Basil

Also known as Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Saint Joseph's Wort. One plant, one grade per pet — the verdicts below are transcribed from primary sources and human-reviewed.

FOR CATSS0 · SAFE

Basil is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Ocimum basilicum as safe for cats and dogs with no toxic principle on record — the first herb on our index a cat can graze without a grade to worry about.

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FOR DOGSS0 · SAFE

Basil is non-toxic to dogs (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists Ocimum basilicum as safe for dogs and cats with no toxic principle on record.

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Care at a glance

Lightdirect

Waterevery 2–4 days

Humiditymedium

Difficulty●○○

When to call the vet

FOR CATS

See a vet only if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.

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FOR DOGS

See a vet only if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.

FULL VERDICT →

FAQ

Does "basil is safe" include Thai basil?

Yes. The ASPCA's basil entry is for Ocimum basilicum and lists Thai basil, sweet basil, and Saint Joseph's wort as alternative common names, all under the same non-toxic verdict for cats and dogs with no toxic principle on record — so the S0 grade on this page covers a Thai basil pot as much as an Italian one. What the entry does not name is any basil that isn't Ocimum basilicum; if a plant is sold as a "basil" but belongs to another genus, it is not on this record. For the kitchen varieties, sweet, Genovese, or Thai, this page applies.