Is Mint Toxic to Cats?

Mentha species

Mint contains menthol and related compounds that irritate the cat's digestive system. A cat that nibbles a leaf is usually fine; one that eats a lot vomits.

The concentrated oil is the real hazard: peppermint oil in a diffuser, a 'natural' pest repellent or a herbal product can cause wobbliness and vomiting in a cat.

Which parts are dangerous

• leaves
• essential oil

What to watch for in the UK

• Herb beds and supermarket pots on windowsills.
• Mint is often suggested as a rodent repellent — it does not repel cats.
• Peppermint oil on cotton wool as a deterrent is a risk, not a solution.
• Catnip is a different plant — see the catnip note on the safe plants.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. A leaf: nothing to do.
2. A lot of plant or any oil: phone your vet.
3. Watch for vomiting and wobbliness.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).