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Cats are carnivores by nature, so as long as their diets are well-balanced like they would be in the wild, they don’t require any fruits or vegetables to stay happy and healthy. Still, there are fruits and veggies that your kitty can safely eat in moderation and that shouldn’t cause any health issues. These also have various nutritional benefits for cats to take advantage of. So keep reading below to find out what fruits and vegetables cats can eat.
Fruits That Cats Can Eat
Here are some safe fruits cats can eat today!
1. Bananas
Felines require potassium for good health; otherwise, they can develop health problems like lethargy, weight loss, muscle pain, and even muscle weakness. While a cat’s diet should already provide all the potassium that they need for good health, bananas can offer a boost as necessary. However, your cat should never eat enough bananas to result in potassium overload. A small portion of a banana is all that it takes to satisfy a cat’s urge to snack while supporting their overall health.
Simply cut a few slices of banana, and offer them to your cat as a snack. Another option is to mash about a quarter of a small banana and offer it as a “pudding.”
2. Blueberries
While blueberries are not a “superfood” for cats like they are thought to be for humans, cats can eat this fruit to boost their antioxidants which can help keep them healthy as time goes on. They promote good joint health and can help neutralize any free radicals roaming around in a cat’s body.
Just give your cat a blueberry whenever they show interest in the fruit. Alternatively, you can throw one or two in their food bowl at mealtime for variety.
3. Raspberries
Some cats like raspberries and others don’t. The good news is that it doesn’t really matter either way. Raspberries aren’t necessary for good cat health, but they do provide a source of fiber and antioxidants that felines can benefit from, even if minimally. These fruits also happen to have vitamins K and A, which play a positive role in things like blood clotting, skin development, and muscle health.
You can give one or two raspberries to your cat as a snack, or add a few to their meals throughout the week.
4. Strawberries
Strawberries are not toxic to cats, and they contain a decent amount of fiber and minerals that they can benefit from. This fruit is high in water content, so offering a strawberry on a hot sunny day can help relieve your cat and reduce the risk of dehydration. However, strawberries should never replace access to fresh, clean water.
Whole strawberries can be tough for feline friends to eat, so it’s a good idea to chop them into little pieces before offering them as snacks or meal supplements.
5. Watermelon
Watermelon is a delicious summertime treat, and some kitty cats seem to think so too. Fortunately, there is nothing problematic about offering a small portion of this juicy fruit to your feline family member if they show any interest in it. The fruit is hydrating, contains potassium, and has plenty of vitamin C in it.
Just pull or cut a small piece of watermelon off of your bigger piece, and see if your kitty eats it. It’s important to make sure no seeds are present in any watermelon that you’re sharing.
6. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe doesn’t pose a risk to cats unless they try eating the rind, in which case, it could be a choking hazard. There are many vitamins and minerals present in cantaloupe that cats could benefit from, but it’s unclear how many of these nutrients they actually absorb when eating the fruit, given their carnivorous tendencies.
Feed cantaloupe to your cat like you would the other fruits on this list. Cut it into small pieces, or mash it and offer it as a snack or meal supplement.
7. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a nutrient-rich snack that many cats enjoy snacking on. It’s filled with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, which can all help keep your kitty’s digestive tract in good working order.
Felines can eat pumpkin both raw and cooked. If raw, it should be cut into tiny pieces that are similar to the size of a cat’s commercial dry food. If cooked, pumpkin can be smushed into a “mashed potato” consistency and then used to coat dry food or offered as a fun snack.
8. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are watery and refreshing for most people, and your kitty might think so too. They are the ultimate summertime snacks for cats due to their water content. Cucumbers also contain nutrients like magnesium and phosphorus that cats can benefit from.
Slice, dice, or shred cucumbers to your liking for a meal or salad, and save a small amount for your cat during the process. Cucumbers should be offered washed and raw whenever possible.
9. Zucchini
Zucchini is full of water and therefore can help keep your kitty hydrated, especially on active and hot/humid days. While this food is not usually included in a cat’s daily commercial food, it can help boost their fiber and nutrient intake over time.
Shred a zucchini and mix it in with your cat’s food, or offer small chunks of it as a treat for obeying commands.
