Plants are commonplace because they are useful, need little care, and can be found in almost any home.
However, our naughty pets can reduce the longevity of our plants. It’s possible to ingest some of them, at which point you might start to worry about their safety. Can cats, for instance, consume licorice? What about candies with a licorice flavor, though?
Animals are known to take an interest in plants and flowers. However, sometimes their curiosity about the plants goes too far. Cats have no idea that there are some plants they shouldn’t touch.
The worst that can happen if your cat gets into some licorice is that she’ll make a mess.
While this may not make you happy, at least you won’t have to worry about your little pe(s)t hurting herself in her attempt to destroy her “enemy.”
Fortunately, licorice isn’t retaliatory like some plants. Everyone knows that cats enjoy high places and tree jumping.
Licorice in a garden could reach a height of one meter. The yard here might be ideal for your pets to run around in.
Can Cats Eat Licorice
Black licorice and licorice root—are they safe for cats to eat?
In general, no, cats shouldn’t eat licorice, either as candy or as licorice root, though the latter’s safety is debatable.
Can Cats Eat Licorice candy?
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t give your cat any licorice treats. Cats should not be given any type of candy.
The high sugar content is enough to raise red flags. Numerous health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and more, have been linked to a diet high in sugar in cats.
In addition, your cat may develop an upset stomach if it consumes an excessive amount of sugar, which can result in symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Cats shouldn’t consume licorice in any form, as it can cause hypertension and even liver damage if consumed in large enough quantities.
Therefore, keep your cat away from licorice. It’s not worth the risk, even if your cat only gets slightly sick from eating a tiny bit of licorice candy. It has no nutritional value and will do nothing to help your cat.
However, licorice candy also contains other possible dangers. If you don’t immediately brush your cat’s teeth after feeding it this candy, it could cause cavities.
It’s possible that xylitol is used as a sweetener in cat licorice, which is another cause for alarm. Cats should stay far away from this sugar substitute.
If your cat happens to eat some licorice candy, you should check the label to make sure that xylitol isn’t an ingredient.
Cats can be at risk from the packaging of licorice candy as well. The packaging that the candy comes in poses a serious choking hazard to cats if they consume even a small amount of it.
If the packaging makes it past your cat’s stomach and into the intestine, it could cause a blockage.
Due to its indigestibility, it poses a serious health risk if it becomes stuck in the digestive tract.
If your cat eats licorice candy by accident, you should take him or her to the vet immediately so that they can determine the best course of action.
Can Cats Eat Licorice root?
Nonetheless, what about licorice root? Is it okay to feed cats?
The safety of licorice root for felines has been called into question. Small amounts may be safe for cats, according to some sources, while others insist it should never be given to felines.
Licorice root may be recommended for your cat by a holistic veterinarian as opposed to a conventional one.
Some research suggests that licorice root can reduce inflammation and even help with allergy symptoms.
Pure and moderate amounts of licorice root may provide health benefits for cats, including alleviating inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis and easing the symptoms of the common cold.
However, just because it may be good for your cat’s health in some ways, that doesn’t mean it’s completely risk-free.
You shouldn’t give your cat licorice root in any form, including pet supplements, unless instructed to do so by your cat’s veterinarian. This content is not meant to replace professional veterinary advice. Still, that’s no assurance it wouldn’t harm your cat.
You should always check with your vet before giving your cat any new food or supplements.
Getting your cat to the vet as soon as possible is essential if it gets into a bag of licorice candies or ingests any amount of licorice root in any form.
Never feed your cat anything new without first consulting with your vet.
Potential health benefits of licorice
Both humans and felines can benefit from consuming licorice. This herb may start to gradually decline in size if you grow it at home. You don’t understand how it’s possible given how well you’ve been taking care of it!
As it turns out, licorice root is a tasty treat for felines. Confused, right? Every time she went into the garden, she was probably nibbling on this plant without drawing your attention.
We understand if this is unclear to you. Let’s dissect this to find out if cats can eat licorice and what effect it has on them.
Source of cortisone
Cortisone is just one of the many health benefits found in licorice. It can reduce swelling and reduce or prevent allergic reactions.
Licorice may be the best treatment for your itchy-skinned feline friend.
Cats with breathing or digestion problems may benefit from cortisone treatment. Cortisone is used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the skin and lungs in humans.
Licorice can help with arthritis
Licorice may be helpful if your cat is experiencing joint pain due to arthritis or another condition. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it useful for easing joint pain.
