At a glance
| Plant | Mint (Mentha) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic principle | essential oils |
| Signs ASPCA lists | vomiting and diarrhea when a lot is eaten |
| ASPCA page | Mint, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
Catnip is a mint-family plant too, and ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats (it isn’t on the dog list). ASPCA notes many cats love it, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea and makes some cats drowsy and others wound up.
Lemon balm, sometimes called balm mint, is on ASPCA’s non-toxic list for cats and dogs.
Look-alikes
- Catnip: toxic to cats, not on aspca’s list to dogs (ASPCA). Toxic on ASPCA’s cat list (nepetalactone); not on its dog list.
- Lemon balm: non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Mint family, lemon-scented, crinkled leaves. Non-toxic on ASPCA’s lists.
- Basil: non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Non-toxic on ASPCA’s lists.
Care basics
Light: Full sun; tolerates part shade.
Soil and water: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; it does poorly when dry. It spreads fast by underground runners, so NC State suggests a container.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Mentha spicata (spearmint).
If your pet ate some
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, as soon as you can. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.
Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
