We see a lot of videos on social medias with cats eating fruits and vegetables but can we feed our cats with fruits and veggies?

Cats are carnivore.

Cats are pure carnivores. They mostly need their food to come from meat protein.

Their digestive system, being short, doesn’t have enzymes for the digestion of fruits and vegetables as opposed to humans or even dogs.
Due to their high sugar content, you want to limit the fruit intake for your cats.

However, some are acceptable and can be fed to your pet as treats and snacks. These should be given in very small quantities and should not exceed 15% of the diet of your kitten and your cat.

Also, some purebred cats are more prone to have a sensitive digestive system as Abyssinian, Rex, Sphynx, and Ragdolls; so you might want to be sure of what you’re giving to your kitten and your cat.

So, although kittens and cats mainly feed on meats and fish, some fruits and vegetables will be appreciated from time to time.

Cat fruit should always be peeled, cut into small cubes, removing the seeds or stone, and should always be of high quality (organic).

Cats, fruits and veggies

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that you can give your pet as a treat in small quantities:

Fruits

– Strawberry
– Melon
– Watermelon

Vegetables

-Carrots
-Cucumbers
-Green bean
-Peas

CLICK HERE for a more complete list.

Remember, be sure to give the vegetables raw or steamed/boiled in plain water. Do not give your cat cooked vegetables with additional spices or oils that could be toxic to your cat.

Not every vegetable or fruit is recommended to cats, even though humans eat them. Some can be very toxic as onions or garlic.
You want to avoid beetroot, spinach, lentils, leek too as they are extremely toxic and dangerous for cats.

Cats choose their food by smelling it. In fact, cats perceive odors 50 to 70 times better than humans. So don’t be surprised if your cat doesn’t eat oranges, apples, or anything citrus or tangy. First, oranges, citrus, etc must be avoided for cats and secondly, those odors can turn the cat a bit aggressive.

Also, before changing the diet of your cats and kittens, it is important to go slowly and by steps. Do not change immediately their diet, it is a process. Mix the new food with the old one, otherwise, it might create diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting.

It is the same with kibbles if you want or need to change them. The new food will be better accepted and will be better digested by mixing it with the old food.
In doubt, always ask the advices of a professional.

For further information and recommendations, we suggest you ask the advice of your vet or an expert in animal nutrition.
Always seek for various vet opinions if in doubt!