10 Herbs and Plants That Benefit Cats

1 Overview

01. Catnip

Catnip is the most common cat grass and is loved by most cats worldwide. It can help cats relieve stress and tension. Also, if a cat keeps scratching itself, try soaking catnip in water for a ‘medicinal bath.’ Catnip seeds are easy to buy; it’s best grown in a pot.

02. Cat thyme (Teucrium marum)

Cat thyme (Teucrium marum) is mainly found in Germany and is also called cat thyme. Note this is not the common thyme; common thyme is toxic to cats.

If a cat doesn’t respond to catnip, it may respond to cat thyme. Its effect is similar to catnip, but it grows more slowly.

03. Valerian

Many people use valerian to aid sleep, but for cats it acts as a stimulant. For an overweight cat, a sniff can help with easy weight loss. Occasionally eating a little valerian is also good for a cat’s health.

04. Chamomile, calendula, and echinacea

These three herbs work well for soothing skin problems. There are many essential-oil products of these three herbs online; you can choose and use them appropriately.

05. Licorice

Cats may really enjoy eating licorice.

Licorice is a natural antihistamine that can relieve allergies and endocrine-related issues (metabolism, growth, mood), as well as digestive and respiratory problems.

Also, licorice cleanses the blood and reduces inflammation. For cats with arthritis, it is an excellent natural remedy.

06. Cat’s claw and dandelion root

Tinctures made from these two herbs can help relieve itching in cats, especially those with allergies, because they contain natural cortisone.

Also, a cat that wants to lose weight can occasionally eat a salad made from dandelion leaves.

07. Goldenseal

Also called orangeroot or yellow puccoon, it is a natural wound disinfectant. Eating the leaves also has therapeutic effects — it effectively treats diarrhea and abdominal pain, and helps prevent and improve diabetes, protect blood vessels, and boost the antioxidant capacity of heart muscle cells to prevent heart failure.