Even though tea tree oil is very toxic to cats and dogs it can still be found in a variety of pet products. Claims that it repels fleas and ticks, cures allergies and soothes skin are very common. As little as 7 drops of 100% tea tree oil have been known to cause severe toxicity, and 10-20ml can easily cause death.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets.
A safe dose would be about five drops (0.4 milliliters), mixed with 1 teaspoon (4.8 milliliters) of vegetable or olive oil. The mixture should typically be applied to the cat's skin, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Tea Tree Oil poisoning can occur from skin exposure, oral ingestion or a combination of the two. Signs of poisoning can occur within 2-12 hours of ingestion and can include: Vomiting and drooling. Lethargy and weakness.
Many users question if tea tree and peppermint oils are safe for cats. Pennyroyal and melaleuca (tea tree) oils have been implicated in some severe cases of seizures and liver damage. Some oils, like tea tree oil and peppermint oil, are more toxic to cats than others in smaller amounts.
Toxicity to pets
Tea tree oil is often found in varying concentrations and high concentrations should never be used on pets. As little as 7 drops of 100% oil has resulted in severe poisoning, and applications of 10-20 mls of 100% oil have resulted in poisoning and death in both dogs and cats.
The best essential oils that are safe for cats are rosemary, copaiba, helichrysum, oregano, frankincense and cedarwood essential oil. Cats can also tolerate chamomile, lavender, thyme and valerian essential oils at very diluted concentrations.
Although products containing low concentrations of tea tree oil are not expected to be a problem in pets, the use of pure tea tree oil directly on the skin is potentially very serious in pets and should never be used. Exposure may cause ataxia, salivation, lethargy, coma and tremor.
Tea tree oil falls into this category: it can be toxic to our pets and fleas, even though it is likely safe for most humans when used on the skin. The dose required to kill all of the fleas might be fatal to your cat.
Coconut oil can be used both topically and orally to keep your cat's coat shiny and healthy and prevent dry, irritated skin from developing. It kills parasites such as mange, fleas, and ticks which are suffocated by the fat content in the oil.
If you must use it, never use undiluted tea tree oil. Buy a diluted tea tree oil product or dilute it yourself with a carrier oil like almond oil, jojoba oil or pure aloe vera. And don't use it anywhere your dog can reach it to lick. RELATED: Safe, natural recipes for skin problems in dogs …
The simplest way to dilute tea tree oil is with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of carrier oil with 2-3 drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is completely safe to use provided it is diluted correctly with a carrier oil.
Basically, as long as you dilute the tea tree oil and use a concentration of LESS than 1.0% tea tree oil, it is safe. That kind of dilution would be 6 drops in 30ml or 1 ounce of carrier oil. So you can use 3-6 drops of tea tree oil for dilution rates of 0.5 and 1.0%.
Your cat might hate the smell of some essential oils, and for a good reason. Essential oils are super-concentrated extracts from plants and are different than manufactured fragrances. Eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and peppermint, among others, are off-putting to cats.
Lavender, which has natural sedative properties, may help soothe an anxious cat. Copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense are also considered safe for cats.
Secondly, you can make up a spray of neem oil and spritz them where the fur is sparse, the groin, armpits and belly. It won't smell the best, but if you rub it right in, it will go on a parasite rampage for you. Neem degrades in water, so only mix what you can use in 24 hours.
In the case of cats with fleas or ticks, plain therapeutic virgin coconut oil high in lauric acid is sufficient to eliminate and prevent fleas, ticks and mites.
2 1,8-cineole is another type of terpene found in tea tree oil that has shown to be relatively effective in killing various types of parasites,3 and limonene, yet another type of terpene, has been found to specifically kill Ctenocephalides felis4, the species of flea most commonly found on pets.
Sunflower oil is commonly used to keep skin moisturized as many dogs and cats cannot properly synthesize linoleic acid (LA), a dietary source or supplement is necessary to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Sunflower oil also promotes energy, healthy immune function, heart health, and normal organ function.
When applied topically to your cat's skin and fur, coconut oil can help prevent dryness and irritation from developing. It will also keep their coat shiny and healthy thanks to its moisturizing effects! Coconut oil is an effective healer of damaged skin due to its antioxidant properties.
Yes, cats can have olive oil in small amounts.
Felines require a diet that's high in protein and low in carbohydrates and olive oil is a pure fat and very rich in calories. Therefore, it can add a ton of calories to your pets diet and it's very important not to give them too much.
Tea tree oil (also known as melaleuca oil) - This oil is toxic to pets and can have serious consequences when it comes into contact with dogs and cats. According to one study, tea tree oil can cause adverse reactions in dogs, ranging from tremors to central nervous system depression.