Is Matricaria poisonous to cats?
The flowers of the chamomile plant look like small daisies that can capture your cat’s attention during its explorations. It’s natural to wonder if this flowering plant is safe for kitties to nibble on, and it’s important to know that chamomile is generally considered poisonous to cats. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is well-known for its soothing properties, and it can be a gentle option for cats experiencing stress or anxiety. Unlike catnip or silvervine, chamomile doesn’t typically stimulate playful behavior; instead, it helps calm the nerves and promote relaxation.The best-known botanical name for true chamomile is Matricaria recutita (syn. Matricaria chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita (L.Health Benefits of Chamomile for Cats Anecdotally, chamomile is a mild tranquilizer and sleep aid. It is also recommended as a natural dewormer, especially for roundworms and whipworms. It is safer than other herbal cat dewormers like black walnut and wormwood.Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract at a glance Popular in skin care for its soothing properties. Rich in phenolic compounds, which function as antioxidants. Commonly referred to as chamomile.
What is the common name for Matricaria?
Matricaria recutita, commonly called German chamomile or sweet false chamomile, is an annual aromatic Eurasian herb that is commonly grown in herb gardens for harvest of its flowers which are principally used to make chamomile tea which is a mild sedative herbal drink recommended for a large number of applications . Matricaria chamomilla is an annual in the daisy family. Matricaria chamomilla is one of several different species in the daisy family (Asteraceae) that have the common name chamomile.
Can pets consume Matricaria chamomilla?
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an herbal supplement used in dogs and rarely in cats as a sedative, an anti-inflammatory, and a muscle relaxant. A 2019 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior evaluated the effects of Matricaria recutita extract on canine anxiety. Dogs receiving chamomile extract exhibited reduced stress-related behaviors and lower cortisol levels compared to placebo, supporting its use as a gentle anxiolytic in companion animals.