Can cats eat asparagus? This thought might cross your mind if your cat begs while you’re chopping up some stalks of this vegetable in the kitchen. If humans can eat asparagus, can cats safely eat it too?
There is no short yes or no answer as to whether cats can eat asparagus safely. While asparagus does possess quite a few health benefits for cats, there is a risk that it could also lead to urinary tract issues.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your favorite feline, including asparagus. Here’s what you need to know about asparagus and cats.
When Is Asparagus Okay For Cats To Eat?
Asparagus is not toxic or poisonous to cats. It’s a good source of fiber, which can help keep your kitty’s digestion schedule on track. The vegetable also contains a lot of potassium, which can be beneficial for heart and blood pressure health. The high levels of vitamins A, C, and K can be helpful for your cat too.
If you’ve decided to feed asparagus to your cat, make sure that you cook it first, ideally by steaming or boiling it. Chop the cooked asparagus up into bite-sized pieces, and add it to your cat’s regular meals.
Don’t add any extra salt or seasonings, and make sure to avoid serving up the firmer ends of the stalks because they’re much tougher to digest.
When Is Asparagus Bad For Cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, so most of their daily meals should consist of protein. Keep an eye on the amount of asparagus you’re serving should you decide to feed the vegetable to your cat, and always keep portions on the small size.
Beyond asparagus not being an essential food for a cat, the vegetable is also very high in alkaline. If a cat ingests too many alkaline foods, they run the risk of developing a urinary tract infection.
In some cases, plant-based foods like asparagus can also upset a cat’s stomach, so always watch out for any adverse reactions after your cat eats any veggies.
In general, while asparagus is not poisonous to cats and can confer on them a few health benefits, it’s best to stick to small portions served as a treat rather than as a main part of the daily diet.
Does your kitty love to taste your asparagus? How do you make sure you safely serve it to your cat? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
