✕ Toxic

Spearmint

Q: Is Spearmint toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a common garden herb. While chewing on a small amount of the fresh plant is unlikely to cause serious harm, it can lead to an upset stomach. The plant contains oils that are difficult for a cat's liver to process, which may cause vomiting or diarrhea. The real danger comes from spearmint essential oil, which is a highly concentrated form. Essential oils are much more potent than the plant itself and are toxic to cats. Exposure to the oil, whether by skin contact or ingestion, can lead to more severe symptoms, including potential liver stress if the exposure is significant or repeated. If your cat nibbles on a fresh spearmint leaf, they will likely only have mild digestive upset. However, keep all essential oils away from cats. If your cat eats a large amount of the plant or shows ongoing symptoms like vomiting or lethargy, it's best to contact your veterinarian.

Q: What are the symptoms if a cat eats Spearmint?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and general upset stomach, Excessive drooling (hypersalivation) and difficulty swallowing, Lethargy, weakness, uncoordinated gait (ataxia), tremors, and seizures, Liver damage or liver failure, Difficulty breathing, coughing, and sneezing, Skin irritation, redness, or burns on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin

Mentha spicata

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a common garden herb. While chewing on a small amount of the fresh plant is unlikely to cause serious harm, it can lead to an upset stomach. The plant contains oils that are difficult for a cat's liver to process, which may cause vomiting or diarrhea. The real danger comes from spearmint essential oil, which is a highly concentrated form. Essential oils are much more potent than the plant itself and are toxic to cats. Exposure to the oil, whether by skin contact or ingestion, can lead to more severe symptoms, including potential liver stress if the exposure is significant or repeated. If your cat nibbles on a fresh spearmint leaf, they will likely only have mild digestive upset. However, keep all essential oils away from cats. If your cat eats a large amount of the plant or shows ongoing symptoms like vomiting or lethargy, it's best to contact your veterinarian.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: carvone, limonene, and related monoterpenoids; concentration is highest in the essential oil

Mechanism: limited feline glucuronidation of monoterpenes leads to GI irritation and mild liver stress with repeated exposure

Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy; usually mild and self-limiting with leaf exposure

Spearmint essential oil is far more dangerous than the fresh plant — do not use on or near cats

Contact your vet if your cat ingests large amounts or shows persistent symptoms

Potentially Toxic Parts

Leaf

Entire Plant

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Lethargy, weakness, uncoordinated gait (ataxia), tremors, and seizures

Neurological

Liver damage or liver failure

Hepatic

Difficulty breathing, coughing, and sneezing

Respiratory

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and general upset stomach

Gastrointestinal

Skin irritation, redness, or burns on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin

Dermal

Excessive drooling (hypersalivation) and difficulty swallowing

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.