Is Rosemary Safe for Cats? Exploring the Herb, Extract, & Oil

Cats are naturally curious pets, and pet parents often wonder about the safety of the plants and herbs around our homes. Rosemary is one herb that frequently sparks interest. 

Known for its pleasant scent and tasty flavor, rosemary offers many health benefits for humans. But is rosemary safe for cats?

Let's dig in!

What is rosemary? 

Let's start with a little Latin.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, previously known as Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant herb that's native to areas of the Mediterranean and commonly used in cooking. It's part of the Salvia genus in the sage (Lamiaceae) family—a large, aromatic family that includes other herbs like mint, basil, oregano, thyme, and lavender, as well as traditional medicinal plants like bee balm and skullcap.

A feline-favorite member of the Lamiaceae family is Nepeta cataria, better known as catnip! Did you know that catnip and rosemary are cousins? But, that doesn't mean they have the same effects, nutritional benefits, or risks. Not all plants in the Lamiaceae family are safe for cats!  

Rosemary is often used in essential oil blends, human and animal foods, and even pet products and supplements. Rosemary extract, in particular, is often used as a natural, gentle preservative in cat foods, treats, and supplements. 

Looking for some quick answers about cats & rosemary? Skip to the FAQ. 

Is rosemary safe for cats?

Yes! According to trusted sources like the Pet Poison Helpline and the ASCPA, rosemary is typically safe for cats in small amounts. The FDA classifies rosemary as "Generally Regarded as Safe" for both pets and humans.

Rosemary is not inherently toxic or dangerous for cats, but it's always best to be cautious: introduce new foods or treats slowly, and give all things in moderation.

Eating a small amount of fresh rosemary leaves or dried rosemary (only a few leaves or a small pinch of dried herb) is unlikely to harm your cat, but large amounts could cause digestive upset, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or GI irritation.

Always ask your veterinarian before allowing your cat to taste-test any amount or form of rosemary—they will know best what's safe for your cat!

Why do they put rosemary in cat food and treats?

Many cat supplements, including VetriScience® products, use small amounts of premium, quality-tested rosemary extract as a preservative to help maintain the freshness, taste, and consistency of the product.

Preservatives are necessary in the majority of shelf-stable pet products, and have been used for hundreds of years to prevent spoiling of foods. If you want your supplements to last more than a few days after purchasing them, preservatives like rosemary extract are a necessary ingredient.

Rosemary extract (not the same as rosemary essential oil!) is made by isolating vital nutrients from the main plant material, using a method that delivers a gentler concentration compared to other forms. Rosemary extract has been approved for safe use in pets by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for decades. 

This rosemary extract makes up only a small portion of the natural preservative blend that we use to keep our products fresh, tasty, and safe for your pets, and we use at or below the recommended levels as set by AAFCO to make sure we're always doing right by pets.

Benefits of rosemary for cats

When used safely, rosemary has some health benefits for cats, both physically and mentally! 

Rosemary is a natural source of healthy antioxidants, including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, and Glutathione, and minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium. These vitamins & minerals can help to support immune health, boost antioxidant levels, and promote heart health.

But, this doesn't make rosemary a magical multivitamin! Since too much rosemary can lead to upset stomach or vomiting, it's unlikely that you could (or should) feed your cat enough rosemary to make a real difference in their daily dietary needs.

If you're concerned about your cat getting enough vitamins and minerals, consider a vet-formulated cat multivitamin
 instead.

Rosemary as scent-based enrichment for cats

If you have a picky cat who's not about to nibble on some fresh rosemary, there are other benefits to this fragrant herb! 

• Make a scent enrichment garden for cats
• Provide store-bought fresh rosemary for sniffing, rolling, and pouncing
• Sprinkle dried rosemary onto a towel, scratching post, or cat bed

A company called "Meowy Jane" actually sells an herbal scent enrichment kit for pet parents who are looking for an easy way to get started or who don't have room for a garden.

So, when it comes to fresh or dried rosemary in small amounts, there's generally no reason to worry about cats and rosemary! However, it's always wise to watch for any signs of discomfort or illness, like digestive upset or skin irritation. 

Rosemary essential oils: use with caution!

While rosemary plants and extracts are generally safe, rosemary essential oil requires special care and must be used with caution. Essential oils like rosemary, tea tree, and cedarwood are very concentrated and can be harmful to cats if inhaled or ingested.

Exposure to these oils can lead to serious health issues like lethargy, breathing problems, digestive trouble, and even liver damage. If you notice any of these signs in a cat exposed to essential oils, get them seen by a vet as soon as possible.

