Last Updated: 4 months ago
We know that spinach is one of the most popular green leafy vegetables all over the world and is even considered a super-food for people
But, do the benefits transfer to your feline friend as well or should you be cautious of feeding this human food to your cat?
The answer to that question requires a more in-depth discussion than a mere ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ so, let’s delve deeper to find the answer to all your queries regarding can cats eat spinach.
Can cats Eat spinach?
The short answer is yes. Your cat can eat spinach. Spinach is not toxic to your cat, but it does require a certain degree of knowledge before you feed your cat the leafy greens.
Your cat may like the taste of spinach, but it doesn’t know any better-you indeed do. Even if your cat wants something, you need to check if it’s safe or not for your furry friend.
Eating spinach does provide nutritional benefits to your cat, but you need to know a few things first to avoid giving your cat side effects instead.
Is spinach bad for cats?
While it’s not particularly toxic for cats, spinach can be bad for your cat if not taken with proper precautions.
If your cat has kidney issues or urinary tract infection, giving spinach can worsen the condition. Spinach contains calcium oxalate, which can further aggravate underlying kidney problems.
Even if your cat has never been diagnosed with kidney problems, it can have underlying complications. It’s essential to look for symptoms in that case. Some of the common symptoms are;
- Loss in appetite
- Blood in urine or stool
- Frequent urination
- Nausea or vomiting
However, if your cat doesn’t have any of these symptoms and is overall healthy, you can try offering a bit of spinach every now and then.
Can cats eat raw spinach?
While you can give raw spinach to your cat if it’s healthy, you must refrain from doing so.
The oxalate in raw spinach can further complicate any underlying health conditions in cats; that is why it is not advisable to give raw spinach to them.
Even in healthy cats, the oxalate can lead to kidney issues, and thus raw spinach is a definite no for your cat.
It’s better to give cooked spinach to your cat to avoid unnecessary stress on its digestive system.
Remember to not add any spices or seasoning to it as well. Just boiling or steaming is good enough for your cat.
Health benefits for cat eating spinach
Spinach is loaded with nutrients, and your cat can benefit from those. Let’s discuss all the health benefits that are provided by including spinach in your cat’s diet.
Essential minerals
Spinach is an excellent source of essential minerals like iron and calcium. Iron helps produce hemoglobin which is a necessary protein for the circulatory system of your cat.
Iron is also crucial for growth and development, which makes it more beneficial to kittens in this respect. Calcium, present in spinach, promotes bone health in your cat.
Rich in Vitamins
Spinach is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K1. Vitamin K1 promotes blood clotting, while Vitamin C is great for skin health.
Spinach also contains carotenoids which your kitty’s body turns into Vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes a healthy immune system and protects the body from age-related issues.
Fiber-rich
Spinach is also rich in insoluble fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system by speeding up food and waste through the gut. So, if your cat has digestive issues, the dietary fiber in spinach may be beneficial.
Improves eyesight
Zeaxanthin and lutein are carotenoids present in spinach. They are also present in the eyes, and they protect from blindness.
Several studies have shown that these carotenoids help prevent macular degeneration and cataract.
How much spinach can cats eat at a time?
If you are tempted to offer a bunch of leaves to your kitty after knowing the various health benefits of spinach, please don’t!
Your cat is a carnivore and does not need spinach or any other vegetable in its regular diet. If your cat shows curiosity around the green leafy vegetable, you can offer one leaf as a trial.
It is vital to pay attention to any changes in your cat after spinach consumption. In case there are no signs of trouble, you can offer your kitty a leaf or two occasionally.
Conclusion
Spinach is a healthy option for cats owing to the several nutritional values they provide. However, cats are carnivores – they survive on animal protein.
In other words, they have no real need for fruits and green vegetables in their diet. That is why fruits and vegetables should only be an occasional treat to your feline friend.
With spinach, moderation is the key. If you are cautious about all of these things, you can surely let your cat have this healthy treat.
Can cats eat spinach? Please share your thoughts on this topic below!
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Barry Stingmore is a British content creator living in Fuerteventura, Spain. An animal lover at heart, he shares his home with a dog and four rescue cats. Barry works with the island’s animal charities to help manage and care for feral and abandoned animals. Alongside fieldwork, he works to support the charities with fundraising and raising awareness.
