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Can Cats Eat Turmeric? Vet-Approved Benefits & Advice

Written by: Rachael Gerkensmeyer

Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Can Cats Eat turmeric

Can Cats Eat Turmeric? Vet-Approved Benefits & Advice

VET APPROVED

Dr. Lorna Whittemore Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

Vet, MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Cats may be carnivores, but they sometimes like to munch on plant foods like carrots and bananas. They might snatch our almost-finished muffin from the table when we are not looking. They might even scrounge around in the garbage to find table scraps when you are not home. If you’re like most cat owners, you try to keep “people food” away from your cat in fear that something that they eat could be dangerous or unhealthy for them.

But some people food is good for cats and can be offered to them as part of a healthy overall diet. You may have heard that turmeric is good for your cat. So, can cats eat turmeric? Is it healthy for them? Yes, cats can eat a little turmeric! It may be beneficial for them like it is for us. Here is more information you might be interested in.

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The Benefits of Feeding Turmeric to Cats

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years and is an integral part of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It also is added to various foods for color and flavor. An active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, which is thought to harbor most of the health benefits of this spice. Turmeric could be beneficial to cats in a variety of ways.

Despite many studies into the benefits of turmeric in humans there are very few studies into the benefits for cats. Many of the benefits proposed are extrapolated from those which humans report when taking turmeric or are anecdotal. Turmeric has low bioavailability by itself and so is not absorbed and utilized well in the body. It is usually combined with botanicals that help to improve the bioavailability such as piperine, a black pepper extract.

Turmeric powder
Image Credit: summawhat, Pixabay

Turmeric is shown to help control inflammation in cats that is due to obesity. It can also help relieve the pain associated with inflammation.

There is also work looking into the antiviral properties of turmeric in cats.

The use of turmeric in a topical application showed promise for head and neck dermatitis in cats.

Other studies on turmeric have been in dogs and horses but it may give similar benefits to cats.
  • It may help with arthritis
  • It may help with inflammation

There are a myriad of other anecdotal reports of ways that turmeric can benefit your cat such as dementia, tumors, and bowel disease. We would always recommend discussing supportive or alternative treatments with your veterinarian before starting their use, as turmeric can interfere with the way that many medicines work.

How to Feed Turmeric to Your Cat

Turmeric comes in a powder form, so it is typically utilized as a seasoning. Only a little is necessary. Dr. Doug English reports that you can sprinkle an ⅛ to a ¼ of a teaspoon on their regular food, and your pet shouldn’t have a problem consuming it. Supplements are also available but their contents are not tightly regulated.

You can add turmeric to homemade cat treats or dip things like bananas into a bit of turmeric before offering the food as an occasional treat.

However, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before feeding it to your cat. They will help you understand how much turmeric your cat should consume at any given time to avoid the possibility of developing side effects. Turmeric is thought to have anticoagulant properties and so should not be used before surgery or with blood clotting disorders.

cat eating food in the bowl
Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock

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Other Herbs and Spices That Are Healthy for Cats

In addition to turmeric, there are a variety of other herbs and spices that you can offer to your cat occasionally that are thought to help support their health. Here are other herbs and spices that your cat can eat:

These herbs and spices should be used like turmeric: sparingly. Just a small amount added to a meal or included in a snack or treat a few times a week or under guidance from a veterinarian.

3 cat dividerFinal Thoughts

Cats can enjoy a little turmeric occasionally, just like humans can, for the chance to gain health benefits as time goes on. There are other herbs and spices that cats can eat too, but it is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering your kitty a new herb or spice as part of their diet.


Featured Image Credit: Ajale, Pixabay

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