Licorice root may soothe your sore throat, curb your hot flashes and relieve inflammation. But is it safe to have licorice plants, licorice tea, licorice hydrosol, licorice essential oil, or black licorice candy around your cat? Licorice root is safe for most cats in low doses for a short time. We spoke with Melissa M. Brock, a board-certified veterinarian, a full-time veterinarian and an animal welfare expert at Pango Pets. She explained what types of licorice are safest for your cat.

Chamomile might lower your blood sugar, boost your immune system, and help your wounds heal faster. But is it safe to have chamomile around your cat? We spoke with Dr. Iram Sharma, a full-time veterinarian and feline welfare expert at Happy Whisker, to find out what forms of German chamomile are safest for your cat.

A massage with essential lavender oils may soothe your anxiety, beat away your blues, and improve the quality of your sleep. But is it safe to have lavender oil and lavender flowers around your cat?

We spoke with Amber LaRock, a licensed vet tech and animal welfare expert at Pet Worshiper, to find out what types of lavender are safest for your cat. 

While the cat food choices are endless, there is another snack for your little meat-eater…cat grass. Why would my finicky feline eat grass, you may be asking? What is cat grass, and is there more than one type? Are leafy greens safe for my kitty? Here is what you need to know about cat grass.

If you have ever lived with a cat, you probably know about the big daddy of kitty herbs: catnip.   A recent study found that 32% of cats do not react to the stuff. If your kitty ignores catnip toys, sprays, and leaves, have no fear: Tatarian honeysuckle can send your cat to blissville. 

If your cat is one of the 50 percent that's indifferent to catnip, try valerian root. It contains two compounds that attract cats — actinidine and valerenic acid. Valerian root can transform your lazy, fat cat into an exercise machine. 

Did you know that 50 percent of cats don’t like catnip? 

Almost 80 percent of cats respond to silvervine, says the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, and 40 percent reacts to valerian root and Tatarian honeysuckle.