Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Your cat loves batting her catnip-filled toys around the room or rubbing her nose against them to get a good whiff of the potent herb. But catnip isn't the only herb that can have a positive impact on your cat's health and well-being.

Many herbs have active therapeutic properties, and fresh or dried herbs, liquids, capsules or tablets can be given to cats for medicinal purposes.¹ In fact, herbs like valerian root, echinacea, milk thistle, dandelion, licorice root, calendula and marshmallow root can be safe for cats and have been shown to help with conditions ranging from stress relief and digestion to immune system function and inflammation.¹

Learn what herbs are safe for cats to eat, as well as which ones to avoid.

Understanding your cat's digestive system

Although cats have digestive systems that function similarly to human digestive systems, there is one key difference: Cats lack an essential liver enzyme, making it difficult for them to eliminate or metabolize certain toxins.² This means that herbs (and other foods) that might be safe for humans could be toxic to cats.

It's always important to talk to your veterinarian before offering your cat fresh or dried herbs or herbal supplements. Remember, "natural" doesn't always equal nontoxic!

Safe herbs for cats

Many of the same herbs that are popular for humans are also safe for cats. Cats are obviously much smaller than humans, and dosing should always be confirmed by a veterinarian. In addition, since cats are such fastidious groomers, many topical herbs and oils might not be safe to put on their skin.

Here are eight safe herbs for cats.

Catnip

This herbaceous perennial is one of the most well-known herbs for cats. Catnip has been shown to increase endorphin levels and stimulate the opioid reward system, producing a strong euphoria in cats.³ It is well accepted that catnip can have a positive impact on stress levels and provide environmental enrichment.⁴ The latest research also shows that rubbing against catnip plants releases insect-repelling compounds that help protect outdoor cats from mosquito bites.³

Valerian

Valerian (or valerian root, because the medicinal properties are in the root of the plant) produces a similar response to catnip, triggering a sense of bliss.⁵ Valerian root is a common ingredient in herbal calming remedies labeled for pets.

Echinacea

Your cat might not want to sip echinacea tea, but limited animal research into the powerful purple flowering herb shows that offering a capsule, liquid extract or powder could help reduce inflammation, improve immune function and ease symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.⁶

Milk thistle

This herb, also known as silymarin, is a common ingredient in herbal supplements used to treat liver disease. Milk thistle is given as a capsule or tablet and appears to boost antioxidants, reduce inflammation and tamp down the liver enzymes that cause cell damage.⁷ There are several veterinary formulas that include milk thistle, labeled to help support liver health.

Dandelion

Don't panic if you spot your cat noshing on dandelions in the backyard. Dandelion greens are a common ingredient in pet supplements because the common weeds have mild laxative effects and can help improve digestion.⁸

Licorice root

Cats love the flavor of licorice root. The herb acts as a natural cortisone and reduces inflammation, making it a popular option for cats with arthritis. Licorice root is also believed to aid in digestive issues and soothe mucus membranes to ease symptoms of bronchitis in cats.⁹

Calendula

The colorful flowers of the calendula plant contain a lot of saponins—bitter-tasting compounds that are believed to heal and prevent gastric ulcers as well as lower blood sugar. Calendula, also called pot marigold, also has some antiseptic properties and can be used as an ear or eye wash for pets.¹⁰ However, always talk to your veterinarian prior to placing anything in your cat's eyes or ears!

Marshmallow root

The herb (not the puffy white confection sold at the supermarket) can be used as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections in cats or turned into a slurry and used to treat oral ulcers.¹¹

Benefits of herbs for cats

Different herbs can address different health issues. Here are some of the benefits of herbs for cats:

• Relieve stress¹²
• Alleviate itchy skin¹²
• Improve sleep¹²
• Aid digestion¹²
• Support kidney and liver functioning¹
• Reduce seizures¹
• Balance hormones¹
• Treat allergies¹
• Reduce inflammation¹
• Improve blood flow¹
• Eliminate pain¹
• Boost the immune system¹
• Address behavioral issues¹
• Reduce anxiety¹

Herb safety and precautions

Before you hand over the herbs to your furry friend, here are a few guidelines to follow.

