Can the cat drink chamomile tea? Let’s see what the possible benefits or risks that are related to the consumption of this drink.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a plant of the Asteraceae family and has been known since ancient times for its appreciable sedative and calming properties. Through the use of its flowers it is possible to prepare calming infusions, even if in reality the plant does not have hypno-inducing active ingredients, but rather has antispasmodic properties that produce a muscle relaxation effect in humans, as well as for cats.
However, it is necessary to be very careful that the animal does not break the fabric of the bag where the flowers are placed and then eat them. Chamomile, in addition to having a very relaxing effect on pets, is also very useful for treating inflammation in the eyes or other allergies, particularly in cats.
The use and ways of use are different, for example in the form of chamomile essential oil, very useful for relaxing the cat, or using dried flowers to help the animal improve its health. But the question we ask ourselves is: “Can the cat drink chamomile tea?”
Can the cat drink chamomile tea?
Who hasn’t happened to spend a sleepless night, where a warm chamomile can be very useful to make us return calm and serene to be able to rest in peace.
Very often the cat is also subject to strong stress, perhaps precisely because it is conditioned by our state. So why not share a nice cup of chamomile tea with our cat? But can the cat drink chamomile tea ?
Chamomile is a natural herb and is generally quite safe for cats. However, care should be taken as this plant belongs to the asteraceae family, to which the cat may be allergic. For this reason, administering it in small doses, as with all new foods for cats, is the ideal solution to avoid creating health problems in the animal.
Studies have confirmed that when administered in small quantities, chamomile appears to be non – toxic to cats, but they recommend small doses and asking your veterinarian’s advice, as each animal is different from the other.
Chamomile can be used not only to reduce anxiety , but also to help the cat sleep, moreover that purchased at the pharmacy, has a high amount of apigenin useful to reduce inflammation and of chamazulene a substance that helps reduce the swelling and inflammation. In the form of compresses it is very useful for swollen or infected eyes because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits of chamomile
Chamomile is a plant that grows spontaneously in the countryside but also survives in poorer soils.
The benefits of chamomile span several fields, for example:
- eye problems in cats: chamomile infusions are a panacea to relieve discomfort and reduce irritation to the cat’s eyes, facilitating healing through them. In the face of irritation that can affect both the eyes and the skin of the cat, it is therefore possible to intervene with the use of chamomile infusions without running risks for the health of the cat. An infusion to be applied using a cloth soaked in chamomile or with the help of a spray bottle by spraying it directly or massaging gently;
- cat gastrointestinal problems: beyond the causes of gastrointestinal problems in cats, the symptoms are generally vomiting and diarrhea in cats. In order to block the flow of diarrhea and prevent the cat from becoming dehydrated, chamomile is a very effective natural remedy and helps safeguard the stomach walls, as well as calming pains and reducing discharges;
- parasite problems: in particular when it comes to kittens, instead of using lemon and orange as a natural pesticide it is better to resort to chamomile, as its smell does not bother the cat. It is possible to apply the solution on a cotton swab and massage it all over the cat’s body, treating the cat’s entire body with care but focusing on the tail and back;
- dermatological problems: the inflammation of the cat’s skin can be caused by feeding problems, infections or even the presence of parasites. Precisely with regard to the latter, the cat’s skin becomes irritated because the animal has a strong sense of itching that is unable to appease and consequently scratches itself until the area is irritated. In these cases, the use of chamomile can be very useful for calming the skin but do not hesitate for a consultation with your veterinarian. Chamomile will work by calming the skin and calming the animal.
Risks
The risks of chamomile tea for the cat are limited to the quantity, if it were to be exceeded the cat could experience gastrointestinal problems. Always contact your veterinarian in order to establish the appropriate doses and times for taking this apparently low risk herb. Some brands contain other ingredients that may be toxic or poisonous to cats.
