1) Basil is safe for cats. It is a bright and fragrant herb, and it’s safe to keep if you have cats around, so if your sneaky cat pinches a piece, you won’t need to panic. 2) Coriander is also safe for cats in addition to being super tasty.
Potential Health Concerns With Feeding Basil to Your Cat
While basil isn’t inherently harmful to cats, there are a few things you should know before giving your cat any. Once more, because they are obligate carnivores and cannot synthesize taurine on their own, cats must get it from animal protein in their diet. This implies that cats’ diets don’t always need to contain as many plants or vegetables.
A small nibble on a basil leaf now and then probably won’t significantly affect your cat’s daily nutrition, but too much basil can cause an imbalance. Overindulging in basil by your cat may also result in digestive distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea. In rare instances, a cat may truly be allergic to basil; symptoms may include vomiting, hives, swelling, or even trouble breathing. Because of its high synthetic phenol content, which can cause liver damage, cats shouldn’t use basil essential oil.
Are There Health Benefits to Basil in Cats?
Basil is low in calories and rich in calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Human studies have looked into its potential benefits for regulating blood sugar levels, strengthening the immune system, lowering stress and anxiety, and improving memory. However, there is little proof to support any of these claims.
But might basil have a similar effect on cats? Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need to eat animal protein often. People, even self-proclaimed “carnivores,” are actually omnivorous. So our digestion works differently than a cat’s digestion. Maybe cats don’t process basil the same way that you or I do. This implies that while humans can absorb the vitamins and minerals found in basil, your cat might not be able to do so.
Is Basil Safe For Cats?
Basil has a sweet and pungent aroma and flavor. Your cat may be intrigued by the scent alone and decide to try one or two pieces. According to the ASPCA, basil is not toxic to cats.
Ocimum Basilium, a herb in the Lamiaceae family, is actually known by the common name basil. This group of plants, commonly referred to as the mint family, also includes catnip, lavender, sage, rosemary, oregano, lemon balm, and, of course, mint. Note that sweet basil, also known as Genovese basil, is typically referred to as “basil” in most Western dishes.
Although there are up to 60 different varieties of basil species, they are all members of the Lamiaceae family. In Ayurvedic medicine, basil is sometimes referred to as Tulsi or St. Joseph’s Wort. There is also an herb commonly called St. John’s Wort, but it should be remembered that Hypericum perforatum is a totally different plant and that it is a member of the Hypericaceae family, which is a totally different plant family.
FAQ
Are basil plants toxic to cats?
How much basil can I give my cat?
Are any herbs poisonous to cats?
Is basil and cilantro safe for cats?