As much as we might want to treat our furry friends with foods that we may consider yummy and/or nutritious, they have very different needs to ours.

Cats derive their primary nutritional requirements from a carnivorous diet including fish, turkey, chicken and other meats. A feline’s system has special dietary requirements which are optimally met through a diet rich in protein, vitamins and other nutritional components found in meat in its natural form.

That said, many cat food products do contain a variety of vegetables, offering a plethora of nutritional ingredients such as potassium, antioxidants, riboflavin, vitamins, dietary fibre and more, all of which are beneficial to your kitty’s health.

Photo by Ioana Mohanu on Unsplash

Safe fruits and vegetables for cats

Here are 10 healthy, feline-safe fruits and vegetables to feed to your beloved kitty:

1. Broccoli

Broccoli florets are super rich in antioxidants, as well as high in dietary fiber. Constipated cats or those with any digestive disorders can benefit from the additional fiber that broccoli can provide - although too much fiber can cause diarrhea, so serve it in moderation. Otherwise, your cat can safely munch on a serve of steamed broccoli florets if they fancy it!

2. Carrots

A cat’s teeth may differ from a rabbit’s, but they can still benefit from eating this bunny food! Carrots are, in fact, a bit of a super food for cats, as they possess many health benefits.

Carrots are low in fat and offer calcium, potassium, vitamins A, C and B6, as well as dietary fiber and plenty of beta-carotene. Offering your cat carrots is best done grated or finely chopped and only once cooked to make it easier for them to digest.

3. Apples

Apples are low in fat and high in fiber - excellent for senior or overweight kitties. They are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, helping to maintain and improve the health of tissues and bones. It is vital that you always take care to first remove both the seeds and the core, however, as they contain dangerous cyanide.

4. Peas

Green peas are one of the healthiest vegetables for both humans and cats to consume, and are one of the most popular veggies to include in high quality cat foods. As well as containing good doses of vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, K and C, peas offer up healthy amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron, sinc, potassium and more. You can either puree them or mix some steamed peas up into their food to add some protein and carbs to their meal.

5. Bananas

Bananas are renowned for being high in potassium, which is great for supporting heart and kidney functions. However, they are also very high in sugar and carbohydrates, so it is important to serve these to your cat sparingly. A great way to offer banana to your cat is to provide it in small slices as an alternative to commercially-made pet treats.

Photo by Line Kjær Christensen on Unsplash

6. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is an effective source of soluble fiber, aiding in keeping your kitty regular and in good general digestive health. It can be particularly helpful, therefore, when your cat is suffering from either diarrhea or constipation. Interestingly, it is even said that pumpkin can make the perfect binder for a cat birthday cake! Best served cooked and pureed.

7. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidant properties that prevent cell and tissue damage in both humans and cats! As well as that, they are abundant in fiber and vitamin C. These yummy little berries are safe to feed your cat and may even improve their night vision and reduce their risk of developing any urinary tract infections.

8. Zucchini

Zucchinis are one of the best vegetables to feed your cat to aid in any necessary weight loss. Zucchinis are particularly low in calories, yet they still contain high levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and dietary fiber. Steamed and finely chopped, zucchinis can be easily hidden within your cat’s meals, or even mashed into a puree for the fussier feline.

9. Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are packed with minerals and vitamins such as A, B and C, and they have the potential to alleviate any inflammatory issues your cat may be suffering with. It is important to first remove the seeds and the skin before slicing into wedges to feed to your cat, and make absolutely sure that they don’t eat or even lick any of the skin - cantaloupe skin can carry harmful bacteria!

10. Spinach

Spinach contains a stack of vitamins and minerals, and it can serve as a powerful anti-inflammatory tool for a cat’s digestive tract. It is best served steamed as you would with broccoli. However, it is essential to note that spinach can be harmful to any cats suffering with urinary tract issues, as the calcium oxalate can contribute to the formation of harmful crystals within their urinary tract.

Photo by ja ma on Unsplash

Final thoughts

So, the next time you are at the grocery store, consider picking up some of these fruits and vegetables to share with your furry friend. Whether used as treats or hidden amongst their regular meals, this fresh produce can take the health of their diet to the next level for added well-being.