Recently, I stumbled upon a question on a forum asking if it’s okay use black seeds for cats. That sparked my curiosity and made me wonder why someone would want to give black seeds to their cat.
What did I do? I started digging on the Internet to find exactly what this fuss was about. So, if you are interested in learning something new or if you are wondering if black seeds are safe for your cat, keep on reading.
Related: 3 Must-Know Pet Safety Tips for Cat Parents
What are black seeds?
Let’s first talk about black seeds. Do you know what they are? Maybe you know them as black cumin, black caraway or fennel flower. No? I’m not going to torment you further. Here is the answer.
Black seeds come from a flowering plant called Nigella Savita. It grows in South and Southeast Asia. The seeds look very much like sunflower seeds, and they have a unique taste – a blend of toasted onions, oregano, and black pepper.
The use of black seeds and black seed oil as a medicine can be traced to the ancient Egyptians. Supposedly, they used it for digestive problems, inflammation of the skin, headaches and so on. In fact, the ancient Egyptians used it to treat almost all diseases. That’s why some called black seed oil a panacea.
Although some people use it today as a cure for various ailments, it’s also a popular spice in India and the Middle East.
The amazing properties of black seeds
Even today black seeds haven’t lost their popularity, and people swear that they can cure anything from cancer to common skin inflammations. But is there any truth in this?
Well, there is some scientific evidence that supports the claim that black cumin has anti-inflammatory properties and no unwanted side effects.
If you are wondering which the most amazing benefits of black seed oil are, here they are:
- Prevents and cures cancer according to some studies
- Promotes good liver health
- Strengthens the hair follicle, promotes healthy hair and helps with hair loss
- Heals the skin
- Improve glucose tolerance. Some studies even suggest that it might be helpful for preventing diabetes.
- Kills infections
It’s no wonder that some people consider giving black seeds to their kitties after reading about these fascinating benefits. What’s more, black seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are necessary for a healthy organism.
But keep in mind that the name “black cumin” might mislead you to buy the wrong spice. Cumin and black cumin are two different plants and two different spices.
READ MORE: Is Alstroemeria Flower Toxic to Cats?
Are black seeds safe for cats?
We concluded that black seeds are beneficial for humans. But what about our furry friends? Are black seeds safe for cats? Well, the simple answer is – probably not.
At first, I couldn’t find anything to indicate that black seeds are dangerous for cats. They are not included in the toxic plant list, and there are no warning stories not to use black seeds.
Moreover, you can find black seed oil for cats, dogs, and horses available in online stores. But since people sell all kinds of stuff on the Internet, I continued to dig deeper and look for answers from a more credible source.
I found out that some recommend it as a parasite treatment by mixing one teaspoon of black seed oil with the cat food. The same source also says that you can use black seeds externally for cats by steeping them in water for one hour and then spraying the fur before a grooming session. This action supposedly will make your cat’s coat shiny and lustrous.
But on the other hand, if we take a look at the composition of the black seed oil we will see that it contains some chemicals like phenolics and terpenes. These are poisonous cats, but it’s not clear if the concentration in the black seeds is enough to cause a problem.
What’s more, there are no officially approved uses of black seeds for cats that I could find. So my advice is that you talk to your veterinarian and that you don’t do anything on your own.
If you do decide to use black seeds after talking with your veterinarian, do so in moderation. Try a small dose first to see if your cat will have any reaction to it. Better safe, than sorry – that’s my motto.
I understand your desire to keep your feline friend in top shape but be careful what you use. Black seeds might have some benefits for humans, but their effect on cats is still unclear.
If you want to use supplements to keep your cat healthy and strong, there are some spices and herbs that you can try – caraway (which has nothing to do with black seeds), catnip, dill or calendula.
So what do you think about black seeds for cats? Have you ever tried them? Share your opinion in the comment section.
Olfa knows how to get things done and has a keen business sense that others admire. She’s always on the go, coming up with new ideas! Her ability to anticipate the needs of her readers and deliver information that they want is what makes CatVills such a success. She loves cuddling her cat Picaciu. He is her inspiration.
