By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
If your cat likes to chew on herbs on the windowsill or in the garden, dill is one of the less worrying options. The ASPCA lists dill as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. So if your cat has nibbled a frond, you can usually relax. The trouble tends to come from the foods dill is added to, such as pickles, dips and creamy sauces, rather than from the herb itself.
Key takeaways
- The ASPCA lists dill (Anethum graveolens) as non-toxic to cats.
- The ASPCA notes that dill's essential oils may cause skin irritation with prolonged contact.
- Any plant material, even non-toxic, can cause mild vomiting or stomach upset.
- Dill pickles, dips and sauces are salty or creamy and may contain garlic or onion.
- Dill essential oil is not the same as the fresh herb and should not be used on or around cats.
- Related reading: vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Is dill toxic to cats?
No. The ASPCA plant database lists dill, a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), as non-toxic to cats. Its entry names essential oils as the plant's active compounds and mentions dermatitis with prolonged skin contact. In everyday terms, a cat chewing a few fronds is not at risk of poisoning.
The ASPCA also points out that any plant material can cause vomiting and stomach upset in cats, so a cat that has a good chew on a dill plant may bring some of it back up. That is not the same as toxicity.
Does dill have health benefits for cats?
Older articles sometimes list digestive or antioxidant benefits of dill for cats. There is no good evidence for that, and cats do not need herbs in their diet. Cats are obligate carnivores. RSPCA Australia explains that they need nutrients found only in animal tissue and cannot use plant foods the way dogs can. RSPCA Australia does note that cats may eat a small amount of plant matter, so the odd nibble of a safe herb is fine, but it is not a supplement.
Dill seeds and dill oil
Dill seeds are used as a spice. A few seeds in a dropped piece of bread are unlikely to cause harm, but there is no reason to feed them.
Dill essential oil is different. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and the Merck Veterinary Manual lists essential oils as a potential hazard for cats. Do not apply dill oil or any essential oil to your cat, and avoid diffusing oils in rooms your cat uses.
Foods flavoured with dill
This is where most of the risk comes from:
- Dill pickles are very salty and usually contain garlic.
- Tzatziki, ranch-style dips and creamy dill sauces are dairy-based and often contain garlic.
- Smoked salmon with dill may be salty and is best kept for people.
The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that cats are especially sensitive to garlic and onion, which can damage red blood cells. RSPCA Australia lists onion, garlic and salt among foods harmful to cats. Dairy can also cause diarrhoea because, as the ASPCA notes, pets lack much of the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
Signs to watch for
After chewing dill fronds:
- A single episode of vomiting
- Mild drooling
After dill-flavoured foods with garlic, onion or salt:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Pale gums or fast breathing, which can appear days after garlic or onion
When to call a vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) if:
- Your cat ate a dip, sauce or pickle that may contain garlic or onion
- Your cat licked or was exposed to dill essential oil
- Vomiting continues or your cat stops eating
Seek emergency care for breathing trouble, collapse, pale gums or seizures.
Do not try to make your cat vomit at home. The Pet Poison Helpline warns that salt should never be used to induce vomiting.
How vets help
Your vet will ask what was eaten and how much. For a nibble of herb, advice is usually to monitor. For garlic or onion exposure, your vet may want to examine your cat and may recommend blood tests to check red blood cells over the following days.
Herb gardens and cats
- Grow herbs your cat can safely chew, such as those the ASPCA lists as non-toxic.
- Check every new plant against the ASPCA database before bringing it home.
- Keep garlic, chives and onions out of a cat's reach.
- Offer cat grass if your cat enjoys chewing greenery.
FAQ
My cat ate a whole dill plant. Should I worry?
Dill is non-toxic, but a lot of plant material may cause vomiting. Call your vet if vomiting continues.
Can I add dill to my cat's food?
There is no benefit, so it is best not to.
Is dill pickle juice safe for cats?
No. It is very salty and may contain garlic.
Is fennel the same as dill?
They are related but different plants. Check each plant individually.
Talk with a vet
If your cat got into a dill dip or pickle jar and you are unsure about the ingredients, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide what to do. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Dill.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicoses From Essential Oils in Animals.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. Do cats have special nutritional requirements?.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Salt.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.