Mary Allen
For people, ginger is a popular home remedy for nausea, colds, and aches and pains. But what about cats? Is ginger poisonous to velvet paws or is it a useful natural remedy? Read the answers to these questions below.
Ginger is often referred to as the “miracle tuber” and is said to help against all sorts of ailments in people. Pungent substances, bitter substances, and essential oils can help with digestive problems, for example. Ginger is also said to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. But does this only apply to humans or can cats also be treated with ginger?
What Should Ginger Help Against in Cats?
In small amounts, ginger is said to have a calming effect on cats, for example in acute anxiety or in stressful situations. In addition, the tuber with its pungent and bitter substances is said to stimulate the pancreas, the flow of bile, and the formation of gastric juice. In this way, it can relieve digestive problems, for example:
● Flatulence
● Loss of appetite
● Nausea
● Abdominal pain
In addition, ginger is said to reduce fever, thin the blood, inhibit inflammation and relieve pain. This can be useful for colds. Due to its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory effect, ginger is also occasionally recommended as a natural remedy for osteoarthritis and other joint problems.
Can Cats Eat Ginger or Is It Poisonous?
However, cats tolerate neither essential oils nor pungent substances. In large quantities, ginger is therefore potentially toxic to animals. However, velvet paws usually do not like citrus scents, such as those of oranges, lemons, and ginger. So you don’t have to worry too much if you drop a piece of the ginger root while cooking. It is very unlikely that your cat will eat the piece. She might play with it or nibble on it curiously, but she probably doesn’t like it.
Ginger preparations are nevertheless offered as a natural supplementary feed. You should be careful with this. Too high a dose can do the opposite of what you want – making things worse. It can make your cat nauseous, and its blood-thinning effect can also make existing illnesses worse. The essential oils and pungent substances also irritate the sensitive digestive tract of cats. In the worst case, ginger preparations can therefore lead to life-threatening consequential damage in the four-legged friends – so never use them without consulting your veterinarian.
Conclusion: If in Doubt, Ask a Veterinarian for Advice
Unlike humans, ginger is not a natural remedy of choice for cats. The tuber has also lost nothing in species-appropriate cat nutrition. If you’re thinking about treating anxiety, indigestion, colds, or pain with ginger supplements, be sure to consult your vet first. It is important that the causes and possible underlying diseases behind the symptoms are determined. Then the veterinarian can treat the symptoms in a targeted manner.
If at all, ginger can be used as a temporary supplement. However, discuss with your veterinarian and your alternative animal practitioner whether there are safer alternatives for your cat. Bach flowers can have a calming effect on stress and anxiety, for example. If the anxiety disorder is severe, a feline psychologist may need to assist in treatment. When you have a cold, rest and warmth are the best. Indigestion and pain are common symptoms of other medical conditions and should not be taken lightly.