Particularly helpful for chubby cats, whose extra weight puts stress on their joints. In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, licorice has been shown to be effective against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Your cat will be protected from harmful bacteria and viruses thanks to these characteristics. Her immune system will be fortified thanks to their assistance, making it easier for her to ward off any diseases that might sneak into her system.
A natural laxative and diuretic
Our furry friends may require assistance at times when utilizing the litterbox. Overfeeding or easy access to carbohydrates can lead to constipation in your cat.
Because of this, cats require a specific amount of fiber to keep their digestive systems in check. If that doesn’t work, maybe some licorice will. Her constipation can be helped by licorice, which is a natural laxative.
In addition, it aids in the elimination of excess water and salt by acting as a diuretic. Since cats aren’t known for their hydration habits, licorice can prove very useful here. Consuming an adequate amount of water allows the body to flush out any excess fluids.
Our canine and feline friends don’t particularly enjoy drinking water, so we need to make it more palatable for them. If your cat has consumed too much salt, this will help immensely. Licorice is safe for cats to eat, and in some circumstances, it can even be beneficial.
What can go wrong?
You do realize that everything of value will inevitably be spoiled, right? However, despite its potential health benefits, licorice does have some drawbacks. Glycyrrhizin, an ingredient in it, acts as an emulsifier.
Do we know if this compound prevents cats from eating licorice? Yes, but this chemical has been shown to reduce potassium levels. This mineral is crucial for cats because of the positive effects it has on their nerve and muscle function.
Mild, common symptoms of potassium deficiency in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. However, if untreated, a lack of potassium can lead to more serious consequences, such as a decrease in muscle mass and overall body weight.
Can cats eat black licorice?
Grab a bag of candy and you’ve got yourself a quick and easy sugar fix. I wonder if cats ever get the hankering for something sugary and sweet like humans do. Can cats consume things like black licorice?
Even though we know that candies aren’t exactly great for us, we can’t help but indulge in their sugary goodness. Especially in the case of children, who will go absolutely bananas over a bag of candies.
However, most of us try to limit our intake of sugary foods because we all know what happens if we don’t. If we give in to that sugary craving, we’ll quickly gain weight and find that our clothing is too small.
Your furball might have been caught red-handed while attempting to steal your licorice. However, you shouldn’t mix your cat with candy. If your pet is a regular consumer of these sugary treats, they may develop a variety of undesirable health problems.
Extract from licorice roots is used to create black licorice. While black licorice may not be good for cats, this herb can provide them with some nutritional benefits.
Sugar content
Black licorice and other candies contain alarmingly high levels of sugar, even for humans. Our cats will disagree with us, but this is precisely what draws us here.
Our pets don’t have a sweet tooth because they don’t have the taste buds to appreciate sugary foods. They don’t need carbohydrates, so evolution eliminated that problem as well. The cuteness of your little pal is beyond your wildest imagination.
Your cat’s health may suffer if you feed it too much sugar. In particular, it could have dire consequences for her teeth. Weight gain from eating carbohydrates can also put extra stress on her ligaments and tendons.
Consuming sugar regularly may lead to chronic diseases like diabetes. In addition to obesity, other underlying diseases manifest in cats when they consume too many carbohydrates.
Can cats eat black licorice? What about artificial sweeteners?
Candy is sweetened with both natural and artificial ingredients. There can be significant amounts in black licorice. The potential harm they pose to your cat’s health makes this a worrying development.
Xylitol is a sweetener that can be fatal to cats. Many candies use this artificial sweetener, but cats are extremely sensitive to it.
Companies can save money by switching to artificial sweeteners rather than having to source natural ones. You shouldn’t give your cat sugary treats like gummy bears or black licorice because they contain xylitol.
Glycyrrhizin toxicity
Black licorice contains the molecule glycyrrhizin, also known as glycyrrhizic acid. The candy’s signature flavor comes from this chemical, but it also contributes to the candy’s toxicity.
Don’t freak out if your cat accidentally ate some, but do take steps to prevent a recurrence. Hypokalemia is a side effect of this compound. Electrolyte disruption caused by glycyrrhizin causes this condition in your cat.
This substance has been linked to hypertension and is thought to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Black licorice is toxic to cats and should never be given to them because it can cause heart arrhythmia.
Summing up…
Do cats have the ability to consume licorice? While licorice root may have some positive effects on feline health, black licorice is another matter entirely. Black licorice is extremely toxic to cats, so please don’t give any to yours.
The licorice herb has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. But don’t add anything that’s not safe for cats, especially if you haven’t talked to your vet about it first.