The mint genus is a broad category of plants containing multiple species that cats will react to differently. You have come to the right place if you don’t know the difference between catnip, catmint, and wild mint. Just to calm you down, in case you stumbled upon this article by searching for its title in a panic, mint poisoning in cats doesn’t happen very often.
It’s true that many plants in the mint family are poisonous to cats, but usually only in very large amounts. That said, mint or peppermint essential oils in concentrated forms are dangerous for cats. If your cat ate some wild mint from your herb garden or window box, take a deep breath.
The animals will be fine, and if they do start to vomit or become weak, the vet can treat the mint poisoning. Let’s learn more about mint and its complicated relationship with your cat now that we know your cat won’t die.
Mentha is the scientific name for mint plants, part of the family Lamiaceae, or sages. Their square stems, long leaves, and unique smell make them easy to spot. Chewing them also makes you feel cool and refreshed thanks to the chemical menthol.
The type that people usually have is called garden mint, but it is also called spearmint, common mint, lamb mint, and garden mint. It’s a wild herb, frequently found running wild in gardens from Ireland all the way east to China. Most people in the United States have seen American wild mint, or Mentha canadensis, growing in low, rocky areas near water.
Mentha spicata is cultivated as an herb and used in cooking and flavoring. Another common aromatic herb in this family is peppermint, also known as Mentha piperita. It is easy to find and is used to flavor food and cook.
We’ll talk about another important type of mint that isn’t really a mint but a member of the sage family. It’s Nepeta cataria, with the common name of catnip and Nepeta x faassenii, or catmint.
Catnip is used to attract cats to play with toys. It’s also thought of as a type of cat drug because it changes cats’ moods: adult cats feel calm and relaxed when they eat it, and they get energized when they sniff it. Most of the confusion about cats and mint comes from “catmint,” which is another common herb in this family that cats like.
Plants with a strong scent or flavor contain essential oils that are generally to blame for pet intoxication. The chemicals in those aromatherapy bottles of “essential oils” are very concentrated and can be very dangerous for cats because their livers don’t have the enzymes to break them down and get rid of them. Some essential oils are especially bad for cats, like peppermint or Mentha piperita. If you have cats, you should not keep any oils in your home.
It is worth noting that cats do not even need to ingest essential oils to suffer from intoxication. Inhalation from diffusers and absorption through the skin will also cause problems. It’s a medical emergency if your cat shows any of these signs and you know that you have essential oils in the house. Take your cat to the vet right away.
Mint plants contain essential oils that can be dangerous for cats in their undiluted form. But for a cat to get that much essential oil, it would have to eat a lot of mint. This will make your cat sick.
Luckily, on their own, cats tend to nibble mint leaves, which won’t deliver anywhere near a toxic dose. But if you think the mint patch in your garden might be making your cat throw up, here are some things to look out for:
If any of these things happen to your cat and it doesn’t get better after throwing up, you should take it to the vet.
If you think your cat has eaten mint, you should take them to the vet. First, they will look at your pet and decide how bad their condition is. Provide the vet with as detailed a description as possible of what your kitty ingested. It would be helpful to know the exact type of mint, its species, and the amount that was eaten. The vet may induce vomiting or pump the cat’s stomach if necessary. Activated charcoal, gastric protectants, and even I. V. fluids might be given to your pet. If the cat is drunk from essential oils, your vet may give them hepatoprotectants, and they will probably need to stay in the hospital.
Mint is a beloved culinary and medicinal herb for us humans. But is mint safe for cats to nibble on or are mint leaves toxic to felines? As it turns out, mint can pose some risks for cats depending on the type and dosage ingested. Certain varieties like pennyroyal mint contain compounds that can cause liver failure in cats. Let’s take a closer look at mint’s safety profile for cats and the symptoms of mint toxicity to watch out for.
Overview of Mint Toxicity in Cats
All mints belong to the Lamiaceae or mint family and contain essential oils that give them their distinctive aromas. While these oils provide benefits for people, they can cause stomach upset in cats. The liver also has trouble processing some mint compounds. Pennyroyal, a type of mint, is especially toxic. Large doses can cause liver failure.
