Can dogs and cats eat Essential oils (tea tree and others)?
Concentrated essential oils can be absorbed through the skin or swallowed. Cats are especially sensitive because they lack liver enzymes to break down many compounds.
Why
Terpenes and phenols (e.g. terpinen-4-ol in tea tree oil)
Signs to watch for
- drooling
- vomiting
- wobbliness, weakness
- tremors
- low body temperature
- breathing difficulty (inhaled)
Good to know
Never apply undiluted tea tree oil or other oils to pets. Spills on fur are an emergency for cats. Passive diffusers in well-ventilated rooms are a lower risk, but cats with breathing problems may be affected.
If you think your pet has been poisoned
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or touched something poisonous, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your pet seems fine – some poisons take hours or days to show signs, and early treatment works best. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, as this can cause more harm. Take the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, and note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
Sources
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline – Tea Tree Oil
- ASPCA – The Essentials of Essential Oils Around Pets
- PDSA – Are essential oils toxic to cats?
- Cats Protection – Are essential oils dangerous to cats?
Checked against these sources in October 2026.