Cats are naturally curious pets, and as pet parents, we 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 it safe for cats?
We're here to provide answers and guidance!
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant herb commonly used in cooking. It grows in many gardens alongside herbs like mint, basil, chamomile, and parsley. Rosemary is often used in human and pet foods, essential oils, and even pet products and supplements.
Rosemary extract is also often used as a natural, gentle preservative in cat foods, treats, and supplements.
The main question for pet parents is simple: "Is rosemary safe for cats?"
According to trusted sources like the Pet Poison Helpline and the ASCPA, rosemary is usually safe for cats in small amounts. Rosemary extract can even be beneficial when used properly.
Eating a small amount of rosemary leaves or rosemary plant is unlikely to harm your cat, but large amounts could cause digestive upset or irritation.
Several VetriScience® cat supplements use small amounts of premium, quality-tested rosemary extract to help maintain the freshness, taste, and consistency of the product. Rosemary extract (different from 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.
When used safely, rosemary has some health benefits for cats! Rosemary, particularly rosemary extract, may help to support immune health, boost antioxidant levels, and promote heart health.
If your outdoor cat wanders past some rosemary plants occasionally, there's generally no reason to worry. However, it's always wise to watch for any signs of discomfort or illness, like digestive upset or skin irritation.
While rosemary plants and extracts are generally safe, rosemary essential oil needs special care. 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.
Cats lack certain liver enzymes needed to process essential oils safely. Unlike humans or dogs, they can't effectively remove these oils from their bodies. This means toxins can quickly build up, causing serious health problems. Because of this, essential oils must always be used with extreme caution around cats.
Even using diffused essential oils can cause irritation or harm over time. Cats are more sensitive to smells, and strong fragrances can be uncomfortable and distressing.
Always speak with your veterinarian before using essential oils in your home to ensure they're safe for your cat.
Accidents can happen. 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.
If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline. Quick action can greatly impact your cat’s recovery.
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.
While rosemary is considered relatively safe, other herbs may require more caution:
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.
