Lemongrass is harmless to cats, and it may help alleviate some of their gastrointestinal problems.
It also has antibacterial properties, and it may contain antioxidants that help protect your cat’s health and well-being. So, is lemongrass safe for cats?
Yes, lemongrass is safe for cats to eat! Cat owners should take care when using lemongrass for cats.
Because you don’t want your cat to ingest too much of it. (Cat owners) should limit their cat’s lemongrass consumption to less than 1/2 tablespoon per day, and it shouldn’t be fed to cats who have gastrointestinal problems.
(Cat owners) should also not give lemongrass to kittens or pregnant cats because it may cause some miscarriages. Other than that, lemongrass is safe for cats to eat.
Is Lemongrass Safe For Cats?
Yes, if given in controlled amounts and with the proper precautions.
However, if consumed in excess, some cats may be at risk of developing side effects from consuming lemongrass.
Any cat is unlikely to eat less than 1/2 teaspoon of lemongrass, althoughmost cats are unlikely to eat more than 1/2 teaspoon per day.
The vast majority of instances when lemongrass was given to cats it was used in excess and induced vomiting or diarrhea.
What Happens If Cats Eat Lemongrass?
Lemongrass has a catnip-like effect on cats, and it might induce vomiting or diarrhea if consumed by the cat.
The majority of cats react to lemongrass by inducing vomiting or diarrhea.
Lemongrass is a safe cat treat, as long as it is only given in moderation.
Lemongrass essential oil, on the other hand, must not be given to cats or dogs as it can be toxic to them.
Make an appointment with a veterinarian and look over your cat’s medical record to find out if she eats a small amount of lemongrass on a regular basis.
Why Is Lemongrass Toxic?
There are three main types of lemongrass: lemon, citronella and kaffir lime leaves.
For cooking and eating, lemon grass is best and most readily available.
The second kind is often named citronella and used to deter insects.
The third and last kind is kaffir lime leaves, which look similar to lemongrass and are used in Thai and Indonesian cooking.
It’s a lovely healthy addition to your home garden, with aromatic yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer and last through fall.
Lemongrass in all forms, not just essential oil, should never be given to cats as it can be dangerous to their health.
They all contain citronella oil, which can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in cats.
Lemongrass may be nibbled on as a fun treat by cats or dogs, but it is best to keep it out of their reach and mainly used as decorative plants in gardens.
However, the oil in lemongrass is toxic to cats due to its high antioxidant content.
Lemongrass essential oil is stimulant in nature and also helps remove hairballs from your pet’s digestive system.
Lack of sufficient physical activity can lead to respiratory problems in dogs and cats and thus their breath smells bad.
However, this essential oil helps stimulate your pet’s digestive system and expels the gases from your pet’s intestines and stomach that may otherwise lead to bad breath and foul smell from your pet’s mouth and body.
The Symptoms Of Cat Lemongrass Poisoning
Lemongrass poisoning often occurs from ingesting the plant or the oil in the plant.
Your cat will initially show symptoms similar to diarrhea, such as vomiting and lethargy, but these symptoms will may last for several days.
Some people may be tempted to use lemongrass as flea control or an anti-inflammatory for their pets.
A bloated abdomen may also be a sign of intestinal blockage in your cat and it is best to seek veterinary attention immediately if you notice your cat has bloated abdomen or stomach pains.
If the cat consumes an excess amount of the lemongrass plant or oil, the toxin will cause a severe reaction and result in vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea as well as breathing difficulties and heart problems.
In more severe situations, your cat may lose his appetite and refuse to eat, or he may have yellow tints to his urine or lose his appetite entirely.
If a cat consumes a large quantity of lemongrass, he will vomit bile and urine repeatedly and may use the litter box excessively, although in these cases the vet may recommend to induce vomiting.
Lemongrass concentrates, such as oil and water extracts, can cause problems similar to the oil.
Are Cats Attracted To Lemongrass?
Yes, lemongrass attracts cats because it is aromatic and also because the plant contains essential oils that contain an insecticide that cats find attractive.
Lemongrass is surprisingly pleasant to cats, and cats can bite lemongrass stems or leaves to extract these oils.
Because freezing soil kills lemongrass plants, planting it in a container can deter cats from digging them up.
Some gardeners have had luck excavating the clump and replanting it elsewhere, but in most cases this usually does not work well.
According to experts, cats that eat lemongrass rarely get sick.
Also Read: Are Impatiens Poisonous To Cats?
Conclusion
In conclusion, lemongrass is safe for cats to eat; however, it may cause some miscarriages.
Cat owners shouldn’t feed too much of it to cats with gastrointestinal problems because it may cause some harm. Apart from that, cats can eat lemongrass safely!
Finally, since your kittens’ digestive systems are not yet tough enough to handle larger amounts of the food, you should cook the lemongrass for them and feed them with small amounts until they grow older and their bodies can handle larger amounts of lemongrass safely.
