Does your kitty like to nibble at the plants in your herb garden? Or maybe your cat likes to make lunch out of any plant he can find. Some herbs and plants are safe for your cat to eat, whether you want him shredding your greenery or not.
Is Parsley Safe for Your Cat?
If your cat is attracted to the parsley in your garden, you don't have to worry about him eating it. The ASPCA confirms that parsley is among the herbs that are safe for cats to eat in moderation.
Benefits of Parsley
Parsley has been used in human medicine because of the vitamins and minerals it supplies, including calcium and iron and Vitamins A, C and E among others. It helps with digestion and to treat anemia and kidney ailments. For cats, the Vet Info website reports, parsley is effective for supporting urinary tract health because of its antifungal and infection-fighting properties. Parsley is an ingredient in many health supplements for cats for those reasons.
Other Kitty-Safe Greens
If you're interested in planting cat-friendly greens for your kitty to munch on, learn which ones are right. Lura Rogers wrote the book on herbs for felines. "10 Herbs for Happy, Healthy Cats" lists a number of herbs that are safe and good for your cat; they include dill, catnip (of course) and echinacea, which can help improve your cat's immune system.
Use Herbs Safely
Be sure to always consult your vet when adding any supplement to your cat's diet, including natural ones. Even though they aren't considered drugs, they can still interact with medications he might be on. Your vet will know if your cat has a health condition that specific herbs could adversely affect. Moderation is key, so don't let your cat have too much parsley or any other kind of herb. And if you choose to give your cat a commercial, brand-name supplement, follow the directions for dosing found on the packaging.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
