Study summary
Toxicoses from essential oils in animals
- Study type
- Review
- Published in
- Merck Veterinary Manual
Summary
The Merck Veterinary Manual reference on essential-oil poisoning in animals. It explains that cats are especially sensitive to phenolic oils because they are deficient in glucuronyl transferase, and it lists oils associated with liver injury and with seizures, including clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, wintergreen, pennyroyal, pine, and tea tree.
Key findings
Cats' limited glucuronidation makes phenol- and terpene-rich oils disproportionately toxic, and several common oils are documented seizure or liver hazards in dogs and cats.
Limitations
A clinical reference summary rather than a primary study.