The life of a cat isn’t as carefree as it might seem. Cats in the wild spend their days hunting for food, staying alert for potential dangers, and only resting when they feel secure. While it may sound like a lot, this lifestyle actually aligns with their natural instincts.
Their domestic counterpart, however, often experiences boredom or constant irritation from other pets that they can’t avoid. This can be more stressful than the challenges of life in the wild. It’s no wonder that calming herbs and supplements for cats have become increasingly popular. One of such calming herbs is the lemon balm. Since we know that citrus lemons can be toxic to cats, most pet parents often wonder: Is lemon balm safe for cats?
Yes! Lemon balm is not related to the citrus plant in any way; instead, it comes from the mint family. Read on to learn more about lemon balm!
All About Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented plant with small white flowers that grows as a bushy, leafy herb. It has a distinctive lemon-mint fragrance and flavor. It is a common garden plant native to Central Asia and Iran. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as insomnia, anxiety, and digestive disorders. Its lemony flavor and scent make it a popular addition to salads, teas, and other dishes.
Is Lemon Balm Safe For Cats?
According to the American Society for Protection of Animals (ASPCA), lemon balm is non-toxic to cats. It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can help ease pain and discomfort. Cats can eat lemon balm in moderation. However, it is important to keep the dosage low (such as a pinch of dried leaves or a teaspoon of chopped fresh leaves) to prevent stomach upset.
Benefits Of Lemon Balm
Although it is mostly known for its use as a carminative and antidepressant, lemon balm also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Its primary uses include:
Antioxidant Properties
Lemon balm is known to have antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals in the body. The antioxidant properties of lemon balm can help protect your cat’s cells from damage, thereby reducing the risk of developing certain diseases.
Antiviral Effects
Lemon balm has been shown to have antiviral properties to help fight off viral infections. It is used to treat cold sores caused by the herpes virus in humans. The antiviral effects of lemon balm can also help boost your cat’s immune system, thereby protecting it from viral infections.
Cognitive Impact
Studies have shown that lemon balm has a positive impact on cognitive function. This herb has been used to help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in humans as well as cats. Additionally, lemon balm is used to improve sleep quality.
Other uses:
It is used as a digestive aid that neutralizes gas in the stomach and intestines. Mostly ideal if your cat has flatulence.
It also has disinfecting and insect-repelling benefits
Potential Risks
- It is important to note that, like all mints, lemon balm can counteract the effects of homeopathic remedies. So, if your veterinary homeopath prescribes a remedy, check with them whether you can continue using it.
- While lemon balm is generally safe for cats, it can sometimes cause side effects. Cats who consume large quantities of lemon balm may experience vomiting or an upset stomach, so moderation is key.
Where To Get Lemon Balm?
- Grow your lemon balm in your garden: Most people consider lemon balm to be easy to grow and are happier in poor, sandy soil.
- You can buy lemon balm from pet herbal healthcare suppliers, too.
How To Use Lemon Balm For Your Pet
It is safe for cats to consume and can be used in various forms and preparations. Here are some ways to use lemon balm for cats:
- Lemon balm can be prepared in various forms, such as tea, leaves, essential oils, supplements, and herbal tea. You can finely mince or chop and add to your cat’s food at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 15 pounds of their body weight.
- Fresh minced lemon balm can also be used as a poultice or wound dressing. Just mash the leaves or blend them in a blender and apply to the affected part.
- Lemon balm extract can be added to the cat’s water bowl or food to help calm their nerves and relieve stress and anxiety.
- If you have lemon balm in your garden, then you can use it to keep your cat smelling fresh. All you need is to pick a few stems, crush the leaves, and run them over your cat’s coat.
Application Methods
Lemon balm can be applied to cats in various ways, such as by spraying or compressing them. Here is how to make them.
Lemon Balm Compress
A lemon balm compress can be made easily by soaking a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. Then strain and soak a clean cloth in the liquid and apply the cloth to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes.
Lemon Balm Spray
Lemon balm spray can be made by steeping the leaves in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Then, strain and add the liquid to a spray bottle with some water. The spray can calm cats during stressful situations such as thunderstorms or fireworks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can cats eat lemon balm leaves?
Yes, cats can eat lemon balm leaves in small amounts. Lemon balm is generally considered safe for cats and is even used in some natural remedies to help calm them due to its mild sedative and anxiety-reducing properties. However, it should only be given in moderation, as large amounts could cause stomach upset.
Can cats eat lemon balm for fleas?
Lemon balm can be used as a natural remedy to help repel fleas from cats. However, it is usually applied topically rather than fed to them. The compounds in a lemon balm, like citronellal and rosmarinic acid, have insect-repellent properties.
Do cats like lemon balm?
Most cats have mixed reactions to lemon balm. When compared to catnip, which many cats find highly stimulating, lemon balm is not as attractive to them as catnip. However, some cats may like it because of its mild scent and taste, while others may not be interested at all.
Final Thoughts
Lemon balm is safe for cats and has a lot of benefits for them. Lemon balm is a very versatile herb that can be safely incorporated into a cat’s diet in moderation. Due to its antioxidant, antiviral, and calming properties, it offers several health benefits.
However, it is vital to introduce lemon balm slowly and consult with a veterinarian if your cat is on medications to avoid interactions with medications. Also, by following the recommended dosage and guidelines, cat owners can utilize lemon balm as a natural remedy to enhance their cat’s overall well-being.
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