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Mint Poisoning in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 01/25/2017Updated: 12/14/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Mint Poisoning?
Most mint plants contain essential oils which can cause negative responses if consumed in high quantities. Both catnip and catmint are types of mint that are safe to cats. Garden mint may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten. The essential oils specific to garden mint have also been known to relax the esophageal valve, making vomiting more likely in a cat who may already be ill. A few forms of mint, such as the pennyroyal, can cause very severe effects within the body including liver failure. Cats with existing liver, intestine or bowel disease are at a heightened risk of developing complications after ingesting mint. Contact with mint may cause skin irritation in hypersensitive cats.
There are numerous subspecies of mint plants. All are a part of the Lamiaceae (or Sage) family of plants. The most common type of mint is garden mint. This is the mint that is often cultivated for use as a culinary herb. Most mint plants have wrinkled leaves that grow in an ovular shape. The flowers of the mint grow in clusters on stalks and range in color from lavender to white. Many types of mint grow wild all over the United States. The plant can reach over 3 feet in height, but often grows long and low to the ground.
Mint Poisoning Average Cost
From 319 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$350
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Symptoms of Mint Poisoning in Cats
With most forms of mint, it is rare for any illness to follow consumption. If a reaction does occur, it will likely be limited to gastrointestinal distress. A few types of mint are capable of causing real damage to the body. All signs to watch for are listed as follows:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
Causes of Mint Poisoning in Cats
Mint may be found in the wild growing near sources of water or in other damp locations. Many people keep mint in their herb gardens or indoors in their kitchens for both culinary and medicinal uses. Both indoor and outdoor cats may be exposed to this common herb. Generally, a very large quantity must be eaten for any kind of negative affect to manifest. Mint poisoning among cats is extremely rare.
Diagnosis of Mint Poisoning in Cats
If your cat begins to exhibit severe symptoms, or if you become worried about its well being, take it in to see your veterinarian. If you witnessed your cat eating a plant before symptoms arose, share this information with the vet, as it will make diagnosis much easier. You may be asked to provide the cat's full medical history to identify potential health issues that could render a cat more susceptible to gastrointestinal sensitivity. You may also be asked if you allow your cat outdoors, and what plants you keep in your home.
The veterinarian will then perform a complete physical examination of the cat, checking for any abnormalities. A sample of the cat's blood will be collected so that routine tests can be performed to assess the cat's overall health condition. These tests generally include a complete blood count and a biochemical profile to measure all levels of cells and minerals in the blood. Urinalysis may also be needed to monitor how the liver is functioning.
Remember, the cat may be reacting to something that was on the mint such as weedkiller or slug bait.
Treatment of Mint Poisoning in Cats
Most cases of illness caused by mint ingestion will not need treatment. If the cat has a pre-existing health issue, or if a severe reaction occurs, treatment may then be necessary.
Remove Stomach Contents
To do this, the vet may induce vomiting using hydrogen peroxide. A gastric lavage (stomach pump) may also be used in more extreme cases. Both of these procedures will remove all plant material from the stomach before it can be fully digested.
Supportive Care
The cat should be kept as comfortable as possible during the episode of illness. If excessive vomiting or diarrhea have caused the cat to become dehydrated, intravenous fluids may need to be administered to stabilize the animal. An anti nausea injection and ant acids may be given. The cat will need to be hospitalized during this time.
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Recovery of Mint Poisoning in Cats
The vast majority of cats will make a full recovery from consuming too much mint. In cases where liver damage has occurred, this may lead to ongoing health issues in the cat. Because mint plants are so common, it may be a good idea to get familiar with the ones that grow naturally in your area, taking special note of any that are known to be toxic. It should be noted that any mint essential oils are too potent for use on cats and should never be administered for medicinal purposes. Keep any potted mint plants out of your cat's reach to ensure they are not ingested. It may also be a good idea to keep your cat indoors to protect it from all toxic plants that may be found in surrounding gardens and other areas.
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Mint Poisoning Average Cost
From 319 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$350
Top
Mint Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Torte cat
1 1/2
24 found this helpful
24 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I put peppermint oil on my head for headache, my cat licked my forehead a few minutes later. Will she be ok? She seems fine.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
24 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
That small exposure to peppermint oil should not cause any toxicities, I wouldn't think. If she is vomiting, having diarrhea, or having breathing problems, then It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 20, 2020
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Siberian
Brooklyn
9 Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Good evening, how can I prevent my cat from going to my garden mint plant. Aside from the garden mint, I would also like to ask how I can prevent my cat from nibbling on my money tree. I've been reading a few articles and how they say those two plant are poisonious. I'm worried she might eat them and get an upset stomach. Thank you.
