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View 2 More +Long before humans domesticated cats, they survived in the wild where many different plants and herbs would grow. These days we feed our cats at home, and it is far less common for domesticated kitties to have to fend for themselves. Often, owners want to know which herbs and plants can be fed to their cats and what are the benefits of doing this.
This article will discuss which herbs are safe and what they have to offer our feline friends. Whether you are a seasoned cat owner, looking to find new ways to improve your cat’s health and support their well-being, or you have just stumbled across the subject and want a little more information, this article is for you.
Read on to discover the potential power of the safe use of herbs for cats.
Classification of Herbs for Cats
There are many different ways to classify herbs for cats.
- Calming herbs: Herbs such as chamomile can have a relaxing effect on cats which can help if they get stressed or anxious.
- Stimulating herbs: Some herbs cause energetic, playful responses in cats. They often have a euphoric effect. This includes herbs such as silver vine and catnip.
- Digestive herbs: Some types of herbs, such as parsley and lemon balm, can aid in digestion. They also have the bonus of freshening your cat’s breath.
- Hairball remedies: Some herbs can help rid cats of hairballs naturally such as cat grass.
Herbs can also be classified specifically for the safety of their use in cats. Safe herbs are non-toxic and have various health benefits. Examples of safe herbs are catnip, silver vine, chamomile, oat straw, parsley, and lemon balm.
Toxic herbs or plants are poisonous to cats and can cause illness or even death so should be avoided at all costs. Examples of toxic herbs include chives, garlic, onions, and lilies.
Some may choose to classify herbs by their botanical classification.
- Lamiaceae (mint family): This includes catnip, basil, lavender, and mint.
- Asteraceae (daisy family): echinacea and chamomile belong to this family.
- Poaceae (grass family): Herbs such as cat grass belong to this family.
Another useful way of classifying herbs is by their active ingredients.
- Nepetalactone. This is found in catnip and has a euphoric effect on some cats.
- Actinidine. This is similar to nepetalactone and is found in silver vine.
- Apigenin. This can be found in chamomile and oat straw.
The 16 Herbs That Are Beneficial for Cats
1. Catnip
| Scientific name: | Nepeta cataria |
| Other common names: | Catnip, catswort, catwort, catmint |
| Origin: | Southern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, parts of China |
Most owners will be familiar with catnip. This is an herb that contains a compound called nepetalactone. The aroma of this chemical triggers a response in cats. It targets “happy” receptors in the cat’s brain by mimicking the pleasurable pheromones. When cats smell the herb, the chemical bonds to smell receptors and initiates a euphoric response in the majority of cats.
Affected cats will often rub themselves on things, roll around playfully, and become extremely affectionate. They may moan or purr and lick things. This usually lasts 10–15 minutes then the cat typically falls asleep. Not all cats are sensitive to the effects of catnip, and the sensitivity is thought to be genetic. There is no evidence that catnip is harmful to pets in any way and it is not possible for cats to overdose on catnip.
Some cats do have negative reactions and may become aggressive and bite their owners so use with caution for the first few times to monitor this. It is not recommended for use in pregnant cats. This is mainly due to the fact they may injure themselves or the kittens if they start leaping around energetically.
2. Silver Vine
| Scientific name: | Actinidia arguta |
| Other common names: | Chinese Actinidia, Matai, Himalayan Kiwi, Sibirische Kiwi, Silverberry, Kiss Vine, Maca |
| Origin: | Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam, Laos) |
This is very similar to catnip and often used as an alternative. It contains an active ingredient called actinidine that causes similar effects to that of catnip in some cats. Many cats that do not react to catnip will react to silver vine in a positive way. Typical behavior displayed includes face rubbing, drooling, rolling around, and licking things.
3. Chamomile
| Scientific name: | Matricaria chamomilla L. |
| Other common names: | German chamomile, Wild chamomile, Common chamomile, Mayweed, Hungarian chamomile Man’s-man Ground apple, Disc mayweed Wild Matricaria |
| Origin: | Eurasia and North Africa. |
This herb is believed to have relaxing and stress-relieving properties. It can be given as a tincture or tea and can be added to food.
4. Oat Straw
| Scientific name: | Avena sativa L. |
| Other common names: | Wild oat, cultivated oat, White oat, Groat oat, Common oat, Tame oat, Red oat, Black oat, Horse oats, Feed oats |
| Origin: | Middle East, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean region |
This is another calming herb that comes from the unripened Avena sativa plant. It is believed to be able to aid in the relief of anxiety and stress in cats. It can be sprinkled onto food.
5. Valerian
| Scientific name: | Valeriana officinalis L. |
| Other common names: | Common valerian, European valerian, garden valerian |
| Origin: | Europe and Asia |
This herb has a sedative effect on cats that can help them with relaxation and sleep. Owners must be aware that it can also have the opposite effect on some cats and end up stimulating them. Always start with small amounts and monitor your cat’s reaction closely when first using valerian.
6. Parsley
| Scientific name: | Petroselinum crispum |
| Other common names: | Curly parsley, Flat-leaf parsley, Garden parsley, Petroselinum sativum |
| Origin: | Mediterranean region, including Greece, Turkey, and Iran |
This herb is thought to have many benefits for cats, these include supporting your cat’s immune system, eyesight, urinary tract, and circulation. It is important to note that the benefits of parsley are only apparent when parsley is eaten in moderation.
