Are you planning to include basil in your furry friend’s diet occasionally? Well, yes, cats can eat basil — it is one of the safest, non-toxic herbs for felines. The chewy texture of basil leaves makes it one of the best snacks for cats. Besides, this herb renders various health benefits to cats, making them an excellent vegetarian option to add to their meaty platter. Enriched with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, basil renders cats enhanced strength and resilience. However, you must feed it the right way to avoid potential mishaps.
If you want to know more about how to offer basil to kitties, keep reading this article.
Can You Feed Basil to Your Cat?
Basil is an incredible garden herb enriched with multiple nutritional values. The smell of the basil plant often attracts felines, making them travel up to the plant and take a small bite. If your pet does the same, there’s no need to worry, as unlike many herbs, basil is non-toxic to them. So, it will not likely trigger health complications in your furry friend. Though basil is a power-packed herb for cats, feeding them only a plant-based diet instead of meat and seafood will not benefit their immunity. Instead, pair basil leaves with the Wellness Crunchy Kittles Cat Treat, one of the most delicious treats packed with nutrients, to make your furry friend attain the best of both worlds!
Health Benefits of Basil in Cats
Here’s how consuming basil leaves can help nourish your feline’s health.
| Nutrients | Benefits in cats |
| Antioxidants | Consuming antioxidants is essential for cats to stay healthy and fit. Basil contains many antioxidants, which are helpful to combat signs of aging. Arthritis and other similar age-related complications can be well-managed with basil. |
| Manganese | Manganese acquires a significant role in a cat’s diet. Basil leaves enriched with manganese benefit your cat’s brain development, maintaining blood sugar levels and regulating metabolism rates. |
| Vitamin A | Cats have incredibly sharp eyes and can detect objects from a very long distance. To maintain their natural eyesight, taking vitamin A in sufficient quantities is mandatory. The vitamin A content in basil leaves can serve the purpose well. |
| Calcium | Calcium is a vital nutrient for cats’ bone development. The calcium content in basil is sufficient; hence, it helps in strengthening the bones and teeth of the cat. Consuming basil in adequate amounts can improve your cat’s bone health significantly. |
| Vitamin K | Vitamin K deficiency in cats is mainly responsible for coagulation of blood. The vitamin K in basil leaves works as an anticoagulant and can prevent your cat’s blood from clotting or clumping together. |
Types of Basil Appropriate for Cats
You can feed your cat fresh basil and dried basil as you prefer. However, the mineral content in both varieties differs significantly. If you want to provide your pet with fresh basil from the garden, you can readily do that. But, in the case of fresh basil, there will be a less pungent smell with a lesser concentration of minerals. Whereas in the case of dried basil, there will be a stronger pungent smell with an increased concentration of minerals.
However, avoid providing your pet with cooked basil enriched with spices such as onions, garlic, chilies, etc. Since onion and garlic are poisonous to cats, basil leaves tossed in such condiments can greatly upset their health.
Besides cooked basil, one of the most harmful things for your cat to consume is basil oil. It is highly toxic and can trigger immediate skin irritation in felines.
What Measures to Take if Your Cat Falls Sick After Consuming Basil?
Though basil is good for cats, consuming basil in large quantities every day might not be a very good idea! Feeding basil every day to your pet may lead to an upset stomach. Also, if your cat is allergic to basil, consuming the herb will only enhance complications.
However, if your cat falls sick after consuming basil, call the vet immediately for a thorough check-up. After analyzing your cat’s condition, the vet will recommend the necessary medications. Let your pet rest for the next 24 hours, and feed them with an adequate amount of water to prevent dehydration.
Conclusion
Cats are carnivorous creatures hence, require a carnivorous diet to stay healthy and active. But snacking on limited quantities of basil can be incredibly beneficial. When paired with their usual meaty diet, it offers ample health benefits to kitties.
