Cats love basil. And if your basil plants don’t produce enough juice, you can give them a little help from your bare hands.
You can merely slip your basil blossoms off the the stems and into the soil.
Cats will practically eat these gorgeous blooms directly from the garden. So, can cats eat basil?
Cats are very fond of eating basil leaves. Basil, or Ocimum basilicum, is a herb that is a member of the mint family and has a sweet flavor with a tangy aftertaste.
It’s very easy to grow and has many uses in the kitchen and around the house. Basil is loved and consumed by humans and other animals alike.
Can Cats Eat Basil?
Yes, cats may consume a tiny amount of fresh basil leaves, but they dislike the peppery taste of the herb and even a small amount can cause digestive discomfort or pain.
In fact, this herb’s sharp edges can cause the inner lining of the cat’s mouth to hemorrhage resulting in cat vomiting or causing cat diarrhea as well.
However, just because something is bad for humans doesn’t mean cats can’t eat it.
Plants are difficult for cats to digest and can cause your cat stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
As a result, even a small amount of basil can lead to intestinal problems for your cat and should be avoided completely.
Is Basil Safe For Cats?
Yes, basil is one of the safer herbs for cats and contains minimal amounts of the toxic chemical estragole that is found in other herbs: dill.
Basil is safe for cats to eat in small doses, but only in small amounts and as a garnish or as flavoring for salads.
Ingesting basil leaves, whether fresh, dried or cooked can cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats.
Although it has been stated that some cats can eat a small amount of basil without consequence, many veterinarians agree that cats will not benefit from eating this spicy herb and that it should be completely.
Basil is often used in cooking for people who are allergic to it since many people can’t eat spicy foods.
As a result, your cat may be allergic and suffer side effects such as difficulty breathing or skin irritation from eating basil leaves.
Cats may eat herbs for the taste of them or for medicinal purposes.
Except for the essential oil derived from basil; as in the expensive basil essential oil, which should never be used by a cat owner or cat owner because it can be toxic to cats.
Is Basil Toxic To Cats?
Cats are not capable of metabolizing or getting rid of the estragole found in other plants that contain the oil, such as dill and rosemary.
It’s reasonably safe to consume, and since it’s commonly found in culinary herbs, it’s not likely to be harmful in small amounts.
Similarly, although basil has fiber, your cat’s digestive system is not designed to process it.
Even though basil is considered a healthy supplement to a human diet, it’s a potential feline toxin and not something you should feed to your cat.
Are Cats Attracted To Basil?
Cats are likely drawn to the aroma of basil because to smell it, it is best if it is fresh or dried; as it will not release a strong aroma if it is frozen or crushed.
Once the appealing aroma has aroused their interest, they will most likely chew on and swallow it.
Because there is nothing about the chemistry of basil that cats need, they will continue eating it.
What Happens When A Cat Eats Basil?
The cat will either consume the leaves readily or refuse to eat the leaves at all.
Basil has caused a few mild cases of vomiting or diarrhea in cats but it has not been linked to any serious side effects in cats.
However, if your cat is allergic to basil, you should seek veterinary medical advice before attempting to use basil in your garden or kitchen.
Why Is My Cat Eating Basil?
It’s only a hunch, but we think your cat is eating basil because of it’s naturally strong smell and appealing flavor.
When your cat has a dicky stomach, eating plants is their instinct of coping with their internal upset.
Your cat may have extra hair in their stomach which is known as obstructive hair balls.
They may intuitively know that plant fiber is a good source for them and it will help them get rid of the hair balls.
Can Cats Eat Fresh Basil Leaves?
You may have seen your feline friend chewing on a fresh leaf of basil; and you may be asking yourself can cats eat fresh basil leaves.
We all know that cats love to eat grass, but eating basil is a different matter entirely.
Is it, however, OK for a cat to eat fresh basil leaves, as it is a herb-turned-species.
Basil leaves and other non-harmful plants such as mint or lavender are safe for cats to eat, but if they are toxic to your cat, your feline friend may exhibit.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Ground Turkey?
Conclusion
Cats are very fond of eating basil leaves.
Basil, or Ocimum basilicum, is a herb that is a member of the mint family and has a sweet flavor with a tangy aftertaste. It’s very easy to grow and has many uses in the kitchen and around the house.
Basil is loved and consumed by humans and other animals alike. Its unique taste is loved by many cats as well.
It is highly unlikely that cats will eat the entire plant but eating basil petals and basil leaves doesn’t harm your pet at all and will probably make him/her happy because it gives them a nice snack to eat.
In addition, the essential oil of basil is toxic for cats and should never be used as it will cause stomach irritation and vomiting in your pet.
However, the essential oil of basil (particularly the expensive essential oil) is often used to treat humans with stomach upset or respiratory problems.
Eating it in large amounts or applying directly to the skin or fur can cause skin irritation and stomach upset.
