Herbs are nature’s gift to mankind to benefit human health, but did you know that they can benefit animals too? Herbs can absolutely benefit cats in the same way that they benefit human health. However, the way they work internally, is sometimes different, and only a trained veterinary herbalist can best prescribe the best herb for your cat’s particular needs.
Some plants or herbs are poisonous or harmful to cats as well. Plants like cocoa/chocolate, aloe vera, marigold, oleander, chrysanthemum, marijuana, lilies, onions and tulips are toxic to cats. If ingested, these can harm your cat’s health.
Meanwhile, there are also herbs that are also good for cats, and we will look at some of these today:
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Catnip – The king of the herbs as far as cats are concerned. Catnip stimulates and yet calms down cats, and it even acts as an aphrodisiac for them. Cats will eat catnip, and rub or roll on them by instinct. However, the effect wanes after a while, so to keep its efficacy high, use catnip only like once or twice a week. Check out these catnip balls which double up as toys.
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Carrots – Carrots are actually good for cats and some cats like them. But it’s best to give them only cooked carrots due to the fact that raw vegetables are harder to digest, for them. Carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A in our bodies, but cats have a much lesser ability to do the same. Thus, giving them carrots will not provide them with natural vitamin A via the beta-carotene, but nonetheless, carrots are good for your cat’s intestines.
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Cat Thyme – Cat thyme has the same soothing effect of catnip on cats, and can be used as a catnip substitute, especially if your cat doesn’t react to catnip. Cat thyme has a rather nasty odor though.
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Valerian – Valerian stimulates/calms cats at the same time, in much the same way like Cat Thyme. For lazy cats, it makes them more alert and active. Like cat thyme, valerian has a rather pungent odor, but cats in general like plants with pungent smells, so it’s no surprise that they are fond of valerian.
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Cat’s Claw – Aptly named (though for its appearance), this Peruvian vine has been found to be beneficial to cats, helping with allergies, itchiness, digestive problems, and wound healing.
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Dill Seed – This herb is high in minerals and good for nursing feline mothers.
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Slippery Elm – Slippery elm works the same way for cats like it does for humans, as in it is highly soothing to the digestive system. It contains many vitamins and minerals, and its taste is well received by cats.
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Goldenseal – Goldenseal is a powerful natural antibiotic, and pathogen buster. It attacks pathogens in the mucous membranes, and is good for many kinds of infections internally, and externally. You can definitely apply goldenseal for your cat’s external skin infections, and internally, it’s good for kidney problems.
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Psyllium seeds – If you’ve used psyllium seeds before, you’ll know they are useful for constipation. In the same way, if your cat is constipated, psyllium seeds can help as a stool conditioner. Just make sure to give your cat lots of water, because psyllium seeds absorb fluid and can clog the intestines in the absence of adequate water.