• Dosage and frequency: There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for how much or how often to offer herbal medicines to your cat. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper dose and dosing schedule.
• Side effects and allergic reactions: Not all herbs are safe for cats. In fact, some herbs, including chamomile, bitterroot, eucalyptus and lavender, are toxic.¹³ And many topical oil herb preparations aren't safe for cats because they lick themselves. Before planting an herb garden or offering your cat any herbs or supplements, check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's list of toxic plants, and consult with your veterinarian.¹³
• Interaction with medications: Herbs and supplements might be “natural," but that doesn't mean they're safe to use with your cats. It's especially important to take precautions if your cat takes other medications. Some medications can alter how your cat metabolizes supplements and vice versa, which could make herbal ingredients harder to break down. As a result, your cat could suffer toxic buildup and potential overdose. Medication interactions could also cause supplements to break down too quickly, making them less effective.¹⁴
• Choosing herbs carefully: Many of the pesticides and insecticides used in the garden are toxic to cats. Make sure that any herbs you buy from the farmer's market or an online retailer are organic, and wash them well before offering them to your cat.¹⁵

Preparing and administering herbs to cats

Medicating a cat might be one of your least favorite things—and your cat probably doesn't like it either. Luckily, there are options to make it easier to give herbs to your cat.

• Fresh or dried herbs: Dried herbs are stronger than fresh herbs. For DIY herbal tincture recipes, use one teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.¹⁶
• Preparing herbal remedies: You don't have to play pharmacist and turn the kitchen into a laboratory to give your cat their herbal medicine. Ask your veterinarian about the best retailers from which to order pet-safe herbal supplements, and let the experts handle the formulation.
• Administering herbs to cats: If the herbal supplements are pills, capsules or powders, hide them in your cat's food or tuck them into a pill pocket and offer it as a treat. Fresh or dried herbs can be mixed into wet food or sprinkled on top of kibble. Never give your cat essential oils because they can interfere with the functioning of his liver.¹⁷

The bottom line

Just as veterinarians prescribe different medications to treat distinct medical conditions, individual herbs also have diverse healing properties. Herbs like valerian root, echinacea, milk thistle, dandelion, licorice root, calendula and marshmallow root might be safe for cats, but it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to learn more about when it's best to use herbs to treat health conditions or as natural supplements. This way, you can ensure you're making the best choices for your cat's health and well-being.

From Pets Best

Pets Best has a 24/7 Pet Helpline so you can talk to veterinary experts and get answers to all your pet-related health questions, including which herbs are safe for your cat. This service is included with all Pets Best policies.

Sources/Citations

1. S. Marsden et al. Veterinary Herbal Therapy. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/veterinary-herbal-therapy
2. K. Benson. Essential Oils and Cats. Pet Poison Helpline. Published January 12, 2018. Updated March 6, 2020. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats
3. R. Uenoyma et al. The characteristic response of domestic cats to plant iridoids allows them to gain chemical defense against mosquitoes. Science Advances. Published January 20, 2021. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abd9135
4. Sarah L.H. Ellis and Deborah L. Wells. The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of cats housed in a rescue shelter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Published January 18, 2010. Accessed April 6, 2023. https://gwern.net/doc/cat/catnip/2010-ellis.pdf
5. S. Bol et al. Behavioral differences among domestic cats in the response to cat-attracting plants and their volatile compounds reveal a potential distinct mechanism of action for actinidine. BMC Biology. Published August 25, 2022. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9414117
6. R. Gollakner. Echinacea. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/echinacea
7. R. Gollakner. Milk Thistle or Silymarin. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/milk-thistle-or-silymarin
8. S.G. Wynn and B. Fougere. Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Mosby Press. 2007.
9. F. Azadeh et al. Effects of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract on the Hormones, Serum Biochemicals, and Hematological Parameters in Dogs with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine. Published December 9, 2022. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9757940
10. S. Marsden et al. Calendula. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/calendula
11. L. Pesch. Holistic Pediatric Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. Published February 26, 2014. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7132486
12. Planting Herbs Safe for Cats. Michelson Found Animals. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://www.foundanimals.org/planting-herbs-safe-for-cats-tips-for-a-cat-herb-garden
13. Poisonous Plants. ASPCA. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
14. N. Scanlan. How Drugs May Interact with Your Pet's Herbs and Supplements. American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://ahvmf.org/index.php/connect/blog/386-how-drugs-may-interact-with-your-pet-s-herbs-and-supplements
15. Tips for a Pet-Safe Yard and Garden. ASPCA. Published May 12, 2021. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://www.aspca.org/news/tips-pet-safe-yard-and-garden
16. J. Riley. Selecting, Sorting, and Using Fresh Herbs. Ohio State University Extension. Published July 26, 2021. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5520
17. 5 Herbs That Can Surprisingly Reduce Stress Levels in Cats. Hudson Veterinary Hospital. Updated May 13, 2019. Accessed March 26, 2023. https://www.hudsonvet.com/blog/5-herbs-that-can-surprisingly-reduce-stress-levels-in-cats