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Is Water Mint toxic to cats?

Mentha aquatica

Toxic to cats

Yes — water 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. The ASPCA lists the Mentha genus (Mentha sp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principles are essential oils; clinical signs with large ingestions include vomiting and diarrhea. Mentha aquatica belongs to this genus and should be treated as toxic to pets.

What to do if your cat ate water mint

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

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

Is water mint toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is water mint toxic to cats?

Yes — water mint 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 the Mentha genus (Mentha sp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principles are essential oils; clinical signs with large ingestions include vomiting and diarrhea. Mentha aquatica belongs to this genus and should be treated as toxic to pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats water mint?

The ASPCA lists the Mentha genus (Mentha sp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principles are essential oils; clinical signs with large ingestions include vomiting and diarrhea. Mentha aquatica belongs to this genus and should be treated as toxic to 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 water mint.

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

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

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