I’ve had cats all of my life and have never once heard anyone talk about giving their cat seeds. It’s definitely not something I would do.
It sounds like it’s a good idea to avoid giving this to cats until there is more information. It’s great that they have benefits for humans though!
I had never even heard of black seeds before this post. I won’t be giving them to my cats any time soon.
My cat was just diagnosed with cancer and I’m trying to find something to help slow it down and was told about Black seed oil so I ordered it and on the bottle it says for dog’s only now I’m worried that if I give it to my cat it will hurt him even more. I don’t know what to do any suggestions?
Turkey Tail Mushroom is being used to slow cancer. If you go to drjudymorgan.com you can read about it in her store. There are capsules and powder.
I haven’t ever heard of black seeds. I don’t think the cats will be seeing them in their future.
I haven’t ever heard of it before today, so I wouldn’t give it to my pets. Better safe than sorry when it comes to giving our fur babies something without vet recommendation.
I hadn’t heard of black seed before this. Very interesting. I don’t have them in our house and will stay away due to our house full of pets!
It’s great to learn more about what cats eat and what are good for them. I don’t know much about cats so I am trying to really get to know the facts!
I’m looking up information on BSO and cats, because I just gave someone some for their cat. (Kinda did that backwards, didn’t I?) My dog has dermatitis, and in the last two weeks I changed his diet, got him on a gut rebuilding program and a number of supplements including an herbal immunoregulater for dogs, and natural topicals–only just stopped coming in the mail. The silver bullet-immediate results–is black seed oil. I put it on his angry hot spots, and wherever I see him chewing. In 24 hours, I could see hot spots reducing in redness, no new patches of bare skin appearing, and the chewing and scratching 70% less. It’s been a week. He’s still chewing and scratching some, but no new red or bare spots! Dosing is obviously not regulated, I don’t know how much he’s consuming from licking it off himself (he rather likes it). Infection is a risk with hot spots; I read that it works as a topical anti-infection treatment, as well as an internal healer, and this approach is working for us. I almost started him on Apoquel, but after reading how it works–by suppressing the immune system and setting them up for worse diseases later–I really didn’t want to, and the BSO is beyond what I could have hoped. My friend’s cat’s vet has given her a couple rounds of cortisone, but it doesn’t last, and I’m hoping this will help them as it’s helped us.
I put some black seed oil on a bump on my cats skin and her skin became inflamed and started to oozing with small droplets of blood. Very frightening. I gently washed it off and she lost her hair in that spot. I would not use it on cats. I use a lot of herbs on my cats and never experienced anything like this.
Hi I was wondering did the hair grow back from the experience with the black seed oil ? My dad had a bottle in his restroom anni didnt know an I put my cat in his restroom while I seperated hus dog from my cat long story short my cat kncoked it off a window seal all over him self I do not no how long he was drenched in it or if he ingested it but I washed him off quickly an with pet soap an dryed him but I noticed a few hours since then he has a red spot an little missing hair above his right eye.he hates baths so I tried very hard to get it out his fur but can see his fur still a bit oily from it on his paws an around his neck but I just got him to come out so I could look at him cuz after his bath he ran undrt a bed an didnt want to tramatuze him anymore.
I agree. I have been giving my kitties (tiny, but 6 months old) blackseed oil for a few days now. The skin sloughed off everywhere the bso touched!!!!! including around the mouth. I hope they survive. I gave it to them as a “gentler” alternative to deworming.
I use black seeds and black seed oil for myself. I never give my dogs or cats anything unless I do more research. I am into using naturals for myself and my pets. I have heard it’s not good for cats but wanted to check it out more. Thank you for letting me know and for everyone’s comments.
Hi there. Just reading about your dog and his dermatitis. Have you ever thought of trying Dinovite? I use it for all our dogs and since starting, they are in excellent health. The website also talks about homemade food for your pet. Just an FYI (hope you don’t mind). Have a great day!