July 24, 2018
4 Recommendations
Generally i recommend that cat owners only have cat friendly plants in their homes and gardens as poisoning events are far too frequent; you should ideally not have the plants in areas where Brooklyn frequents or ensure that the plants are not accessible. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 24, 2018
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Calico
Luna
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hiding
Peppermint essential oil is it harmful? I put it everywhere in my house with my cat around. I’m worried that’s she’s poisoned she’s showing no signs of anything but just want to know if I should rush her to the vet after inhaling peppermint oil for a couple hours
June 13, 2018
1 Recommendations
I can see you asked two similar questions so I’ll answer them both together. Essential oils are usually too concentrated to be used around pets unless diluted to less than 1% with a carrier oil or part of a product intended for used with pets; you should mop up as much of the oil as you can as well as keeping the house well ventilated, keep an eye on Luna for the time being but visit your Veterinarian if any symptoms develop. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 14, 2018
My little girl, Marcus took just a nibble off one of my mint leaves, she liked it! She is an indoor cat(Seal Point Ragdoll, 1yr.) Do I need to relocate my mint, so she can't reach it? Thank you, so very much Toni.
July 25, 2018
Toni D.
Sorry Doc, some type O's.. Her name is Marcie (not Marcus!). She is an indoor kitty, but very close supervision 1 hour a day outside. Question before about mint leaves. Thank you, Toni
July 25, 2018
Toni D.
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Calico
Luna
2 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
She’S Hiding
I poured peppermint oil all over the house to prevent insects from coming in not knowing how harmful it is to cats. My cat is showing no signs but I’m extremely worried because I can’t get the scent out of my house and I don’t know what her inhaling the oil this long will do
June 13, 2018
2 Recommendations
I can see you asked two similar questions so I’ll answer them both together. Essential oils are usually too concentrated to be used around pets unless diluted to less than 1% with a carrier oil or part of a product intended for used with pets; you should mop up as much of the oil as you can as well as keeping the house well ventilated, keep an eye on Luna for the time being but visit your Veterinarian if any symptoms develop. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 14, 2018
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Part siamese
Tinker bell
a little bit older then a year
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Foaming At The Mouth
My cat ate peppermint and has been acting weird. She won’t allow anyone to pet her, and is staying away from people. So far she hasn’t thrown up or anything. She just seems agitated.
Nov. 3, 2017
6 Recommendations
Peppermint isn’t toxic to cats but their gastrointestinal tract doesn’t agree with it and it may cause some pain or discomfort as well as vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms; try to keep Tinker Bell hydrated but if you have concerns visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 3, 2017
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dsh
Morris
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My FIV+ boy Morris suffers from severe diarrhea. The FIV site I reference recommended Imodium or its generic equivalent. I purchased the Equate brand of loperamide in liquid form. Unfortunately, it is mint flavored. My question is whether this is safe to dose my boy with? The inactive ingredients list state it contains natural and artificial mint flavor.
orange
Spot
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing And Wheezing
I bought a dried mint chew toy from amazon thought it would help clean his teeth next couple days he started coughing and wheezing .i took him to a vet and they did blood work and told me it was asthma and he had a bacterial infection but didn't know where.😥
short hair
Conner and Amaya
3 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Help! So I have a rodent issue (cats to young to be of help) I read to soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place around the house. I place a total of 7 cotton balls all within about 20 feet or so from the room my kitties stay in. After spreading them I'm not sure i washed my hands and went to clean the kitties room. I did notice one of my kitten sniffing my hands. . Again dont remember if i washed my hands. Anyways I laid around near the cotton balls for some time. Very close near about 6 of them . Then went back in the kittens room for a bit. Can something like this poison them? I'm worried I was covered in the smell and the smell followed me in. My son even commented it smelled like peppermint in the room when we were with the kitten (not sure he was being for real) and ways I'm worried sick! Did I mention Conner was just neutered today. Worried I should bring them into get in the morning to be safe. Please help
Unknown
Bandit
6 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I use peppermint oil on my neck and temples when I get migraines, Bandit likes to sleep around my neck and hang out around me on my lap and just be near me, I just put some on while he was in the same room as me and I’m worried he may become ill because of it. Should I be worried?
tabby
Oliver
11 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking
Tired
Licking Lips
I was wiping down my cabinets with a spray bottle mix of water with a few drops of peppermint oil. My kitten did not lick it but was in the area when I sprayed the cabinets. He seems fine just a little more sleepy today and was licking his fur. I am worried though maybe he inhaled it or it got on his skin. I gave him a bath, but should I be worried even if it was such a diluted amount?
Mint Poisoning Average Cost
From 319 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$350
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
