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Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) essential oil is one of the most dangerous substances for cats. It is essentially pure methyl salicylate — a compound cats cannot metabolise efficiently. The topical product BenGay and similar muscle rubs often contain wintergreen oil and are a common cause of severe cat poisoning.
Important Notes
Toxic compounds: methyl salicylate (the primary component of wintergreen oil, >96%); the plant also contains methyl salicylate at lower concentrations
Mechanism: cats lack glucuronyl transferase needed to metabolise salicylates; toxic accumulation causes GI haemorrhage, metabolic acidosis, and kidney failure
Symptoms: vomiting, rapid or laboured breathing, weakness, tremors, GI bleeding; severe cases cause seizures, liver and kidney failure
Topical application of wintergreen-containing products to cats is extremely dangerous — never use muscle rubs, liniments, or oral care products with wintergreen on cats
Any wintergreen oil exposure is a veterinary emergency
Potentially Toxic Parts
Stem
Leaf
Fruit
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Liver failure, seizures, collapse, and death
Gastrointestinal · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Shaking, tremoring, and walking as if they are drunk (ataxia)
Neurological · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Lethargy, depression, or dullness
Neurological · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Difficulty breathing or breathing with the mouth open
Respiratory · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Sore or red skin, and chemical burns
Dermal · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
Excessive dribbling
Gastrointestinal · Not explicitly specified in the sources.
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.