Pet safety
Is Mint toxic to cats?
Mentha
Yes — 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 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
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move mint out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- 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?
Yes — 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 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 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
- Is mint toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is mint toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate mint — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete mint care guide
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.