If you’re a cat owner, you at times want to spoil your cat by giving her something nice once in a while you might think there’s nothing wrong with giving a small treat, but according to pet vets, there are certain foods that can send your feline friend to the vet. So, are dates a good choice for your cat, can cats eat dates or are they toxic?
The answer is yes because they aren’t toxic to cats but they aren’t recommended. Typically you can feed your cat dates without visiting the vet, but it’s better if your cat doesn’t eat dates in the first place because it can cause some potential issues. Dates are fruits so they contain sugar and cats don’t have sweet receptors so they can’t enjoy eating dates. So even if dates may be healthy to you, for your cat it’s just some piece of food to eat. As such, it’s better to give your feline friend snacks or treats that are designed for cats.
Dates are considered to be very healthy for humans. They contain lots of vitamins and minerals and also magnesium, healthy oils, and iron. They’re mostly used as a preservative food that helps to strengthen your immune system and build up your muscles. They’re mostly eaten as a dried fruit that you can mix in your salads, granola bars, or in baking. You can also get it in its fresh form. So, if these little fruits are such an excellent source of nutrients for you, are they right for your cat?
Are dates good for cats?
Different pet vets may have a slightly different ideal on the ideal cat diet, but the consensus is that you shouldn’t feed your cat dates. But you shouldn’t get so worried if your cat eats a few dates since they aren’t toxic. Although dates are safe for your feline friend to munch on, remember cats are obligate carnivores which mean their natural diet is meat. So if your cat loves eating dates, try to limit her intake and the best option would be to give them as a treat or a snack.
The good thing about dates is that they’re loaded with lots of nutrients that are healthy for both you and your feline friend. However, the consequences of your cat eating dates outweigh the benefits. That’s why it’s not a good idea to include dates as part of your cat’s diet. The best thing would be to talk to a vet before introducing any new food in your cat’s daily diet so that you can make informed decisions.
Dates nutritional value
Dates are very healthy fruits for humans as they contain plenty of fiber, copper, and manganese. All these components have their way of interacting with your body. These sweet treats have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce your blood pressure levels and keep your digestive system healthy. They’re also rich in potassium and vitamin B6 that is very beneficial to your body. However, dates contain a lot of sugar and it’s because of this fact that they aren’t recommended if you have high blood sugar or if you’re trying to lose weight.
Nutritional effects of dates on cats
Dates have many health benefits to humans, but when it comes to your cat there are more consequences than benefits.
One of the most important things you should consider is the laxative effect of dates. For the human body, this isn’t a problem because you can consume dates regularly and the only effect would be to going to the toilet more often. However, for your cat things are different. Giving your cat even one date could cause havoc in her digestive system. This may result in vomiting, severe diarrhea, and even a visit to the vet. This means you should be careful, but don’t panic if your cat happens to consume some dates.
Something else you should consider is calories since your cat has its dietary requirements just like you. For a human, it’s recommended you take about 2000 calories a day, for a cat it’s around 200-250 calories which isn’t a lot. A small date contains 67 calories, so if your cat eats her daily meals and one date, it can lead to unhealthy levels.
Every date has a pit at the center which can choke your cat because it will be unable to swallow.
Dried dates are a sweet and healthy treat for humans, but they’re not for your cat. Pieces of dried dates can get stuck in your cat’s teeth which can cause tooth decay. Dates contain about 80% of sugar and a single date can have 16 grams of sugar on its own.
Cats don’t have sweet taste receptors in their tongue. Because of these, dates aren’t foods that cats would naturally seek to eat on their own. They can express interest because they’re naturally curious beings, but they won’t enjoy eating them. It’s better to reward your feline friend with something she will enjoy eating with far fewer risks.
Final thoughts
Cats are usually curious creatures that will show interest in whatever snack you’re going to enjoy that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to share. The bottom line is cats can eat dates because they aren’t toxic to cats, but it’s better to get a better alternative. You can give it in moderation as a treat, but too many dates can lead to excess accumulation of laxatives in your cat’s body which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. While the date may have many health benefits, the negatives outweigh the positives as far as cats are concerned.
It’s better if you eat the dates yourself as a healthy snack and get a better treat for your cat that she will enjoy. Before giving your cat a treat, make sure you consult a vet before making changes in your cat’s dietary meal. This will save you and your feline friend unexpected visits to the vet and this will ensure that your cat lives a healthier happier life.