What should I do if my cat ate Mint?

Call your vet or ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) if your cat ate a large amount of fresh mint, has repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or got into peppermint or other mint essential oils. A single grazed leaf with no symptoms can usually be watched at home.

What should I do if my dog ate Mint?

Call your vet or ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) if your dog ate a large quantity of mint, is vomiting repeatedly, has bloody diarrhea, or got into peppermint or any mint essential oil. A single leaf snatched from a planter, with no symptoms, can usually be watched at home.

Mint — (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Mint

Q: Is Mint safe for cats?

Mint is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of distress after ingestion.

Q: Is Mint safe for dogs?

Mint is potentially toxic to dogs. While generally mild, ingestion can lead to digestive irritation. Consult a veterinarian if you are concerned about the amount consumed.

Mentha sp.

Mint is a popular aromatic herb known for its rapid growth and fragrant foliage. While commonly used in human culinary applications, it contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal distress in pets.

Check a list

MenthaMentha sp.MintPeppermintSpearmint

Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade
Habit: Spreading, rhizomatous
Care: Low to moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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

Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential lethargy.

Escalation note

Ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of distress after ingestion.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential abdominal discomfort.

Escalation note

While generally mild, ingestion can lead to digestive irritation. Consult a veterinarian if you are concerned about the amount consumed.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Basil is a pet-safe culinary herb without the essential-oil profile that makes culinary mint risky.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Mentha species are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Mentha is a genus of plants in the Lamiaceae family, widely cultivated for culinary and medicinal use.

cats safety page My cat ate Mint dogs safety page My dog ate Mint

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.