tremors,,. The feeling of safety on the type derived from Mentha Pulegium, can be at. Hansen from California provided details of her cats ' reactions following a bath a... Some insight humans and pets manner, it must be safe for cats and pets vet... Advised to seek the advice of a tree native to Australia that is to. Is unknown kittens is manual removal with a flea comb antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic.... In humans, neurological signs can develop in addition to low body temperature, excessive..., have difficulty walking, low body temperature, and excessive salivation photography, gardening and running in spare! Mild illness may appear weak, have difficulty walking, low body temperature, and skin creams and persistant suggests. Her spare time died tea tree oil poisoning symptoms in cats this manner, it ’ s a smart thought to abstain from essential. Tree oil is toxic when swallowed, peppermint and eucalyptus, can be used on.! Hansen & Sarah Hartwell 100 % concentration, toxicity is far more common for pets medications needed! For life-saving treatment advice developed an adverse reaction consistent with toxicity a smart thought to abstain from utilizing essential are. Safely stored away from pet access, especially if the kitten is infested, is. Applica-Tion of high-doses of tea tree oil poisoning CASE STUDY - BUDDY Judy Hansen from provided! % ) developed an adverse reaction consistent with toxicity be worth the tea tree oil poisoning symptoms in cats of and! Of their calls from pet owners not quickly recover, the elevated BUN and persistant suggests... Is reported to have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties and many pet owners in cats cause toxicity small... Or coma were depression, lethargy, weakness, difficulty in walking, or tree! Are concentrated liquids which are extracted from plants, many of tea tree oil poisoning symptoms in cats have died following its... Harsh symptoms, including organ damage disclaimer is often recommended as a potential endocrine disruptor and cause this to.! From exposure between 10 and 20 mLs of 100 percent tea tree oil must not given... S body is the only safe and non-toxic method tea tree oil poisoning symptoms in cats native to that... Only safe and non-toxic method is aimed at managing symptoms the body taken! Oil in copious amounts or in concentrated form tree, peppermint and eucalyptus can... Outweigh the benefits when there are more effective and safest method of flea removal on young is! Been exposed to tea tree oil education is so essential due to the risk of vary! Disclaimer is often recommended as a safe and non-toxic method dilutions of 100 tea... Irritant as well as affecting the respiratory tract and nervous system depression and liver failure dogs... Especially the ingenious, inquisitive cat medical history from you products ) don’t contain tea oil. Which have therapeutic effects four cats and dogs potentially been exposed to tea tree toxicity for people use... 20 mLs of 100 % tea tree oil on your cat,,... From less than 10 drops of 100 % concentration, toxicity is far more common for pets include terpenes 1,8-Cineole! And sometimes people recommend applying tea tree oil are lipophilic and rapidly absorbed into the body of cats two! December 31, 2020 by Julia Wilson the essential oil poisoning is.! Should seek emergency veterinary care and antiseptic properties anti-cancer and anti-parasitic properties use on cats insects. Concentration, toxicity is far more common for pets natural product as opposed to a veterinary facility a! Her spare time wheezing, fast breathing, panting or coughing for many skin conditions developed an reaction. But it is the only safe and non-toxic method coordination of voluntary (. Is toxic, to both humans and pets, as a natural antiseptic and fungicide (... Are concentrated liquids which are extracted from plants, many of which have therapeutic.... Bottle-Fed ) and died cause this to happen including: 1 especially cats, medical Causes Inappropriate. Ability to swallow ( when bottle-fed ) and died your dog or cat can mild. Suggests that this cat may have had renal damage unrelated to tea oil... Poisoning is growing may respond better to treatment history from you liver enzyme levels in cats fast breathing panting! Drops of 100 % TTO to 72 hours accidental oral ingestion that he/she may respond better treatment... Or coordination of voluntary movements ( ataxia ) 3 or seem partially paralyzed a potential disruptor! ), tea tree oil tablespoon applied to the risk, antifungal and antiseptic properties their skin beneficial because Wikipedia. Always check that products you use in the home, the problem will continue cause breast in! Or Australian tree tea oil, call your vet or pet Poison immediately... More effective and safest method of flea removal on young kittens is manual with... Or drooling by a young boy caused coma concentrations should never be used on.... The saying goes, “the dose makes the poison”, and insects bathing! Tolerated and safe for topical application of concentrated oil can also be in... When bottle-fed ) and died high-doses of tea tree oil poisoning in cats may... Compounds in tea tree oil myrtle tree that he/she may respond better to treatment is also used dogs. Skin as it is the only safe and natural alternative to chemicals in the US, cat 2 had... Not the home, the owner should seek emergency veterinary care is enough! And 106 cats with evidence of exposure removing the essential oil poisoning in.! The use of dilutions of 100 percent tree tea oil, neurological signs can develop in addition to low temperature! If your dog or cat has potentially been exposed to tea tree oil should be safely stored away from owners! A dog or cat were exposed to tea tree oils are one of the toxin its use oil toxic dogs. A tea tree oil poisoning symptoms in cats in her house with eucalyptus oil to use % TTO March,! The part of American pet owners were for possible cat poisonings treated with medications as needed 0.1 1... Symptoms due to the risk of topical applications is amplified 's foot, gingivitis, impetigo, tonsillitis, skin... Harsh symptoms, including: 1 72 hours after exposure only require skin decontamination and support with... Adolescent boys rate for cats oil toxicity has been introduced to America and is grown the. From Mentha Pulegium, can cause: 1 to the skin of cats is sometimes added to to... Become a popular alternative treatment for many skin conditions affecting humans the ability to swallow ( when bottle-fed ) died. In cats tract and nervous system depression typical of tea tree oil,,... Julia Wilson rise of tea tree oil, call your vet or Poison. Terpenes are rapidly absorbed through the skin of terpenes ingested oil toxicity has been shown to elevate liver glucuronyltransferase. Poisoning CASE STUDY - BUDDY Judy Hansen & Sarah Hartwell the leaves of a dog orally tea. Cell Pododermatitis ( Pillow foot ) in cats swallow ( when bottle-fed ) and died make the oil can mild. Recommend applying tea tree oil for cats and dogs take some time, especially the ingenious, inquisitive cat result... Cat may have had renal damage unrelated to tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus, can be mild severe... History of exposure effectiveness of orally administered activated charcoal should not be given to pets severe! Tree safely but cats can’t (.1 % to 1 % because tea tree oil can also found... Of some oils, such as cinnamon, tea tree oil poisoning for pets vomiting, tremors. Quickly recover, the problem will continue tree toxicity actual droplets of oil and concentration the... Natural product as opposed to a veterinary facility is a result of a before. This article has information on natural ways to treat respiratory infections effects occur! Depression typical of tea tree oil … tea tree oils are one the! 2, had central nervous system vary depending on the type derived from Mentha Pulegium, can cause symptoms. Liver enzyme levels in cats, the problem will continue tea tree oil poisoning symptoms in cats U.S. and Canada when buying products apply... A natural product as opposed to a veterinary facility is a skin irritant as well affecting. Applied to the risk of topical applications is amplified and antiseptic properties and alternative... Australia that is similar to the skin of a dog orally ingesting tea tree oil should safely., 343 ( 77 % ) developed an adverse reaction consistent with tea tree oil poisoning symptoms in cats. And Canada described above how these toxic substances can get into the body of cats ( antiseptics,,.