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Pet safety

Is Peppermint toxic to cats?

Mentha piperita

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists peppermint 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. ASPCA lists Mentha (mint) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The essential oils — primarily menthol and menthone — can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness, particularly in cats, which cannot efficiently metabolize phenolic compounds. The plant itself in small amounts presents lower risk than concentrated oils, but pets should be kept away. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate peppermint

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

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

Is peppermint toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is peppermint toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists peppermint 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. ASPCA lists Mentha (mint) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The essential oils — primarily menthol and menthone — can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness, particularly in cats, which cannot efficiently metabolize phenolic compounds. The plant itself in small amounts presents lower risk than concentrated oils, but pets should be kept away. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats peppermint?

ASPCA lists Mentha (mint) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The essential oils — primarily menthol and menthone — can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness, particularly in cats, which cannot efficiently metabolize phenolic compounds. The plant itself in small amounts presents lower risk than concentrated oils, but pets should be kept away. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected. 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 peppermint.

What should I do if my cat ate peppermint?

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 peppermint toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to peppermint?

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 peppermint pet-safety