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Is Horse Mint toxic to cats?

Mentha longifolia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists horse mint as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Mentha species are listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs, causing gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhoea) from their essential oils. Horse Mint is not individually listed but belongs to the same genus and contains similar aromatic constituents. Keep pets from consuming large quantities.

What to do if your cat ate horse mint

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move horse 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 horse mint to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is horse mint toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is horse mint toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists horse mint as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Mentha species are listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs, causing gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhoea) from their essential oils. Horse Mint is not individually listed but belongs to the same genus and contains similar aromatic constituents. Keep pets from consuming large quantities.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats horse mint?

Mentha species are listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs, causing gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhoea) from their essential oils. Horse Mint is not individually listed but belongs to the same genus and contains similar aromatic constituents. Keep pets from consuming large quantities. 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 horse mint.

What should I do if my cat ate horse 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 horse mint toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to horse 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 horse mint pet-safety