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Pet safety

Is Spearmint toxic to cats?

Mentha spicata

Toxic to cats

Yes — spearmint 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. The ASPCA lists mint (Mentha species, including spearmint Mentha spicata) as TOXIC to cats, dogs, and horses, with the toxic principle being essential oils. Signs are vomiting and diarrhoea, especially with large ingestions; concentrated mint oils pose greater risk than a nibbled leaf. Keep pets from grazing it and contact a vet if a large amount is eaten.

What to do if your cat ate spearmint

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

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

Is spearmint toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spearmint toxic to cats?

Yes — spearmint is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists mint (Mentha species, including spearmint Mentha spicata) as TOXIC to cats, dogs, and horses, with the toxic principle being essential oils. Signs are vomiting and diarrhoea, especially with large ingestions; concentrated mint oils pose greater risk than a nibbled leaf. Keep pets from grazing it and contact a vet if a large amount is eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spearmint?

The ASPCA lists mint (Mentha species, including spearmint Mentha spicata) as TOXIC to cats, dogs, and horses, with the toxic principle being essential oils. Signs are vomiting and diarrhoea, especially with large ingestions; concentrated mint oils pose greater risk than a nibbled leaf. Keep pets from grazing it and contact a vet if a large amount is eaten. 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 spearmint.

What should I do if my cat ate spearmint?

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 spearmint toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to spearmint?

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 spearmint pet-safety