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Cat owners often find their pets nibbling on things they are unsure about. Nobody would want their feline friend to suffer from any harm because of their ignorance. One such concern is whether cats should be allowed to nibble on rosemary. A lot of herbs and plants can be toxic to cats, so pet owners would want to find out if rosemary is poisonous or safe.
In this post, let us try to find answers to questions you may have about rosemary for your cats. We discuss whether cats like rosemary and if they should be allowed to consume the herb without any safety concerns.
Is Rosemary Safe For Cats?
You might be thinking about planting a garden with herbs like rosemary and want to keep it safe for your cat. Or, you have recently seen your pet nibbling on rosemary and are worried about any possible side effects from the consumption. Whatever your concern regarding the harm caused to your cat, there is no need to panic.
Some plants and foods should be kept away from cats, but rosemary is not one of them. This herb is excluded from the list of poisonous plants for pets and is not toxic to cats. It is harmless as long as it is taken in a small amount. It has a pungent taste that discourages animals from consuming a lot of it. This means there is no chance your cat can chew on such a large quantity of the herb that can be harmful or dangerous.
So, if you like cooking with fresh herbs, you can have rosemary around the house without being concerned about your cat’s safety. However, ensuring your pet does not eat a large quantity of rosemary is important as it is likely to upset the stomach. But as cats are meat lovers, there is little chance the cat eats up so much rosemary even if it chews on the plant out of curiosity.
Can Cats Have Rosemary & Do Cats Like Rosemary?
Rosemary is one of the herbs that deliver dietary benefits to humans. However, most pet owners are not sure whether it is safe and beneficial for cats as well. The short answer to this concern is Yes. Cats can safely have rosemary and can even benefit from their properties. It is, however, important to ensure they are given in a very small amount and as an occasional treat rather than a part of their daily meal.
Rosemary is a non-toxic herb containing good amounts of vitamin C, A, calcium, and folate. This herb is sometimes used to help pets get relief from problems like indigestion. It may also be used as a treatment to address issues like inflammation. The herb also has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and coat of the cat.
While it is common for cats to nibble on rosemary out of curiosity, most cats don’t like rosemary. It has a strong flavor that discourages animals like cats from taking more than a bite or two. This means there is no chance your pet would consume such a large quantity of rosemary that it becomes harmful.
Is Rosemary Oil Safe For Cats?
Rosemary oil is popular for aromatherapy and its benefits when applied topically. Rosemary is one of the essential oils considered safe to use around cats. It is an excellent flea repellent and offers relaxation to pets when kept around them. While rosemary oil is safe for cats when used in a diluted form near cats, it is not advisable to give it to your pets for consumption.
It is important to be cautious when using essential oils like rosemary with cats. These pets are carnivores, and their digestive system is different from that of humans. They are unable to handle some compounds present in these oils. This is why you should always see that your pet does not ingest rosemary oil. Moreover, cats have very thin skin, making the absorption of compounds faster into the bloodstream. This means you can see the effects instantly when you use the oil as a topical treatment.
While rosemary oil is safe for cats, it is important to watch your feline friend to ensure it does not show any adverse effects. You should report immediately to your vet if you see any signs of drooling, walking difficulty, vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, swelling, or other serious effects.
Is Rosemary Poisonous To Cats?
While many plants and herbs are considered dangerous and toxic to cats, rosemary is not listed as one of the toxic plants for cats and dogs by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It is not a herb you should keep away from your pets. However, it contains some volatile oils that can cause upset stomach, vomiting or nervous system problem if consumed in large quantities.
These effects of rosemary consumption are not because it is poisonous; it is just from its tendency to upset the stomach. It is therefore important that you don’t let your feline eat a lot of it at once. If you are advised to add rosemary to your cat’s diet, serve only a small amount in its existing food. Moreover, if you notice any kind of adverse reaction after consuming the herb, you should consult your vet at the earliest.