Is Epazote Toxic to Cats?

Cats can be a loyal and loving companion, and like any other pet, need a healthy diet to stay healthy. We all want to give our cats the best, but sometimes certain foods can be toxic to cats. Epazote is one of them.

Epazote is a herb used in Mexican cuisine, known for its intense flavor and medicinal properties. It is often used as an ingredient in dishes such as beans, soups, and stews. Although epazote can provide multiple benefits to humans, it can have adverse effects on feline health, including toxicity risks.

What is Epazote?

Epazote, scientifically known as Dysphania ambrosioides, is an herb indigenous to central and southern America. It is also commonly known as Mexican tea, wormseed, and Jerusalem parsley. The leaves of epazote have a pungent, minty, and almost citrus-like aroma.

Epazote is used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory illnesses. It is also added to dishes such as beans, soups, and stews, to help remove some of their gassy effects.

Why is Epazote toxic to cats?

Epazote toxicity in cats results from several components present in the herb. The herb contains several compounds, including ascaridole, which has anthelmintic properties, meaning it is a natural insecticide that targets and eliminates parasites. While ascaridole has medicinal value in humans, cats lack the necessary enzymes to break down the compound. As a result, they are at risk of experiencing adverse effects.

Additionally, epazote contains monoterpenoids, such as p-cymene, thymol, and carvacrol, which can be irritating to cats' digestive, urinary, and respiratory tracts. These compounds can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and in severe cases, seizures and death.

What are the symptoms of Epazote toxicity in cats?

The symptoms of epazote toxicity in cats range from mild to severe, depending on the amount ingested and the cat's size and overall health. Some of the symptoms your cat may experience include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Death

Suppose your cat is showing any of these symptoms or ate epazote recently. In that case, it is critical to take them to the vet immediately for treatment.

What to do if your cat accidentally ingests Epazote?

If you suspect that your cat has ingested epazote, do not wait for symptoms to appear. It is essential to seek veterinary care right away.

The veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your cat, including checking their vital signs, assessing for dehydration, and performing blood and urine tests to determine if any internal damage has occurred. They may also administer medication to alleviate symptoms and rehydrate your cat.

If your cat has ingested large amounts and is showing severe symptoms, they may need hospitalization to manage their condition effectively. Treatment may include supportive care such as intravenous fluids, hospitalization, and monitoring vital signs. Common treatments for incidents of pet intoxication include:

• Medication to alleviate symptoms or pain
• Fluid therapy for hydration
• Gastric lavage to remove toxins
• Activated charcoal to absorb the toxins
• Blood/urine tests to monitor for organ damage

Preventive measures

Preventing epazote toxicity in cats can be easy by taking the following measures:

• Avoid giving your cat table scraps.
• Do not feed your cat human food, regardless of the type of ingredients or recipe.
• Store epazote and other toxic herbs out of reach of cats.
• Discard any epazote that may have fallen on the floor or in other places that your cat can access easily.
• Supervise your cat when they roam outside.

Conclusion

Epazote is a herb used in Mexican cuisine and has medicinal benefits for humans. However, it is toxic to cats and can cause severe health complications if ingested. The best way to prevent epazote toxicity is to avoid feeding cats table scraps and paying close attention to the ingredients of their food. If you suspect your cat has ingested epazote, seek veterinary care immediately.