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Pet safety

Is Hummingbird Mint toxic to cats?

Agastache rupestris

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hummingbird 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. Agastache rupestris is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The related anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum, is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, but this species is not specifically cleared, and its aromatic essential oils could cause mild stomach upset if eaten in quantity.

What to do if your cat ate hummingbird mint

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

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

Is hummingbird mint toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hummingbird mint toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hummingbird 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. Agastache rupestris is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The related anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum, is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, but this species is not specifically cleared, and its aromatic essential oils could cause mild stomach upset if eaten in quantity.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hummingbird mint?

Agastache rupestris is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The related anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum, is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, but this species is not specifically cleared, and its aromatic essential oils could cause mild stomach upset if eaten in quantity. 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 hummingbird mint.

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

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

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