Cat-Safe Herbs to Grow, and the Ones to Skip
Kitchen herbs the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to cats, herbs it lists as toxic (including catnip), and how to grow a herb pot your cat can share.
Published by ThriveThyme
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Cat-Safe Herbs to Grow
Cats chew leaves, especially indoors in winter. These culinary herbs are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. Check any herb on the Pet-Safe Garden Finder.
Listed as Non-Toxic to Cats
| Herb | Notes | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Includes sweet basil and Thai basil. | Basil |
| Thyme | Common and garden thyme. | Thyme |
| Rosemary | Grows well in a sunny window over winter. | Rosemary |
| Sage | Common garden sage. | Sage |
| Dill | ASPCA notes skin irritation with prolonged contact. | Dill |
| Cilantro | Also called coriander. | Cilantro |
| Chervil | Also called French parsley. Not the same plant as parsley. | Chervil |
| Lemon balm | A mint relative that can self-seed. Grow it in a pot. | Lemon Balm |
| Fennel | ASPCA rates risk low in small food amounts. Avoid concentrated oil. | Fennel |
| Stevia | Sweetleaf. | Stevia |
Listed as Toxic to Cats
| Herb | What ASPCA says | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Catnip | Vomiting and diarrhea. Some cats get sleepy, others wound up. | Catnip |
| Chives | Onion family. Breaks down red blood cells. ASPCA says cats are more susceptible than dogs. | Chives |
| Parsley | Sun sensitivity and skin irritation. Large amounts are needed. | Parsley |
| Mint | Vomiting and diarrhea with large amounts. | Mint |
| Oregano | Mild vomiting and diarrhea. | Oregano |
| Marjoram | Vomiting and diarrhea. | Marjoram |
| Tarragon | Mild vomiting and diarrhea. | Tarragon |
| Lavender | Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite. | Lavender |
| Chamomile | Skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions. | Chamomile |
| Borage | Vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation. | Borage |
Catnip surprises people. ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats because it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Many cats love it, so offer it in small amounts.
A Herb Pot Your Cat Can Share
- Pick from the non-toxic list: basil, thyme, sage, and rosemary cover most cooking.
- Keep mint, oregano, chives, and parsley on a shelf or in a room the cat cannot reach.
- Give the cat its own pot of cat grass so it leaves your herbs alone.
- Indoors, herbs need a bright south or west window or a grow light in winter. See when to bring basil and tender herbs indoors.
If your cat ate a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. A fee may apply.