Is a Peppermint Plant Safe for Cats? Peppermint plants, like many other mint plant varieties, are not safe for cats. The essential oils that these plants contain are toxic to cats but also dogs and horses.
Cats are independent creatures that can find their way into the most unlikely nooks and crannies. That is why it is important to know which houseplants are safe for your cat and which are not.
Unfortunately, this means that you have to be very careful about which mint plants to keep in the house. This is what you need to know about mint plants and cats.
Are Mint Plants Toxic for Cats?
Mint plants contain essential oils and it is these essential oils that are potentially poisonous for your cat. The ASPCA classifies garden mint as a toxic substance for cats but it is important to note that cats have different tolerances.
In other words, some cats are more prone to harm from eating mint than others. Also, for mint to be poisonous, it must be consumed in considerably large quantities.
What this means is that some cats will be fine after a nibble of mint while others may show signs of mint poisoning. Many of the symptoms of mint poisoning are similar to the reaction to other toxic plants.
Signs of mint poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reaction
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Anaphylaxis
- Nausea
- General weakness
How to Respond to Peppermint Ingestion
If your cat eats peppermint, it’s important to know what to do. Here’s a simple guide to help you handle the situation:
First Aid Tips if a Cat Ingests Peppermint:
- Stay Calm: Keep calm so you can think clearly.
- Remove the Plant: Gently take away any remaining peppermint plant from your cat’s reach.
- Check for Symptoms: Look for signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, or acting strangely.
- Clean Up: If your cat has vomited, clean it up safely so they don’t try to eat it again.
When to Seek Veterinary Care:
- Immediate Signs: If your cat is showing any immediate signs of distress like difficulty breathing, acting really tired, or continuous vomiting, go to the vet right away.
- No Signs Yet: Even if your cat seems okay, it’s a good idea to call your vet. They might want you to watch your cat for a while or bring them in for a check-up.
Possible Treatments and Outcomes:
- At the Vet: The vet might give your cat medicine to help with symptoms or to get the peppermint out of their system. They might also give fluids if your cat is dehydrated.
- Home Care: If the vet says it’s okay to go home, they’ll give you instructions on how to care for your cat. This might include giving them medicine, watching them closely, and keeping them comfortable.
- Recovery: Many cats recover well with quick and proper care. Your vet will tell you what to expect and when your cat should start feeling better.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe and check with your vet if you’re not sure what to do. They can give you the best advice for keeping your cat healthy and happy!
Having Peppermint Plants & Cats
Creating a home where both your beloved cat and your favorite plants can thrive together might seem challenging, but with a few smart tips, you can make it happen! If you love growing peppermint and other herbs, it’s essential to ensure they’re out of your furry friend’s reach. Cats are curious creatures, and they love to nibble on things, especially plants!
Firstly, consider placing your peppermint and other herbs in a secure area where your cat can’t get to them. This could be on high shelves or in a room that your cat doesn’t have access to. Some people even use hanging planters to keep their greenery away from their pets.
It’s like creating a little safe haven for your plants where your cat can’t accidentally eat something they shouldn’t!
Next, you might want to think about growing cat-friendly plants that are safe if your cat decides to have a little taste. Plants like cat grass or catnip can be great options. This way, your cat can have their own plants to enjoy, and they might be less interested in your peppermint and other herbs.
Also, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your cat when they’re around your plants. If you notice them getting too curious, gently distract them with a toy or some playtime. This helps them learn that the plants aren’t toys and keeps their attention on things that are safe for them.
Do Cats Like Peppermint?
Cats generally do not like peppermint. Peppermint, along with other strong-smelling essential oils and plants, can be unpleasant or even harmful to cats. The intense scent of peppermint is derived from compounds like menthol, which most cats find too potent.
This strong aroma can be irritating to their sensitive noses and can lead to adverse reactions if ingested.
However, some cats might show curiosity towards peppermint and similar smells because they are similar to the compounds found in catnip. Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which can cause a typically playful or euphoric reaction in many cats.
Since peppermint also has a strong, minty scent, a few cats might initially be curious due to a similar olfactory sensation. Despite this initial curiosity, peppermint does not usually have the same enjoyable effects as catnip and can be dangerous.
What About Catnip?
Catnip, also known as catmint or catwort, is not safe for cats either. If mint is potentially toxic for cats, why do they love catnip so much?
Some cats actually enjoy the scent of mint which is perhaps why they are so interested in eating these plants, including catnip. Although many cats are not harmed by eating catnip, there is no way to predict whether this is true for your cat.
Consuming large amounts of catnip is dangerous to any cat. They can start to show the symptoms of mint poisoning so keep catnip away from your cat.
Don’t be fooled by the cartoons and videos showing cats thoroughly enjoying a dazed mood after eating catnip. Any mint is potentially toxic for cats.
READ MORE: Is ficus ginseng toxic to cats?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is menthol safe for cats?
Menthol is not safe for cats and you should protect from ingesting products containing menthol. Cats are attracted to minty scents so be very wary of putting out creams, lotions or foods containing menthol when you have a cat.
Do cats like the smell of menthol?
Yes, cats like the smell of menthol and other similar minty scents. This is perhaps also why they may start to nibble on your mint plants.
Is the smell of peppermint harmful to cats?
The smell of peppermint is not harmful to cats but ingesting peppermint, and any other type of mint, might be. Mints are toxic substances for cats and should always be kept away from them.
Summary
Despite popular belief, peppermint, catnip and other types of mint are all potentially toxic for cats and other pets. These plants contain essential oils that are not suitable for ingestion.
Consuming large amounts of mint can lead to mint poisoning. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset and general weakness.
Unfortunately, cats are attracted by the scent of mint which means that keeping mint plants in the house is not a good idea. If you do want to grow your own mint, consider keeping it outside where your cat can’t get to them.
If you have a cat in the house, mint might not be the best herb to grow at home. Consider growing one of the cat-safe herbs, instead.