10. Bell Peppers
We might love bell peppers, but at best, cats tolerate them. However, they are full of water and antioxidants that felines can benefit from, especially when they are old, dehydrated, or ill in some way. Your kitty needs just a few bites to satisfy their munchies while benefiting their body.
Cut a piece of bell pepper (any color) into small pieces, and offer a few to your kitty. You can also sauté or otherwise cook a pepper and add a few pieces to your cat’s commercial food occasionally.
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Vegetables That Cats Can Eat
Try one of these vegetables that are good for cats in their next meal or for a wee treat.
11. Spinach
If you’re wondering if cats can eat spinach, the answer is yes, but with caveats. Spinach is vitamin-rich, but it may contribute to the development and recurrence of bladder stones due to the abundance of calcium in it. So, only offer this veggie as an occasional treat to your kitty, especially if they have never been diagnosed with calcium oxalate bladder stones.
A single piece of raw, clean spinach can be offered as a snack as it is, or spinach can be sautéed (without oil, butter, or seasonings) or otherwise cooked, then offered once cooled. It’s important to make sure spinach is never cooked with onions or garlic because these ingredients are toxic to felines.
12. Green Beans
Green beans are interesting and viable snack options for feline family pets and strays alike. Some cats like raw beans, while others enjoy them cooked. Then, there are those that do not like them at all. Try feeding both cooked and raw green beans to your kitty during snack time before abandoning the idea.
Steam, bake, or sauté green beans for your kitty, or offer them raw, depending on what they enjoy the most.
13. Broccoli
Broccoli is a safe green food for cats to enjoy, just like humans do. No toxic compounds are present, so there is no need to worry about them eating too much of it, though they likely wouldn’t do so on their own account, anyway. Chewing broccoli can help a cat rid themselves of the urge to chew on other things, such as curtains and furniture.
Steam a piece of broccoli, and then serve it up whole, or cut it into small bite-sized pieces before offering it.
14. Peas
Peas are green foods that cats can safely eat and that may provide health benefits in the long run. They’re full of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K for proper muscle, nerve, and eye growth and management. They also contain minerals like iron and potassium.
You can offer fresh peas to your cat, but you must rinse them as soon as you bring them home from the grocery store or garden. You can also microwave, steam, or sauté them, depending on your mood and energy levels. Your cat will—or won’t—like them either way.
15. Cauliflower
Cats can safely eat cauliflower as part of their diet. However, when eaten raw, the development of uncontrollable gas can occur. Cooked without butter, oil, or spices is the best option because it keeps gas to a minimum and is easier for a cat to eat overall.
Microwave, steam, sauté, or bake this food to have it be more appealing to your kitty. Cooking cauliflower will make the process of eating and digesting the food easier for your furry family member.
Conclusion
Cats should not rely on fruits and vegetables to satisfy their nutritional needs because they are obligate carnivores. However, many fruits and veggies, like the ones outlined here, won’t hurt your cat and can add to their nutrition in the long run.
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Featured Image Credit: Guajillo studio, Shutterstock
3 Responses
I have a very sick cat. she has diabetes and takes insulalin. She also has come down with a kidney infection, she is now on a very strong antibiotic. She seems to be having a hard time eating solid food. I have gien her some of the fancy feast broths that she loves and laps up, but they are expensive . I would like to make her some chicken soup, but I.m not sure about a few things. Like do you put salt in it, and what to use to amke it tasty for her. Can you give me some tips? I would appreciate whatever you can add.
Thank you,LF
Hi Linda, we are very sorry to hear about your cat. With cats who are suffering from medical conditions, it is not recommended to feed them anything without your veterinarian's approval. That said we can suggest you check this Homemade Soup For Cats Recipes at https://www.hepper.com/homemade-soup-for-cats and have them approved or not by your veterinarian. We hope your cat gets better soon.
See, take some chicken and boil it. Don't throw away the water as you can feed it to your cat as soup. Along with chicken boil some potato and carrot (same vessel). The broth can be used as soup and then the solid stuff can be grinded and fed. It's nutritious and your cat might love it. My persian cat eat this and like it.