Pet emergency
My cat ate Gattefosse's Mint — what to do
Step by step
- Take gattefosse's mint away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet — or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My cat ate gattefosse's mint — FAQ
Is gattefosse's mint poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Gattefosse's Mint (Mentha gattefossei) as mildly toxic to cats. Mentha sp. is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats (toxic principle: essential oils); the reported effect is vomiting and diarrhoea with large ingestions rather than a medical emergency. The ASPCA has a single genus-level entry for mint and no separate non-toxic listing for spearmint, so this page follows the genus. Verified 2026-07-27. Peppermint and pennyroyal are more concentrated and pennyroyal in particular is dangerous — keep all mints out of reach of a pet that chews plants.
How serious is it if my cat ate gattefosse's mint?
Gattefosse's Mint is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Mentha sp. is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats (toxic principle: essential oils); the reported effect is vomiting and diarrhoea with large ingestions rather than a medical emergency. The ASPCA has a single genus-level entry for mint and no separate non-toxic listing for spearmint, so this page follows the genus. Verified 2026-07-27. Peppermint and pennyroyal are more concentrated and pennyroyal in particular is dangerous — keep all mints out of reach of a pet that chews plants. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep gattefosse's mint well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Related
- Is gattefosse's mint toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Gattefosse's Mint and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant