Cats
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
cat safety reference
Is Lemon Balm safe for cats?
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
What this means for your cat
Cats are safe around Lemon Balm — ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats, with no toxic principle identified.
Sources: ASPCA.
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.
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.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
Coreopsis
Coreopsis spp.
Coreopsis is a popular genus of flowering plants in the aster family, widely grown for their cheerful, daisy-like blooms. They are generally considered safe for household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Tickseed
Coreopsis californica
Tickseed is a cheerful, daisy-like flowering plant often found in gardens and meadows. It is considered safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
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Cosmos
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Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
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African Violet
Saintpaulia spp.
African Violets are popular, low-growing flowering houseplants known for their fuzzy leaves and vibrant blooms. They are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.