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Is it safe for my 1 kg, 10-week-old kitten to eat a few coriander seeds she found on the kitchen floor?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

A few seeds are safe, but her tiny size means even small amounts can cause more upset. Watch for gentle vomiting or soft stools over the next day — kittens dehydrate quickly. Make sure she drinks water and eats her regular kitten food. The main risk is choking on a whole seed, so check that she isn't pawing at her mouth or coughing. If she acts completely normal, plays, and eats, she is likely fine. Call your own vet if she refuses meals or seems lethargic.

Coriander — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Safe in small amounts, both the seed and the leaf.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Coriander is not toxic to cats. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

Why these cautions matter

Stone-fruit pits and some seeds release cyanide when crushed, and quite apart from that they are a choking and blockage hazard.

Coriander can stay on the rotation, but only as an extra mouthful: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the litter box and how quickly they finish the next meal.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Coriander food facts page.

Open the full food page: Coriander food facts →