Kitties may nibble on mint leaves from household plants or outdoor sources Cats with existing liver disease are at higher risk for mint poisoning. Mild cases induce vomiting and diarrhea, but severe poisoning can be life-threatening. Prevent access to minimize the risk of toxicity
Mild Effects of Ingesting Mint
Most cats that ingest a small amount of mint will show only minor stomach upset. The essential oils in mint may irritate the digestive tract, causing symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
These symptoms are more likely to occur in cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other gastrointestinal issues The vomiting and diarrhea typically resolve on their own within a day or two If symptoms persist, call your vet.
Toxic Effects of Ingesting Mint
In rare cases, a cat may develop life-threatening mint poisoning from certain high-risk varieties
Pennyroyal Mint
Contains pulegone, a toxic compound that destroys red blood cells and causes liver damage. Even small amounts can be fatal.
Signs: Weakness, pale gums, bruising, yellowing eyes/gums, liver failure, collapse, death
Spearmint and Peppermint
Higher levels of menthol than other mints. Can relax the esophageal sphincter muscle causing increased vomiting.
Signs: Excessive drooling, repeated vomiting, painful abdomen, lethargy
Lavender
Related to mint, lavender essential oil is toxic to cats when ingested. Can cause liver damage.
Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, liver failure
If your cat shows any signs of lethargy, yellowing of the gums, or bruising after ingesting mint, get emergency vet care immediately as liver damage may be occurring.
What Types of Mint are Harmful?
There are over 15 species of mint under the Lamiacea family. Some varieties are more problematic for cats than others:
- Pennyroyal – Extremely toxic
- Peppermint – Higher menthol content
- Spearmint – Higher menthol content
- Lavender – Liver toxic essential oils
- Catnip – Safe and non-toxic for cats!
Standard garden mint, like the type used in cooking, only causes minor stomach upset. But it’s still wise to keep mint plants out of reach of curious cats. When in doubt, call your vet.
Preventing Mint Toxicity in Cats
Follow these tips to keep your cat safe from mint toxicity:
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Don’t let cats nibble on mint plants. Place garden mints and household mints out of reach.
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Avoid pennyroyal, peppermint, and spearmint varieties. Opt for cat-safe herbs like catnip.
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Don’t apply mint essential oils like peppermint oil to your cat’s coat.
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Keep potpourri and oils containing mint safely enclosed and out of reach.
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If ingestion occurs, call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline for guidance.
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Induce vomiting at home only if advised by your veterinarian.
Knowing the signs of mint poisoning allows prompt action. Call the vet if your cat seems ill after exposure. With quick care, most cats recover fully. Prevent access to mint plants for optimal safety.
Are Cats Attracted to Mint?
Many cats love nibbling on catnip, which belongs to the mint family. But what about other mint varieties? Here’s a quick look:
Catnip
Contains nepetalactone which triggers a euphoric response in many cats when smelled or eaten. One of the few cat-safe mints.
Spearmint and Peppermint
The strong menthol odor may deter cats from ingesting large amounts. But exercise caution.
Pennyroyal Mint
Does not contain nepetalactone so is not enticing to cats. Extremely toxic if ingested.
Lavender
Related to mint, lavender has a strong aroma cats dislike. The essential oil is toxic if consumed.
Garden Mint
Most cats are not attracted to the scent. But some may nibble on mint leaves out of curiosity if plants are accessible.
The takeaway? Don’t assume your cat won’t nibble on certain mint varieties. Catnip is the only truly cat-safe mint. Removing all other mint plants is the wisest approach.
Can Cats Have Catmint?
With a name like catmint (Nepeta cataria), it certainly sounds feline-friendly. And indeed, this member of the mint family is non-toxic for cats. Catmint contains nepetalactone, the compound that gives catnip its intoxicating effects on cats.
If your kitty enjoys rolling in, chewing on, and rubbing up against catnip, there’s a good chance they’ll show the same enthusiasm for catmint. These mint cousins deliver similar sensory euphoria for cats.
So feel free to plant catmint in your garden borders or containers. Just supervise your cat’s interactions and don’t let them overindulge. Moderation is key, even with non-toxic herbs. And be sure to keep toxic true mint varieties out of your cat’s reach.
Can Cats Eat Mint Leaves?
While mint leaves add nice flavor and aroma to foods and beverages for us humans, they aren’t recommended for cats. The essential oils and other compounds in true mints like peppermint and spearmint can cause adverse reactions when ingested by cats. And pennyroyal mint is extremely poisonous.