Thank you for your replies. I was online again to see if it was used for ear mites in cats–I do see it used for ear mites in dogs. Sandra, I don’t think I want to put it in my kitties’ ears after what you say! Bobbi, you are not the first to recommend Dinovite. I will probably get it. My pup is now all raw, with prey model (ground bone and organs) and some veggies and green powders and oils and fish…but still has eye goop, and a touch of itchy if he’s not on raw grass fed butter or black seed oil. And a grass-eater, which I’m fine with, but all indicates he may still have deficiencies. Since my post here, I have read that while dogs’ livers are more similar to ours with what they can handle, cats produce different enzymes I think it was how it was explained, and do not tolerate black seed oil as well as humans or dogs, so to be very cautious.
People must understand..giving seeds is a different application than using the recommended black seed oil. Always use oils on the pets…IF..it’s recommended by health food sources only. It shoikdcalways be OILS.
True Bill and Stacie, but there are places where they don’t just want to make money. And pets are like people. They don’t get good vitamins and minerals in their foods. My cat has bad breath like crazy, I can’t afford taking it to a vet, I don’t have all the experiences for a car, and my BF doesn’t want to take them to a vet because it’s pricey. I wish there was pet insurance. Some cat foods and cat treats are really all you need, as long as they contain Spiralina, Cat Nip.
There is pet insurance, we used to have it. But you have to buy it when the pet is young and healthy. Paod $12.00 a month. Check with your vet or on line they shpuld have info
There is pet insurance. You just have to weigh cost of insurance with cost of benefits
I have pet insurance thru Bivvy. $10 a month. $250 yearly deductible and $1000 a year in coverage. Even covers euthanasia and cremation if needed. Check them out. I would highly recommend them!
OK, Team! I have a cat that is suffering from Feline AIDS. I was told 2 years ago that he wouldn’t make it past the week. I started him on Elderberry Concentrate and Organic Chicken. He gained all his weight back and was perking along quite well until about 5 days ago and I saw blood in his urine. Kidney infection! I needed some Baytril (Antibiotic) to give him, but could not get any for two more days. Weekend! I walked past my personal stash of Black Seed Oil. Knowing I had nothing to loose, because he had already cheated death by two years ( He is Now 14) I gave him a half a dropper full and dosed myself for good measure. (Teaspoon for me) If you haven’t tasted BSO….. it tastes like liter fluid…. He Looked as if I had poisoned him. Believe me, I was feeling the same inclination! I quickly gave him some organic chicken and he loved me again. The taste goes away quickly! Within three hours he was peeing like a Russian Racehorse and bouncing around the bedroom again. I haven’t given him more I am watching his urinations now. I will let you know what happens….
How is your cat doing now after 2 months?
How is your kitty?
My cat has FIV and I have had him on Carnivora, a health supplement for years. You need 1 bottle of capsules, 1 bottle of extract and put the weight of your pet in the comment section so they send you the instructions for the weight of your pet. Keep him on this program and he will live alot longer! carnivora.com
My bottle of black seed oil fell and broke and some got on my cats tail and back paws.
As I did a little research, on my own, I noticed as long as their were no phenols he should be find.
I didn’t have time to wipe him off as I was getting ready to leave when I was feeding him (yes, it was in my hand and I should have slowed down), but I’ve noticed him walking around much slower. I’m sure the black seed oil is doing it’s job internally I am taking him To the vet as he seems to be uncomfortable. He’s not responding to the sound of treats of his favorite food and he’s moping around.
I see they are using it as a flea spray – has anyone else seen this Flea XX – Twocrazycatladies….
I will never use untested or homeopathic compounds on my cat. The risks are not worth it and when our pets get sick the costs involved are enormous, not to mention the emotion aspect. There are so many toxic things in our pet’s environment as it is these days, while it may behoove some to try different things (even new) on ourselves it’s another thing we have to worry about when in concerns little Fluffy or Mrs. Whiskerson.
