Can Cats Have Rosemary? Everything You Need to Know

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is often used in cooking and aromatherapy. But can cats eat rosemary? The answer is **yes**, but only in moderation.

Is Rosemary Safe for Cats?

Rosemary is generally safe for cats when ingested in small amounts. However, the essential oil of rosemary can be toxic to cats if ingested in large doses. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are often used in aromatherapy and other natural remedies.

Symptoms of rosemary essential oil poisoning in cats can include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Respiratory depression
• Coma

If you think your cat has ingested rosemary essential oil, call your veterinarian immediately.

Benefits of Rosemary for Cats

Rosemary contains a number of nutrients that are beneficial for cats, including:

• Antioxidants: Rosemary is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory compounds: Rosemary contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Digestive aids: Rosemary can help to improve digestion and reduce gas and bloating.
• Appetite stimulants: Rosemary can help to stimulate the appetite in cats that are not eating well.

How to Give Rosemary to Your Cat

You can give rosemary to your cat in a number of ways, including:

• Fresh rosemary: You can give your cat fresh rosemary leaves to chew on. Just be sure to remove any stems or thorns.
• Dried rosemary: You can add dried rosemary to your cat's food.
• Rosemary tea: You can give your cat rosemary tea to drink. Just be sure to dilute the tea with water.

How Much Rosemary Can I Give My Cat?

The amount of rosemary you give your cat will depend on their size and age. A general rule of thumb is to give 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary per day for every 10 pounds of body weight.

When Should I Not Give Rosemary to My Cat?

Do not give rosemary to your cat if they have any of the following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Epilepsy
• Pregnancy
• Lactation

Stories and What We Learn

Here are a few stories about cats and rosemary:

• Story 1: A cat named Mittens ate a large amount of rosemary essential oil and developed seizures. She was taken to the veterinarian and treated with activated charcoal and fluids. She made a full recovery.
• Story 2: A cat named Midnight was given fresh rosemary leaves to chew on every day. She developed a shiny coat and a healthy appetite.
• Story 3: A cat named Shadow was given rosemary tea to drink every day. She had less gas and bloating and her digestion improved.

These stories show that rosemary can be a beneficial herb for cats when used in moderation.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for giving rosemary to your cat:

• Start with a small amount of rosemary and gradually increase the amount as needed.
• Monitor your cat for any adverse reactions.
• If your cat does not like the taste of rosemary, you can try mixing it with their food or giving them rosemary tea.
• Do not give rosemary to your cat if they are pregnant, lactating, or have any health conditions.

Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of giving rosemary to your cat:

Pros:

• Rosemary is a good source of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, digestive aids, and appetite stimulants.
• Rosemary can help to improve digestion, reduce gas and bloating, and stimulate the appetite.
• Rosemary is generally safe for cats when ingested in small amounts.

Cons:

• The essential oil of rosemary can be toxic to cats if ingested in large doses.
• Rosemary should not be given to cats who are pregnant, lactating, or have any health conditions.
• Some cats may not like the taste of rosemary.

Call to Action

If you are thinking about giving rosemary to your cat, talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you determine if rosemary is right for your cat and how much to give them.