Is Mint poisonous to dogs and cats?

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Call a vet today

Mint is poisonous to dogs and cats – call your vet today for advice if your pet has eaten any of it. The toxic principle listed for Mint is essential oils.

  • Dogs Call a vet today
  • Cats Call a vet today
What to do now

What to do right now

  1. Call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.
  2. Note which plant, which part, how much and when.
  3. Remove what is left and move the plant out of reach.
  4. Take a photo or a piece of the plant with you.

Don't

  • Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
  • Do not give any human medicine.

Why it can be dangerous

Mint is listed as a problem for cats and dogs, and vomiting and diarrhea are listed with large ingestions.[1]

Signs to watch for

  • Vomiting with large ingestions
  • Diarrhea with large ingestions
Scientific name
Mentha
If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

Get it on Google Play

OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.

Common questions

Is Mint dangerous for cats too?

Yes. Mint is listed as a problem for cats.[1]

What signs are listed after a large ingestion?

Vomiting and diarrhea are listed.[1]

Sources

  1. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

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