Why essential oils are risky for cats

Cats lack certain liver enzymes needed to process essential oils safely.

Unlike humans or dogs, cats cannot effectively remove these oils from their bodies through normal liver detox. This means toxins can quickly build up and cause serious health problems, including liver failure. Because of this, essential oils must always be used with extreme caution around cats.

Rosemary essential oil also contains much stronger concentrations of camphor and linalool—two oils that can be found in very small amounts in fresh or dried rosemary, but are found in much higher amounts in essential oils due to the process of distilling the fresh leaves.

Even using diffused essential oils can cause irritation or harm over time. Cats are more sensitive to smells, so even if the oil is made from a cat-safe plant, the strong fragrances can be uncomfortable and distressing.

Always speak with your veterinarian before using any essential oils in your home to ensure they're safe for your cat. 

Signs of adverse reactions to herbs or oils

Make your home herb garden safe by setting barriers or creating areas your cat cannot access. Always research any new plants carefully before planting or bringing them into the house. 

However, accidents can happen even to the most careful pet parents.

If your cat eats a large amount of rosemary or comes into contact with essential oils, watch closely for symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or breathing issues. These are signs of potential poisoning or adverse reactions. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline or your local 24/7 Emergency Veterinary Hospital for guidance.

If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian. Quick action can greatly impact your cat’s recovery.

Other herbs to watch out for

While rosemary is considered relatively safe, other herbs and plants in the Lamiaceae family may require more caution:

• Skullcap is not only safe for cats, it's often used as a natural calming aid
• Bee Balm is non-toxic and a great addition to any pollinator garden
• Basil and Thyme are non-toxic and a great addition to a scent enrichment garden
• Mint is safe in small amounts, but can upset your cat's stomach if eaten too often
• Oregano and Marjoram can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats
• Lavender can cause nausea and vomiting

But what about other common household plants and herbs?

• Chamomile (select types can cause gastrointestinal distress
• Tarragon can cause vomiting and diarrhea
• St John’s Wort can cause uncomfortable inflammation of the skin in cats
• Lemongrass can cause upset stomach and nausea when ingested
• Garlic, onions, and chives are dangerous for cats and should be avoided at all costs!

And, it should go without saying, marijuana and the cannabis plant can have unpleasant or even toxic effects on your cat, so make sure that all plants, flowers, and THC-containing items are kept securely locked away from cats.

If you're concerned about any of the herbs or plants in your house, it's always a good idea to keep cats away until you can have a talk with your vet.

FAQ: Cats and rosemary

• Why does my cat like rosemary?
  • Since rosemary and catnip are from the same plant family (Lamiaceae), the strong, fragrant smell of rosemary may tickle your cat's sensitive sense of smell and interest them!

• Can cats eat foods, treats, and supplements made with rosemary extract?
  • Yes! Small amounts of rosemary or rosemary extract in cat food are generally considered safe and even beneficial as natural, tasty preservatives.
    
    
• Rosemary plant vs. rosemary essential oil: which is safe for cats? 
  • Rosemary plants are safe for cats, but rosemary essential oil can be strongly concentrated and must be used with caution, so we recommend avoiding essential oils unless they are specifically designed by veterinarians for use on or around pets.

• What if my cat eats too much rosemary? 
  • While unlikely, if your cat overindulges in fresh rosemary, monitor and watch for adverse reactions. If you notice signs of discomfort, distress, or illness, contact your vet immediately. 

•  What if my cat inhales rosemary essential oil? 
  • If you believe your cat has been exposed to diffused rosemary oil, immediately move them to fresh air, monitor for any issues, and contact your vet for advice.
    
    
• Can rosemary safely repel fleas on cats?
  • Rosemary oil is sometimes used as a natural flea repellent when properly formulated in safe concentrations. However, we always recommend talking to your veterinarian before buying any sprays or treatments.

How to safely use rosemary for cats

Rosemary plants and rosemary extracts can be safe and even beneficial for cats in small amounts. However, rosemary essential oil and other pure essential oils can pose serious risks if used incorrectly, and should be avoided to be safe.

Being informed helps you safely introduce rosemary into your cat’s environment, to enjoy the benefits without compromising their health.

At VetriScience®, every ingredient is scientifically tested for purity, and we never use any ingredient that we wouldn't feed to our own pets!

Safety and quality are critical to every formula we make. Our experts and veterinarians closely review and test every ingredient and formula to help meet the specialized needs of cats.