What foods cats can and cannot eat and quantities.

Cats can eat a wide variety of foods, they are carnivores although they can digest and obtain nutrients from both plant and animal foods. In order for them to be properly fed, we must offer them food that contains the nutrients they need.

Here are some plant-based foods that cats can eat in small quantities as a complement to their diet.

Fruits that cats can eat

In general, the total amount of fruit should not exceed one or two teaspoons a day and it is always better not to mix too many ingredients together, because if something goes wrong and we have given only one ingredient, we will be sure that it was that one.

Apple: Cats can eat apples in small pieces without skin or with well-washed skin. Apples are rich in fibre, contain vitamin C, vitamin B and minerals such as potassium and manganese. We should give very small pieces or give it grated. 

Pear: if you like pears, you can eat a few small pieces from time to time, as they are rich in vitamin C, B vitamins and vitamin K.

Melon: perfectly suitable for cats and many cats love it, with a high water content, it has nutrients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium and folic acid, and is also rich in fibre.

Watermelon: this is another example of a fruit that is good for cats and which they tend to like a lot. It is very hydrating and rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium and magnesium.

Strawberries: they can also eat strawberries, and are rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamin C. We offer them in small pieces and very well washed.

Vegetables that cats can eat

Pumpkin: it is rich in fibre and can help regulate the digestive system of cats. It should be offered cooked, and in small amounts, a maximum of one tablespoon a day.

Carrots: a good source of vitamin A and fibre, and are also beneficial for cats' eye health. They can be eaten raw, finely chopped or grated, but will be easier to digest if steamed, boiled or roasted. It can be given as a treat or a maximum of one spoonful a day.

Peppers: a source of vitamin C and rich in fibre. Cooked they are easier to digest, and we should remove the seeds and the stem part. It has no toxic substances but should be offered in small quantities.

Broccoli: rich in vitamins C, A and K, as well as folic acid, potassium and calcium, it is also rich in antioxidants, fibre and has anti-inflammatory properties. As always, it is best eaten cooked and in small quantities.

Courgette: high in fibre, contains vitamins and minerals, and like other vegetables is best digested cooked.

Asparagus: contains fibre and nutrients such as vitamin K. They should be eaten cooked and in small quantities, maximum one teaspoon a day.

Tomato: it provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. But the red tomato, because both the plant and the green tomato are toxic. We can offer it raw or cooked without fat or salt (grilled, baked, boiled, microwave), never fried. They tend to like it a lot but we should give moderate amounts, half a teaspoon maximum in a day.

Potato and sweet potato: source of carbohydrates, fibre and minerals. In this case, cooking is obligatory so that toxins are destroyed.

Cereals that cats can eat

Cereals should always have been processed to be digested and we should avoid commercial products with excessive fats or seasonings, and if we cook them ourselves we will avoid oils and salt. Cereals contain nutrients that are beneficial for our companions.

Rice: white or brown rice is a source of easily digestible carbohydrates. They can help us with digestive problems or to add variety to their diet.

Oatmeal: provides soluble fibre, iron and phosphorus. Due to its presentation, it is usually easier to make biscuits or add to porridge.

Barley: barley is a source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, and can be used in the form of flour to make biscuits or porridge.

Wheat: Wheat provides carbohydrates and other nutrients.

Sensitivity or intolerance to cereals is not very common in cats, but we cannot rule it out, as with other foods.

In quantity we will not give more than half a spoonful or a spoonful a day as cereal is a complement in their diet and we cannot unbalance it by reducing their ration of complete food.

Legumes that cats can eat

Peas: Peas are a source of vegetable protein and fibre that can be beneficial for cats.

Lentils: excellent source of protein, fibre and minerals such as iron and zinc. They are rich in folates. We can give them simply cooked or mash them once cooked.

Chickpeas: rich in protein, fibre and minerals. We can offer them whole cooked or in a softer hummus-type spread (without oil, garlic or spices).

Beans and kidney beans: both beans and black, red or white beans are high in protein and fibre. They also provide nutrients such as potassium. They can be simply cooked or pureed.

We must bear in mind that pulses should always be given very well cooked, otherwise they can be very indigestible due to their anti-nutrients. We should always introduce them very gradually so that their digestive system can adapt. 

Each cat is unique and may have different needs and tolerances. It is therefore advisable to consult a veterinarian before including new legumes in your cat's diet to ensure that they are suitable for their health and well-being.

Other plant-based foods for our cats

Natural vegetable yoghurts without sugars or sweeteners. Very small quantities.

Small quantities of vegetable milks as natural as possible, without sugars, sweeteners, flavourings or oils.

Raw vegetable oils such as coconut, linseed, sunflower or olive oil, we can give them half a teaspoon for every 5 kilos of weight per day.

Nutritional yeast, rich in B vitamins and antioxidants. Cats usually love this, we can give them half a teaspoon a day, sprinkled on their food or make a paste with a little oil or water and the yeast.

Crushed flax seeds rich in omega 3.

Seaweed: rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids. The smell and taste are very appealing to them.

Turmeric: a superfood that provides antioxidants, with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. 

All these foods should be given in small amounts unless your vet prescribes a treatment with any of them.

***Many foods have nutrients that may be contraindicated in some animals, so always ask your vet if your companion can take them and in what proportions, for example bananas or chickpeas are contraindicated in renal patients due to their high phosphorus content. 

Foods that cats cannot eat

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Onions, which can cause problems in the digestive system of dogs, depending on the amount ingested.

Avocado, which contains persin, a substance toxic to dogs.

Fruits with pits, such as cherries or peaches, as the pits can cause choking or poisoning.

Grapes and sultanas, which can cause kidney damage in cats.

Salt and salty foods in excess, which can lead to dehydration and health problems.

Spices, cats are more sensitive than dogs to spices.

Dairy products, cats can become lactose intolerant after their lactation period, and since they do not benefit from consuming animal milk, we should avoid consuming it.