Tea Tree Oil is TOXIC TO CATS and other pets! Find out more here and about the Tea Tree's other potent qualities.

Tea tree oil is not only an effective treatment for all of man kinds ailments, it has also been found to be an effective remedy for pets and animals. It is said to be an effective deodorizer, fur detangler, and external parasite repellent and is also used to relieve hotspots, rashes, and irritations caused by flea or other insect bites as well as many other conditions. It is very important to read all product instructions carefully before administering to you pet. Frequently it is used on cats without complications by some pet owners but it is strongly suggested that you refrain from using this oil on your feline friends. Due to their weak liver function there have been many cases of cats becoming severely ill, suffering permanent side effects, and in some cases loss of life. Please see our toxic to cats warning below. Please consult your veterinarian before treating you pets with any concentration of melaleuca oil.

WARNING
Toxic to cats

Along with being an effective remedy for many human skin ailments, Tea Tree Oil is readily available at pet stores for treatment of our furry friends. However, if ingested, this helpful natural product can become the furthest thing from effective, a toxic poison. The use as a flea control on young kittens has been recorded as resulting in death in some cases.

Early in the 1990’s with the suggestion of Tea Tree Oil causing negative effects on cats with nerve disorders, it was recommended that the amount of oil contained in animal products, such as cat shampoo, should not exceed 1%. It was advised to owners of cats with diabetes, epilepsy, metabolic or neurological disorders as well as young kittens not to use products containing this substance on their pets.

The National Animal Poison Control Center also reported cases of poisoning following external applications to cats. The majority of these cases were the result of inappropriately high doses, which caused acute poisoning. Symptoms typically occur 2-8 hours after topical applications and can include vomiting, dizziness, clumsiness, lack of appetites and energy, muscle tremors, behavioral disorders and weakness.

Although safe and highly effective for external use on humans, current evidence recorded by veterinarians show melaleuca oil being toxic to cats, due in part to the their comparably weak liver function. Cats are notoriously sensitive to toxins; their livers are not able to metabolize many substances that may safely be used on dogs or humans. For this reason, a substance shown to be beneficial and safe for humans may be unsuitable for use on cats.

Treatment for feline poisoning is by bathing the animal in a non-insecticidal shampoo. Intravenous fluids and glucose are sometimes required to strengthen the animal to overcome hypotension and to aid renal elimination. When ingested, to decrease the amount of oil absorbed in the stomach charcoal and cathartic is required. Cats properly treated for poisoning typically recover within 2-3 days.

It is claimed that products containing this substance act as an effective deodorizer, fur detangler, and external parasite repellent. It is actively promoted for its ability to penetrate the skin. Many cat owners use Tea Tree Oil without any adverse effects, however it is important to know the risks and carefully follow all instructions with regard to feline products containing melaleuca oil.