Peppermint Oil

Question
Hi,
I have a 16 y.o. American Shorthair neutered male cat.  Due to his age he has developed joint problems and will not eat any of the glucosamine/chondroitin supplements available.  I found a human supplement 'Swanson Health Products Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM Mini-Tabs'  Each tablet contains Glucosamine Sulfate 125 mg; Chondroitin Sulfate 100 mg; MSM 50 mg; Microcrystalline Cellulose; croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, magnesium stearate and Peppermint Oil.  The tablets have just a light odor of peppermint.  I have been giving him 1 tablet daily for 2 1/2 months; there's no problem giving him pills.  I just found out on your site that peppermint oil can be hazardous to cats.  Am I causing more harm than good?  Please advise.

Thank you fellow cat lover,
Brenda

Answer
Hi Brenda.  Peppermint oil could cause neurological and liver damage if the kitty continues to ingest it, even in tiny doses, over time.  So I would recommend to discontinue using this product.  I'm not sure which products you have tried, but there are supplements you mix into canned food, like Cosequin, liquid supplements you give with a syringe, like Arthrimaxx, cat treats, like Zuke's Hip Action (supposed to be very good), and chewable tablets, which also may be given as a regular pill or crushed up and mixed into food.  If you can't get glucosamine into her with any of these, you can discuss the human supplement with your vet, but I have a strong feeling that the risk of giving her anything with peppermint oil in it is going to outweigh any benefit that a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement might be able to offer.