Cats cannot eat Spearmint.
The oil in the mint is toxic to cats. If you notice your feline chewing on a piece of spearmint, contact your veterinarian.
So, can cats eat spearmint? Spearmint is definitely safe for cats to eat.
In fact, it’s safe for people to eat too! Spearmint contains chemicals called methyl salicylates, which both humans and cats can digest without ill effects.
However, since spearmint is a mild sedative, cats should not be allowed to eat too much because it can make them feel tired or lazy.
Too much spearmint can also cause stomach problems or colic, but these problems can usually be avoided by giving cats spearmint in moderation.
Can Cats Eat Spearmint?
Spearmint is a plant in the Lamiaceae family, which also includes basil and thyme. It has an aroma similar to peppermint, which has a cooling effect on the body.
The minty flavor of spearmint is due to the menthone and menthyl esters. Spearmint contains spearmint oil, which has antibacterial properties.
It also has carvone and limonene, which work to improve the cognitive function of the brain.
Spearmint has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant and is used to treat various ailments.
The oil has cooling properties, so it’s often used in skincare products. Spearmint oil contains menthone, which is a mild stimulant.
It stimulates the central nervous system and acts as a mild sedative. This encourages the body to sweat out the toxins and keeps you refreshed throughout the day.
Spearmint is used in cooking because of its aroma and flavor. It’s often used in tea, cakes, and desserts. Spearmint is used as an ingredient in toothpastes because it helps fight bad breath.
It is generally safe for you to give your cat spearmint. However, there are certain types of spearmint plants that are dangerous for cats.
The oil extracts of the peppermint plant can be toxic for cats, so it’s recommended to sprinkle the mint on kitty’s food or brew it into a tea.
Avoid giving the cat the leaves of the peppermint plant as they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. Also, the mint can interfere with the absorption of certain medications.
Peppermint oil is safe for dogs, so you may have it on hand in case your cat decides to eat some spearmint.
However, you should always have your vet’s recommendation before administering any medication to your pet.
Do Cats Like Spearmint?
Cats do not usually like the taste of the herb, but it can be a treat for them if sprinkled on their food as a seasoning or made into a refreshing tea for them to drink.
Cats aren’t attracted to this herb because of the smell. They’re more interested in the flavor of the plant as it’s used in cooking or as a medicine for humans.
It may, however, attract them since it contains compounds that repel insects and other pests that may attack the garden where it grows.
Spearmint, also known as garden mint, is commonly found in Europe and North America.
Does Spearmint Make Cats Sick?
In their natural state, spearmint leaves do not contain any harmful toxins and are not toxic for cats to eat them in moderation.
This is what will make a cat sick from eating too many mint leaves or chewing on them excessively.
Is Spearmint Safe For Cats?
No, cats are allergic to both leaves and oils of garden mints.
If taken in sufficient quantities, it can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in cats.
If your cat eats a lot of mint leaves from the garden, make sure it’s not a type of mint that is harmful to them.
Vomiting occurs as a consequence when a cat consumes too much of this herb.
Does Spearmint Gets Cat High?
Mint family plants contain certain chemicals that can cause a euphoric effect in dogs or even humans.
Cats, on the other hand, will experience it as either sedation or increased anxiety rather than euphoria.
Catnip or catmint, on the other hand, contains phenylethylamine which is the same chemical found in chocolate.
Catnip is clearly indicated as safe for cats and kittens to have in small doses. However, caution should be exercised because too much exposure can lead to death in some extreme cases.
Catnip’s odor attracts them and tends to relax them; hence the reason why some owners use it to train their kitties.
Can Cats Eat Spearmint Oil?
Cats should not ingest any essential oil unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
Spearmint oil is hazardous to cats. Because it may cause gastrointestinal upset in felines if they ingest the oil directly.
Can Cats Eat Spearmint Leaves?
Cats should not eat any parts of the spearmint plant because they contain essential oils that are harmful to them.
Cats are not attracted to spearmint leaves but are attracted to the herb because of the flavor. This is because cats are attracted to herbs that contain essential oils in their leaves or stems.
The oils are toxic to cats. Since cats are attracted to it because of the flavor, you may want to watch the minty plant whenever you go out in your gardening activities with your cat around.
Toxic and harmful to your feline companion is any type of mint that is harmful to eat like peppermint, pennyroyal, and wintergreen.
Why Is My Cat Obsessed With Spearmint?
Because it is commonly mistaken with catnip, your cat can be attracted to spearmint by the smell of the herb but not because of its taste.
It is a common misconception that cats are attracted to the scent of spearment. Because it smells like catnip but this is not true.
Catnip fragrances are aromatic compounds called nepetalactones that induce a cat’s behavioral response – similar to the reaction produced by a female cat when she is in heat or when a male cat smells a female in heat.
What Do I Do If My Cat Eats Spearmint?
It’s vital to note that, if your cat consumes a lot of this herb, call your veterinarian immediately.
Because your pet may be experiencing gastrointestinal problems because of the presence of menthol in the plant which can cause vomiting or diarrhea.
In order for cats to get sick from ingesting spearment, it must be consumed in large amounts for it to be fatal to the animal.
However, as previously said, some cats are affected with the oil of the mint plant when ingested by direct contact or by licking the plant.
Your cat will be alright if she ingests small amounts of this herb or if she is licked by the leaf of the plant but if the symptoms are severe, contact your vet immediately.
Just keep an eye on her behavior and if she starts acting strangely or shows symptoms that she is not feeling well, contact your vet right away.
However, if your cat vomits and has diarrhea for a couple of times after ingesting the leaves of the mint plant, you should bring her to the vet to make sure that she is not suffering from a serious condition.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Asparagus?
Final Words
The essential oil of spearmint, which is responsible for its taste and smell, is highly toxic to cats and may cause stomach upset in felines.
If you do decide to plant it, keep out of your pet’s reach and make sure to plant it in an area where the cat cannot access it easily.
In most cases, your cat should recover after a couple of days but make sure to bring her to the vet if you see that she is displaying unusual behavior or showing signs of being sick.
However, you should think about fencing your herbs off if you have pet cats in the garden just to be on the safe side.
