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Is Pennyroyal toxic to cats?

Mentha pulegium

Toxic to cats

Yes — pennyroyal 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. Pennyroyal is among the most dangerous mints: it falls under the ASPCA's toxic Mint (Mentha sp., Lamiaceae) listing, and its essential oil is rich in pulegone, a potent hepatotoxin. Ingestion can cause liver damage, seizures and death — cats are especially vulnerable, and the concentrated oil is hazardous to people too. Never use it as food or near grazing pets.

What to do if your cat ate pennyroyal

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

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

Is pennyroyal toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pennyroyal toxic to cats?

Yes — pennyroyal is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Pennyroyal is among the most dangerous mints: it falls under the ASPCA's toxic Mint (Mentha sp., Lamiaceae) listing, and its essential oil is rich in pulegone, a potent hepatotoxin. Ingestion can cause liver damage, seizures and death — cats are especially vulnerable, and the concentrated oil is hazardous to people too. Never use it as food or near grazing pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pennyroyal?

Pennyroyal is among the most dangerous mints: it falls under the ASPCA's toxic Mint (Mentha sp., Lamiaceae) listing, and its essential oil is rich in pulegone, a potent hepatotoxin. Ingestion can cause liver damage, seizures and death — cats are especially vulnerable, and the concentrated oil is hazardous to people too. Never use it as food or near grazing pets. 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 pennyroyal.

What should I do if my cat ate pennyroyal?

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 pennyroyal toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to pennyroyal?

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 pennyroyal pet-safety