Is Tea Tree Oil Toxic to Pets?
Yes — tea tree oil is toxic to cats. Yes — tea tree oil is toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Terpenes
- Toxic parts
- Concentrated oil on skin or swallowed
- Also known as
- melaleuca oil
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate tea tree oil
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate tea tree oil
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Even a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil on the skin can cause weakness, wobbliness and tremors, particularly in cats and small dogs.
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Frequently asked questions
Is tea tree oil toxic to cats?
Yes — tea tree oil is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is tea tree oil toxic to dogs?
Yes — tea tree oil is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of tea tree oil are toxic?
Concentrated oil on skin or swallowed.
What makes tea tree oil toxic?
Terpenes.
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