Mentha × piperita / Mentha spicata
Why is it risky?
Fresh mint plants contain menthol, menthone, and related terpenes, the same compounds in peppermint essential oil, at much lower concentrations. ASPCA lists Mentha species as toxic to cats. Ingestion of significant plant material causes GI upset and, with large amounts, potential liver stress. Most cats are deterred by the strong scent.
Affected Systems
Digestive · Liver
Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy. Large ingestion: potential liver stress.
What To Do
Monitor for GI symptoms. Vet contact if more than a few nibbles consumed or symptoms are prolonged.
Notes
Do not confuse with catnip (Nepeta cataria), catnip is in the mint family but is safe and produces a well-characterized benign response. Culinary Mentha species and catnip are botanically related but toxicologically distinct. Also note: pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a mint-family member with HIGH risk due to pulegone, significantly more dangerous than peppermint or spearmint.
Sources
→ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/mint
→ Pet Poison Helpline — petpoisonhelpline.com