Black seed oil is not a homeopathic. Homeopathics, FYI, are very much less likely to cause a toxic reaction than a food like black seed oil, which may or may not be suitable for cats.
Just sayin’. 😉
Well my cat has a respiratory issue were she cough s and wheezez I am thinking of giving here a few drops to see if it helps.the vet told me oh its nothing!and by the way any herbal or natural remedy that vets hear patients bring up is always frowned upon for it not some expensive pharmaceutical poison that just masked the problem and doesn’t cure anything
Did you give your cat the black seed oil? If so, did it help her respiratory issue? I’m wondering because my cat has asthma and is on an inhaler and prednisolone daily. It is hard to watch him have a hard time breathing and I’m thinking of the black seed oil. Please let me know. Thank you
Bobbie, I used so on my 10 year old cat experiencing a scaly skin near the tail scratch spot. She groomed as they do. The hair disappeared, the skin healed. I treated another place, same process. She licked, hair went away all healed. No negative reports. I would use it again, in or out, without fear
My 5 weeks kitten suddenly had black runny diarrhea last friday, unfortunately no vets were open nearby. Luckily I had some vitamins left and fed my kitten water and vitamins just to make it through for the weekend but on Saturday his condition became really worse to the point I thought he will die. I had the actual black seed at home and I became really desperate for his safety, so I fed him 7 tiny crush seeds and plenty of water and continue for the last 48 hours, his stool no longer black n runny, it is now green n pasty, he is also able to eat some plain chicken meat on it’s own now. He’s also able to stand and meowing, still a bit weak and I can finally bring him to vet tomorrow morning. I don’t know whether the seeds helped or not but I know that the oil is “hot” and even human sometime has severe reaction to the oil. I’m just happy my baby boy is no longer “dying”
I have 3 cats & they would get sick with the upper respiratory infection one after another. I take them to the vet over & over. I heard about black oil,did some digging & read some interesting positive comments so I asked my vet, she checked a list, & gave the ok. Before seven days, the sneezing stopped, the runny eyes dried up & the winking in stopped.That’s been 2yrs now. Lately the winking of the eyes has started because I allowed them to play with an outdoor cats. So I’m going to give them a small drop of blk seed oil in their food for about a week or two & I believe they will be healed again.
My cat has cancer I’d like to know is it safe to give her black seed oil? It’s very strong I was suggesting dilute it. Can you help me please.
I have a 16 year old female cat that was down to her final breaths a few years ago. As a last resort started giving her blackseed oil and water by syringe. In a few days enough improvement to start giving yogurt. In a week she was walking and well enough to eat yogurt and sour cream on her own. After two weeks tumors disappear, along with gum inflammation. Gave the oil for a couple more weeks. Two years later she is healthy and pain free. BLACK SEED OIL WORKS.
Hi reg, thanks for sharing your experience! Can you please tell how much did you give your cat? My little princess is weighting less than 3 kg and I’m wondering what amount should i give her.
How much black seed oil did you give your cat in milliliters or cc?
I trust bso after using it out and in, as I applied enough to cover the irritated skin and it was licked. My cat is healed. Period. Cancer will kill your cat bso in small amounts will not. Mix 5 drops bso with equal cod liver. Drop on front paw 2-3 drops. It will be groomed away. Do daily for a week. Keep mixing as needed. Decide after a week to continue or not.
I am interested in using black seed oil on my cat who is in stage 2 renal failure. There is a significant study showing great success in using black seed for kidney failure in the rat model. Since chronic kidney disease is involved in 50% of the deaths of our kitties, I really would like to find someone who has experience with renal failure in cats and the use of black seed oil and/or black seeds (Nagilla Sativa). A great way for humans to take it is to mix 1 tablespoon of black seed oil + 1 TBSP organic apple cider vinegar + 1 TBSP lemon juice + 1/2 cup of filtered water + a squirt of Sweetleaf liquid stevia. Perhaps a cat version could be a couple of eyedroppers. Just a thought.
Black seed oil is the cure for everything but death. It’s hard to dispense post death.
