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Can Cats Eat Eggplant – Toxic Foods To Avoid

Can Cats Eat Eggplant – Toxic Foods To Avoid

During the long, hot summer, we all enjoy feasting on the fresh fruits and veggies in bloom. They’re a refreshingly sweet and juicy way to beat the heat. While vegetables are great for humans, they may not be so good for cats, especially eggplant. It’s tempting to want to share vegetables with your cat, but can cats eat eggplant?

Cats cannot eat eggplant. Eggplant is dangerous to cats and is poisonous. A cat that eats an eggplant or consumes eggplant leaves is at a serious health risk.   

Eggplant is part of the nightshade family and is quite toxic for cats, along with tomatoes. It’s one of many human foods that should not be shared with your kitty. If you suspect that your cat has eaten eggplant, contact your veterinarian immediately for medical advice.  

Is Eggplant Safe For Cats

No, eggplant is not safe for cats unless it has been cooked. Even then, it’s not recommended for cats to consume very much, possibly only a few small pieces. When you cook it, don’t add any spices or sauces; only serve it to your kitty if it’s plain. It’s always better to prepare any veggies separately from the family meal to ensure they aren’t contaminated by something potentially toxic. 

It’s also good to remember those feline teeth are not made for grinding, the way human teeth are. If you plan to feed your cat fruits and veggies, make sure to chop them up into tiny pieces to facilitate digestion and prevent both throat and bowel obstructions. Always chop the pieces smaller than you initially thought; a choking hazard in such a little neck is no joke! You should always consult with your cat’s veterinarian or nutritionist before feeding your cat any human food. 

Are Eggplant Leaves Poisonous To Cats

Yes, they are. All parts of the plant, when raw, are very poisonous to cats. That includes the leaves of the eggplant. When consumed, the toxicity can prove to be fatal if left untreated. Some symptoms to be on the lookout for include aggressive behavior, decreased appetite and general gastrointestinal distress. If you notice any of those symptoms in your kitty, take them to the vet right away. Time is of the essence when trying to take on poisonings.  

If you keep a garden, make sure not to let your cat wander around when you aren’t there to supervise. Most plants are toxic in some form for cats, and they should be monitored closely to keep their curiosity from focusing on something poisonous. Also, you should be careful if you use herbicides or pesticides to keep your garden blooming beautifully. Those are incredibly toxic for your feline companions, and you should make sure your mini-panther merely is stalking around the bushes and not taking a bite!

Are Vegetables Good For Cats

Some vegetables can be good for cats, but it mainly depends on the vegetable in question. While cats don’t need vegetables to be included in their diet, some veggies can be a welcome addition to their food, as long as its in moderation. Cats who need to shed a few pounds may find veggies to be a yummy, rewarding treat. Green beans are especially recommended for overweight toms who need a low calorie, filling nibble. 

Snacking on some steamed broccoli or baked carrots can be a fun change in routine and a low-calorie way to spice up the typical day. Cats should primarily receive their calories from commercially produced cat food, but a little veggie on a special occasion is fine. Make sure you know which vegetables are okay, like broccoli, and which aren’t, like eggplant. It’s essential to check with a vet before feeding your cat any human food or putting them on a diet. 

Do Cats Need To Eat Vegetables

Nope, cats don’t need to eat vegetables to stay healthy. Cats obtain the nutrients they need from commercially produced cat food, whether wet or dry. As they are mostly carnivorous, they certainly shouldn’t have much of their diet be vegetable matter. However, that doesn’t mean that some veggies aren’t a good boost of vitamins and minerals. Your kids might not like them, but some cats enjoy snacking on a tasty veggie treat once in a while.  

You can try steamed asparagus, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and winter squash. Whenever you feed your kitty cooked veggies, make extra sure that they are plain. Spices and sauces may be delicious for us, but they often contain unhealthy ingredients for your cat. Instead of feeding Fluffy directly off of your plate, prepare something separately for him just to be safe.  

How Do I Get My Cat To Eat Vegetables

As any cat owner will tell you, it’s impossible to force a cat to do something they’re opposed to. We didn’t coin the phrase about herding cats for no reason! Some cats enjoy the taste of certain fruits and vegetables. Others may need a little coaxing. You can try dipping the veggie into some of their wet food or storing them with catnip as a small incentive.

Usually, if you want your cat to eat vegetables and they don’t want to, you don’t need to go to any lengths to make them. Cats don’t naturally need vegetables to have a healthy, well-balanced diet. They receive all of the nutrients they need from their commercially produced cat food. While some people advocate for forcing cats to subscribe to vegetarian diets, all vets concur that it’s unhealthy.  

However, some people want to substitute in certain, safe vegetables for cat treats, or to replace a small portion of their diet, in order to help Kitty lose weight. There are plenty of consequences for letting your cat free feed and become obese. Respiratory problems, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and fatty liver disease are all risks to consider. In light of that, it’s only natural to want to help your cat reach, and stay at, a healthy weight.  

What Greens Are Safe For Cats 

While some cats have no interest in greens, others would love to chow down on something leafy. It’s easy to offer whatever is on hand, like lettuce or eggplant, but you should always consult with your cat’s vet before feeding your cat human food. 

Other household plants that are okay for cats to nibble on include ferns, palms, and spider plants. Always be sure not to spray your houseplants with any kind of herbicide on the leaves or in the soil if there’s any chance your kitty might munch on them. You can also try herbs like catnip, chamomile, dill, lavender, peppermint, oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. For actual veggies, try frozen corn, zucchini, spinach, and pumpkin. Pumpkin can help with chronic constipation or diarrhea since it has good bacteria that help the stomach environment, although you should always consult your vet about any possible diseases. 

Some pet stores sell cat grass, which is specially designed for kitty consumption. If your cat looks interested in snacking on plants, try offering some cat grass, which is the nickname for wheatgrass. There are several theories as to why some cats enjoy leafy greens. Some believe cats deliberately want to make themselves throw up to get rid of unwanted stomach contents, to help prevent constipation, or to improve their overall digestion.  

What Vegetables Are Bad For Cats

Unfortunately, there are quite a few vegetables that you definitely shouldn’t share with your cat, no matter what plaintive meows they might make. Besides eggplants, tomatoes also belong to the nightshade family and should be avoided by the feline species. Additionally, members of the allium family like garlic, onions, leeks, and chives, are just as dangerous. Although they are fruits, avocados, and grapes are equally harmful to your kitty 

Because there are so many vegetables and fruits that are potentially poisonous, if you’re ever uncertain, err on the side of caution and don’t give your cat the food. If you believe your cat has eaten any of those foods, take your cat to his or her vet immediately for medical attention.