Can Cats Eat Cilantro?

Yes — plain cilantro is not considered toxic to cats, but it is not a necessary part of a cat's diet and too much plant material can cause stomach upset.

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Monitor at Home

Cilantro is generally safe for cats in small amounts

ASPCA lists cilantro (coriander) as non-toxic to cats. If your cat nibbles a few fresh leaves, serious poisoning is not expected, but eating larger amounts may cause vomiting or diarrhea like many other plants.

How urgent is this?

Emergency

Go to the ER now

  • ● Your cat is having trouble breathing, collapses, has repeated vomiting, or seems severely weak after eating cilantro or a prepared dish
  • ● Your cat ate cilantro as part of a food containing onion, garlic, chives, or large amounts of seasoning
  • ● Your cat is a kitten, elderly, or has a medical condition and is acting very ill after eating it
Urgent

See a vet within 24 hours

  • ● Vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a few hours or happens repeatedly
  • ● Your cat ate a large amount of cilantro plant material and now has drooling, poor appetite, or lethargy
  • ● You are not sure whether the plant was truly cilantro or whether sauces, dressings, or marinades were involved
Monitor

Watch at home, call if it worsens

  • ● Your cat ate a small amount of plain fresh cilantro and is acting normal
  • ● Your cat chewed a few leaves from a cilantro plant with no symptoms
  • ● Mild one-time stomach upset that resolves quickly

How to Safely Feed Cilantro to Your Cat

Cats are obligate carnivores, so cilantro should only ever be an occasional taste, not a meaningful part of the diet. If you offer it, keep it plain and use only a very small amount.

  • Offer only plain, fresh cilantro with no onion, garlic, salt, oils, or spicy seasonings
  • Start with a tiny amount such as a small pinch of chopped leaf mixed into food
  • Stop offering it if your cat develops vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or refuses food
  • Avoid salsa, chutneys, marinades, and other cilantro-containing dishes made for people
  • Cats are more sensitive than dogs to toxic allium ingredients like onion and garlic, so the garnish may be safe even when the dish is not
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Common Questions

Is cilantro toxic to cats?
No. ASPCA lists cilantro, also called coriander or Chinese parsley, as non-toxic to cats. Even so, eating plant material can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some cats.
Can kittens eat cilantro?
A tiny nibble of plain cilantro is unlikely to be dangerous, but kittens have more delicate digestive systems. If a kitten eats more than a small taste or develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, call your vet.
Can cats eat cilantro stems as well as leaves?
The plant itself is not considered toxic, but stems are fibrous and may be harder to digest. If you choose to offer cilantro, small amounts of finely chopped leaf are the gentlest option.
Is cilantro safer for cats than dishes made with cilantro?
Yes. Plain cilantro is much safer than prepared foods containing it. Human foods with cilantro often include onion, garlic, chives, heavy salt, oils, or spicy ingredients, and cats are especially sensitive to onion and garlic toxicity.
How is cilantro risk different for cats versus dogs?
Cilantro itself is considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs. The more important difference is that cats are generally less suited to plant foods and are more susceptible than dogs to toxic add-ins such as onion and garlic, so cat exposures more often need careful ingredient review.

Sources

  1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Cilantro — ASPCA
  2. Common Cat Hazards — Cornell Feline Health Center
  3. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.

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