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Is mint toxic to cats and dogs?

Toxic to cats and dogs

Mint · Mentha spicata

Mint is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or ingested.

My pet ate some: what to do now
Mint (Mentha spicata)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app: it names the plant from a photo and warns you if it’s known to be toxic

What to do if your pet ate it

If you think your cat or dog ate any part of a mint, act quickly. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

  1. Remove the plant from the pet’s reach.
  2. Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
  3. When you call, have the plant’s name or a photo ready. Tell the vet roughly how much your pet ate and when.

Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically instructs you to. It can make some poisonings worse.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Loss of appetite

Non-toxic plants for similar light

Old man cactusCephalocereus senilisBright / direct lightPet-safeBasilOcimum basilicumBright / direct lightPet-safeArabian jasmineJasminum sambacBright / direct lightPet-safeEcheveriaEcheveria spp.Bright / direct lightPet-safe

See all pet-safe alternatives →

Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. ASPCA lists the whole Mentha genus, so this applies to every Mentha species, including this one.

All mint guides

Related plants

Arabian jasmine: pet toxicityJasminum sambacPet-safeMonsteraMonstera deliciosaToxic to petsGolden pothosEpipremnum aureumToxic to petsZZ plantZamioculcas zamiifoliaToxic to pets

Common questions

Is mint toxic to cats?

Yes, mint is toxic to cats. If your cat chews or ingests any part of the plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

Is mint toxic to dogs?

Yes, mint is toxic to dogs. Contact your vet immediately if your dog eats any part of it. Do not wait for symptoms.

What should I do if my cat ate mint?

Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately. You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (24/7). Try to bring a piece of the plant or a photo so the vet can identify the species. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.

Can I keep mint with pets?

Mint is toxic to cats and dogs, so it is best kept out of reach: ideally in a room your pets cannot access, or replaced with a non-toxic alternative. See the pet-safe alternatives listed on this page.

ASPCA reference · Last reviewed: