Is Rosemary Safe For Cats?

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Is Rosemary Safe For Cats – Rosemary is a popular herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants, also known as the mint, deadnettle, or sage family.

Is Rosemary Safe For Cats

This family has various aromatic herbs, including basil, catnip, lavender, marjoram, mint, oregano, sage, and thyme. Although it’s a common addition to home herb gardens, cat owners may wonder if it’s safe for their feline friends to eat.

Is Rosemary Safe For Cats to Eat?

According to the ASPCA animal poison control, rosemary is non-toxic to cats, as well as dogs and horses. Surprisingly, catnip, lavender, marjoram, mint, and oregano, which are also members of the Lamiaceae family, are toxic to cats. If consumed, they may cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and a decreased appetite. Other non-toxic members of the Lamiaceae plant family include basil, candle plant, prostrate coleus, sage, both summer and winter savory, Swedish ivy, and thyme.

How Much Rosemary Can Cats Eat?

Although rosemary won’t harm your cat, you shouldn’t let them eat it in large quantities. The herb contains several volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal signs if consumed in large amounts. However, most cats won’t eat enough rosemary to make them uncomfortable. Instead, they might simply give it a curious nibble or two.

What If Your Cat Eats Too Much Rosemary?

In the rare event that your cat consumes a significant amount of rosemary, you should monitor them closely for any signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. if you notice these symptoms or any other subtle signs of discomfort, seek veterinary care immediately.

Are There Any Health Benefits?

Although animal studies have indicated that rosemary helps with conventional therapies for certain cardiac conditions such as hypertrophy or decreased function, these studies have been limited to rats. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to say that rosemary has any health benefits for cats.

Is Rosemary Safe For Cats

What About Rosemary Essential Oil?

Rosemary essential oil should not be applied topically or diffused near your cat as it is toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression of the central nervous system, and even seizures if ingested.

Essential oil diffusers work by aerosolizing the concentrated oils, which can cause respiratory tract irritation, watery nose and eyes, drooling, and difficulty breathing if your cat inhales them. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using rosemary essential oil around your cat.

Is rosemary essential oil toxic to dogs?

Yes, rosemary essential oil can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, and even liver damage in severe cases.

What are the symptoms of rosemary essential oil poisoning in dogs?

The symptoms of rosemary essential oil poisoning in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, weakness, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

What should I do if my dog eats rosemary essential oil?

If your dog ingests rosemary essential oil, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the amount ingested and the severity of symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend supportive care such as IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and monitoring for any neurological symptoms.

How can I prevent my dog from eating rosemary essential oil?

It’s important to keep all essential oils, including rosemary oil, out of your dog’s reach. Store them in a secure location, and make sure that your dog cannot access them even if they accidentally knock over the container. Additionally, if you use essential oils in your home, be sure to use them in a well-ventilated area and keep your dog out of the room until the scent has dissipated.

Can I use rosemary essential oil on my dog topically?

It’s generally not recommended to use essential oils topically on dogs, as their skin can be sensitive and may react negatively to the concentrated oils. If you do choose to use essential oils on your dog, be sure to dilute them appropriately and check with your veterinarian first.