Many of us like this spice. But have you wondered if the cat can eat turmeric or is it dangerous for him? Let’s find out together.
Turmeric is a millennial spice. Used in the Ayurvedic tradition, for many years it has become a permanent presence in our kitchen, almost like saffron. Not only because it is a spice rich in flavor and aroma, but also for its many beneficial properties.
It is not difficult today to use it in the kitchen as a condiment, to flavor salads or vegetables, but also fish and meat. Everyone likes turmeric with its delicate flavor and intense aroma.
And it is not difficult to notice that our cat is also attracted to turmeric, both for the color and the smell. And that is why, before letting him taste it, it is important to know if the cat can eat turmeric and what are the effects of this spice on his body.
Can cats eat turmeric?
Turmeric is not only one of the most used spices in cooking, but it brings many benefits to our body.
In the East, this spice has been used for millennia as a natural remedy to fight infections and inflammation, but also depression and skin diseases.
To date we can confirm that it has also become very popular in the West, so much so that the WHO (World Health Organization) has recognized its numerous positive effects on the digestive system and on the functions of the liver.
Its numerous beneficial properties mainly depend on two components of this plant, namely polyphenols and curcumin (these are the pigments that characterize its orange color) and which make turmeric an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
In addition, turmeric strengthens the immune system and appears to be an excellent natural anticancer if taken constantly.
These benefits embrace not only us, but also our four-legged friends. Here it is possible to add turmeric to our cat’s diet. So yes, the cat can eat turmeric.
Benefits of turmeric for cats
Turmeric, when absorbed by our cat’s body, brings numerous benefits to it.
Knowing all its functions is important in order to understand when to “use it” and, therefore, insert it in the cat’s diet.
- Anti- inflammatory function: this is one of the main functions of curcumin. When taken it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, like some well-known medicines. It can be used, for example, if our cat suffers from osteoarthritis.
- Antioxidant function: turmeric counteracts free radicals, which is why it can be an excellent remedy if our cat is elderly or very stressed.
- Facilitates wound healing: when applied to cuts or abrasions turmeric accelerates healing and has been shown to work even if our cat is diabetic. It can also be used to quickly heal infected wounds, as turmeric is a powerful antimicrobial against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
- Prevents tumors: Recent studies have shown that curcumin is able not only to prevent tumors, as it inhibits cancerous mutations, but is also able to reduce existing cancers, such as melanoma and lung cancer, for example.
- Supports the functions of the liver: Turmeric protects the liver from numerous dangerous and highly carcinogenic substances. It is an excellent detoxifier, especially for digestive and liver diseases.
- Helps the digestive system: If our feline friend suffers from digestive problems, turmeric is a great remedy. Not only does it increase bile in the intestine but it is also capable of decreasing the development of gas in the intestine. It is also an excellent antispasmodic capable of calming diarrhea attacks.
- Fights Eye Disorders: Many studies have shown that turmeric is an excellent remedy for preventing cataracts in older cats. And it helps to fight infectious eye diseases, but also inflammatory and degenerative ones.
- Helps fight diabetes: Turmeric, associated with insulin therapy, is very effective against diabetes, as curcumin is able to lower glucose levels.
These just listed are just some of the benefits that turmeric brings to our cat’s body. Other benefits are attributable to its ability to:
- fight cholesterol;
- help muscle regeneration;
- support the mind and nervous system;
- accelerate metabolism (especially great if our cat has a few extra pounds to “dispose of”).
In addition, in recent years it is having a lot of interest because it seems to have parasitic contrasts that affect the cat such as, for example, Toxoplasma.
Useful tips
The benefits of turmeric for our cat are many, but it goes without saying that, as with all other foods, turmeric should also be administered to the cat moderately, to prevent it from having the opposite effect.
Just like with all other spices, you should never overdo it, as this spice can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing chronic diarrhea in our cat. It is also always useful to ask our veterinarian for advice, because turmeric is “not recommended” in cats suffering from some particular diseases, such as:
- obstructive pathologies of the biliary tract;
- kidney stones.
And it is not recommended even if our cat (female) is pregnant, if it has recently undergone an operation or poisoning by anticoagulants.
The “saffron of India”, our beloved turmeric, an excellent natural remedy also for our cat but let’s always use it in moderation.
