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Pet safety

Is Mint toxic to cats?

Mentha

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 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. ASPCA lists garden mints as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils. A nibble is harmless; large amounts cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is significantly more toxic and should be avoided in pet homes.

What to do if your cat ate mint

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

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

Is mint toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mint toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 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. ASPCA lists garden mints as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils. A nibble is harmless; large amounts cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is significantly more toxic and should be avoided in pet homes.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mint?

ASPCA lists garden mints as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils. A nibble is harmless; large amounts cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is significantly more toxic and should be avoided in pet homes. 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 mint.

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

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

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