Have you seen your cat eat cilantro out in the garden? It can happen sometimes that cats eat some of the strangest thing. Why would a cat eat something like cilantro? And is it toxic to cats?
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What is Cilantro?
Cilantro is an herb that is made from the leaves of the coriander plant. That can be confusing! However, in North America, “cilantro” refers to the stalks and leaves of the plant, while “coriander” is usually applied to the dried seeds.
Cilantro is part of the parsley family and is also sometimes called by these names: Mexican parsley and Chinese parsley. This herb has a very bright taste, which some have described as being slightly lemony, as well as a little peppery. It’s used raw, in meat, fish and poultry dishes, and more.
But is this herb safe for cats?
Cilantro & Cats
Thankfully, cilantro is non-toxic for cats, which means it’s safe for them. However, it may not really be good for them.
Cats obtain most of their nutrients from protein sources. They really don’t eat plants as part of their normal diet. That’s because their digestive tract really isn’t set up to handle plant material. For this reason, cats are not able to digest plants and vegetables very well or take nutrients from these types of foods.
When it comes to cilantro, if a cat eats too much of this herb, they may experience digestive issues. These may include vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and more. However, if the kitty only eats a little bit of the cilantro, he’ll be OK.
Having said that, cats will sometimes eat plant material if they’re short on certain nutrients. But they really aren’t able to absorb the nutrients. For this reason, if you notice your cat’s eating a lot of plant material, then it’s probably a good idea to call the vet for a checkup.
If your fur baby likes to munch down on cilantro, then you may want to consider moving the plant. Place it in an area that your cat’s unable to access. You, the plant, and your kitty will be happier for it!
So, the good news is that cilantro is not toxic to your cat. And remember, if you cat is eating a lot of plant material, it’s a sign she may need to visit the vet for a checkup. Your fur baby may have an underlying health issue that needs to be diagnosed and treated. Then she can go on and have a happy, healthy life—but without cilantro.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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