Suzanne, I’m Traci and reading your post two years later. I hope your cat is doing well. I’ve worked with herbs 35 years, including wihth my cats and other animals. Glad to help you and others. Never charged. I’ve read tens of thousands of scientific studies. Not perfect though have had many miracles and have solid experience. BSO is incredible, you are right. It is focus of vast amounts of studies many pathways for many diseases. Your recipe w BSO includes lemon and sweet leaf *stevia”, which both are POISONOUS to cats. Cats lack certain liver enzymes which don’t break down certain chemicals or protecct against many things that are otherwise begnign to other mammals and humans. Activated Charcoal has been proven in human studies to delay time to dialysis to 9 years. It is amazing, filtering out smaller molecules that dialysis doesn’t. emove. Does the work of your kidneys. It will adsorb other medications so must be taken away from them in time by few hours. But, it won’t adsorb, remove natural which aren’t poisonous. Vitamins which are synthetic it will remove , but not natural ones from food. There are many other herbs can recommend to protect kidneys and help regrow the kidney “filters”. My email is profit with Traci gmail, without the spaces. write or resend again if don’t hear. We can talk on the phone. It is easier. I can also recommend the most economical foods, needed as foundation to healing. Get a few ear syringes. They are GREAT to use for different strong tea extracts or powder extracts with little water to squirt side of mouth – gentle and easier on both of you. I still use syringe for feeding when my cats are sick. I also fill capsules, coat with butter, and pill, chasing with water from syringe. it really helps to have these tools when u need whole protocol. Activated Charcoal is also a MUST for every pet owner, having ready in case of emergency or if you don’t know if your pet or child has gotten into something. Act ivated Charcoall also will draw toxins into colon and water when bladder is partially blocked *emergency for which necessary to get to vet immediately but can be helpful protecting and assisting if one is disolving crystals or stones with “Break Stone” strong tea extract *given by. Rubber syringe. Best of success and prayers for all. Again, I have never “charged”. Healing is God’s gift, not mine. It is something to give, at least for me it is. I share my experience and opinion freely. I am not a doctor or vet. God has the monopoly on healing. We heal with Him and help each other with God leading , providing, and ever ready and available to help. NOTHING is impossible to Yahweh.
Just here trying to help a friend but I thought i’d Share my personal experience. I have a toy yorkie that began to have seizures that left her neck tilted, walking strange and blind in her left eye! We finally took her to the neurologist (visit costed over $1,000) to find out she had a deadly Yorkie disease called Yorkshire encephalitis. They prescribed so many steroids and medicine for her eye that she HATED! I was already taking Black Seed Oil and decided to try the ones the brand had for pets after a night of experiencing her having a mild seizure. Within 2 days of giving her 2 treats per day, her head wasn’t tilted anymore, she was playing like a young puppy and pooping regularly. Within a week of watching her she was back brand new, eye back to normal, walking, jumping, biting lol! Since then she hasn’t been back to the doctor and we keep the treats in stock! I’m a firm believer in this natural oil!
I’ve been using BSO for a good 6 months for my own SIBO issues. That also makes me aware and conscious of what parasite die-off symptoms look like. So when my boy started having gastro issues, I immediately thought BSO might help. I took him to the vet to first rule out any other complications, but they said it was a bacterial overgrowth and wanted to put him on antibiotic meds, then meds to help him poop, then more meds to relax his bowels…This was a month ago.
I started putting just a few drops of PURE ORGANIC BSO (quality definitely matters for this stuff) and he was a bit sluggish at first as the bugs got killed off, but now he’s got lots of energy, is eating and pooping like he used to and is back to his old self. And the best news: I took him back to the vet for a check-up last week and his infestation has cleared! All is well.
I use Gaea’s Garden BSO, but hemp seed oil is great for getting enough omega fatty acids in our kitties as well. And like others have said, if you’re using topically, it’s best to dilute it first. You don’t need a lot, just a drop or 3, this stuff is potent!
