Can cats eat Mint?
Caution. Small amounts of fresh mint leaves are unlikely to harm cats, but several mint species contain essential oils that are moderately toxic in larger amounts — and mint essential oil is definitely toxic.
If your cat has eaten mint
- For a nibbled leaf: monitor for vomiting.
- For a larger ingestion or essential oil exposure: call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435.
What's the full picture?
Common garden mint (Mentha spicata, spearmint) is considered low-risk in small amounts. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is more concerning due to higher essential oil content.
A cat nibbling a mint leaf in the garden is not an emergency. A cat that has got into a bunch of fresh mint from the kitchen may have GI upset (vomiting, drooling).
Peppermint essential oil — used in diffusers, room sprays, or mouth rinses — is toxic to cats and should not be used in a cat household.
Symptoms to watch for
Related
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published US veterinary toxicology sources — AAFP, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA APCC) references, AVMA-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for US cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the Cat Ate It editorial team