Can Cats Eat Lemongrass? Is Lemongrass Safe For Cats?

Lemongrass, a fragrant herb, typically has a catnip-like scent that attracts many feline pals. Setting up a nibble-friendly patch of lemongrass for your cats may be fun and safe, whether you grow a potted plant indoors or in an outdoor garden. Lemongrass can be new to cats, who like to try different greens.
Lemongrass essential oil is dangerous for cats, however, raw lemongrass is safe. Concentrated lemongrass oil is hazardous to pets and should be kept away.
This article will explain the complex link between lemongrass and cats, including tips, safety considerations, and alternate methods to keep your cat happy and healthy. Knowing how lemongrass affects cats can help you establish a safe, enriching environment for your pet.

Lemongrass: A Brief Introduction

Lemongrass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon is a herb commonly utilized in aromatherapy, medicine and culinary practices. This grass-like plant belongs to the Poaceae family. It is renowned for its flavor and pleasing aroma. Before considering giving lemongrass to your cat it’s important to understand its health benefits. Here’s a straightforward Table outlining the nutrients in 100g of lemongrass;

Nutrient/Compound	Content (per 100g)
Calories	99
Carbohydrates	25.3g
Dietary Fiber	9.2g
Protein	1.6g
Fat	0.5g
Vitamin C	2.6mg (4% DV)
Folate	75mcg (19% DV)
Vitamin A (as beta-carotene)	1,315 IU (26% DV)
Iron	8.2mg (46% DV)

Is Lemongrass Safe for Cats?

Lemongrass is a herb that finds its way into different types of dishes. It is commonly utilized in kitchens to add flavor to marinades, stir-fries, spice rubs, salads, and pastes a unique flavor. However, there are better ideas than lemongrass when you want to share your food with your cat. Cats can be slightly poisoned by lemongrass, but how safe it is for them depends on things like how much they eat and how big they are.

Cats like to graze on different kinds of plants because they are naturally grass-eaters. This can be good for their digestion. That being said, lemongrass is not a good choice for your cat’s plant-based snack. Unlike some other plants, cats may find it hard to control how much lemongrass they eat, which can cause them to overeat and show mild signs of toxicity.

Lemongrass: A Fragrant Delight

The solid, lemony smell of lemongrass makes it a member of a group of grass species. A lot of different things are used with it, like cleaning, growing plants, and seasoning food. It’s also a well-known place to get essential oils. You might be a responsible cat owner, though, and wonder if it’s okay for your cat to nibble.

Causes of Lemongrass Poisoning

If cats only eat a small amount of lemongrass, it’s not harmful to them. When lemongrass is turned into an essential oil, on the other hand, it can be hazardous for cats. A liver enzyme called glucuronyl transferase is critical in this case, but cats don’t have it. Many essential oils, like lemongrass, can’t be broken down without this enzyme.

Symptoms of Lemongrass Poisoning

When cats eat vast amounts of it, they may show several unpleasant symptoms that could mean they are poisoned. Always keep an eye out for these signs:

1. Mild Gastrointestinal Upset: Your cat may experience stomach discomfort, resulting in mild vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Abdominal Pain: Cats suffering from lemongrass poisoning may show signs of abdominal pain, such as restlessness and a hunched posture.
3. Distended Abdomen: A swollen or bloated abdomen can be a telltale sign of trouble.
4. Fever: An elevated body temperature can indicate that something is amiss.
5. Loss of Appetite: Cats that have consumed large quantities of lemongrass might lose interest in their food.
6. Shock: In severe cases, shock can occur, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate veterinary attention.
7. Straining During Defecation: Cats may experience difficulties when attempting to defecate, straining and appearing uncomfortable.
8. Vomiting: Vomiting is a common reaction to lemongrass ingestion, especially in more significant amounts.

After consuming significant quantities, cats might also develop more severe symptoms, including:

9. Chronic Cystitis: This condition involves inflammation of the urinary bladder, causing discomfort and pain.
10. Hind Leg Weakness: Lemongrass poisoning can lead to hind leg weakness, impacting the cat’s mobility.
11. Urine Leakage: Your cat might experience involuntary urine leakage.
12. Inability to Eliminate Body Wastes: In severe cases, cats may struggle to eliminate waste, leading to further distress.

It is important to know that cats should not be exposed to concentrated lemongrass essential oil because their livers do not have the enzymes needed to break down the compounds in essential oils.

Diagnosis of Lemongrass Poisoning

If your cat shows signs of lemongrass poisoning, you need to take it to the vet right away to get a proper diagnosis. The vet will do a complete exam that includes the following:

• Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical assessment to evaluate your cat’s overall health.
• Biochemistry Profile: Blood tests to assess your cat’s organ function and overall health.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC helps identify any abnormalities in your cat’s blood, which can be indicative of poisoning.
• Urinalysis: A urine test to check for any irregularities or signs of kidney problems.

