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Are essential oils toxic to cats?

Also called: essential oil, tea tree oil, melaleuca oil, oil diffuser, diffuser, reed diffuser, wintergreen oil, citrus oil

Toxic

Cats are the species most sensitive to them; one drop of a concentrated oil can poison.

Yes. Cats are more sensitive to essential oils than any other species. A single drop of a concentrated oil such as tea tree, swallowed or on the skin, can poison a cat.

Signs to watch for

  • Tea tree oil: depression, low body temperature, difficulty walking or standing, tremors and possible liver damage.
  • Citrus oils: muscle tremors, difficulty standing or walking, coma and death.

Why it's dangerous

  • Cats' livers break down certain essential oils poorly, which makes them more sensitive.

How cats get exposed

  • On the skin or furPoisoning can happen through the skin as well as by swallowing, and cats swallow what they groom off their fur.
  • Plug-in freshenersLiquid potpourri and plug-in air fresheners may contain essential oils and corrosive substances.
  • If it's on their coatStop your cat grooming and wash them with mild shampoo and water, as your vet directs.

Sources

  • Feline SafetyPet Poison Helpline · Read 9 October 2026
    By far, cats are the species most sensitive to the use of essential oils.
    cats have a decreased ability to metabolize certain essential oils in the liver, making them much more sensitive.
    use of concentrated oil can cause low body temperature, depression, difficulty walking or standing, tremors, and possible liver damage.
    Citrus Oils can cause concern for muscle tremors, difficulty standing or walking, coma, and death.
  • Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for CatsVCA Animal Hospitals · Read 9 October 2026
    Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, can cause poisoning from ingestion or topical exposure to a single drop of a concentrated product.
    Tea tree oil can result in depression, hypothermia, and potentially liver injury in cats.
    Liquid potpourri products (such as plug-in air fresheners) may contain essential oils as well as corrosive substances that can cause poisoning and burns.
    With topical exposures, the skin may absorb the toxin, but the cat can also ingest it when grooming its fur.
  • Cats and poisonsInternational Cat Care · Read 9 October 2026
    try to prevent your cat from grooming itself further and wash them thoroughly with mild shampoo and water under instruction from your veterinary team

Information from Pet Poison Helpline, VCA Animal Hospitals and International Cat CareSources checked 9 October 2026

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