You may have ever chopped some asparagus and noticed that your cat seemed very curious about the veggie or taken a piece that accidentally dropped on the floor. But you might be wondering if human beings can eat asparagus, can cats eat asparagus too?
The answer is yes, cats can eat asparagus. There is no harm in giving your cat a few pieces of asparagus. Asparagus is loaded with a lot of water and a few slices would be an excellent treat for your cat, especially during the hot summer day to keep your cat hydrated. An interesting thing about cats is that they don’t have a taste of sweet flavors that’s why they hate fruits and veggies. But if you love taking care of your cat, you know that water, fiber, and vitamins are very important in your cat’s diet. However, you should remember that cats are carnivorous which means they don’t eat veggies. So 1 or 2 small slices of asparagus are enough for your feline friend but don’t substitute it with his/her regular meals.
What is asparagus?
This is a plant originally from Southern Asia, but nowadays you can find it all around the world. It has a cylindrical shape and is used as a veggie. It’s rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are very beneficial to your health. Regular consumption of asparagus is said to reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases and also prevent uterine, ovarian, prostate, and breast cancers. This veggie is mostly recommended for people who want to lose weight because it contains 95% water and is very low in calories with a cup of sliced asparagus only containing 16 calories. This veggie is not only beneficial to you, but it’s also beneficial to your cat.
Nutritional value of asparagus
Asparagus mostly contain water which is a good way of ensuring your cat takes enough water and stays hydrated, especially if your cat hates drinking water. Just add a few slices to her diet and she’ll be set to go. They’re also a good source of vitamin K which helps to improve the health of your feline’s liver as well as blood clotting, and potassium, manganese, and copper. Apart from vitamins, asparagus are also a good source of molybdenum, a trace mineral that helps a lot with your cat’s metabolism. All these benefits make asparagus a great veggie to feed your feline friend now and then, but in small quantities.
Do you have a diabetic cat?
Obesity is a health problem that affects many cats and dogs and it can cause serious health issues in your pet’s later years or even reduce her lifespan. Asparagus helps in weight loss in both humans and animals. The fact that it doesn’t contain any artificial sugars and is very low in calories is very good news if you’re worried that your feline friend might become obese. This veggie contains molybdenum that helps with your cat’s metabolism.
Precautions
Most pet owners tend to go overboard when you learn that something is good and healthy for your pet. If you give your cat more than 2 slices of asparagus, she will most likely diarrhea because it contains a lot of water. The best option is to give it an occasional treat. It’s also better if you peeled the skin off because asparagus is sprayed with pesticides and the chemicals may be left on the skin and it can poison your cat.
Is the asparagus plant poisonous to cats?
If you have planted some asparagus in your backyard, you need to be extra careful with your cat because this plant can harm your feline friend. The asparagus leaves and stem can make her sneeze and irritate her eyes when she comes into close contact with it. A cat with skin irritation isn’t a pretty sight that’s why you need to keep your feline friend away from the leaves and stem of the asparagus.
Why are cats afraid of asparagus?
Many videos on the internet show the reaction of cats when they see asparagus. In these videos that asparagus is placed near the cat when it either napping or resting. When she wakes up, she freaks out after seeing the asparagus and the most likely reaction from the cat will be either begin to jump or run after seeing a long green veggie. These reactions are mostly out of fear and a form of a defensive mechanism. Cats are very suspicious animals of the unknown and the asparagus tends to look like a snake and this can cause your cat to start hissing.
According to animal behavioral experts, such pranks can cause physical and mental trauma on your cat and may trigger aggressive feelings which can have serious consequences. Your cat can start to resent anything green. So instead of scaring your cat with veggies for the sake of making amusing internet videos, you can give the veggies to your cat so that she remains healthy and strong.
Conclusion
The good news is you can share your asparagus with your cat without worrying about possible side effects. It’s good for your cat because it gives her moisture and cats love its fresh flavor. You can use it as an occasional treat for your cat and although it’s not toxic, you shouldn’t include it in your cat’s regular diet. Cats are obligate carnivores which means cats need meat because it provides them with the nutrients they need and other foods can be given occasionally.
It’s recommended that you only give a few slices of asparagus to your cat and remember to peel the skin as it can be a problem for your cat. Asparagus has a very high water content and if your cat eats too much, it could lead to diarrhea. To avoid overfeeding your cat with asparagus to avoid gastrointestinal upsets. The molybdenum in the asparagus ensures that your cat’s metabolic system is running smoothly at all times.