I want to grow herbs to help my cats’ stomach problems. I heard that mint is good for cats on one website, but another says it’s bad because of the oils in it. I’m confused and hoping someone here can tell me which is true.
Catnip, which is in the mint family and often called “cat mint,” is safe for cats to eat. When you grow it yourself, you’ll notice that its leaves resemble other types of mint and emit a strong fragrance when disturbed, crushed, or cut. Unlike catnip, other types of mint commonly grown in gardens are listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA. I recommend sticking with catnip, which also blooms with pretty white and purple flowers in the spring if you take care of it.
My cat enjoys chewing on “cat grass” when he has an upset stomach. This grass is basically just wheatgrass, which you can also find in the produce section of your grocery store for human consumption. Ensure it’s organic. Barley or oat grass is also safe, but my cat prefers wheatgrass.
I also grow sunflowers specifically for my cat. While I’m not sure if they have any medicinal benefits, my cat loves to chew on the dried, crunchy flowers. It’s quite amusing, and since sunflowers are non-toxic to cats, I let him enjoy them.
If you’re looking for natural or herbal remedies for digestive upset, consider growing ginger. Ginger helps ease nausea in humans and is supposedly safe for cats in small quantities.
Additionally, you might try a cat food formula designed for digestive problems. Some common carbohydrates in pet food, like cornmeal, can be more allergenic than others. My cat’s dry food is formulated for “sensitive digestion” and includes peas. He also tolerates pumpkin, salmon, and rice well.
Good luck!