If My Basil Plant Smells Like Cat Urine, Is It OK To Eat?

Question

I recently purchased a basil plant and grew it outside until it was too cold. When I brought it in, I noticed that my house smelled like cat urine and I don’t have a cat. My question is twofold. Is basil that smells this way good to cook with? Will the scent affect the taste? Second question is I read an article that says pruning the flowers back may help. Is this true in your opinion?

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Answer 1

I agree with pruning the stems back and also replacing the soil. If it is cat urine, it probably urinated in the soil, which can kill the plant. Dogs or other wild animals may have urinated on the leaves.

Wash the stems and leaves well with water before pruning. Only use the new growth to cook with.

You also may decide to toss the plant and start fresh. Grocery stores usually have basil in pots in the produce section year round.

Here are growing tips:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm

Here are tips for keeping cats out next year:

https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2022/05/10/how-to-keep-cats-out-of-the-garden/