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Is Mint (Peppermint) Toxic to Cats?

⚠️ Mildly ToxicSeverity: Mild
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Mint is mildly toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea from its essential oils, though a few nibbles rarely do much.

Also known as: Peppermint, Garden Mint, Mentha piperita, Spearmint · Mentha piperita

What makes it toxic

Essential oils, mainly menthol, that irritate the feline gastrointestinal tract in quantity. Spearmint is milder than peppermint.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and mild lethargy within a few hours of eating a meaningful amount of leaves.

What to do if your cat eats it

Remove plant material, offer water and monitor. Call your vet if vomiting persists beyond a day or the cat seems depressed.

Common questions

Is pennyroyal a mint too — same risk?

Pennyroyal is a Mentha relative but far more dangerous — its oil has caused fatal poisonings. Never let pets near pennyroyal, and never use its oil.

Can I diffuse peppermint oil for the holidays?

Not around cats. Concentrated mint oil is absorbed and poorly metabolized by them, causing drooling, wobbliness and respiratory irritation.

More plants checked for cats

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or vines releases sharp calcium oxalate crystalAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to cats. The gel is famously soothing for human skin, buSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to cats. They are one of the best houseplants for homes with curEaster Lily☠️ ToxicYes — and this is one of the most dangerous plants a cat can meet. Every part of an Easter lily,Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to cats and among the deadliest houseplants. Every part contaiBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats — a classic choice for plant-loving cat households.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.