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Is Banana Mint toxic to cats?

Mentha arvensis 'Banana'

Toxic to cats

Yes — banana mint is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Mint (Mentha sp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with essential oils as the toxic principle; large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Small culinary nibbles are usually mild, but keep concentrated mint and quantities away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate banana mint

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move banana mint out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of banana mint to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten banana mint, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is banana mint toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is banana mint toxic to cats?

Yes — banana mint is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Mint (Mentha sp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with essential oils as the toxic principle; large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Small culinary nibbles are usually mild, but keep concentrated mint and quantities away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats banana mint?

ASPCA lists Mint (Mentha sp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with essential oils as the toxic principle; large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Small culinary nibbles are usually mild, but keep concentrated mint and quantities away from pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to banana mint.

What should I do if my cat ate banana mint?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is banana mint toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Banana Mint is toxic to dogs as well. See the full banana mint pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to banana mint?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full banana mint pet-safety