Because cats like lemongrass, the vet will ask about your cat’s recent diet, including whether it may have eaten any lemongrass. X-rays, ultrasounds, and a barium study are needed to confirm or rule out an intestinal blockage.

Treatment of Lemongrass Poisoning

Upon confirming lemongrass poisoning, your veterinarian will initiate a treatment plan to help your cat recover. Treatment may include:

• Intravenous (IV) Fluid Drip: Providing IV fluids to ensure your cat remains adequately hydrated.
• Anti-Nausea Medication: Administering medication to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
• Antacids: Prescribing antacids to soothe stomach discomfort.

In cases where an intestinal blockage has developed due to lemongrass ingestion, surgical intervention may be required to remove the obstruction.

If your cat has been exposed to lemongrass essential oil, the vet will closely monitor liver function and administer treatments to mitigate potential liver damage. These treatments may involve:

• Inducing Vomiting: To remove any remaining toxins.
• Gastric Lavage: Washing out the stomach to eliminate toxins.
• Activated Charcoal: Administering activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins.
• IV Fluids: Providing IV fluids to support your cat’s overall well-being.

Recovery and Management

The good news is that most cats recover fully from lemongrass poisoning, as the plant is only mildly toxic. To ensure a smooth recovery and prevent future incidents, consider the following steps:

1. Remove Lemongrass: Eliminate any access your cat has to lemongrass in your home or garden.
2. Cat-Friendly Grasses: Offer alternative, cat-friendly grasses for your pet to chew on, both indoors and outdoors.
3. Nutritional Assessment: If your cat displays an unusual craving for lemongrass or harmful substances, consult your veterinarian to assess potential dietary deficiencies or underlying health issues.
4. Behavior Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your cat’s behavior and environment to prevent further lemongrass ingestion.

You can make sure your cat is safe and healthy by following these tips and getting them to the vet right away if they need it. People have reported cats becoming sick from lemongrass, but with the proper care and attention, your cat can fully recover.

What Are Grasses Safe for Cats?

There are safer types of grass that you can give your cat to chew on besides lemongrass. Some grasses that cats can eat are wheat, barley, and oats.

These can be good for your health because they can keep your mind and body active, help with digestion, lower your risk of hairballs, and give you extra nutrients.

Safe Consumption Guidelines

How safe lemongrass is for cats depends a lot on how much they eat. Cats can generally handle lemongrass without any problems, but too much of it can be not good for them. To make sure your cat is healthy, follow these tips:

Moderation is Key: Limit your cat’s lemongrass consumption to less than 1/2 teaspoon per day. This controlled intake can help prevent any potential side effects.

Caution with Gastrointestinal Issues: If your cat has a history of gastrointestinal problems, it’s advisable to avoid feeding them lemongrass. Excessive consumption can exacerbate these issues.

Not for Kittens or Pregnant Cats: Lemongrass should not be given to kittens or pregnant cats, as it may increase the risk of miscarriages.

Final Words

To sum up, cats can be safe with lemongrass as long as it is given in small amounts and with the proper care. It might be good for your cat’s digestive health, but it’s important to limit how much it eats, especially if your cat has had digestive problems in the past. Remember that lemongrass essential oil is dangerous and should not be near your pets.

Kittens should be introduced to lemongrass slowly so that their digestive systems can get used to it. If you use it right, lemongrass can be an excellent, smelly addition to your cat’s life. Your pet’s health and well-being should always come first. If you have any specific concerns or questions, you should talk to your vet.

Sticking to these tips will help you make sure that lemongrass stays a safe and tasty treat for your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my cat like to eat lemongrass? 

Due to their curiosity and foraging, cats may like lemongrass’ fragrance and flavor. Lemongrass may intrigue some cats, but its moderate toxicity and potential health risks make it unsafe for them to eat.

How do cats feel about lemongrass? 

Cats react differently to lemongrass. Because of its aroma and texture, some cats may want to eat it. Cats may disregard it or behave differently. To keep your cat safe, don’t feed them lemongrass.

Is lemongrass smell toxic to cats? 

In general, cats don’t mind lemongrass fragrance. Lemongrass chemicals and essential oils can cause mild toxicity and health problems in cats if eaten.

Is cat grass the same as lemongrass? 

Lemongrass is not cat grass. Cat grass is usually wheatgrass or oatgrass that cats can eat in tiny amounts. Indoor cats nibble cat grass for digestion and enjoyment. Lemongrass, a culinary herb, is harmful to cats and should not be fed to them. To give your cat a plant-based treat, distinguish between the two and use safe options like cat grass.