Can cats eat catmint? The answer is yes! Catmint is a flowering plant that is commonly ingested by felines, being relatively safe for them to consume in its raw form.
This herb comprises plants with aromatic leaves and stems that are commonly ingested by cats for flavoring and commercial purposes.
Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family that typically grows in U.S.
Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. This plant is commonly found in moist pastures and meadows, along roadsides, and in open fields with little shade.
Regardless of its growth setting, catmint has immense health benefits for cats.
Is Catmint Bad For Cats?
Catmint is generally thought to decrease urine output and this could be a problem for a cat with a kidney problem.
There are, of course, certain risks to feeding plants to your pet and we encourage you to take them very seriously.
If you’re unsure about the safety of a herb or plant for your pet, we suggest talking with your vet first and feeding them only small amounts of the plant at first if they’re at all sensitive.
You may also want to avoid giving catmint to pregnant and lactating cats until more is known about the safety of this plant for these felines.
While herbs may be beneficial for cats suffering from certain conditions, it’s not a good idea to self-medicate your pet with herbs or natural products in order to treat an illness or condition.
Catmint’s essential oils may exacerbate certain kidney conditions in cats.
Your cat may vomit or have diarrhea if he eats too much of the plant or gets exposed to its oils.
Consider the fact that some cats have a sensitivity to certain ingredients in commercial cat food and do your best to avoid them with your new diet.
You may want to steer clear if your cat is allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family (which is a pretty large one) or to mint in general.
While this herb seems to be safe for your cat to eat in small quantities, you should still keep it out of reach of your pet’s curious paws and claws.
Catmint is safe to give to a healthy cat in an appropriate quantity and frequency as a treat.
Catmint should not be given to cats who are pregnant or nursing unless instructed by your veterinarian to do so.
Diuretic characteristics have been linked directly to kidney issues.
Can Kittens Eat Catmint?
Catmint may be administered as a 1-2 hour oral dose in all instances, regardless of weight differences.
Because they’re still developing, it’s a good idea to see the vet before introducing them to any new foods or herbs (including catmint).
This may lead to major health complications, or even death.
Is It Good For Cats To Eat Catmint?
Catmint may provide a beneficial effect for cats with GI tract problems, but for most others, there are no clear benefits or risks.
As an anti-inflammatory, it may also help with conditions including arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.
It has also been shown to help control fleas and mosquitoes in outdoor cats.
Available in capsule form or as a tincture or tea, catnip is a natural insect repellent that helps cats get relief from itching from flea bites or insect stings.
Catnip’s affect on the nervous system also produces a calming effect on agitated cats and may aid in alleviating barking and scratching problems as well.
Catnip in capsule form has been studied for its potential health benefits and approved as a food supplement, however catmint has not been tried in the same way.
As a diuretic, it could also cause a urine imbalance by increasing calcium levels or lowering sodium.
Ensure that the water is not boiled when making a fresh catmint infusion for your pet and avoid giving it to cats with a history of allergies or digestive issues.
Before feeding the mixture to your cat, consult with your veterinarian.
Finally, avoid using hot water or heating it in the microwave since both methods are believed to destroy its nutritive value as well.
Can You Give Catmint Capsules To Your Cat?
Catmint capsules are very helpful if your cat suffers from vomiting and nausea but these complaints are caused by the chemicals present in the plant.
A pill version of this plant has in fact been reported to cause allergic response in some cats.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Oranges?
How Much Catmint Should You Give Your Cat?
Cats should be fed no more that a quarter teaspoon a day and care should be taken not to give them the entire adult dose.
Even if your cat eats this herb for a whole month without suffering any serious side effects, it is a good idea to see us in for an exam to determine where your cat is at, and to rule out any underlying issues that may be causing the problems.
It’s best to avoid administering an adult dose of catmint to your cat, since this might cause nausea and diarrhea.
It is possible to administer catmint in a variety forms, including as pills or as fresh herbs.
