Can Cats Eat Cumin?

Cumin is a spice native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is a staple spice used in Indian, Mexican and Asian foods. For humans, cumin has numerous health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar, aiding in weight loss and controlling cholesterol levels.

What about cats? Can cats eat cumin?

In a nutshell, cumin is non-toxic for your little friend. So, you can offer them these seeds without worrying about health issues. However, this should be done in moderation. Continue reading to learn everything about cumin and its health benefits to your little furball!

Cumin – Everything you Need to Know

Let’s start with the basic question: what is cumin?

Cumin is a dried seed derived from the herb Cuminum cyminum. The cumin plant grows from 30 to 50 cm tall and is usually harvested by hand. These seeds are used as a spice in many Indian, Mexican and Asian foods.

When it comes to cats, cumin is completely harmless for them as long as it is consumed in limitation. Unlike other spices out there, cumin has dozens of health benefits for your feline as well. However, keep in mind your little furball is a carnivore. So, you shouldn’t consider cumin a permanent addition to your cat’s diet.

Health Benefits of Cumin to Cats

Cumin is rich in nutrients that your cat needs to survive, such as vitamins, protein, dietary fiber, healthy fat, carbohydrates and choline. These nutrients have dozens of health benefits for your feline, such as: 

Prevent Chronic Diseases

Cumin seed contains several natural antioxidants, such as luteolin and apigenin. These antioxidants can lower the risks of numerous chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, and heart diseases, by reducing the effects of free radicals. 

If your little friend is suffering from diabetes, you can offer them cumin. However, this should be done in limitation.

Prevent Fleas

Cumin seeds are loaded with oils that can help your cat against different parasites and bacteria, including fleas. Most veterinarians even use cumin as an antiseptic or larvicide agent to keep animals free from fleas.

Treat Diarrhea

Cats have quite a sensitive stomach. Even a little irresponsibility can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. If your feline also suffers from these health complications, you can offer them cumin seeds to treat diarrhea.

Rehydration and Weight Management

Cumin seeds are rich in dietary fibers that can improve your cat’s digestive system. Furthermore, if you mix cumin seeds with protein and water, they can also offer a sense of fullness that will be effective in weight management and rehydration.

Relieve Indigestion

So, your feline is suffering from indigestion, which is causing constipation – what should you do?

Well, according to many studies, the dietary fibers present in cumin seeds add bulk to your kitten’s stool, thereby offering a regular bowel movement.

Final Verdict

Can cats eat cumin? Well, cumin is loaded with nutrients that your feline needs to survive. This staple spice has dozens of health benefits for your cat. However, as your cat is a carnivore, you should offer this plant-based spice to them in moderation!