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Is Spearmint 'Kentucky Colonel' toxic to cats?

Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel'

Toxic to cats

Yes — spearmint 'kentucky colonel' 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 sp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is essential oils, and large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhea. Despite being a culinary herb, the Mentha genus is genus-listed as toxic, so keep pets from grazing it and never apply mint essential oil near cats.

What to do if your cat ate spearmint 'kentucky colonel'

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

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

Is spearmint 'kentucky colonel' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spearmint 'kentucky colonel' toxic to cats?

Yes — spearmint 'kentucky colonel' 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 sp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is essential oils, and large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhea. Despite being a culinary herb, the Mentha genus is genus-listed as toxic, so keep pets from grazing it and never apply mint essential oil near cats.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spearmint 'kentucky colonel'?

The ASPCA lists Mint (Mentha sp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principle is essential oils, and large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhea. Despite being a culinary herb, the Mentha genus is genus-listed as toxic, so keep pets from grazing it and never apply mint essential oil near cats. 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 'kentucky colonel'.

What should I do if my cat ate spearmint 'kentucky colonel'?

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 'kentucky colonel' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to spearmint 'kentucky colonel'?

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 'kentucky colonel' pet-safety