Can cats eat Basil?
Yes. Fresh basil is non-toxic to cats and is sometimes nibbled by indoor cats grown curious about kitchen herbs. Small amounts are completely safe.
What's the full picture?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is listed as non-toxic by veterinary poison references. It's a good 'safe' kitchen herb to grow around cats.
Some cats occasionally show mild GI upset after eating unusual amounts of any plant material — this isn't specific to basil.
Basil essential oil is a different matter — concentrated oils are toxic to cats. The fresh plant leaf is fine; the oil or a diffuser is not.
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About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team