Is Peppermint Safe For Cats? Cats can eat peppermint in small quantities, which can benefit your furry friends in many ways. But it can be a toxic herb for them if taken in the wrong amount.
But generally, it is not safe for cats to feed peppermint.
For example, a mild solution of peppermint can soothe their stomach, but if the doses of peppermint are in excessive amounts, it can be lethal and can also cause death.
In this article, we will discuss peppermint’s effects on cats and Is Peppermint Safe For Cats or not. Below, we will discuss a few health risks, benefits, and toxicity symptoms.
Should You Feed Peppermint To Your Cat?
Peppermint, also known as garden mint, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is Mentha piperita, a hybrid variety of spearmint and watermint.
Peppermint is a natural and healthy herb containing vitamins A, C, magnesium, and calcium. As an aromatherapy, peppermint can enrich memory and vigilance.
It can help with trivial diseases like hostile bowel movements and soothe irritations and muscular pains. Historically, it has been used widely for medical purposes.
Pets do not like peppermint’s strong, bitter aroma and flavour and do not even need it for nutrition. But you can feed peppermint to your cats in small amounts, and it is safe for them on occasional periods.
It can help the digestive tract during bowel movements and can cure the cat’s upset stomach. It is also a natural remedy for a cat’s flatulence. It can also help resist bacterial infections and freshen the breath.
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You can include peppermint in your cat’s diet in small amounts. You can replace the sugary, salty, and calorific seasonings with peppermints, which offer similar benefits. But keep in mind that it does not mean you should feed it daily to your furry friends.
Are There Any Benefits Of Peppermint To Your Cat?
Peppermint belongs to the same family as catnip, and because of this, several felines enjoy tasting it. If you feed peppermint in the right amounts, it can be beneficial to your cats. The right amounts of peppermint will give them mild anxiety relief.
Peppermint in a mild solution can remove strong odours. So, while introducing your cat to a new pet, you can use a tiny amount of this herb. This method will have a calming effect on your pets.
When using peppermint, remember that its strong scent can sometimes irritate a cat’s nose and eyes.
This is because cats have delicate mucous membranes in their eyes and noses. It would help to use only tiny amounts of mild peppermint solutions on or near your cats.
Now, let us take a look at the nutritional profile of peppermint. Here is the nutritional value of 100 grams of peppermint leaves:
Nutritional Value of 100 grams of Peppermint Leaves
| Total Calories | 70 |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
| Sodium | 31 mg |
| Potassium | 569 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15 g |
| Dietary fibre | 8 g |
| Vitamin A | 84% |
| Vitamin B6 | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 52% |
| Calcium | 24% |
| Iron | 28% |
| Magnesium | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Total Fat | 0.9 g |
| Total saturated fat | 0.2 g |
| Total polyunsaturated fat | 0.5 g |
| Total monounsaturated fat | 0 g |
Risks Of Feeding Peppermint To Cats?
Cats have sensitive nervous systems, and because of that, they are vulnerable to the odour of peppermint.
Its scent can cause cats to contract aspiration pneumonia. If your pet has gastroesophageal reflux disease, you should avoid giving it this herb; otherwise, its condition can become worse. It can also cause other GI issues.
A cat’s skin is fragile and delicate, allowing immediate absorption of almost every substance into the bloodstream. It can also breach the feline’s liver and gastrointestinal tract.
It can also affect the cat’s central nervous system. Pure menthol is toxic and can kill your kitty if taken in excessive amounts. You should not give it to your pet in any form.
Symptoms Of Mint Toxicity In Cats
If you own a cat, then you should be aware of their mint toxicity signs, both mild and severe. Your pet may suffer serious illness if you ignore these signs. Here are a few common symptoms of mint toxicity in cats:
- Lethargy and sluggish lifestyle
- Constipation
- Changes in daily eating habits
- Diarrhea
- High and unusual heart rate
- Different sleeping patterns
- Wheezing or struggling to breathe
- Heavy coughing or sneezing
- Vomiting
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- Drooling
- Ataxia (wobbliness)
- Absence of appetite
- Fever or fall in body temperature
- Tremors
- Lack of proper response
Is Peppermint Oil Safe For Cats?
Peppermint oil isn’t toxic to cats but can be dangerous if not given properly. Cats have much better olfactory receptors than humans.
We like the refreshing aroma of peppermint oil, but our dear kitties hate it. Even if they inhale a small amount, it can cause breathing difficulty, an abnormal increase in heart rate, and aspiration pneumonia.
The glucuronosyltransferase enzyme that can break the elements of peppermint oil is not produced in cats.
Felin’s liver tries to recognize the substance that is ingested. If the liver fails to recognize the substance, it stores it. This can lead to poisoning, which would put the cat’s life at risk.
Summary: Is Peppermint Safe For Cats?
If you want to give peppermint to your cats, grind two or three leaves into tiny pieces and sprinkle them over their food.
You can also add these mint leaves when giving them small fruit pieces. Before feeding peppermint to your kitties, discuss it with a veterinarian for the right instructions.
The bottom line is that peppermint is toxic to cats if given excessively. However, a mild peppermint solution can be beneficial if given in small amounts.
It is an excellent natural remedy for skin discomfort, upset stomachs, and fur fleas. However, peppermint oil should never be used near or on your cat.
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