tea tree and manuka oil

[violetdream]

Hi, I know that tea tree is very toxic for cats! I use small amounts in a facial oil blend and I was wondering how this would affect my cats. I may have traces of it on my hands an obviously it is going to be on my face for most of the day. One of my cats is a licker so she may lick my face. Should I be really worried about this? I don't want to be too paranoid about it but I don't want them to die or get sick. I also wash my face with tea tree oil soap and have for many years but they have never reacted adversely.

If it is very dangerous I wanted to ask about Manuka oil. Manuka oil is like tea tree oil but stronger and I don't think it's as toxic. I heard about the honey being used to treat ringworms. Does anyone know if this is safe to use around cats? If it's safer I will switch to all manuka oil since I like the smell better.

 

[sharky]

Consult your vet or posion control ...

 

[2furbabies]

Hmm... I'm not sure about the difference between the 2 oils. I swear by Tea Tree Oil to rid humans of ringworm, but would never use it on the cats. It was the only thing that worked when I had ringworm and I tried everything!

 

[violetdream]

It is a little confusing since they are both called "Tea tree" sometimes but they are different plants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptospermum_scoparium (manuka)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melaleuca (tea tree)

 

[sharky]

Funny thing I pull up a saalve when I google manuka...

I would use either ... see Tea tree oil toxicity is varied amoung cats