Basil

Ocimum basilicum (Lamiacea)

Also called Saint Joseph's Wort, Thai Basil, Sweet Basil.

Cats and dogs

Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: non-toxic Dogs: non-toxic

Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.

Source: ASPCA entry "Basil", checked October 3, 2026.

Light

Low light 3+ mol
Medium light 6+ mol
Bright indirect 10+ mol
Direct sun 12+ mol Best

A sun-loving herb that grows best in full sun; indoors keep it in a sunny window. Clemson notes it manages in part sun of about six hours a day.

Direct sun: needs several hours a day.

On our scale it grows well from about 12 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 10.8 (how these numbers are set).

Will it grow in my window?

Care

Care level: Moderate. Water: Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but well drained, and never leave it standing in a water-filled saucer.

Water at the base rather than over the leaves to reduce disease.

More pet-safe plants for similar light

Rosemary direct sun
Burro's tail direct sun
Echeveria (hens and chickens) direct sun
Ponytail palm direct sun
Venus flytrap direct sun

Sources

Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Basil"
Light and care: NC State Extension, "Ocimum basilicum | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox"
Light and care: Clemson HGIC, "Basil | Home & Garden Information Center"
Light and care: Missouri Botanical Garden, "Ocimum basilicum - Plant Finder"