Is Mint Toxic to Cats? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, mint is mildly toxic to cats

The ASPCA lists garden mint as toxic to cats and dogs because its essential oils can cause vomiting and diarrhea when large amounts are eaten. A leaf or two is unlikely to cause problems. Peppermint essential oil is much more concentrated and should not be used on pets. Pennyroyal, a type of mint, is especially toxic to the liver.

Mint and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Mentha spp.
Also called	spearmint, peppermint, garden mint
Toxic compound	Essential oils (e.g. linalool, menthol, eucalyptol)
Toxic parts	Leaves and stems; peppermint oil is far more concentrated
Signs usually start	Within hours; faster with concentrated oils
Plant type	Herb

Symptoms of mint poisoning in cats

Vomiting
Diarrhea
With essential oil: drooling, breathing irritation, wobbliness

Why mint is toxic to cats

The plant contains aromatic essential oils. Eating a little of the fresh plant usually causes only stomach upset. Concentrated essential oils are far more potent and are absorbed through the skin and lungs as well as the gut. Cats are especially vulnerable because they lack some of the liver enzymes (glucuronyl transferases) needed to clear these compounds.

What to do if your cat ate mint

Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, with essential oil: drooling, breathing irritation, wobbliness. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

For the plant, supportive care is usually enough. For essential oil exposure, wash oil off the skin with dish soap, do not induce vomiting (oils can be inhaled into the lungs), and call your vet or poison control.

How to keep your cat away from mint

Place mint on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.

Pet-safe alternatives to mint

If you love growing herbs, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Mint and cats: FAQ

Is mint poisonous to cats?

Mint is mildly toxic to cats. Essential oils (e.g. linalool, menthol, eucalyptol) can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of mint is toxic to cats?

Leaves and stems; peppermint oil is far more concentrated.

Can cats die from eating mint?

It is very unlikely. Mint usually causes mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating mint will my cat show symptoms?

Within hours; faster with concentrated oils.

Is mint toxic to dogs too?

Yes, mint is mildly toxic to dogs.

Is peppermint oil safe for cats and dogs?

No. Do not apply peppermint oil to pets or let them lick it. Cats are especially sensitive. Signs include drooling, vomiting, breathing irritation and wobbliness.

Other plants toxic to cats

Using essential oils at home? Read are essential oils safe for cats?

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Is Mint Toxic to Cats?