Pet safety
Is Apple Minttoxic to cats & dogs?
Mentha suaveolens
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Mentha suaveolens
Is apple mint safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Apple Mint is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Mentha suaveolens falls under the ASPCA's Mint (Mentha sp., Lamiaceae) listing — toxic to dogs, cats and horses via essential oils, causing vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions. Its milder scent still warrants keeping pets from chewing it.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats apple mint?
Mentha suaveolens falls under the ASPCA's Mint (Mentha sp., Lamiaceae) listing — toxic to dogs, cats and horses via essential oils, causing vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions. Its milder scent still warrants keeping pets from chewing it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to apple mint, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate apple mint
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move apple mint out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of apple mint to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to apple mint
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Apple Mint and pets — frequently asked questions
Is apple mint toxic to cats?
Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Mentha suaveolens falls under the ASPCA's Mint (Mentha sp., Lamiaceae) listing — toxic to dogs, cats and horses via essential oils, causing vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions. Its milder scent still warrants keeping pets from chewing it. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is apple mint toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like apple mint is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats apple mint?
Mentha suaveolens falls under the ASPCA's Mint (Mentha sp., Lamiaceae) listing — toxic to dogs, cats and horses via essential oils, causing vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions. Its milder scent still warrants keeping pets from chewing it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to apple mint, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate apple mint?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of apple mint to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to apple mint?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full apple mint care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete apple mint care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.