Wintergreen

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Liver failure, seizures, collapse, and death Not explicitly specified in the sources. · Essential oils like Wintergreen can cause serious internal organ damage2. Because cats cannot efficiently metabolize the methyl salicylate in Wintergreen, the toxin builds up in their system, which can progress to life-threatening organ failure and terminal neurological events.
2. 2
   Shaking, tremoring, and walking as if they are drunk (ataxia) Not explicitly specified in the sources. · These neurological symptoms indicate that the central nervous system is being affected by the absorbed toxins.
3. 3
   Lethargy, depression, or dullness Not explicitly specified in the sources. · This is a generalized systemic sign of toxicity as the cat's body struggles to handle the poison, specifically because felines lack the liver enzymes to process salicylates effectively.
4. 4
   Difficulty breathing or breathing with the mouth open Not explicitly specified in the sources. · This can occur if neat (undiluted) essential oils are nebulized or ultrasonically diffused into the air, especially in cats that already have underlying respiratory conditions like asthma.
5. 5
   Sore or red skin, and chemical burns Not explicitly specified in the sources. · This is caused by direct skin contact with the essential oil. However, even if there is no visible damage to the skin, owners should not assume the cat is safe, as the oil can be absorbed transdermally or ingested when the cat grooms itself.
6. 6
   Excessive dribbling Not explicitly specified in the sources. · This often occurs after oral exposure, such as when a cat gets the essential oil on its fur and licks it off during grooming, or if it directly drinks liquid from a reed diffuser.
7. 7
   Vomiting Not explicitly specified in the sources. · Vomiting can be caused directly by the toxic compounds in Wintergreen or by the high fat levels present in carrier oils used to dilute the essential oil.

Important notes

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a plant whose concentrated essential oil is extremely dangerous to cats. This oil can be found in products like muscle rubs, liniments, and some scented items. Cats must not ingest wintergreen oil or have it applied to their skin or fur. The toxic compound is methyl salicylate, which is chemically similar to aspirin. Cats lack the specific liver enzymes needed to process salicylates effectively. This means the toxin can quickly build up in their system to poisonous levels, even from what might seem like a small exposure. Absorption through the skin is a major risk, especially if a cat licks the oil off while grooming. Wintergreen poisoning is a medical emergency. Symptoms can include vomiting, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, and internal organ failure. If you suspect your cat has been exposed to any product containing wintergreen oil, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Please contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

• 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