As the weather gets warmer, many of us start spending more time outdoors with our feline friends. And while most cats enjoy basking in the sun and playing with plants you may think is summer savory toxic to cats? Summer Savory is a herb that is commonly used in cooking. It has a strong flavor and can be used to add flavor to food. However, summer savory is not toxic to cats but sometimes it can cause fewer health problems.
| Common Name | Bohnenkraut, Calamintha Hortensis |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Botanical Name | Satureja hortensis |
| Mature Size | 12 to 18 inches |
| Bloom Time | July to September |
| Native Area | Native to Southeastern Europe |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained soil |
| Toxicity | Non-Toxic to Cats |
Is Summer Savory Toxic for Cats?
No, summer savory is not toxic for cats. This perennial herb is actually a member of the mint family and has a slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes. While it’s safe to use around cats, be sure to keep it out of their reach as they may nibble on it if given the chance.
Can Cats Eat Summer Savory?
Summer savory is an annual herb in the mint family. It’s native to Southeastern Europe and has been used in cooking for centuries. The leaves have a strong, pungent flavor that’s similar to thyme or sage.
Summer savory is commonly used to season meats, soups, and stews. It’s also a key ingredient in many traditional dishes from Greece, Italy, and Turkey. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require animal-based proteins to survive.
This doesn’t mean that cats can’t eat plant-based foods, but they shouldn’t be the main source of nutrition. Summer savory is safe for cats to eat in small amounts. The strong flavor may not be appealing to all cats, but some may enjoy it as a treat.
If you’re unsure whether your cat will like summer savory, start with a small amount and see how they react.
How to Know Summer Savor is Not Harmful to Cats?
By asking your vet you can immediately make sure that summer savory is not harmful to cats. Also, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and CDC provide legit information. You can also ask your friend who is an expert and adopt Cat for at least 3 years. Sometimes your experience will provide you with the information.
However reading articles, news, or watching videos can help but you need to recheck the provided information. Because it’s your pet and any harm can cause severe health risks to your feline friend.
What Happens If Your Cat Consumes Summer Savory?
If a cat eats summer savory, it is not likely to experience any adverse effects. This herb is generally considered safe for cats and other pets. Summer savory may help to settle an upset stomach and can also be used as a mild sedative.
If your cat eats summer savory, it is generally less likely to experience serious health issues compared to ingesting toxic plants. However, there can still be some potential consequences:
1. Gastrointestinal Upset: Even non-toxic plants can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats. This may include symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. Cats may chew on plants out of curiosity or boredom, and sometimes this can lead to minor digestive disturbances.
2. Physical Irritation: Some plants have rough or spiky leaves that could potentially irritate your cat’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract if ingested.
3. Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, cats may have allergies to certain plant materials, and consuming non-toxic plants might trigger allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or itching.
4. Ingestion of Pesticides or Soil: Even non-toxic plants can become harmful if they have been treated with pesticides or if your cat ingests soil or other contaminants from the plant’s pot. Be cautious about any chemicals used in or around your plants.
While summer savory is generally safer for cats, it’s still important to monitor your cat’s behavior and health if they have ingested any plant material. If you notice any unusual symptoms or if your cat seems unwell, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian for guidance and potential treatment.
Additionally, if you have concerns about your cat’s behavior around plants, you might want to consider providing safe alternatives like cat grass or catnip to satisfy their natural chewing instincts.
Tips To Keep Your Cat Away From Summer Savory?
From knocking objects off shelves to investigating empty boxes, cats possess a boundless curiosity that never fails to captivate us. So if you have summer savory cats may show curiosity too. If you want to keep your Kitty away from summer savory you can follow this. I’m surprised with the results and it actually works.
1. Make Your Plants Unattractive and Unappetizing
To make summer savory unattractive and unappetizing to your cat, you can employ various strategies:
Infuse Citrus Fragrances: Cats often dislike the smell of citrus. You can place citrus peels or use citrus-scented sprays near your plants to deter your cat.
Incorporate Vinegar into the Mix: Mix vinegar with water and lightly spray it on the soil or around the base of your plants. The smell of vinegar can discourage cats from approaching.
2. Teach Your Cat to Respect Your Plants:
Train your cat to understand that your plants are off-limits. Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward good behavior and discourage any attempts to chew or play with the plants.
3. Relocate Your Plants and Greenery
If your cat continually targets specific plants, consider moving them to a location that’s harder for your cat to access, such as higher shelves or rooms your cat doesn’t frequent.
4. Create Unattractive Soil for Your Cat
Place decorative stones, aluminum foil, or double-sided tape on the soil surface to discourage digging. Cats often dislike these textures.
5. Provide Cat Grass and Offer Catnip
Offer cat grass or catnip in designated areas. These safe and attractive alternatives can satisfy your cat’s chewing instincts and divert their attention away from your houseplants.
6. Set Up a Litter Box
Ensure your cat has easy access to a clean litter box. Sometimes, inappropriate plant behavior can be a sign of litter box issues.
7. Give Your Cat Their Own Plant
Consider planting cat-friendly herbs like catnip, parsley, valerian, rosemary, cat thyme, or wheat grass in a pot for your cat. This gives them their own greenery to enjoy.
8. Regularly Inspect and Clean
Periodically check your plants for any damage or soil disturbance. Clean up fallen leaves or debris to reduce your cat’s interest.
9. Use Covers or Netting
Cover the soil with decorative materials, like river rocks or pebbles, to deter digging. You can also use netting or covers to protect the plant’s base.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a cat-friendly environment that encourages your feline companion to leave Satureja hortensis alone while still providing them with enjoyable alternatives.
Conclusion
Summer savory is a popular herb with a long history of use in cooking. However, it is safe for cats to consume. Some plant contains compounds that can be toxic to felines, causing gastrointestinal upset and other problems but Summer Savory is not one of them.
If your cat ingests summer savory but shows problems, call your veterinarian immediately.
