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If your cat ate spearmint 'kentucky colonel' — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Spearmint 'Kentucky Colonel' is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Spearmint 'Kentucky Colonel' — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take spearmint 'kentucky colonel' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 spearmint 'kentucky colonel' — FAQ

Is spearmint 'kentucky colonel' poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Spearmint 'Kentucky Colonel' (Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel') 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. Despite being a culinary herb, the Mentha genus is genus-listed as toxic, so keep pets from grazing it and never apply mint essential oil near cats.

How serious is it if my cat ate spearmint 'kentucky colonel'?

Spearmint 'Kentucky Colonel' is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. Despite being a culinary herb, the Mentha genus is genus-listed as toxic, so keep pets from grazing it and never apply mint essential oil near 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 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 spearmint 'kentucky colonel' 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.

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