Both catnip and catmint are types of mint that are safe to cats. Garden mint may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten. ... This is the mint that is often cultivated for use as a culinary herb. Most mint plants have wrinkled leaves that grow in an ovular shape.

Are cats attracted to mint plants?

Peppermint. ... Some kitties dislike the smell and with good reason: peppermint contains salicylate, a chemical also found in aspirin and poisonous to cats. Other cats are attracted to peppermint because it contains compounds similar to nepetalactone.

Are cats repelled by mint?

Once your mint plant has established well, it will release a strong mint/spearmint smell. Cats hate mint because it is such a strange smell to them! ... We have mint growing all over our garden at specific points, and the cats stay well clear because of its strong smell.