Is Lemon Balm toxic to cats?
Lemon balm is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Melissa officinalis as safe for cats, dogs, and horses with no toxic principle on record — and despite the "balm mint" name, it is not a Mentha, so the garden-mint caution does not carry over.
- TOXINnone — no toxic principles on record
- WHAT TO EXPECTno symptoms on record
- CALL THE VETSee a vet only if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.
Nothing to do — really
Care at a glance
FAQ
What happens if my cat eats lemon balm?
Nothing on the record. The ASPCA lists Melissa officinalis as "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses" and gives no toxic principle and no clinical signs — that is the whole entry, and it is why this page is S0 Safe. Pet Poison Helpline has no entry for the plant. The only thing left is the rule behind every S0 grade: a large meal of any plant can come back up. If your cat grazes the pot and then vomits once, let it pass; if vomiting persists or worsens, see your vet.
Lemon balm is sold as "balm mint" — is it a mint, and does the mint warning apply?
No to both. Lemon balm is Melissa officinalis, and the ASPCA lists "Balm, Common Balm, Balm mint" as its other names — the word mint is a nickname, not a genus. Garden mint is Mentha, a different plant with a different record: S1 Caution on our mint page, where the ASPCA lists essential oils with vomiting and diarrhea after large ingestions. That warning belongs to Mentha and does not carry over. For lemon balm the ASPCA lists no toxic principle at all, which is why it is S0. Check the botanical name on the tag: Melissa is this page, Mentha is the other one.
Which parts of lemon balm are safe — leaves, stems, flowers?
The ASPCA entry does not single out any part, because it lists nothing toxic to single out: Melissa officinalis is "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses" with no toxic principle on record. Our record therefore has no toxic-parts field for this plant. Leaves, stems, and flowers are treated alike. The one thing to watch is quantity, for the reason that applies to every S0 plant: a pet that eats a lot of any leafy plant may bring it back up. If that persists, see your vet.
Is lemon balm safe for dogs?
Yes, on the same record as for cats. The ASPCA's entry for Melissa officinalis reads "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses," with no toxic principle listed, so the grade is S0 Safe on our lemon balm page for dogs. There is nothing on record beyond the general S0 caveat that a big plant meal can upset a stomach. If your dog has eaten a lot of it and seems unwell, see your vet.