Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon Balm is a fragrant, perennial herb in the mint family often grown for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is generally considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Bee BalmMelissa officinalisSweet Balm
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Clumping herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, excessive consumption of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, excessive consumption of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Lemon Balmis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Lemon Balm is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Melissa officinalis is a hardy perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as Lemon Balm.
Questions about Lemon Balm
Is lemon balm toxic to cats?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm.
What happens if my cat eats lemon balm?
Most cats will have no reaction at all. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous leaves, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of plant material, not any toxic compound.
How much lemon balm is too much for a cat?
There is no established toxic dose because lemon balm is non-toxic. That said, non-toxic does not mean unlimited — large quantities of any fibrous herb can irritate a cat's digestive tract and cause temporary GI upset.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate lemon balm?
A small nibble requires no action. If your cat ate a large amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian, as prolonged GI upset from any cause warrants a check-in.
Is lemon balm toxic to dogs?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, and no toxic principles have been documented for this plant in dogs.
What happens if a dog eats lemon balm?
Most dogs will have no reaction at all. Eating a large amount of the fibrous leaves may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, but serious symptoms are not expected.
How much lemon balm is dangerous for a dog?
Lemon balm is not considered dangerous for dogs at any typical exposure level. Non-toxic does not mean edible in unlimited quantity — large ingestions of fibrous plant material can cause temporary GI upset, so it's worth discouraging grazing on it.
What should I do if my dog ate a lot of lemon balm and seems uncomfortable?
Monitor for persistent vomiting or diarrhea. If signs of distress continue or worsen, contact your veterinarian. Because lemon balm is non-toxic, this is a low-urgency situation, but prolonged GI symptoms always warrant a call to your vet.
Same safety verdict
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Coreopsis
Coreopsis spp.
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Tickseed
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Cosmos
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Calathea
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
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