Can cats eat Rosemary?
Yes. Fresh rosemary (<em>Salvia rosmarinus</em>) is non-toxic to cats and some gardeners grow it alongside catnip without issue. Rosemary essential oil is a different story — concentrated oils are not cat-safe.
What's the full picture?
Cats may occasionally nibble a rosemary shoot while exploring a garden. The fresh plant is non-toxic according to veterinary poison references, and small ingestions don't cause problems.
The fragrant oils are more concentrated in dried rosemary and especially in rosemary essential oil. A cat that licks up culinary rosemary sprinkled on a meal is fine; a cat exposed to rosemary essential oil (used in diffusers, 'natural' flea products, or undiluted aromatherapy) can show significant toxicity.
Rosemary in pet foods and shampoos is usually in safe, diluted concentrations and is not a concern.
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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