Because of their evolutionary adaptations, cat species are classified as obligate carnivores. But a few select fruits and veggies can do the trick if you want to spice up your cat’s diet and give it some extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
It’s okay to give your cat some fruits and veggies, but there are others they should never eat. We have compiled a list of fruits and vegetables that cats can eat and that are safe for cats.
Can Cats Eat Carrots
Carrots are safe for cats to consume if you cook them correctly and don’t give them too many at once. Carrots can supplement your cat’s diet with a number of necessary elements due to their high vitamin and mineral content. Carrots are a healthy choice due to their high nutrient content, which includes potassium, Vitamin A, antioxidants, and beta-carotene. However, remember that cats have unique nutritional requirements that differ from those of people and that their smaller size means they need less of everything (including vitamins and minerals).
If you choose to feed your cat carrots, it is your responsibility as a pet parent to ensure that you have taken all necessary safety measures. Carrots, in particular, should only be fed to your cat once cooked. As long as they become slightly pliable after cooking, you can prepare them in any fashion you like.
Can Cats Eat Broccoli
The broccoli florets have high fiber content and are an excellent source of powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. There is a possibility that some cats will take pleasure in eating the florets; if this is the case, you can either steam them or serve them raw. The additional fiber that broccoli can give is beneficial for cats that suffer from constipation or any digestive condition.
However, since an excessive amount of fiber can cause diarrhea, it is important to serve broccoli in moderation. In any other case, it’s perfectly fine for your cat to snack on a serving of steamed broccoli florets if they choose to do so.
Can Cats Eat Lettuce
While cats can safely consume lettuce, do so with moderation. While it’s true that cats don’t have a nutritional requirement for this food, it also doesn’t belong on the list of foods known to be harmful to feline friends. This is a treat that can be presented to a curious cat but only in moderation. Lettuce is an unexpected cat food, given how much our felines enjoy meat. However, there may be benefits to occasionally giving your pet lettuce.
Since lettuce is mainly water, you may help your cat obtain more of the essential nutrient by adding a couple of leaves to its food bowl. They do, however, require unlimited access to clean water regardless of how much water they get from the meals they consume. Add one or two lettuce leaves to your pet’s main meal to increase their fiber intake.
Can Cats Eat Cucumbers
Cats can, in moderation, eat cucumber. However, a cat’s curiosity is usually put to rest by offering a few bits of cucumber. In any case, cats are obligate carnivores that can obtain what they need from premium cat meals rich in animal protein. That’s why cucumbers aren’t a mainstay in their diets but rather a refreshing addition to their meals on special occasions. Cucumbers are safe for cats to eat, but they aren’t essential to their diet. High-quality cat food is the best way to ensure your cat gets all the nutrition she needs.
Cucumbers, on the other hand, are harmless to cats and can be fed to them without worrying about their weight gain due to their low calorie and sugar content. If you want to give your cat a low-calorie treat, one or two tiny pieces of cucumber should be fine. However, too much cucumber might upset your pet’s stomach, so moderation is key.
Can Cats Eat Celery
Celery is safe for cats to consume. But celery cannot take the place of a healthy, balanced diet. Celery should be given to cats more as a treat than as a regular diet element. Because of their nature as strict carnivores, felines require special meat-rich diets. Cats can get quite sick if their diet doesn’t include meat and the proper amounts of a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. But if you give your cat a well-balanced diet that consists of a small amount of celery, it’s acceptable.
Celery is a herbaceous plant that has a long, thin stalk that narrows into leaves and thrives in wet environments all over the world. A skinny stem develops from there, bearing blossoms and eventually fruit. One of the components of Eastern medicine, these tiny, aromatic celery seeds are also employed as a culinary spice. The whole plant, save the roots, is consumed by humans, including the stalk, the leaves, and the seeds.
Can Cats Eat Peas
Green peas are widely considered to be one of the healthiest vegetables for consumption by both people and cats. As a result, they are frequently included as one of the vegetables in high-quality cat meals. Peas are a wonderful source of a variety of minerals and vitamins, including calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and more. They also include healthy amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, and C.
You can either purée them or incorporate some steamed peas into their meals in order to add some carbs and protein to their diet.
Can Cats Eat Onion
Absolutely not. Virbac’s technical services veterinarian, Dr. Genna Mize, warns that ingesting even a small amount of onion might have serious consequences. Cats are more vulnerable than dogs to the effects of onion toxicity after eating because of n-propyl disulfide, the principal poisonous component. This feature prevents red blood cells from transferring oxygen throughout the body, leading to anemia.
The family Allium spp. Includes hundreds of species, including onions and other aromatic plants. Mize further notes that cats should be kept away from any meal containing Alliums.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon
Cats and kittens in excellent health can probably eat watermelon without any ill effects, but it’s not recommended. Cats, classified as “obligate carnivores” due to their digestive systems’ specific adaptations for processing meat products, cannot derive much nutritional value from plant-based diets such as fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Watermelon’s added hydration and possibly some potassium or vitamin C in the fruit could be helpful, but it’s doubtful that it would make much difference.
A single 1-inch square sliced into bite-sized pieces is more than enough for a dish, so long as your cat or kitten is otherwise healthy. Due to the high levels of natural sugar in the fruit, it is not recommended as a treatment for diabetic or overweight cats. Increases in both body fat and blood sugar levels may result from eating foods with high sugar and carb content.
Can Cats Eat Blueberries
While blueberries are considered a “superfood” due to their high antioxidant content by humans, cats do not share this benefit. Cats are not designed to eat blueberries. Cats’ digestive tracts are better suited to process animal proteins due to their carnivorous diet. Berry and fruit digestion is less efficient for them.
However, blueberries may be good for cat health. Blueberries’ antioxidants may have some of the same positive health effects on cats as on people. A cat’s immune system, joint health, and capacity to neutralize free radicals may all benefit from their consumption. You can enjoy blueberries without worry. However, keep in mind that comprehensive and balanced cat food should make up the vast majority of your cat’s diet. It would be best if you didn’t give your cat more than 10 percent of its daily calorie intake from treats like blueberries. A good serving size of blueberries is two to three.
Can Cats Eat Apples
Apples are great for older or overweight cats since they include healthy fiber and low-fat content. Cats on a diet restricting their calorie intake may find that they enjoy snacking on these.
Apples are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which can assist in ensuring that the bone and tissue of your cat remain in the best possible health. Always remove the core of the apple, including the seeds, as here is where cyanide can be found in very small amounts.
Final Thoughts
The next time you are at the grocery store, give some thought to picking up some of these fruits and veggies so you can share them with your four-legged pal. This fresh produce can take their diet to the next level of health for increased well-being, whether utilized as a treat or buried among their normal meals. This can be accomplished in any way.
Cats may consume some human foods as well. If you are unsure what your cat should or should not eat, you should discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may also recommend what human foods cats can eat and the best food to feed your cat daily.