Pet emergency
My cat ate Ginger Mint — what to do
Step by step
- Take ginger 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.
My cat ate ginger mint — FAQ
Is ginger mint poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Ginger Mint (Mentha × gracilis) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Mint (Mentha sp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is essential oils and large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhea. Ginger mint is a Mentha hybrid covered by this genus listing, so keep pets from grazing it and never use concentrated mint essential oil around cats.
How serious is it if my cat ate ginger mint?
Ginger Mint is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA lists Mint (Mentha sp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is essential oils and large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhea. Ginger mint is a Mentha hybrid covered by this genus listing, so keep pets from grazing it and never use concentrated mint essential oil around cats. 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep ginger mint well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is ginger mint toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Ginger Mint and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide