←
Tea Tree
Melaleuca alternifolia
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil is highly toxic to cats. Unlike many herbal products, tea tree oil causes severe toxicity even in very small topical doses — a few drops applied to the skin can cause life-threatening reactions. Cats absorb the oil rapidly through skin, and their livers cannot metabolise the terpene compounds.
Important Notes
Toxic compounds: terpene-4-ol, alpha-terpinene, and related monoterpenoids; concentrated in essential oil (never use on or near cats)
Mechanism: cats lack sufficient glucuronyl transferase to metabolise these terpenoids, causing rapid toxic accumulation affecting the CNS and liver
Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, ataxia, weakness, tremors, low body temperature, collapse; onset within hours of topical application
Topical application is the most common cause of toxicity — never use tea tree oil as a flea treatment or skin remedy for cats
Any tea tree oil exposure is a veterinary emergency — rinse off immediately and contact a vet
Potentially Toxic Parts
Leaf
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Liver injury progressing to potential liver failure
Hepatic · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Shaking, tremoring, "walking as if they're drunk" (ataxia), collapse, and seizures
Neurological · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Depression, lethargy, or dullness
Neurological · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature)
Metabolic · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Sore skin, redness, or chemical burns
Dermal · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Difficulty breathing or breathing with their mouth open
Respiratory · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Excessive dribbling (drooling) and vomiting
Gastrointestinal · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.