There comes a stage in every cat’s life when they start nibbling on plants. No, they haven’t turned vegetarian.
It’s natural and a part of their lives. So, if your cat starts chewing greenery, see that it doesn’t eat any harmful plants.
Since parsley is a common herb growing in almost every household, you might wonder – can cats eat parsley? Unfortunately, the answer is a bit complicated as there are both benefits and detriments. But stick around till the end, and you’ll find out the answer.
Can Cats Eat Parsley?
Parsley is a common herb used in the preparation and garnishing of several dishes. It gives a new aroma to the cooked food.
Parsley also has many vitamins, nutrients, and medicinal qualities. For example, it helps better digestion, cures kidney problems, and removes excess oxidants or toxins.
With all these benefits, parsley seems to be an extraordinary herb. It offers numerous uses to humans. But, what about cats? Can cats eat parsley? Parsley doesn’t provide as many benefits to cats as it does to humans.
As a cat parent, you would know that cats are obligate carnivores and not vegetarians.
Therefore, you should give them meaty food instead of plant food. The reason? Their digestive system is adapted to get nutrients from meat only.
Parsley isn’t toxic to cats, but you have to take precautions. Large amounts can become fatal for cats. So, only small amounts are considered safe.
If they nibble on your parsley plants a little, there is no need to fret. Just ensure that they don’t chew a lot.
Want to know why cats nibble on plants? Or if there are benefits of parsley for cats? Keep reading, and you’ll know.
Why Do Cats Eat Plants?
Cats are not vegetarian, but still, you’ll find them eating your houseplant, and chewing on the leaves and stem.
It is normal for cats to show such behavior. However, you have to pay attention to the plants your cat eats.
So, what’s the reason behind this behavior? First, they enjoy the taste. Second, they get intimidated by flickering leaves. Third, cats find the plants pleasurable. And lastly, plants induce vomiting in cats.
If the cat eats something that it cannot digest, it will nibble on plants to vomit. Since plant matter is not suitable for cats, their digestive system would get rid of it immediately.
Hence, eating these plants could help in relieving an upset stomach. Make a list of the safe plants and keep your cat away from unsafe ones.
Benefits Of Parsley to Cats
Having established that nibbling is natural, you can let your cat chew on parsley. Parsley is completely safe in a moderate amount and will benefit your cat.
Parsley, as mentioned earlier, is rich in nutrients and vitamins. It has calcium, iron, potassium, folate, vitamins A, C, E, K, and many other minerals.
In cats, parsley helps in improving eyesight, boosting immunity, and enhancing liver health. Parsley also possesses anti-fungal features that are proficient in keeping the urinary tract healthy.
What Could Go Wrong?
Parsley is a plant matter; so, only small quantities are safe for cats. Large quantities may not be toxic, but they can make your cat uncomfortable.
Constant intake of parsley for a long time can even prove to be fatal.
Another thing to pay attention to is spring parsley. You should keep your cat away from it at all costs. Spring parsley is poisonous for cats, even in small amounts.
In addition, it can lead to photosensitization in cats, a state where cats become sensitive to sunlight.
Summary
Cats can eat parsley safely, provided that the quantity is small. Parsley plants don’t pose a risk to cats and are safe to nibble on.
However, don’t let it eat excessive amounts. Parsley can be detrimental to their health in large quantities.
So, there is your answer to – can cats eat parsley? You can also try out a much better alternative – Parsley water. It is safe and healthy for cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parsley Plant Toxic for Cats?
In the above article, it has been stated that parsley plants are not toxic for cats in controlled quantities. However, the spring parsley plant is poisonous, and small amounts can cause photosensitivity and irritation in cats.
Can Cats Eat Parsley and Mint?
We have already explained that cats can eat parsley. But, when it comes to mint, the ASPCA recognizes mint as toxic to cats. Ingesting mint can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and mint poisoning. So, cats can eat parsley, but not mint.
Can Cats Eat Coriander?
Also known as cilantro, dhania, Chinese parsley, and coriander is a lemon-flavored herb widely used worldwide. It is also safe for cats and other pets. So, yes, cats can eat coriander or cilantro. But keep the quantity minimum, as large amounts can be harmful.
