Can cats eat mint? 13 herbs and plants that are safe for pets

 Can cats eat mint? 13 herbs and plants that are safe for pets

Tracy Wilkins

There are many plants that can be offered to felines, and not just the famous catnip. But knowing which plants a cat can eat is indispensable to avoid intoxication. Some species can, however, be beneficial to the animal's general health, as they help to ward off boredom, have a calming effect and can even help control hairballs, arecurring problem in households with cats.

If you're a kitty owner and you don't want to give up growing a garden or vegetable patch at home, check out the following tips: find out if cats can eat mint and other herbs!

1. rosemary is a non-toxic herb for cats

Rosemary is a plant that is allowed for cats and has several health benefits. Rosemary tea helps with digestion and improves blood circulation. However, rosemary can have a smell that cats don't like, so not everyone will enjoy it.

2. chamomile is a herb to calm the cat

Chamomile is a natural anxiolytic and cats can take advantage of its herbal effects. This herb has a sedative effect and even improves gastrointestinal problems. Chamomile tea for cats is used to clean the eye, help treat feline conjunctivitis, soothe irritated skin and is great for removing parasites such as fleas and ticks.

3. cat can eat lemongrass for body pains

Native to India, lemongrass (or capim-santo) is rich in analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The cat can eat capim-santo and it is a great muscle relaxant. The cool thing is that they love the essence of this herb and growing it at home will make the kitty very happy.

4. nasturtium is a cat-friendly plant

Nasturtium is a plant full of nutrients, such as potassium, phosphorus and calcium. The feline can consume this plant to acquire more immunity and strengthen the bones. Its flower is edible and having a seedling of it at home will be beneficial for them and still decorate the environment.

5. chlorophytum is not poisonous to the cat, but be cautious

Chlorophytum is not on the list of toxic plants for cats. The giant, eye-catching plant is a great entertainment for the feline who loves to play with its leaves. It even serves to purify the environment, preventing mold and making the air cleaner, being useful in case of asthma or bronchitis.

It's okay for your cat to chew small amounts of it during playtime, however, some cats may be allergic to it and you need to watch out for any negative reaction. Chlorophytum is also known as spider plant and it's important not to confuse it with spider lily, which is a toxic plant for your pet.

6. lemon balm for cats is safe and eases nausea

It is confused with lemongrass because it tastes similar, but they carry differences in size: lemongrass has long, thin leaves and lemon balm is smaller and thicker. However, both are free of dangers for the feline! The cat can eat lemongrass and they help when he is having gastrointestinal problems or nausea.

7. cat can eat mint to fight colds and flu

Mint for cats prevents various respiratory and viral diseases. It strengthens the immune system and serves as a decongestant and expectorant in case of flu in cats. They also love the freshness of mint and consuming it will improve the digestive system, among other benefits.

8. basil is non-toxic for cats and fights sedentary lifestyle

Used to season food, pets can eat basil for the prevention of various health problems, such as coughing and excessive tiredness. Its sedative and antioxidant effects are great for an apathetic pet that needs more energy. Basil is also analgesic and healing, speeding up the healing of skin problems. In other words, you can plant it at will!

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9. areca palm purifies the air and is harmless to cats.

Used for decorating rooms, they like to play with its leaves and there is no danger in chewing this plant. However, there is no evidence of benefits for the kitten. In general it fights pollution and increases humidity when the air is dry, preventing some seasonal diseases.

10. peperomia is a pet-friendly plant

Cats can play with the leaves of the Peperomia (and its variations), as it is a non-toxic plant for pets and easy to grow, besides being great for decorating. With one of these at home, it will be common to watch him having fun with its leaves. The cat eating peperomia plant has no benefits or harms, but it certainly helps to ward off boredom.

11. cats love the scent of sage to relieve tension

Most aromatic herbs are pleasing to the furry ones and sage is no different. Its calming effect helps to combat the stressed cat. Consuming it is not a problem at all, quite the contrary: it increases immunity and is anti-inflammatory.

12. thyme has medicinal properties for cats

Thyme is antifungal and antibacterial. Cats can eat it to improve symptoms of bacterial diseases and acquire more immunity against viral conditions, as it is rich in vitamin C and has an expectorant action. Thyme also has a calming action and improves the feline's blood pressure.

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13. valerian is released for cats but in small quantities

Used as a natural calming agent for cats, the scent of valerian brings a sense of comfort and relief. But be careful with the amount: high intake of this plant causes vomiting and various problems.

Cat-safe plants aid environmental enrichment

Many felines roam the house looking for entertainment when they are awake and having toys and plants in the home helps to keep boredom at bay. Environmental enrichment is important for all breeds, from the mongrel to the giant Maine Coon. Catification seeks to tailor the home to the cat and make the environment more enjoyable for them.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.