Cats love dill. Due to their delicate digestive system, they may need additional nutrients to maintain their health.
Some homeowners recommend giving cats a dose of dill oil.
So, can cats eat dill? Yes, cats can eat dill.
However, cats should only eat dill if they really like it. Cats should not eat dill because it’s toxic for cats.
In fact, dill is a narcotic and can kill cats if eaten in large amounts. However, dill is safe if eaten in small amounts.
Dill has a very low toxicity rating and is not toxic for cats if eaten in small quantities. Furthermore, cats can safely eat dill cooked in food, but dill soaked in water is not safe.
Cats should also avoid dill supplements and dill oil.
Can Cats Eat Dill?
Dill is a plant that originates from Europe but is now grown in many parts of Asia and the United States as well.
The ASPCA states that it is absolutely non-toxic to cats, so your cat can safely ingest it as long as he doesn’t eat too much.
Domestic cats are unable to eat uncooked or raw dill, so you should not give it to your pet if it’s raw. Just like any other plant, raw dill contains chemicals that can cause stomach issues in cats.
Domestic cats can eat dried dill leaves or dill seeds, or you can try putting them in your cat’s food to make sure she’ll eat it.
Keep in mind that just because dill is non-toxic doesn’t mean that it’s always safe for consumption by your cats.
Do Cats Like Dill?
Surprisingly, many cats do not like eating their meals with garnishes on them. Even some owners have a hard time convincing their pets to eat their food with herbs or spices added.
Perhaps the scent of dill draws your cat in the same time that she doesn’t like it.
Although it is unclear why cats like eating dill, it may function similarly to catnip. Because it also contains a chemical called nepetalactone that can excite the feline brain.
Is Dill Safe for Cats to Eat?
Cat owners often wonder if Dill is safe for cats to eat. The answer is yes and no. Cats are well known to be finicky eaters, so sometimes they turn their noses up at things.
However, Dill is safe for cats to eat if given in moderation. Dill is safe for humans to eat too, but it is not advisable to give it to your cat as it has a lot of calories.
Dill contains a lot of calories, which most cats don’t need. Cats need fewer calories than humans, because they have low metabolic rates.
Cats need around 150 calories per day to maintain their ideal weight. A cat weighing 10 pounds requires around 24 calories per day.
However, if your cat is overweight, you should increase the amount by 5 calories per day.
Dill also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for cats.
However, cats don’t need a lot and too much can lead to obesity or kidney problems. Omega-3 fatty acids help cats develop healthy coats and fur.
When it comes to feeding your cat dill, you should feed it in moderation.
Ideally, cats should be given dill or fresh dill weed once a week. It may also be given as a treat between meals.
Dill is a healthy treat. However, it should be given in moderation. Too much dill can result in obesity, which is a major problem for cats, especially cats with shorter legs.
Why Does My Cat Eat Dill?
Dill is eaten by cats in many parts of the world and thrives in a variety of climates.
Domestic cats also enjoy consuming dill from various plants and weeds, sometimes growing wild in their habitats. Many domestic cats enjoy eating fresh dill in their meals.
Some wild cats even eat dill in the wild.
Dill is eaten by cats not only due to its taste but also for its health benefits.
Cats love eating dill for its aroma and taste, but did you know that it also has some health benefits.
Although cats are mostly carnivores, they still need protein in their diet to help them grow healthy and strong muscles.
Cats may devour houseplants in the home due to curiosity, boredom, stress or because they like them.
What Happens When A Cat Eat Dill?
It is OK for a cat to eat a small quantity of fresh plants such as fennel or cilantro, but it is important that the plant does not contain harmful ingredients to their health.
It is high in vitamins, minerals and fiber that are essential to a cat’s health as well as improving their digestive health.
So, if a cat consumes dill, she will acquire vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin K1 as well as minerals like calcium and iron from the plant.
Health Benefits of Dill for Your Cat
Yes, dill is useful to cats because of its nutritional benefits but it also has some other benefits as well.
Fresh dill might attract the attention of a bored cat who might decide to eat it accidentally.
Dill is high in vitamins A, B, C and K and minerals such as iron and calcium that are beneficial to the overall health of your cat’s body system.
Some suggest that the delicious herb has antibacterial properties that can fight infections in the body of your cat such as urinary tract infections.
One of the advantages of dill is that it can help provide relief from stomach cramps in cats and stop vomiting induced by indigestion and other digestive problems.
What Can You Do If Your Cat Consumes Dill?
Don’t stress out if your cat eats some herbs such as coriander or parsley that contain seeds as it is not harmful to their health at all.
There’s nothing wrong with your indoor cat having an occasional nibble of fresh leaves of herbs and vegetables in the outdoor garden that are safe for them to consume.
So, although you don’t need to hurry them to the veterinarian if they eat a small amount of fresh green herbs, remember that moderation is key.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Flour Tortillas?
Final Words
Now that you know dill is safe for cats, you can start feeding it to your cat in moderation and enjoy its flavor and health benefits as well.
However, if your cat consumes a lot of dill in a short period, you should take her to the vet or cat behavior specialist to find out whether she should go on a detoxification program.
Keep in mind that if your cat has previously eaten dill, she might develop side effects from consuming too much of the plant at once.
Check the safety of all the plants in your home and garden before letting your curious pet explore your home.
