Cat-Friendly & Unsafe Fruits & Veggies List for Cats

When it comes to fruits and vegetables for cats, the answer is a resounding no—they're not necessary!

Cats are actually obligate carnivores, meaning their diet primarily consists of animalbased nutrients. They don't need to eat plants to obtain the necessary nutrients, so not consuming fruits and vegetables won't harm their health.

Some cat foods do include small amounts of fruits and vegetables, but these are added only to extract specific nutrients.

What to Consider When Feeding Cats Fruits and Vegetables

So, fellow cat owners, you can rest easy knowing that your feline friends won't suffer health issues like humans might if they don't eat fruits and vegetables.

However, it's perfectly fine to offer cats a small amount of fruits and vegetables as an occasional treat. Just be cautious with your choices and feed them in moderation. The fiber in these foods can provide some relief for their digestive systems.

Here's a detailed list of toxic plants provided by American animal welfare organizations. Surprisingly, even common fruits like oranges, grapes, apples, or avocados can be harmful to cats!

Fruits and Vegetables Safe to Feed:

Carrots (steamed), bananas, blueberries, pumpkin (cooked), broccoli (cooked), and green beans

Remember, many fruits and vegetables are toxic to cats!

Cats need to be fed carefully, and it's generally not recommended to add fruits and vegetables to their diet. Never force your cat to become vegetarian, as this can lead to health problems.

Many plants and fruits are toxic or harmful to cats, causing permanent damage or even death.

Some cat owners may love their pets and want to share their food with them, but they might unknowingly feed their cats harmful fruits and vegetables, causing them distress.

Commonly mistaken foods include onions and grapes, especially dried grapes, which are more toxic than fresh grapes. Be extra vigilant, as dried grapes can often be found in other foods.

Cats Cannot Eat Onions, Garlic, and Other Allium Plants

Garlic contains sulfur dioxide, which is the primary cause of hemolytic anemia in cats. Garlic cloves only extract allicin, leaving out the rest.

Cats Cannot Eat Grapes or Raisins

New cat owners should be particularly aware that cats may not be interested in fresh fruits and vegetables, but many love to sneakily eat human treats like cakes, bread, or cookies.

If these treats contain raisins, your cat could be in trouble, as it can harm their liver and kidneys.

Eat "Cat Grass" Instead

Some cats enjoy nibbling on plants and eating them, not for nutrition but for soothing their digestive systems. This is because cats often suffer from hairball issues, and plant fiber can aid in the functioning of the digestive tract.

For safety's sake, avoid keeping potted plants in your home. If you want to provide your cat with fresh, safe grass, consider buying specially formulated cat grass. These kits usually include seeds of wheat or oats, as well as a pot for growing your own "cat grass" in no time.

Not all cats will eat these "cat grass" options, and even if they do, they shouldn't consume them in large quantities, as this could lead to problems.

If your cat doesn't like these "cat grass" options but still struggles with hairballs, consider feeding them catspecific hairball relief food or hairball remedies.

Cats love green grass mainly for its fiber content, which helps with digestion. However, if you have toxic plants in your home, be very cautious and remove them to prevent your cat from accidentally eating them and getting into trouble.