If it is consumed in large amounts, it can have toxic effects so use it with caution. It also has the added bonus of freshening breath.
7. Cat Grass
| Scientific name: | Dactylis glomerata |
| Other common names: | Cock’s-foot, Orchard grass |
| Origin: | Europe, Asia, and North Africa |
This is a type of wheatgrass that is safe for cats to consume. It can help your cat to rid themselves of hairballs and also provide them with some useful nutrients.
8. Echinacea
| Scientific name: | Echinacea purpurea |
| Other common names: | Purple coneflower, eastern echinacea, hedgehog, red hedgehog, black samson, snakeroot |
| Origin: | North America |
This herb is primarily used to support the immune system. It is believed to help fight off viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
9. Licorice
| Scientific name: | Glycyrrhiza glabra |
| Other common names: | Sweetroot, Licorice root, Chinese licorice, Black licorice, Spanish licorice |
| Origin: | North Africa, the Middle East, and China |
This comes from the root of a perennial herb. It contains natural steroids and is thought to be helpful with cats suffering from allergies. It is not advised to use it if your cat has electrolyte imbalances or high blood pressure.
10. Goldenseal
| Scientific name: | Hydrastis canadensis L. |
| Other common names: | Yellow puccoon, Orange root, Turmeric root, Indian turmeric, Ground raspberry, Ohio curcuma, Curcuma virginica |
| Origin: | Eastern North America |
This herb comes from the Buttercup family. It is thought to be useful as a wound disinfectant.
11. Lemon Balm
| Scientific name: | Melissa officinalis L. |
| Other common names: | Bee balm, Balm mint, Melissa, Melisse, Sweet balm, Garden balm, Heart’s delight, Honey plant |
| Origin: | Mediterranean region and parts of Asia |
This herb can act as a digestive aid. It is believed to be able to ease discomfort and pain from indigestion. As a bonus, it also freshens breath!
12. Milk Thistle
| Scientific name: | Silybum marianum |
| Other common names: | Mary Thistle, Blessed thistle, Lady’s thistle, Holy thistle, Silibinin plant |
| Origin: | The Mediterranean region, from southern Europe to North Africa and the Middle East |
This herb, also known as silymarin, is often used as a supplement for liver support. It is believed to boost antioxidants and reduce inflammation.
13. Dandelion
| Scientific name: | Taraxacum officinale |
| Other common names: | Common Dandelion, Puffball, Clocks, Blowball, Cankerwort, White Man’s Foot, Priest’s Crown |
| Origin: | Eurasia |
This herb can act as a digestive aid as it can have a mild laxative effect. It is also thought to act as a cholagogue which means it promotes the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the intestines during digestion. This helps to break down food more efficiently.
14. Calendula
| Scientific name: | Calendula officinalis L. |
| Other common names: | Pot marigold, Common marigold, Ruddles, English marigold, Scotch marigold, Golds, Mary’s gold, Ringolds Sun marigold, Woundwort |
| Origin: | Southern Europe |
The flower of this plant is thought to contain a large amount of saponins. Saponins are believed to help heal gastric ulcers and can also contribute to the control of blood sugar. It is thought to have some antiseptic properties too.
15. Marshmallow Root
| Scientific name: | Althaea officinalis |
| Other common names: | Sweet root, White mallow, Althaea plant, |
| Origin: | Areas around the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia. |
This herb has been used for centuries to treat respiratory, digestive, and skin conditions. It is not related in any way to the pink and white fluffy sweets!
16. Basil
| Scientific name: | Ocimum basilicum L. |
| Other common names: | Sweet basil, Genovese basil, Italian basil, Large-leaved basil, Holy basil (Tulsi) (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora), Lemon basil (Ocimum americanum), Cinnamon basil (Ocimum gratissimum), African basil (Ocimum gratissimum) |
| Origin: | India and Asia |
This herb is thought to be helpful in boosting immunity and reducing stress and anxiety in humans. There is more research required to say whether it has the same benefits in cats. It is not toxic for cats and considered safe for them to eat.
Important Note
It is important to note that while herbs can have amazing health benefits for cats, not all herbs are suitable, and some can even be toxic. Certain plants and herbs including chives, garlic, onions, leeks, and lilies are toxic to cats. Exposure to some of these can even cause death. Always check with a veterinarian before giving any new herbs to ensure they are safe.
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When starting to use any new herbs for your cat, it is vital to only give a very small amount to begin with. Monitor your cat closely and see how your cat reacts before giving larger amounts. If there are any adverse effects seen, such as vomiting, diarrhea, skin lesions, or other clinical signs of illness, stop use immediately.
Conclusion
Always discuss using any new products, foods, or supplements with your vet before you introduce something new, including the herbs above. Your vet will know your cat’s individual needs and can address any existing health conditions. They can advise you of any contraindications and discuss dosages.
If you are ever unsure, it is always better to seek help from a professional. Your vet will be happy to advise you.
Featured Image Credit: tookapic, Pixabay
