Rosemary is a popular herb that many people use to add flavor and aroma to their dishes.
But what about our feline friends? Can cats eat rosemary safely, or is it harmful to them?
Based on my investigation and learning, I will share with you what I know about these topics and others in this post.
Are Rosemary Toxic to Cats?
The good news is that rosemary is not toxic to cats, according to the ASPCA.
This means it won’t kill them or cause severe damage to their organs if they eat it.
However, this doesn’t mean that rosemary is entirely safe for cats either.
Rosemary contains a lot of oils, such as camphor, cineole, linalool, and verbinol, that can upset a cat’s stomach if consumed in large enough quantities.
This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and other gastrointestinal signs.
Therefore, it’s best to discourage your cat from eating rosemary plants or leaves, even if they seem curious or interested.
Do Cats Like Rosemary?
Most cats don’t like the smell or taste of rosemary, so they will probably avoid it or take a sniff and move on.
However, some cats may be more adventurous or attracted to the herb, especially if bored or hungry.
If you have a rosemary plant at home, you may want to keep it out of your cat’s reach or spray it with a deterrent, such as citrus or vinegar.
You can also offer your cat some catnip or other safe herbs to satisfy their need for greens.
How Much Rosemary Can Cats Eat?
If you like to cook for your cat or share some of your food with them, you may wonder if you can also give them some rosemary.
The answer is yes, but only in small amounts and occasionally.
A little sprinkle of rosemary on their chicken or fish won’t harm them, as long as they don’t have any allergies or sensitivities to it.
In fact, rosemary can provide some health benefits for cats, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, you should avoid giving your cat too much rosemary or too often, as this can cause the same problems as eating the plant itself.
Also, make sure that the rosemary you use is fresh or dried, not essential oil.
What If Your Cat Eats Too Much Rosemary?
If your cat eats too much rosemary by accident or on purpose, you should monitor them closely for any signs of discomfort or distress.
These can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, or pawing at their mouth.
If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately contact your veterinarian and follow their instructions.
They may advise you to induce vomiting, give your cat activated charcoal, or bring them in for examination and treatment.
Depending on the severity of the case, your cat may need fluids, anti-nausea medication, or supportive care until they recover.
What About Rosemary Essential Oil?
Rosemary essential oil is a highly concentrated form of herb that is used for aromatherapy or topical applications.
However, it is dangerous for cats and should never be used on or around them.
Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and can easily absorb them through their skin or ingest them by grooming themselves.
This can cause serious toxicity and damage to their liver, kidneys, nervous, and respiratory systems.
Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats include drooling, vomiting, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and coma.
If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to rosemary essential oil or any other essential oil, you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary is a non-toxic herb for cats that can offer some health benefits in moderation.
However, it can also cause gastrointestinal upset and irritation if eaten in excess or in essential oil.
Therefore, you should keep your cat away from rosemary plants and leaves and only occasionally give them a small amount of rosemary in their food.
If your cat eats too much rosemary or shows any signs of toxicity from essential oil exposure, you should contact your veterinarian right away.
