Plant safety record
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Correctly identified Melissa officinalis is listed non-toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA. Confirm the plant identity before relying on a balm or mint common name.
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Cats
NON-TOXIC
ASPCA classifies Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, as non-toxic to cats.
Dogs
NON-TOXIC
ASPCA classifies Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, as non-toxic to dogs.
Quick answer
ASPCA lists Lemon Balm under Melissa officinalis as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and Kew accepts that species identity.
Plant identity and scope
This record is limited to Melissa officinalis, the species accepted by Kew. Balm and mint common names can be shared or applied loosely, so the scientific identity controls the PawPlants classification.
Governed aliases: Balm, Common Balm, Balm Mint.
What the evidence supports
The non-toxic result is limited to Lemon Balm identified as Melissa officinalis. It is not a genus-wide mint-family conclusion and does not transfer to another plant sold under a balm name.
Safety classifications come from PawPlants' governed evidence record, not from a retailer or product label.
If exposure may have occurred
Remove loose plant material and prevent more chewing. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist, a large amount may have been eaten, another substance was involved, or the plant identity is uncertain.
Open PawPlants emergency guidance for immediate next steps and contact options.
Evidence and sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Lemon BalmCat: Non-toxic; Dog: Non-toxic; subject: Melissa officinalis.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Plants of the World Online — Melissa officinalisEvidence subject: Melissa officinalis.