Tea Tree oil- okay to use around (NOT ON) cats?

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I have recently come into possession of some tea tree oil hair conditioner. Of course, after I bought it, I learned that tea tree oil is toxic to cats. Whups!

My question is, do you think it's okay for me to use? Obviously, I wouldn't put it *on* the cats, and I'd rinse my hair thoroughly afterward. It's supposed to be good for dandruff, which is why I bought it, but that's not worth potentially poisoning my cats. Am I being paranoid, or should I see if I kept the receipt?

Thanks in advance!

[Fran]

I think it should be fine for you to use on your hair. It is pretty strong, though, so be careful about getting it in your eyes and such.

The only thing I would be careful about for the cats would be if you happen to use so much tea tree oil that the fumes get strong. It's like eucalyptus, it has a really strong astringent quality. If that happens, I would just be sure to have good ventilation or shoo the cats to another part of the house until the air is clear.

Hope that helps...

Fran