Do you just ever happen to pick up any random snack and serve it to your cat? Even if the snack is chocolates, pizzas, bubble gums (we hope you do not feed gum to them), and more, you will want to feed them everything that you eat. That is why you are out here on the internet searching for things like “can cats eat a peppermint.” Do not worry; we are here to save you from all that hustle and give you the clarity you have been looking for.
Since there is no direct answer to this question, let us just say that they partly can consume peppermint and mostly cannot. The consumption of peppermint leaves or even any part of the peppermint plant is dangerous for your cat. If you are someone who loves to feed your cat almost all human foods, you need to look through this article, to know why that policy may not be helpful for your felines always.
Peppermints are refreshments that humans enjoy in the form of chewing gums and juices. They keep us refreshed and convert the atmosphere around us into something cool and magical. Peppermints can also be used as houseplants for keeping the air around you fresh always. So, is it okay to feed peppermint to your cats? Keep reading the trailing sections to know more about the same.
Are peppermints safe for cats?
Peppermints are not safe for cats. Peppermint consists of extra essential oils, which may do more harm than good for your cats. These essential oils contain toxins, which cats cannot consume at any cost. They are so bad for cats, that the essential oils can also cause the death of the felines.
Cats cannot consume any part of the peppermint plant. The flowers, leaves, and branches are dangerous for your cat. It would help if you were not feeding anything to your cat that consists of even the slightest peppermint flavor. All parts of mint are highly toxic for your feline. Make sure that your feline does not even nibble on the tiniest part of peppermints’ leaves.
Peppermint can cause a severe toxic reaction in felines, even when consumed in small quantities. As cats are not immune to any kind of essential oil, they are not immune to peppermint as well. If your cat consumes anything that has peppermint in it, it can die. Cats are picky eaters, but if they have picked something related to peppermint, you sure are doomed. So make sure you keep a check on what your cat eats.
Peppermint poisoning is not very rare in cats. It is very common for them to experience this. As we previously mentioned, cats cannot eat any part of the mint plant, as it will be considered unsafe for them to eat so. If your cat has eaten any part of the peppermint plant, it can lead to a condition called mint poisoning them.
How do you know if your cat is suffering from this type of poisoning? Watch out for these symptoms in your cat, and seek the help of a vet immediately, if your cat is in great discomfort.
- Diarrhea
- Committing
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Liver damage
- Central nervous system damage
- Headache
- Anaphylaxis
- Contact dermatitis
- Heartburns
- Cramps
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Sedation
These are all the symptoms that your cat may show if they have eaten some part of mint leaves. You should take them straight away to the vet and get them checked. Your cat may even seem very lazy, dizzy, and sleepy if they consume mint. They look and behave as if they are stoned.
Sometimes, you may notice that your cats exhibit an opposite reaction to this after consuming mint-related foods. It may act and behave energized for no reason and feel very active all of a sudden. Cats, by nature, are lazy animals. They are not very active at all. Being a cat owner, you might already know that cats are only 40% active all through their lives.
So if they are overactive after consuming mint-related items, it should ring an alarm bell in your mind. You have a problem that needs a quick diagnosis. So, without wasting any more time jumping to conclusions, and assuming things, take your cat to the vet immediately to check the nature of mint poisoning, so that treatment can be started immediately.
How do you prevent your cats from eating peppermint?
If you have cats and peppermint plants at home, it can be difficult for you to keep your felines away from the mint plants. It may also be that your cat decides to eat or throw away all your plants just for fun. In such cases, the only option you can adopt to keep your cats away from the plant is to keep the peppermint plant outside your house, or anywhere that is out of reach for your cats.
Another tip to keep your cat away from such plants is to avoid growing cat-toxic plants at home. You may research more on cat-friendly plants, and grow only those plants that are harmless for your pets, in your homes. It is going to be very difficult to keep away your curious cat from nibbling on the mint leaves. So avoiding such plants altogether is the best way to create a safe and toxic-free environment for your cats, at home.
Final Word
Cats should not be given peppermints to eat. Peppermint-related foods can cause allergies and toxic reactions in cats. In severe cases, cats can also die from mint poisoning. As they are obligate carnivores, their digestive system can only handle animal meat well. They cannot handle plant-based foods properly. The delicate digestive system of cats cannot handle the strong smells of peppermint essential oils, too. So, they should never be fed anything that has peppermint in it. Cats can exhibit instant allergic reactions if they consume anything related to peppermint. If not diagnosed early, it can lead to death, as well. Hence, please watch out for the foods your cat eats regularly and rush it to the vet if you spot any abnormalities.