What are the symptoms if a cat eats Mexican Mint?

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drooling (excessive salivation) or foaming at the mouth, Loss of appetite, Lethargy or weakness, Difficulty breathing

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✕ Toxic

Mexican Mint

Q: Is Mexican Mint toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Mexican Mint (Plectranthus amboinicus), also known as Indian borage or Cuban oregano, is an aromatic herb with thick, fuzzy leaves. It is mildly toxic to cats because it contains strong essential oils. Cats do not have the right liver enzymes to break down these oils. When a cat eats the plant, compounds like carvacrol and thymol directly irritate their stomach and digestive tract. A cat that nibbles on Mexican mint may drool, vomit, have diarrhea, or lose its appetite. The strong smell usually keeps cats away, but if your cat eats a large amount or if the symptoms do not go away, contact a veterinarian.

Indian borage

Mexican Mint (Plectranthus amboinicus), also known as Indian borage or Cuban oregano, is an aromatic herb with thick, fuzzy leaves. It is mildly toxic to cats because it contains strong essential oils. Cats do not have the right liver enzymes to break down these oils. When a cat eats the plant, compounds like carvacrol and thymol directly irritate their stomach and digestive tract. A cat that nibbles on Mexican mint may drool, vomit, have diarrhea, or lose its appetite. The strong smell usually keeps cats away, but if your cat eats a large amount or if the symptoms do not go away, contact a veterinarian.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: carvacrol, thymol, and camphor-related volatile oils throughout the plant

Mechanism: these terpenoid oils irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa directly and may cause mild liver stress with repeated exposure

Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy; symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting

The strong aroma may deter most cats, but some find the scent attractive

Contact your vet if symptoms persist or if large amounts were consumed

Potentially Toxic Parts

Stem

Entire Plant

Leaf

Flower

Root

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Lethargy or weakness

Neurological

Difficulty breathing

Respiratory

Vomiting

Gastrointestinal

Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal

Loss of appetite

Gastrointestinal

Drooling (excessive salivation) or foaming at the mouth

Gastrointestinal

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.