When it comes to feeding your feline friend, it’s important to make sure that everything on the menu is safe and nutritious. Basil is a herb that is widely used in human food, but can cats eat basil?
It’s a question that many cat owners have. The truth is, while basil isn’t toxic to cats, it’s not a necessary part of their diet. In fact, it may not even be particularly appealing to them.”
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits, risks and everything you need to know before serving basil to your cat. From its nutritional value, to possible side effects, we will break down the information so that you can make an informed decision. With this knowledge, you can make sure your cat stays healthy and happy.
We will dive deep into understanding the impact of basil on your cats, Also providing the tips for serving and storing basil for your feline friend. With the help of this blog post, you can enjoy the pleasure of your basil herbs without worrying about your feline’s health.
Can Cats Eat Basil – Is Basil Safe for Cats To Eat?
In short, cats can eat basil without any terrible health effects as long as they don’t overeat. As Cats are obligate carnivores, they, unfortunately, won’t be able to process too many nutritional benefits from any plant material.
On the contrary, too much would affect them negatively in terms of health, such as causing an upset stomach and diarrhea. But that is only if they are chewing on basil leaves in large amounts every day.
Why Is Basil Good for Cats?
While cats cannot acquire any significant amount of nutritional value from chewing on a basil leave, it doesn’t mean they are worthless.
Basil, without a doubt, has some of the best health effects a human body at least could experience, from having calcium to vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin K along with iron.
These are highly beneficial to improving bone density and eye vision and boosting mental acuity.
Basil also has flexibility and can be used for most popular foods to enhance their taste and health benefits.
Basil can also be used as a herbal tea, although the variety differs slightly from the usual sweet basil. Specifically called “holy basil” or Tulsi, they are most popular in India due to the health effects and the religious myths.
Basils are also quite popular in Thai cuisine, although that too is different slightly different from sweet basil.
Is Basil Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Basils aren’t toxic to your cat, whatever variety of basil you feed them. There won’t be any long-term consequences unless you feed your cat the basil leaves with another food that is wholly unsuitable for them.
In simple terms, having actual side effects could be rare for a cat normally nibbling on a few pieces of basil.
Just ensure that you haven’t sprayed your basil with an insect repellent or a variety of it; those will poison your cat if they come upon it and chew them out.
You could even help your cat to actually “digest” something by making them eat basil when they are feeling unwell; you might get a dirty carpet depending on what kind of digestion the cat chances upon, vomiting or littering.
Can Basil Plant Hurt Cats?
Besides that, a healthy cat would rarely have an allergic reaction to a plant-based material such as basil.
The next time you see your Cat slowly inching toward a basil leaf, help them out by giving them a few pieces of basil to nibble on and yawn with a sense of satisfaction as they finally satiate the urge of curiosity.
Still, do not forget to contact your veterinarian if your Cat experiences any side effects, as they could very well have an allergy to basil.
Do you want to know What Can Cats eat? We have prepared a list of fruits, vegetables, and other food that are allowed and shouldn’t allow feeding your Cat.
