Rosemary is not toxic to cats; it is actually among the safer herbs for felines.
This article was written in collaboration with a team of experienced DVMs (doctors of veterinary medicine). Thanks to their invaluable insights, we can provide reliable and current information regarding the potential hazards various plants might pose to cats, focusing here on Rosemary. Our findings are further corroborated by extensive research on high-authority websites such as the ASPCA and PetMD. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) includes rosemary on its list of non-toxic plants for cats.
Despite its safety, rosemary is predominantly used in our kitchens, and many people cultivate it in their gardens. While cats might not generally be drawn to its scent, there’s still a chance they might nibble on it occasionally. Even though rosemary is non-hazardous, it’s still recommended to supervise your cats around plants.
Can Cats Eat Rosemary?
Cats can safely eat rosemary. You no don’t have to panic if they happen to eat a small amount from your kitchen or garden.
Rosemary has calcium and folate as well as reasonable amounts of vitamins A and C. It has occasionally been used to help cats who are having digestive problems. However, a cat’s diet should come from proteins like meat because they are carnivores. Therefore, be careful to only give your cat rosemary occasionally and avoid making it a regular part of her diet.
It’s also crucial to remember that rosemary has natural oils that can cause cats to have an upset stomach after eating rosemary. Monitor your cat when they are eating human foods, in case of an allergic reaction or any difficulties.
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is a Mediterranean shrub with white, pink, purple, or blue flowers and aromatic, evergreen needle-like leaves. Rosmarinus officinalis was its scientific name until 2017; Salvia Rosmarinus is its current scientific name. It is a member of the Lamiaceae sage family, which also contains a large number of other culinary and medicinal herbs.
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen shrub with leaves that resemble hemlock needles. It is endemic to the Mediterranean and Asia, but it can also survive in places with milder climates.
The leaves, twigs, and flowering apices are harvested for use after cultivation. In gardens, rosemary is used as a decorative plant. The leaves are used to season a variety of foods, including stuffing and roast meats.
Keeping Cats Away From Rosemary
Typically, cats dislike the smell of rosemary. In fact, your cats will probably stay away from your plants if you have rosemary in your gardens. You can spray natural deterrents on your plants if your cats still show an interest in them despite having rosemary.
You could also experiment with dispersing unpalatable materials throughout your garden. For instance, cats dislike the smell and taste of vinegar, coffee grounds, and cayenne pepper.
Aside from deterrents, you may also consider building fences and barriers. You may also utilize items like aluminum foil to keep cats away. Simply place the foil over the ground around your plants. Since cats are not fond of the crinkly sound and texture of aluminum foil, they will most likely avoid it.
Plants to Avoid For Your Cats
If you are a cat owner and unsure if the plants growing in your yard are harmful to your cats, check out this list of toxic plants for cats. You can also check our list of non-toxic plants for cats.
