It’s natural to want to offer your cat something from your garden, but how do you know what’s safe or potentially dangerous for your feline friends? Let’s take a look at some of the herbs you may have access to that you can let your cat around and some that should be avoided.
An Important Note About Herbs
Even if an herb is considered “safe” for your cat, it can still cause issues like gastrointestinal upset in large amounts. Talk to your vet about anything you’re considering giving your cat because cats with allergies or specific health issues are more likely to experience side effects.
It’s also important to understand that we don’t know everything about how herbs will affect our cats or their potential benefits. Also, just because a product claims to have certain benefits doesn’t mean it will work for your cat.
The 10 Herbs That Are Safe for Cats
1. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Many cats love catnip. You may have even given it to your cat and watched them roll around. It can be an effective lure, helping your cat get used to things around the house like a scratching pad or litter box.
Catnip can be grown indoors or outdoors. Interesting, a study1 found that cats clinging to plants such as catnip and silver bone protected them from mosquitoes.
2. Cat grass
Cat grass is usually a combination of herbs that are safe for kittens to eat or roll on. It is usually a population or combination of barley, oats, wheat, or rye. These herbs are usually grown indoors, so they don’t contain pesticides or other chemicals that could make your cat sick.
Catnip can be beneficial to your cat for several reasons. It will help move material through your cat’s intestines and contains folic acid. Folic acid is especially important in biochemical reactions within your cat’s body, such as DNA synthesis and even the production of red blood cells.
3. Basil (The basilisk)
According to the ASPCA, a good resource for checking if plants are toxic, basil is not toxic to cats and dogs. That means you have nothing to worry about if your cat knocks over your basil plant or chomps on some leaves. Your cat probably won’t get much benefit from eating basil, but they may get some micronutrients, including folic acid.
4. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian root is safe for cats to eat because it has a wide margin of safety. As with humans, it has calming properties. You can find it in a range of calming products for cats.
5. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Milk thistle, or silymarin, is a commonly recommended supplement for cats and dogs and is considered safe. One of the more commonly recommended supplements in veterinary practices is a milk thistle combination product, branded under several names such as Denamarin or Denosyl. Your vet may recommend this supplement if your cat has evidence of liver changes in blood work because it can support liver health and may improve your cat’s high liver enzyme levels.
6. Echinacea (Echinacea)
While there are limited studies on the use of echinacea in animals, it is a safe and well-tolerated supplement. It may benefit your pet’s immune system and reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory infections, but that information is primarily based on studies in humans.
7. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root appears to be safe for pets and has been touted for its many health benefits, including digestive health. The main ingredient in licorice root is glycyrrhizic acid. This compound may have great potential in several aspects, as it is:
- Relieves inflammation
- Antioxidants
- Anticancer
8. Dandelions (Taraxacum)
Dandelions have long been a popular plant cultivated for medicinal purposes, though many people consider them a weed. There are different species of dandelion, but they all seem to be safe for cats. If you haven’t treated the yard with fertilizers, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals, these plants are safe for your feline friends to eat outside.
9. Calendula (Calendula)
Calendula has many names, the most common being the common marigold. Marigolds are popular as companion plants to help keep pests away from vegetables like tomatoes, so you probably already have them in your garden. It is not considered toxic to cats or dogs, so feel free to plant some in your cat’s herb garden.
10. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Marshmallow root is safe for cats and may provide a variety of potential health benefits. It can coat irritated tissues and has antibacterial activity. In addition to helping with inflammation, it can also help regulate your pet’s blood sugar.
Herbs and Plants to Avoid
Some herbs can be very toxic for your cat and have different side effects. Avoid planting them in your garden if your cat has access to the outdoors, and keep them out of your cat’s house to keep your feline family members safe.
Mint (Mentha species)
Mint contains essential oils that, while often beneficial for humans, are not safe for cats. According to the ASPCA’s list of poisonous plants, mint can cause vomiting and diarrhea, especially if your cat eats a lot of this plant.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is classified as toxic to cats (as well as dogs and horses). Although beautiful and fragrant, this plant can cause gastrointestinal issues in cats, from incontinence to vomiting.
Allium Species (Garlic)
Garlic, onions, and chives belong to the same plant family, like these Garlic kind of animal. These plants can cause mild to significant gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting. What’s particularly scary is that in cats and dogs, they can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia, which can be life-threatening. If there is a possibility that your cat has ingested garlic, onions, or chives, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
Many plants are safe for cats to have around, and just as many, if not more, have the potential to be toxic. Before you bring any plants home or chop up some herbs to add to your cat’s dinner, make sure it’s harmless. Your veterinarian is a good source of information to see if supplements or herbal remedies might help your cat, especially since some may interfere with more traditional medications.
Featured Image Credit: Georgia Evans, Shutterstock
