There is no doubt that cats are mysterious creatures. Some cats love eating green grass, veggies, etc., while others will not look at them. Cats might be carnivores, but many of them love their greens.
They chew on grass, and that’s good because it contains folic acid and can prevent constipation. Grass helps them to digest food better and remove indigestible materials.
Everyone with an indoor cat should open themselves up to the world of veggies and greens. Let us look at what kind of greens are best for your cat.
What Do Cats Get From Greens?
As mentioned above, cats get nutrients like folic acid, vitamin B-6, E, zinc, niacin, manganese, pantothenic acid, etc., from wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is also known as the Cat Grass.
There is another reason cats love greens. Grass allows them to digest other things well and make themselves throw up, and eliminate unwanted contents from their stomachs.
Sometimes, there can be intestinal parasites in your cat. Grass helps your cat get rid of them by physically rubbing its gut’s walls. You can get cat grass kits from a local store and grow them on your lawn. You can find more about the cat grass by clicking here.
You can give your cat veggies and fruits if the grass is unavailable. Here are some of the best options.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are not just food but a superfood for cats. They contain fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. They also help your feline friend see better at night. Blueberries also reduce the chance of getting urinary tract infections.
Several cat food recipes have blueberries as a primary ingredient. That’s why blueberries top this list. However, blueberries have sugar which can spike your cat’s blood sugar level. Avoid giving too many blueberries to your cat.
A simple rule is that your cat’s diet should always have 90% of balanced and complete foods. Blueberry is a superfood, but you should always use it as a treat. Two or three blueberries daily are more than enough for your furry friend.
2. Broccoli
Can cats eat broccoli? It is the most common question regarding cats and veggies. Yes, cats can eat broccoli. It is a tasty veggie that is safe for your cat. It improves your cat’s digestive health because it is a rich source of roughage, a fibrous indigestible material that is a good source of beneficial gut bacteria.
It also helps to reduce cholesterol levels, prevent cancer, and boost immunity. Broccolis are rich in vitamins E and C, calcium, and minerals. However, always give it to your cat in a moderate amount to avoid the risk of side effects.
3. Carrots
Carrots are also one of the best veggies for your cats. They are rich in minerals and vitamins. Carrots do not have enough proteins, but vitamins and minerals make carrots a decent cat food.
- Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins E and K,
- Carrots are an excellent source of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus,
- Carrots are also rich in manganese,
- They also give you cat dietary fiber.
Vitamin A ensures that your cat remains in good health. However, always give a moderate amount of carrots to your feline. Also, do not give carrots to your cat if it has a history of crystals in urine or calcium oxalate bladder stones because carrots contain oxalates.
You can give raw carrots to your cat but always prefer a cooked one to avoid choking.
4. Bananas
Bananas are not toxic to cats like other foods(chocolate and dairy products). However, they are not easy to digest for your cats, so you might want to give them a moderate amount only.
Here’s what your cats get from bananas
- Fiber,
- Potassium: This aids the cat’s kidneys and heart,
- Folate/Folic Acid: This helps in metabolizing proteins and building new cells,
- Vitamin B6, C.
However, never give too many bananas to a cat because they are harder to digest. They can cause side effects like
- Weight gain because of sugar and carbohydrates,
- Spiked blood sugar levels,
- Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, and flatulence.
5. Green Beans
Green beans provide many health benefits for your cats. You can give green beans frozen, fresh, or cooked. However, always prefer giving cooked beans over frozen or fresh beans.
Canned green beans are also a great option, but you might want to make sure that these beans are low in sodium. Green beans are rich in fiber that helps to improve your cat’s digestive system and control weight.
However, green beans contain a moderate amount of oxalates, so avoid giving beans in high amounts to prevent bladder problems.
6. Apples
Cats can eat apples, but a majority of cats do not like their taste. Some people will tell you that cats can not digest apples because they are carnivores, but that is not true.
Cats do not get enough nutrition from plants, fruits, and veggies. But, that does not mean that you can not give them these foods in small amounts. Avoid giving apples to cats with diabetes because they contain a high amount of sugar.
Also, avoid giving apples to cats with IBD, chronic gastroenteritis, sensitivity, etc. Always give a small portion of apples to your cat.
Wrapping Up
You can give veggies and fruits to your cats but not frequently and in excess. Always prefer cooked veggies over raw or frozen.