Is Rosemary Safe for Cats? Not as an Essential Oil

The rosemary plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes other culinary herbs like thyme, basil and mint. It’s used often in cooking for its lemon-pine flavor and potential health benefits in humans. But just because it’s healthy for us doesn’t mean it's the same for your feline friend.

Fresh rosemary in small amounts isn’t harmful to cats. If your cat likes to nibble on plants, a little rosemary likely won’t do any damage.

However, cats that eat large quantities may experience digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea.

This is where things get tricky. Rosemary essential oil is ultra concentrated and can be harmful to cats. Because cats groom themselves frequently, oils applied to their fur can easily be ingested. That’s bad news for their central nervous system and liver.

Unlike the rosemary plant, rosemary oil is not safe for cats. Exposure can lead to symptoms like drooling, lethargy, tremors or an increased respiratory rate. In severe cases, essential oils can even cause liver damage.

If your cat consumes a small amount of fresh rosemary from your food or garden, there's usually no reason to panic. But too much rosemary can lead to an upset stomach. Keep an eye out for signs like vomiting or lack of appetite.

Cats don’t typically seek out rosemary all the time, so incidents are usually accidental. Still, if your kitty develops symptoms after eating rosemary or being exposed to rosemary oil, consult a veterinarian immediately.

If you're looking to add herbs to your cat's environment, consider safer options. Catnip and basil are generally well-tolerated. Always introduce herbs slowly and in small amounts to see how your pet reacts.

Avoid oils entirely unless approved by a vet, and be mindful when using diffusers around your pets. What's therapeutic for humans isn’t always safe for animals.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.