My cat just drank some black seed tea–weak tea–just water and a small pile of seeds in the bottom of the cup. I microwaved it for a minute. This is the second time I put some in her food. She has overgrown gums on 2 canines and a “precancerous” mole on the eye diagnosed by the vet. She seemed to like it when I gave it to her and I think she already drank it and ate a little canned quality catfood with it. She likes the crunchy dried but seemed to like the tea with the canned. I’ve been giving her modified citrus pectin, which is o.k. for pets. You can see the spot on the yellow part of her eyeball. I recommend it, but it costs a lot. I take it myself now that they removed a tumor in my breast. I don’t have any of the black seed OIL, but I think the tea has the same benefits, or the seeds crushed by the blender for use in a smoothy or like pepper. They may be half essential oil, and if you simmer them, they let off huge vapor! It is said to be the essential oil evaporating as the seeds simmer. She didn’t seem any different the first time I gave it, so I’m hoping she will be o.k. now.
i think since black seed oil is manufactured and might have carrier oils or phenols, thats why its reacting so adversely. Cats arent supposed to be given oil anyways as they cant digest it (liver).
But black seed has known antiviral properties and considering the kind of fatal viruses that cats might catch (like distemper,etc.) id be of a mind to try very small quantities like 2g or less. because even humans dnt need more than 2g-3g daily.
but this is only for preventive /curative measures for things like viruses. Because, im in india and my cats are trained strays and they live outside. And vaccines for viruses arent foolproof. But if u have to choose between the original source(seed)or something derived(oil)- id rather choose the seed. Especially after reading the comments here regarding the oil.
I gave my kitties blackseed oil internally and externally. Internally — they completely lost their appetite and are being fed by syringe now. Externally — the skin and fur sloughed off in every spot the bso touched, including all around the mouth. I assumed it was herpes, but reading this… omg… I poisoned my kitties. — can I still save them?
Black Seed Oil is an anti viral in humans. My cat has Feline Herpes and when he would not take famcicliver they basically shrugged their shoulders and said oh well. After reading this I won’t try it on my cat, but I can attest to the benefits for BSO for people. I have been taking it for years and had a mild case of Shingles not a severe one. I am sure it was the BSO. Does anyone have suggestions for my poor guy with feline herpes?
I am not a vet, but have had cats most of my life. I have used Black seed oil for myself and in one of my cats ears when they had ear mites, and it has seemed to help. One of my cats has feline herpes, and I have found that lysine for cats (follow dosing instructions exactly, do not overdose!) has helped alot!
I recently also found out about C-60. It has been amazing for both me and the cats.
It can help absorb toxins, and heal. I have done a lot of research on it, and you should only buy it from c-60.com.
The other companies use other extraction methods and the c-60 oil can still contain the toxic ingredients that they use to extract the carbon. If the oil has a purple tinge or is purplish black or needs to be mixed in the company for a long time, be very careful and do your own research before buying it. I would suggest staying as far away as possible from any c-60 oil that has a purplish cast or is purple.
I really hope that your kitty recovers well!
Im giving my cat blackseed oil in his ear and it swelled up
I have 14 cats one senior 14 year old cat with renal problem. I have been using black seed oil for my cats for years. I get a very good quality cold pressed oil. It is like magic. U need to make sure u r getting the original black seed oil.
Oh wow, reading this is quite fascinating. My previous cat was a large black cat and knocked down a bottle of BSO AND TOOK IN. Lot, ok, lemme tell ya. He was sluggish for about 2 days. I was nervous. Then the 3rd day he was great. Had a bit of a pepper I. His steps, jumps and was more awful than he had been. Then I saw others dosing their cats with it. So I tried once a month for a while. It took less time to “recover” especially because it was way less. Recently my I gave it to my new kitten. She was upset with me. Didn’t r talk to me for a few hours. And she’s talkative and loving. And on her coat. She liked angry and did want to move. I assume her skin was irritated and now I didn’t think about the negative effects on a kitten v an adult cat. So nonetheless thanks for the article and some new info. The kitten is fine and I’ll wash her off.