If your cat happens to grab a quick nibble of a mint leaf, they’ll likely be fine with no issues. But it’s better to play it safe and keep all mint plants – aside from catmint and catnip – away from your curious feline. The vet bills from possible liver issues wouldn’t be minty fresh.
Signs of Mint Poisoning in Cats
Monitor your cat closely if they’ve ingested mint leaves. Subtle symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea indicate mild upset. But severe poisoning causes notable signs:
- Excessive drooling, repeated vomiting
- Abdominal pain and tenderness
- Lethargy, weakness, depression
- Yellowing of gums, eyes, or skin
- Bruising, bleeding
- Seizures
- Liver failure
Seek emergency vet care immediately if a cat shows signs of extreme lethargy, yellowing, or bruising after ingesting mint as these indicate possible liver damage. Quick treatment is vital.
Most mint toxicity cases have positive outcomes. But prevention is key. Learning to identify the signs of mint poisoning empowers you to act quickly if needed.
Safe Alternatives to Mint for Cats
Rather than taking a risk with mint, opt for these safe, cat-approved herbs and plants:
- Catnip
- Catmint
- Grass (grown from safe, organic wheatgrass or cat grass seeds)
- Pet-safe houseplants like spider plants
- Parsley
- Dill
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Lavender (aromatic only, do not ingest)
Mint may tantalize our tastebuds, but it does not belong around cats. Stick with aromatic herbs from the safe list for a happy kitty. And if you simply must grow mint plants, place them far out of your cat’s reach or in cat-proofed areas. A little planning goes a long way in preventing minty misfortunes.
The Strange Case of Catnip
So far, so good. Just make sure you don’t leave your cats to eat concentrated peppermint extract or garden mint for hours on end without watching, and they’ll be fine. Catnip/catmint is the confusing part. “Mint” is in the name, so many people assume it must be in the mint genus and poisonous. But as we’ve seen, catmint isn’t a mint but a different part of the sage family. That means it must be okay, right?.
Not necessarily. A quick look at the ASPCA’s toxic plants database reveals that catnip/catmint is considered to be potentially harmful to cats. In their words: “Many cats love catnip, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes some cats sedated and others stimulated.”
Cats react to catnip in different ways. About 30% of cats don’t get any buzz from catnip. Some cats love to roll around and paw at catnip for different lengths of time. Others, when they ingest far too much, will experience digestive distress.
What does this mean for you as a cat owner? Catnip is safe for most cats, but you should still treat it with respect and make sure they don’t eat too much of it. Don’t leave catnip leaves out for your cat to eat. Instead, use safe toys to introduce them to catnip. Toys will never contain enough catnip to produce a toxic reaction in your cat.
Keep in mind that catnip can make you feel sleepy, and it’s easy to mistake this for weakness caused by mint poisoning. Know how your cat reacts to small amounts of catnip. If it usually makes them hyper, but this time, they’re suddenly relaxed, that might be cause for alarm.
Can Cats Eat Mint Leaves
FAQ
Is mint leaf toxic to cats?
Why is my cat obsessed with mint?
Is it okay for cats to smell mint?
Is cat mint safe for pets?
Are mint plants toxic to cats?
There are many varieties of mint plants, and not all are toxic to cats. Most notably, catnip and catmint are not. However, these two plants are rarely what most people think of when they think of mint. Many mint plants contain essential oils which are toxic to cats and, therefore, should be kept out of the reach of cats.
Can cats eat Mint essential oil?
The mint family is made up of several types of plants. Normally it is the smell, large leaves, and square stems that make these plants distinguishable. Unfortunately, mint essential oil is found in each variation of the mint plant. It’s this oil that is so dangerous to cats and the reason why it is best to keep them away from mint.
Can cats eat Mint?
As I found out, there’s a real health risk that causes mint to be considered toxic for cats. When ingested, mint plants can cause vomiting and diarrhea in felines. In addition to being incredibly unpleasant and uncomfortable, vomiting and diarrhea are no laughing matter. In severe cases, they can lead a cat to dehydration and even death.
Can cats eat garden mint & catnip?
You should always keep in mind that the ASPCA has listed both garden mint and catnip as toxic plants for cats. With that said, not all cats will be adversely affected by catnip. Consult your veterinarian for the safety risks of exposing your specific feline to catnip.