Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Cats Eat Licorice Root? Vet Approved Nutrition Advice

Can Cats Eat Licorice Root

As a pet parent, you want everything to be perfect for your feline pal, which includes ensuring there are no plants, herbs, spices, or food that your cat can get into that might hurt them. Many pet parents wonder if their cats can eat licorice root. The answer to this question is yes, but it also depends on a few different factors.

In this guide, we’ll examine why cats can eat a tiny piece of licorice root but shouldn’t consume large portions.

divider 1 pawsCan Cats Eat Licorice Root?

It’s not dangerous for your cat to eat a bit of licorice root, so if your cat nibbled on a bit, don’t worry. However, you shouldn’t give your cat large amounts since it could cause problems with their bowels and digestive system.

If your cat eats a little, it’s not going to hurt them. However, you don’t want them to eat copious amounts of licorice. If your cat has gotten sick from eating licorice root, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

Benefits of Giving Your Cat Licorice Root

Licorice root acts as an anti-inflammatory, which makes it good for cats with arthritis. It’s also a natural source of cortisone, which is helpful for cats with allergies and acts as a mild laxative. However, speak to your vet before using licorice root to cure any of your pet’s ailments.

You never know what your feline pal could be allergic to in the licorice root, which could cause their condition to worsen.

Can Cats Eat Food Flavored with Licorice Root?

It’s a bad idea to give your cat candy flavored with licorice root or any candy at all. Candy is not suitable for cats since it’s primarily made of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Of course, your cat managing to sneak a small bite won’t hurt, but regularly eating it could have long-term side effects.

Licorice Root
Image By: Pixabay

What Should a Cat Eat?

We’ve discussed that feeding your cat candy is a bad idea, but what should you feed your cat? No matter what you’re feeding them, they need clean, fresh water to stay hydrated. Since they require mainly animal protein in their diet, high-quality dry food or canned cat food are ideal protein sources for a cat.

Next, we’ll discuss other non-commercial foods your cat can safely consume.

Meat

Meat gives your cat the protein they need to be healthy and happy. Cats can eat turkey, chicken, beef, venison, and lamb. But, of course, the meat has to be fresh, cooked, and boneless.

a bowl of ground beef
Image By: Pexels, Pixabay

Fish

Cats love fish, even though most wild species survive on mammals and birds. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that help with a cat’s joints and eyesight and boost brain power. As with meat, make sure the fish is fresh, cooked, and boneless.


Vegetables

Your cat doesn’t need to eat vegetables, but many cats like them, so they can make a good treat. You can give your cat small portions of carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Of course, make sure the vegetables are cooked, too.

Vegetables-in-basket_Elina-Leonova_shutterstock
Image By: Elena Leonova, Shutterstock

Fruit

Fruit is high in sugar, which is unsuitable for your furry friend. However, some fruits make good treats in small amounts. Mangos, bananas, cantaloupe, apricots, watermelons, and pears make great occasional treats.


Cheese

Cheese is loaded with protein and fat, making it great for cats. However, many varieties are high in lactose, which can cause digestion issues in cats. Therefore, you should pick cheeses low in lactose, such as Swiss, cheddar, or lactose-free products.

These are just a few foods you can feed your cat, but it’s best to consult your veterinarian before giving your cat anything new or changing their diet.

divider 1 pawsFinal Thoughts

A small portion of licorice root will not harm your feline, but you should always contact your vet before giving them anything new. Although it’s not toxic to cats, licorice root should not become part of your pet’s regular diet. Protein-rich treats composed primarily of meat are healthier as occasional snacks, and your cat will undoubtedly enjoy them more than licorice root.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Cats Eat Hamburgers? Vet-Approved Feline Treats

Cats are meat-eaters, and what is more carnivorous than a juicy burger made with ground beef, pork, chicken, or other meat? As long...

Can Cats Eat Hamburgers

Can Cats Eat Butter? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

You probably found this article because you own a cat, and one of two things is true: they got into butter you left...

Can Cats Eat Butter

Can Cats Eat Pesto? Vet-Approved Risks & Safe Alternatives

Pesto is a household staple used in various foods, such as salad dressing, pizza, and chicken—the possibilities are limitless! If you’re a cat...

Can Cats Eat Pesto

Can Cats Eat Crab? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

We’ve all been there. You go to crack open a can of crab to make some dip, or maybe whip up some delicious...

Can Cats Eat Crab

More related

Catster_Can Cats Eat Vanilla Pudding_v1_Dec 4 2024

Can Cats Eat Vanilla Pudding? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Cats are independent creatures, but they rely on us humans to take care of their nutritional needs. Commercial cat food is the easiest...

Can Cats Eat Pancakes

Can Cats Eat Pancakes? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts & Health Advice

If you have a family tradition of eating pancakes for breakfast on a Saturday morning, you might feel bad for excluding your cat....

Can Cats Eat Chickpeas

Can Cats Eat Chickpeas? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Alternatives

The chickpea, or garbanzo bean, is a legume that originates from the Middle East and has gained the nickname of the Egyptian pea....

Can Cats Eat Sardines

Can Cats Eat Sardines? Health Benefits & FAQ

Does your cat come running after the sound of a cracking can of sardines? Most felines are attracted to these tiny fish and...

Keep reading

How Do Cat Eyes Work? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you’re wondering why your cat has such an air of self-importance and superiority about them, it might be because their senses are so powerful and complex that they consider us mere humans simply inferior—and rightly so! Did you know...

Scared cat with wide eyes looking at you

Can Cats Eat Scrambled Eggs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

There’s no better breakfast than some nicely cooked scrambled eggs and a couple of slices of toast. It’s simple, delicious, and nutritious. So, what’s the harm in sharing your favorite breakfast with your furry feline companion? Can your cat eat...

Can Cats Eat Scrambled Eggs

Epsom Salt Bath for Fleas on Cats: Vet-Reviewed Effectiveness, Safety & Alternatives

A flea infestation can make your cat miserable and put them at risk of diseases and internal parasites. Some cat owners prefer to avoid using pesticides and chemical methods to treat fleas in favor of homemade or natural remedies. One...

Sea salt epsom in wood plate

Can Cats Eat Soup? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Soup is a great meal to have for lunch or dinner. It is filling and comforting to eat on chilly days, and there are so many ways to prepare it. It really can be the perfect meal. However, you may...

Can Cats Eat soup

Why Does My Cat Put His Paw on My Mouth? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

When your cat is interacting with you—things are going to get weird from time to time. Whether they are taking their time getting really up close to sniff you or they are invading your space by bunting and rolling all...

Abyssinian kitten Cat Paw Owner

Can Cats Eat Bully Sticks? Vet Approved Nutrition Advice

Multi-pet households come with their fair share of challenges, one of which is keeping separate treats for your cats and dogs. Both animals have different nutritional requirements, and while your dog might not have a problem stealing a few cat...

Can Cats Eat Bully Sticks

How Do Cats Know to Use the Litter Box? Vet-Verified Facts & Useful Tips

Have you ever considered how cats seem to instinctively know where to go when nature calls, while dogs often require dozens of potty-training repetitions? What makes cats such tidy creatures? Are their brains naturally wired for cleanliness? Despite what many...

Domestic ginger cat looking at litter box

Is Nephthytis (Arrowhead Plant) Poisonous to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

Nephthytis (arrowhead plant) is a common and popular houseplant due to its air-purifying properties. If you’re a plant and a cat lover, you may be wondering if nephthytis is poisonous to cats. The short answer is yes, nephthytis can be...

Catster_Is Nephthytis Poisonous to Cats