Can cats eat rosemary? You might have been wondering this if your cat begs while you chop up some fresh rosemary to for your roast potatoes. Humans can eat rosemary, so is it also safe for cats to eat?
The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat rosemary. In fact, it might even confer a few dietary benefits to your cat. Just be sure that you let your cat eat rosemary in very small portions and as more of a treat than part of a daily routine.
As always, you must ask your vet before sharing any human foods with your cat, including rosemary. Here’s what you should know about feeding rosemary to cats.
How Is Rosemary Good For Cats?
Rosemary is not toxic for cats. It’s an herb that contains a decent amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, along with folate and calcium. In some cases, rosemary has been used to help cats struggling with digestion issues.
In certain circumstances, rosemary could also be used as part of a course of treatment to address issues of inflammation.
This herb may also have a positive effect on the condition of a cat’s coat and skin.
How Can I Safely Give Rosemary To My Cat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that most of their diet should come from proteins like meat. So make sure that you use rosemary as an occasional treat and that it doesn’t become a mainstay of your feline’s mealtimes.
It’s also important to note that sometimes the natural oils present in rosemary could upset a cat’s stomach. Always watch your cat while they’re eating human foods in case you notice any sort of an adverse reaction or see them experiencing difficulty in consuming the food in question, including rosemary.
If you decide to feed your cat rosemary, or if your regular vet suggests adding some to your cat’s diet, make sure that you only serve a small amount. Try finely chopping it up and adding it to your cat’s existing food, or even letting your cat sample a small amount directly out of your hand.
Does your cat love to eat rosemary? Have you ever added some to your cat’s food? Let us know in the comments section below!