The bottom line is that cats can safely consume cilantro without any ill effects, but they don’t actually require cilantro as part of their diets to live long, healthy lives. Cats do not require a plant-based diet because they are obligate carnivores.
Therefore, you should never feed your cat a diet consisting solely of cilantro, and you should not substitute this herb for any commercial or homemade food that contains a significant amount of animal protein.
All About Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a vibrant green herb that thrives in both natural settings and garden plots. The seed, the stem, and the leaves of the cilantro plant are all edible.
Cilantro is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. Both the fresh leaves and stems of the cilantro plant and the ground up seeds are used as a culinary herb and spice.
Traditional dishes from Mexico, India, and Brazil all feature cilantro as an essential ingredient. The consumption of any part of the cilantro plant is beneficial to human health.
But does cilantro harm cats in any way if they eat it? How about the safety and efficacy of cilantro? It’s possible that your feline friend enjoys nibbling on the fresh cilantro leaves you’ve grown in your garden.
Maybe you’re looking to supplement your cat’s diet with some extra nutrients, and you’ve heard that greens can be beneficial for both humans and felines.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can cats eat cilantro?” for whatever reason, you’ve found the answer. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the benefits and risks of giving this unique herb to your cat.
Should Cats Eat Cilantro?
However, if your cat enjoys nibbling on cilantro, it can be used as a supplement or special treat because it contains many of the same vitamins and minerals found in your cat’s regular food.
You shouldn’t force your cat to eat cilantro if it clearly doesn’t want to. You can try offering them a bit of the stem or a couple of leaves to chew on to see if they like it, though.
You can also add minced leaves or other herbs to their food. Grow a small plant indoors so that they always have something to gnaw on.
Do Cats Like Raw Cilantro?
Different cats will have different outcomes. Although its flavor is more tart and lemony than sweet, some people may enjoy chewing it for the texture alone.
Even though cats haven’t evolved to eat coriander, that doesn’t mean they won’t give it a taste out of pure curiosity.
However, this doesn’t ensure that they will enjoy it or seek more of it. Some people’s cats may enjoy the taste of coriander, but I’ve never had one (yet).
Do Cats Hate Cilantro?
Some cats might not care for cilantro, just as there are some people who don’t care for tomatoes. Don’t try to impose it on your cat if this is indeed your cat.
Cats can make up for whatever benefits cilantro may have in very small amounts through their regular food and cat treats.
At the best of times, cats don’t care much for plants and herbs, so don’t expect any favors from your pet by feeding it cilantro.
Vegetables and herbs are not something cats have evolved to crave, so any attempts you make to expand their diet may not go over well.
Can Cilantro Kill Cats?
Cats are probably safe around cilantro. It’s not poisonous, and even if they ate enough of it to feel sick, they wouldn’t be in danger of dying.
However, there is always a chance that a specific cat will have a negative reaction to a given substance.
If a cat eats too much cilantro, it can cause stomach irritation, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Cilantro also has a 1% chance of causing arrhythmia. Of course, this won’t be fatal, but it will be a major inconvenience.
Like humans, cats can develop an allergy to cilantro. If you’re introducing cilantro to your cat for the first time, keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.
- Itching
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hives
- Breathing problems
Always call your vet for advice or to have your cat examined if you have any doubts about its behavior.
How Much Raw Cilantro is Safe for Cats to Eat?
You should only give a cat a very small amount of cilantro because cats aren’t naturally adapted to eating plant matter.
Overfeeding your cat isn’t harmful per se, but it could cause digestive issues and make it less interested in its regular diet. To rephrase, cilantro is a special treat and ought to be appreciated as such.
All parts of cilantro, including the seeds (which cats may have trouble digesting), are safe for consumption by felines, whether dried or fresh.
Keep in mind that your cat will eat even less dried cilantro than fresh because of its higher concentration.
Cats will be interested in fresh cilantro because they can gnaw on the leaves. Instead, you should use ground cilantro and sprinkle it on their regular fare.
Health Benefits of Cilantro for Cats
Due to its high nutrient content, cilantro is widely used in human cuisine.
Although cats can benefit from these vitamins, they will only get a small portion of their value because cats only eat a small amount of the herb. Still, there are some healthy components to cilantro:
- Nutrients (visible): Protein, fat.
- The eight essential vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, C, E, and K
- Calcium
- Iron
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Sodium
- Potassium
Cilantro is a simple way to increase your cat’s intake of nutrients that are beneficial for his or her coat, immune system, bones, joints, and muscles.
Cats can benefit from the fiber in cilantro because their digestive systems can always use a little help.
Furthermore, cilantro is a potent anti-inflammatory that benefits your cat’s kidneys, unless your feline friend already has kidney disease. The plant is rich in antioxidants, which may prevent or delay cancer.
If a cat doesn’t care to eat the cilantro, it may still enjoy chewing on the leaves for the sensory experience.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
If you’re thinking about giving your cat cilantro, there are some things to consider first. First and foremost, some cats may experience digestive issues after consuming the herb, especially if they consume too much at once.
To test whether or not your cat’s digestion is affected by the cilantro, start by giving them just one leaf or an inch of stem to chew on.
If not, you can give them a bit more of what they already eat. If feeding cilantro to your cat causes stomach upset, try giving them a smaller serving size or eliminating it from their diet altogether.
If your pet is on any medications, including over-the-counter remedies, it is also not a good idea to feed cilantro to them.
Your cat’s ability to absorb herbs and eliminate excess nutrients to prevent toxicity over time may be altered by the use of certain medications.
In Conclusion
If your cat enjoys cilantro, you can feel good about giving it to them. If not, then there’s no cause for alarm. A commercial or homemade diet that is complete and balanced will provide all the nutrients your cat needs.
They need not ever incorporate herbs into their diet. However, they won’t be bothered by the occasional leaf or stem. They will merely reap the rewards of a nutritional boost.
What do you think about giving cilantro to your cat as a treat? Will you be giving them the plant in its whole form, or will you be mixing it into their food?