Safe Fruits and Vegetables for Cats
Since cats evolved as obligate carnivores, their primary diet should consist of meat. However, including certain fruits and vegetables in their diet can be beneficial. If you've often wondered which fruits and vegetables are safe to give to your cat, look no further! We've grouped some of the more popular fruits and vegetables into three categories to make it easy for you to see exactly which fruits and vegetables are safe to give to your cat.
Fruits and Vegetables That Are Safe To Give To Your Cat Often
- Blueberries - Packed with antioxidants and fibre, blueberries are a healthy treat for cats and can be offered occasionally as a snack.
- Carrots - Carrots are a great snack for cats as they are full of fibre and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Make sure to cook them lightly and cut them into small pieces to prevent choking.
- Cucumbers - Low in fats, oils, and carbohydrates but packed with vitamins, cucumbers make a refreshing snack for cats, especially during hot weather.
- Green Beans - Plain beans are safe for cats. If buying canned beans, look for the low or no salt options. Beans can be given to your cat raw, chopped, or steamed and are full of fibre and vitamins.
- Pumpkin - Pumpkin is a great source of fibre and can help with digestive issues in cats. Make sure to use plain, cooked pumpkin without any added spices or sugars.
Fruits and Vegetables That Are Safe To Give To Your Cat Sometimes
- Bananas - While high in vitamins such as potassium and copper, bananas should be given to your cat in moderation because they are high in sugar.
- Broccoli - Steamed broccoli can be given to cats occasionally. It is high in fibre and vitamins but should be given in small amounts to avoid digestive upset.
- Cantaloupe - High in sugar, cantaloupe is safe for cats but should be given in moderation. It is a good source of water and fibre.
- Mango - If you want to share mango with your cat, be sure to remove the hard pit first and feed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
- Peas - All types of peas are safe to feed your cat and they contain high levels of fibre and added protein. Fresh or frozen peas are preferred over canned which often contain added sodium.
- Strawberries - Strawberries are full of fibre and vitamin C but should be given to your cat in moderation because of their high sugar content.
Fruits and Vegetables That Are NOT Safe To Give To Your Cat
- Avocado - Avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats. It is best to avoid feeding avocados to your feline friend.
- Cherries - Never give your cat cherries as the plant contains cyanide which is toxic to cats. Signs of cyanide poisoning include red gums, difficulty breathing, and dilated pupils.
- Chives - Chives are from the same family as onions and leeks and can cause severe gastric upset in cats. Avoid feeding your cat anything with chives.
- Grapes - Fresh and dried grapes (raisins) are extremely toxic to cats and can lead to acute sudden kidney failure.
- Tomatoes - While the ripe part of the fruit is generally safe, the green, unripe parts contain a toxic substance called solanine. It's best to avoid feeding tomatoes to cats.
- Leeks - Leeks are from the same family of plants as chives and onions and are super toxic to cats.
- Mushrooms - While some mushroom species are safe for cats, it is best to avoid them altogether. Certain species are so toxic that they can cause permanent damage or even death.
- Onions - Onions are incredibly toxic to cats and if ingested can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and can even cause your cat's red blood cells to burst.
- Rhubarb - While the stems of the rhubarb plant are edible, the leaves are highly toxic to cats, so it is best to avoid the plant altogether.
- Spinach - Too much spinach can lead to kidney damage in your cat, so it is best to avoid it altogether.
