It is not surprising for cats to wander about. They are curious animals and would want to try out new things. Your cat can walk into the garden and may taste a few things therein.
While most garden plants are usually safe for consumption, as a pet owner, you must try as much as you can to be careful about what the cats eat.
That said, red creeping thyme is one of the many plants that you can find in your garden, but is red creeping thyme safe for cats? Yes, the red creeping thyme is safe for cats. But to what extent? Let's discuss more below!
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What Is Red Creeping Thyme?
Also known as fast-spreading thyme, red creeping thyme is a drought-tolerant plant that can serve as a groundcover. The creeping thyme is an invasive plant and can crowd out weeds. They can grow even in places where other groundcovers could not.
The red creeping thyme is a favorite for lawn enthusiasts because they do not need much water or maintenance. The red thyme is a unique plant. Whenever you step on it, it releases a sweet fragrance that lingers in the air.
Due to its beauty, butterflies flock around them. You can plant the creeping thyme over boulders, in footpaths, and right about steppingstones.
Is Red Creeping Thyme Safe for Cats?
As I mentioned earlier, red creeping thyme is safe for cats and other pets. Though the creeping thyme isn’t on the ASPCA list of toxic plants, it’s also not on the list of non-toxic plants.
On the other hand, the FDA lists the plant as safe. Many people plant the herb to use it for culinary purposes and its purported healing powers.
The red creeping thyme is okay for cats and will not cause harm when taken moderately. A little bit of thyme in your cat's diet is even beneficial as they aid in digestion.
But, remember, this has to be only in moderate amounts. This is because the thymol present in the red creeping thyme is dangerous to the cat's nervous system.
You can feed the cats with the red creeping thyme only two to three times a week. For gardeners who also have pets, this can be a double advantage. You can have the red creeping thyme beautify your garden, and you can also have your cat nibble on them—a double win.
What Can Red Creeping Thyme Be Used For?
The creeping thyme is an excellent cover for the ground in areas that get plenty of sunshine. People who use the creeping thyme as groundcover do so to control weeds in the garden or landscape. The red creeping thyme gives your landscape such a beautiful look.
Most gardeners use the red creeping thyme in the place of grasses. They plant them in between stones. They are not planted specifically as herbs, but they have a sweet fragrance and can be used to make food. The ‘creeping’ suggest that the red thyme grows low and creep like a vine.
Creeping thymes are mainly grown for the excellent feel of their flowers and leaves. They cover the ground and act as a soft blanket.
The creeping thyme is also a spice for cooking. It is safe for human consumption but can you feed your pets with the red creeping thyme? Absolutely. The plant also serves as medicine in some native cultures.
What Are The Benefits of Red Creping Thyme?
The thyme is beneficial health-wise for both man and pets. It contains thymol, which is said to have anti-helminthic characteristics.
What this means is that thymol is effective in curing parasitic worm infections. It also improves digestion for the cat. Lastly, the creping thyme can help the cat combat hairballs.
What Are The Dangers of Red Creeping Thyme?
A little heath issue can arise when you feed the cat with too much red creeping thyme. The plant contains thymol, which is harmful to your cat. The thymol in the thyme has a debilitating effect on the nervous system.
Conclusion
Is red creeping thyme safe for cats? Absolutely. You can feed the cat with the red creeping thyme. They add a lot of nutrients to the diet of your cat, so you have nothing to worry about.
If you have this sweet and beautiful looking plant in your garden, just have it in mind that it is totally safe for both animals and humans.
