The Pet Safe Kitchen
Updated 03.25.20
I’m really excited for winter for one reason – food.
Baking, cooking, gingerbread, soup, everything that is warm and yummy is welcome starting November 1st. While I’m dreading snow touching the ground, I’m excited for baking marathons and bringing my herbs indoors. Yes, I have less space in my house now, but it’s nice to have thyme, lavender and basil handy in my kitchen.
Amongst the holiday insanity and constant cooking, I like to know that my array of herbs leftover from my summer garden won’t harm my cats. Because who needs to worry about that amongst the holiday insanity.
I’ve saved myself (and you) the trouble of researching what herbs can be kept on the counter, and which ones in high places. Whether you have a dog or cat, hopefully this list helps during the joyful hectic and chaotic holiday season.
Herbs Safe for Dogs
These can be kept on the counter. If nibbled, your pet will be fine. Of course, anything eaten in large quantities, by human or animal, is usually bad news.
- Basil
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Sage
- Cilantro
- Dill (in small amounts only)
- Rosemary (in small amounts, only)
- Lavender (in small amounts, only)
Herbs Toxic to Dogs
Keep these on top of the fridge, or in another high place. Obviously, cocoa is not tummy friendly, but generally dogs won’t seek out your hot chocolate mix, unless there are marshmallows of course.
- Mace
- Cocoa
- Marjoram
- Cannabis
- Tarragon
- Borage
- Chamomile
- Oregano
- Sorrel
- Bay Leaf
- Epazote
- Chives and Scallions
- Lemon Verbena and Lemon Grass
- Mint (in large quantities)
- Garlic (small quantities is ok)
Herbs Safe for Cats
Cats are serious snackers, especially on green stringy things (yarn, twist ties, houseplants). These herbs are safe for kitties to light munch, but too much of one will most likely lead to a tummy ache and throw up at 3am.
- Basil
- Sage
- Cilantro
- Catnip (in small amounts only)
- Dandelion
- Parsley (in small amounts only)
- Thyme
- Dill (in small amounts only)
- Rosemary
- Valerian Root
Herbs Toxic to Cats
- Oregano
- Marjoram
- Cocoa
- Epazote
- Tarragon
- Chives and Scallions
- Cannabis
- Bay Leaf
- Borage
- Sorrel
- Chamomile
- Lemon Verbena and Lemon Grass
- Lavender (in large quantities)
- Mint (in large quantities)
Remember to never give your cats copious amount of any herb. I use the ASPCA site for reference to find the toxicity level of all of these herbs; if you need more info about which plants and herbs are pet safe, browse my other posts or visit the ASPCA database.
I want to start an kitchen herb garden and was so worried that my cats would get sick if they ate them. This site has given me peace of mind on this subject. Love it. Thanks
Great to hear Hilda! Glad I can help. 🙂
Thanks for such a great blog and v useful to a new cat mommy who loves plants too !!
Thank you! I made a salad for my cat with fancy feast on top! He ate it all in delight!
Yum!
I would suggest aking mint off of your “counter” lis. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/mint
They must have updated their list, Vicki – thanks for the heads up! I’ve changed it in the post. 🙂
Can I give my dog milk Thistle? She has been taking Denermian, it’s expensive & has kept her liver enzyme at the same level, i.e. not going down & expensive. I would like to find an alternative if possible
Hi Heather! For thistle, I would definitely check with a vet. Because there are so may types of thistle I’m not qualified to offer any advice but to check with a pro.
according to the ASPCA website, tarragon is highly toxic to both dogs and cats causing diarrhea.
Bookmarked!!, I really like your blog!
My cat won’t leave my chives alone and doesn’t seem to bother her, she hasn’t been sick at all or shows no signs. We are going on 6 weeks now no matter how high I move this potted chive plant she will seek it out. It’s outside, when it rains heavily I have to bring it in.
For a time I kept any plant my cats found desirable in a small greenhouse. I love this one from IKEA and it allows me to keep the plants I want without my cats bothering them. Any clear case or small greenhouse will work and your plants will love it too!
My cats and dogs both eat lemon grass without any problems.
My cats eat lemongrass then throw it up, but I strongly feel this is the result they were hoping to get. I let them chew on it sometimes.
Garlic didn’t make the list but is supposed to be even more toxic to cats than onions, chives and leeks.
For 30 years at a vet recommendation, I’ve used a very light sprinkling of garlic powder on my cats dry food, that I leave out all day as it gets rid of worms.
Never heard cannabis being an issue? Seeing as they use the cbd from the plant to make certain treats and what not for both cats and dogs. Plus in my area, it is legal. I have 7 cats and I never had an issue. I know the actual flowers/buds can cause them to be sick cause they can’t take the THC. But not actual the cannabis leaves. Please update that a little but cause these things I do know lol
Hi Rhimo! Yup, I am taking about the actual plant, like if a dog were to ingest the leaves of cannabis. I will definitely update and specify a bit more in the post, but it’s the straight leaves/THC levels that are toxic. Anything that is made credibly for pets is fine.