In this brief guide, we will answer the query, “Can cats eat asparagus?” We will also discuss when asparagus is bad for the cats and what are the benefits of feeding them to your cats.
Can cats eat asparagus?
Yes, cats can eat asparagus. Asparagus is generally not considered toxic for cats, however, it may have some harmful effects on them in some scenarios, so always make sure that you cook the asparagus properly and serve them in small portions while feeding the cats.
The high-fat contents in asparagus can be very good for the digestive health of cats. Likewise, asparagus is also rich in potassium which is beneficial for your cat’s heart as well as the blood pressure. The health benefits of asparagus are not only limited to these, it is also high in vitamins A, C, and K which have additional health benefits.
Steaming or boiling the asparagus is the ideal way of feeding your cats with asparagus as it makes the stalks softer and easier to digest. Cooked asparagus should be chopped into bite-sized pieces and added to your cat’s regular meals.
Moreover, do not use any additional salt or seasonings, and avoid serving the tougher ends of the stalks because they are much more difficult to digest.
When is asparagus bad for cats?
Asparagus can be bad for cats when given in huge portions, so if you’re feeding your cat asparagus, always cook thoroughly and keep the portions as small as possible.
Asparagus is not necessarily considered something you must feed to your cats as they are obligate carnivores. Their digestive systems are basically built to thrive on a meat-only diet and even trace amounts of plant matter may be difficult for them to digest and may result in conditions like stomach irritation.
Hence, while asparagus is not poisonous at all, uncooked and excessive consumption can result in different digestive problems in cats. Also, they are very high in alkaline, and consumption of high alkaline foods in cats is often associated with the development of a urinary tract infection.
Excessive consumption of asparagus causes the urine of cats to be alkaline which could encourage the growth and spread of harmful bacteria in your cat’s bladder, leading to conditions such as urinary tract infection.
Consumption of asparagus also increases their chances of developing struvite stones in their bladder. To avoid struvites, cats’ urine should have a pH of around 6.00-6.40, which will ultimately rise after consuming too much asparagus.
You should also be wary of any kind of allergic reactions while feeding asparagus to your cats. The symptoms of asparagus allergy in cats are similar to those of other plant-based food allergies. Symptoms include gastrointestinal complications such as vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, irritable behavior, and facial swelling.
Sometimes, consumption of asparagus can upset a cat’s stomach, so it is safe to keep a close eye out for any side effects after your cat consumes asparagus. While asparagus is not poisonous to cats and may provide some health benefits, it is best to limit its consumption to small amounts served occasionally rather than as a main course.
What are the benefits of feeding asparagus to cats?
Adding small portions of asparagus to your cat’s diet has several health benefits including improving their digestive health, cardiovascular health, immunity, etc. Asparagus is high in dietary fiber, which helps to keep your cat’s digestive system in good working order.
Dietary fibers nourish your cat’s gut-friendly bacteria which are present throughout your cat’s digestive tract and serve primarily to aid digestion. They also help to regulate your cat’s bowel movements, which is beneficial in preventing digestive issues like constipation. Also, incorporating small pieces of asparagus into their diet will help them feel fuller for a longer period.
Being a rich source of plant fibers, asparagus also lowers the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Asparagus is also rich in potassium which can prevent the accumulation of excess salt in your cat’s body.
In addition to causing hypertension, high levels of salt may also cause sodium ion poisoning resulting in seizures and tremors in cats. Furthermore, asparagus contains antioxidant compounds that aid in the reduction of oxidative damage in the cells of your cat’s body.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the query, “Can cats eat asparagus?” We have also discussed when asparagus is bad for the cats and what are the benefits of feeding them to your cats.
