
Best and Worst Fruits and Vegetables for Cats
Since felines are different species, not everything you eat can be given to them. Understanding what fruits and vegetables are safe for your cat is essential so that you can give them new foods that are safe and healthy. The following are some fruits and vegetables safe for cats. Remember that fruits have more natural sugar than vegetables. Also, you need to remove seeds, inedible skins, and rinds before feeding your kitties.
Foods to eat
1. Watermelon
A watermelon is a safe option for cats. Cats do not like drinking water, so a fruit that is 92% water is perfect for them.
2. Apples
Apples are abundant in fiber and low in fat, making them ideal for senior or overweight pets.
3. Apricots
Cats like apricots since they are fleshy, and additionally, these help fight cancer too.
4. Bananas
Bananas are beneficial to cats, as they contain potassium that supports kidney and heart functioning. They are abundant in natural sugar, so be careful about overfeeding this to your cats.
5. Berries
Blueberries and strawberries are filled with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. All of these nutrients help reduce the prevalence of infections and diseases in cats and improve their overall health.
6. Garden plants
Garden plants like pumpkins, peas, and cucumbers are cat-safe.
7. Vitamin A-rich vegetables
Cooked or steamed carrots, broccoli, asparagus, and beans are healthy options, as they contain vitamin A, C, K, folate, and fiber.
8. Leafy greens
Spinach is safe for cats that do not have urinary tract issues.
9. Betacarotene
Colorful foods like broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato have beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, essential for cats.
Unsafe foods for cats
A lot of foods are not safe for your cats. In small amounts, they might not cause alarming symptoms. However, in larger quantities, they can be life-threatening. Remember to contact a veterinarian if your kitten eats something hazardous.
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and grapefruit, contain citric acid, all of which can upset your kitty’s stomach. In excess, even the leaves, peels, seeds, and fruit can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and central nervous system disturbances.
2. Grapes
Grapes and raisins, as it does with dogs, can cause kidney failure in cats too.
3. Coconut
Coconut flesh and coconut water have too much potassium than your pet feline can handle. Coconut oil, however, helps treat mild skin irritations.
4. Nuts
Many nuts rich in oils and fats are harmful. Remember to keep almonds, pecans, and walnuts out of their reach.
5. Raw vegetables
While some vegetables provide nourishment for cats, others can be harmful. Like eggs, it is best to serve well-cooked vegetables to your cats. Apart from negative consequences to their digestive systems, raw veggies also pose a choking risk.
6. Onions
Onion, garlic, leek, shallot, and chives cause gastrointestinal problems and obstruct blood circulation.
7. Herbs
Most aromatic herbs are also detrimental for cats.