Cilantro is an herb used in a variety of cuisines around the world. There’s a reason humans eat it in various forms; pureed, garnished, or cooked with other ingredients for added flavor. But it may not be the same for cats. So, before we get to the details of whether cilantro is safe and good for your cat, let's first ask -
Do Cats like Cilantro?
Cats generally do not like cilantro because of its strong flavor notes. Some cats may find it intriguing, while others may completely avoid it. There is no way to know beforehand if your cat will enjoy cilantro, after all, cats tend to have a mostly carnivorous palette.2
Can Cats Eat Cilantro?
The one-word answer to this question is yes, it’s usually safe for cats to have some cilantro.1 Just because cilantro is non-toxic doesn’t mean we can let them have as much as they want. It’s best to slowly introduce new foods in small quantities and slowly increase the amount if they seem to enjoy the cilantro and do not show any signs of an allergic reaction.
Is Cilantro Good for Cats?
Cilantro is a nutrient-packed herb that can provide good health benefits to your cat if given in moderation. Cilantro contains antioxidants and fibers which are good for cats in small quantities.1 The fiber content in cilantro can also help with digestion and regular bowel movements.
There is a possibility that some cats may be sensitive to cilantro and can experience, digestive issues that are contrary to its purpose.1 It’s best to speak with your vet before adding cilantro, or any new food to your cat's diet.
Health Benefits of Cilantro for Cats
Cilantro is generally rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It has some amount of dietary minerals as well which can help with regular bowel movements.
Hydration: Cilantro can aid in hydration in cats as it has a high water content. Read more about dehydration in pets.
Antioxidants: Cilantro is rich in antioxidants which can help free the body of toxins.
Nutrients: Cilantro can be beneficial to your cat in small amounts as it is a source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K, and potassium.
How Much Cilantro Can a Cat Have?
One of the best ways to introduce your cat to cilantro is by mixing a small quantity in their regular food. You can start with a leaf and monitor your cat's reaction to see if they like the taste. If your cat can tolerate cilantro then you can gradually increase its amount. Keep in mind, that treats like cilantro should never make up more than 10% of your pet's daily calories, the majority of their diet should come from their regular cat food. Cats that are not able to digest cilantro well may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.
How to Feed Cilantro to a Cat?
The next question is how to feed cilantro to your cat. Cilantro is an herb that is not considered toxic for cats, but it should be given in small amounts. Here is a guide to how to feed your cat cilantro.
Ask your veterinarian: It’s always better to ask your vet for advice on whether to introduce your cat to cilantro or not.
Use Fresh cilantro: Make sure you start with fresh cilantro which is washed and cleaned to help ensure there is no dirt or pesticides.
Chop the cilantro: The cilantro should be finely chopped; cats are not fans of large pieces of cilantro.
Mix with cat food: Not all cats can digest cilantro. Start by mixing a small amount with their regular food.
No additional additives: To help ensure the health of your cat, make sure the cilantro is plain and has no additives like salt, spices, or oils are put in.
Monitor: Monitor your cat to see if they show any signs of stomach sensitivity.
Stick to the recommended quantities. Cilantro should always be given to cats in small amounts.
What Happens if a Cat Eats Too Much Cilantro?
In some cases, cats can be sensitive to cilantro and can experience some of the following symptoms.1
Vomiting: If a cat has an allergic reaction to cilantro, they may end up vomiting.
Sneezing, coughing, and wheezing are also a few symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Skin Irritation: Allergic reactions to cilantro could cause redness and a skin reaction.
Diarrhea: In case of a gastrointestinal reaction, the cat may have diarrhea.
Swelling: In rare cases, there can be a little swelling of the lip, eye, tongue, etc.
Which Cats Should Not Eat Cilantro?
There may be some cats, not specific to any breed, that are more prone to stomach sensitivity and should not be given cilantro. The list includes –
Cats with allergies – If your cat has already had allergic reactions to other herbs, fruits, or vegetables, it's best to avoid giving them cilantro. As mentioned earlier, if your cat reacts to eating cilantro, they can experience bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Cats with aversion to smells– If your cat has an aversion to the smell of cilantro, there is no need to try adding it to their diet.
Conclusion
One thing to remember is cats are carnivores and hence the veggies and herbs we eat, and the benefits we get from them, may or may not benefit cats to the same extent. Cilantro as an herb is generally safe for cats but cats should be given limited amounts of it.2 Cilantro is rich in nutrients and should not harm your cat provided they do not have an allergic reaction to it.
In cases of stomach sensitivity or reaction, it's best to monitor your cat’s intake and speak to your vet about their dietary requirements.
Audrey Halfen: Beta fish whisperer - whopping 9 months and counting! Once had a dog named Max, who I assertively claim is the cutest dog ever. Ready to throw down in a cute-off, if necessary.
“Can Cats Eat Cilantro?” Puainta, https://puainta.com/de/blogs/care-healthy-living/can-cats-eat-cilantro, Jul. 27, 2023.
“Can Cats Eat Raw Cilantro?” Cat Wiki, https://www.catwiki.com/faqs/can-cats-eat-raw-cilantro, accessed Jan. 11, 2024.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
