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12 results for “cats and mint”
Can You Use Mosquito Coils Around Cats?
No—households with cats should not burn mosquito coils. The pyrethroid additives in coils are toxic to cats, which cannot metabolize them; too much exposure causes poisoning with tremors, vomiting, drooling, and unsteady walking, and in severe cases can be fatal. To protect your cat, avoid coils entirely and keep the air cat-free of the scent. Instead, fit window screens and nets, grow cat-safe plants like lemongrass or mint, and use a mosquito trap lamp or electric swatter—physical, odorless methods that don't endanger your pet. Choose the approach that fits your home, and keep a playful cat away from any device.
Can Cats Eat Mint Leaves?
Plain mint leaves are not toxic to cats, though most cats dislike the cool scent and rarely eat them, so a home mint plant is safe to grow. Do not confuse mint with catnip: catnip has little smell to us but excites cats, easing tension—offer a little when a cat is stressed, but not too much, or it may become overstimulated. Cat grass is another useful plant: its fiber aids digestion and helps pass hairballs, and it supplies trace nutrients. Grow some cat grass or keep hairball paste on hand. In short, mint leaves are harmless; just know the difference between mint and catnip.
Are Mosquito Coils Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Pyrethroid coils are safe for people and dogs in small doses but are highly toxic to cats, which can't metabolize them. DEET repellents can cause nervous-system problems in both. If a pet shows vomiting, drooling, uncoordinated movement, or seizures, seek a vet at once. Repel mosquitoes physically, with plants, or by isolating pets during use.
Why Cats Pee on the Bed and How to Stop It
Bed-peeing falls into three types: normal inappropriate elimination, stress peeing (literally scared into it), and urine marking (spraying). You can tell them apart by the stain—round with digging for normal, a few drops with no digging for stress, and a vertical streak with raised hips for marking. Clean with enzymes to remove the scent pheromone that invites re-marking, spray deterrent, then fix the root cause: litter training, reducing fear through socialization, and easing the anxious, rejected cat.
Why Cats Love Catnip So Much
Catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that triggers a euphoric response in sensitive cats — which is why it is nicknamed "cat cannabis." Affected cats rub, roll, and vocalize for a few frantic minutes, then lose interest, often returning hours later. It is safe with no real side effects, though about 30% of cats (and very young or old ones) are unaffected due to genetics. Beyond fun, catnip can lure a cat to a scratching post, encourage exercise, or ease picky eating.
Pica in Dogs and Cats
Pica is the compulsive eating of non-food objects such as stones, plastic, grass or wall plaster. It often signals a nutritional gap, pancreatic disease or parasites, and swallowed items can obstruct or perforate the digestive tract.
Canine and Feline Strongyloidiasis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Strongyloidiasis is caused by the threadworm Strongyloides stercoralis, infecting dogs, cats, foxes, humans, and other primates. It causes dermatitis, pneumonia, and enteritis in young animals and is treated with anthelmintics.
Feline Lungworm Infection (Aelurostrongylosis): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Feline lungworm infection is caused by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, which lives in the small bronchi and alveoli of cats and forms lung nodules. It is treated with anthelmintics and respiratory support.
Canine and Feline Trichinellosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Trichinellosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Trichinella spiralis, acquired by eating raw meat containing encysted larvae. It can cause intestinal inflammation and painful muscle infection, and is prevented by not feeding raw meat.
Canine and Feline Ascariasis (Roundworm Infection): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Ascariasis is a common roundworm infection of dogs and cats caused mainly by Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, and Toxascaris leonina. Heavy worm burdens in puppies and kittens cause poor growth, diarrhea, and a pot-bellied appearance, and are controlled with broad-spectrum dewormers.