Symptoms were depression, weakness, ataxia, lack of coordination, behavioural disorders and muscle tremors. Warning signs may include vomiting, dizziness, clumsiness, lack of appetite and lack of energy. Treatment is by removing residual amounts of oil from the skin by bathing the cat in a non-insecticidal shampoo. It has been reported that cats treated for Tea Tree oil poisoning recovered within 2-3 days following treatment of clinical signs and supportive care. Basic supportive care is required, including monitoring of respiratory and cardiovascular functions, checking for possible hypothermia and providing additional warmth if needed.
Cats are uniquely sensitive to phenolics and other benzene-based compounds.
Tea Tree oil is comparable to oil of turpentine, which is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and skin. This means that the oil is absorbed rapidly and enters the bloodstream. 97 components have been identified, this table relates to major components only. For this reason, a substance shown to be beneficial and safe for humans may be unsuitable for use on cats. This means that they are not efficiently excreted by the body and can accumulate in soft tissues and vital organs.