As many cat owners search for natural and holistic methods of pet care, more and more are discovering the benefits of using herbal remedies to improve the health and well being of their feline companions.
An herb that has gained much attention, however, is the lemon balm, one such herb. In this article, we will uncover the safety and effectiveness of lemon balm for cats, taking a look at its pros, when it is used, and what to watch out for. Let’s dive in on the topic “is lemon balm safe for cats”
What is Lemon Balm?
A fragrant herb of the mint family, lemon balm has a strong, lemon like scent. Showy milkweed is a medium sized plant with small, light yellow flowers and a leafy green appearance.
Lemon balm, native to Europe, has spread its branches to many parts of the world and is now naturalised in the United States.
It is well known for being easily spread, sometimes a nuisance in the garden by virtue of its aggressive growth habits.
Historical and Medicinal Uses of Lemon Balm
A long history of use for both human and animal health is enjoyed by lemon balm.
It was valued traditionally for its calming properties and was used in the treatment of nervousness, mild depression, and digestive problems.
In modern veterinary care, the antiviral, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon balm make it a precious herbal therapy for cats.
Chemical Composition of Lemon Balm
The plant resembles mint in many ways.
Lemon balm contains several active compounds with medicinal properties, as part of its chemical composition.
The antiviral, sedative, and anti inflammatory effects of this medicine are mainly due to these compounds.
While some plants containing linalool and limonene can be toxic to cats, like limonene in lemon balm, the properties of lemon balm are safe and good for your cat’s health.
Benefits of Lemon Balm for Cats
Stresses and anxiety reduction
Cats suffering from stress or anxiety can get plenty of calm help from lemon balm, as it is famous for its calming properties.
Lemon balm will help soothe the nerves of cats that suffer from separation anxiety or fear of loud noises, or are just generally nervous.
It’s especially helpful for anxious cats who meow more than they should or pace and hide.
Alleviating Digestive Issues
Not only does lemon balm help to calm, but it can also help with digestive issues in cats as well.
A gentle form of relief for relieving mild stomach upset and even more chronic gastrointestinal issues are something that this mild herb can also do to nurture your digestive health.
It’s known to be a good remedy for vomiting, diarrhoea, and lack of appetite from digestive discomfort in cats.
Promoting Sleep & Relaxation
Cats with sleep disturbances or restlessness will benefit from the mild sedative properties found in lemon balm.
Lemon balm can improve the quality of your cat’s sleep and therefore its overall health and well being by instilling a sense of relaxation.
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How to Integrate Lemon Balm into Your Cat’s Routine
Preparing Lemon Balm Tea
But one of the easiest ways to get your cat using lemon balm is to brew a mild infusion of dried lemon balm leaves.
When it comes to preparing your cat’s tea, fresh leaves are used and steeped in hot water before allowing the tea to cool to room temperature.
We can also do this by placing cooled tea on their food, or at least by providing it as a soother.
Using Lemon Balm Supplements
The other form of lemon balm supplement for cats is in liquid extract or in capsules.
The convenience of taking and standardised dose of lemon balm in these products provide for a standardised effect.
Still, you have to make sure that the supplements are free of additives and fillers and are high quality.
Adding Fresh Lemon Balm to Food or Treats
While cats generally aren’t interested in eating fresh herbs, cats that do like the taste of fresh herbs can be offered small amounts of finely chopped or crushed leaves of lemon balm sometimes as part of the food or sprinkled on their bird treat.
This technique also makes the herb more cat appealing and is a fun and interactive way of getting lemon balm into your cat’s diet.
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Precautions and Dosage Guidelines
Generally, lemon balm is safe for cats but that is when it’s used properly and does not exceed the dosage limits.
However, like most things, too much lemon balm can be a problem, so it is recommended to start with a small amount and watch your cat’s response before increasing the dosage.
It’s a good idea to consult with a holistic veterinarian to figure out how much lemon balm to give your cat based on size, age, and health status.
The guidelines for the use of this herb are from professionals to ensure its safe and effective use.
Also read: Are Hoyas Toxic to Cats? Pet Parent Should Ask a Vet
Allergic reactions, Side Effects
While lemon balm is non toxic for cats, it still can cause adverse reactions.
It can cause itching, skin redness or swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, or difficulty breathing. If your cat begins to show any of these symptoms after eating lemon balm, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian right away.
Special Health Considerations for Cats With Health Problems
Other Chronic Diseases: Hyperthyroidism
Cats with hyperthyroidism can benefit significantly from the use of lemon balm, as the herb has a mild thyroid‐suppressing effect.
A benefit is that it can lower the dose needed for other drugs used to control thyroid levels.
Yet it must be acknowledged that lemon balm used simply by itself won’t keep hyperthyroidism in check and should always be applied in combination with other treatments, under the supervision of a vet.
Pregnant Nursing Cats
If your cat is pregnant, nursing, or has a pre existing medical problem, you will need to consult a professional before giving her lemon balm or any other herbal remedy.
If you can find a holistic veterinarian, he or she can give you specifically tailored advice based on your cat’s own health status.
To add to the effectiveness there for healing anxiety, you can combine lemon balm with spearmint, sage, lavender, St. John wort, and even black walnut tincture.
Bugleweed and Motherwort: Synergistic Effects
Other herbal remedies for enhanced lemon balm effect include bugleweed and motherwort.
For example, bugleweed is well known for impacting thyroid hormone production and is therefore a complementary herb for cats with hyperthyroidism. Motherwort is calming and can be used for heart conditions.
Balanced and safe combinations must be assured while avoiding adverse interactions, for which the consultations of a holistic veterinarian are required.
wrap up on Is Lemon Balm Safe for Cats?
In conclusion, an appropriate use of lemon balm is safe and beneficial for cats. Because of these calming, digestive, and mildly sedative properties, it will prove to be an excellent addition to your cat’s health regimen.
Though not very dangerous, it is always best to talk to your holistic veterinarian about whether you may safely use it and what the proper dosage is (especially in a cat with health issues).
If you incorporate lemon balm into your cat’s life in a considered and knowledgeable way, you can contribute to their all round health.
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FAQ: Is Lemon Balm Safe for Cats?
Q1: what does lemon balm do to cats?
Ans: In small amounts, lemon balm is usually safe for cats. It may help one with reducing anxiety, easing digestion, and soothing the nerves. However, taking excessive amounts may cause mild stomach upset.
Q2: is lemon balm pet friendly?
Ans: Small amounts of lemon balm are usually safe for pets, but too much can cause an upset stomach. Be careful to consult your vet before putting lemon balm into your cat’s or dog’s environment.
Q3: lemon balm cat repellent?
Ans: Because many cats don’t like the lemony smell of lemon balm, it is a natural cat repellent. Lemona balcony Crush fresh leaves or use lemon balm essential oil (diluted in water) to spray.
Q4: lemon balm dosage for cats?
Ans: In small quantities, lemon balm is generally safe for cats, but be cautious when dosing. Usually 1–2 drops of lemon balm tincture in water work to keep the cold bug at bay. Never feed herbs to your cat without first consulting a veterinarian.
Q5: lemon balm benefits for cats?
Ans: The relaxing and stress reducing effects of lemon balm can help cats. It can also ease digestion, calm down anxiety, and help you achieve better quality of sleep. But it’s best used sparingly, as too much can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset.
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