Spinach! Whether you love it or detest it, it’s recognised as a human “superfood” because of how many vitamins and minerals it contains. But can our cats eat spinach, and is it equally beneficial to their health as it is to ours?
Yes, most cats can eat spinach, to put it succinctly. It can offer some nutritional advantages, but it is not required to be a part of a cat’s diet. But beware, cat owners—some urinary and bladder problems in cats can be made worse by eating spinach! Before giving any to your feline buddy, continue reading for more information.
Most of the time, feeding your cat spinach will only give it healthy nutrients. However, feeding spinach to cats may make several urological and bladder conditions worse.
Can Cats Have Spinach?
The benefits of spinach as a human food are obvious. Rich in vitamins and minerals, and low in fats and sugars, spinach is one of those super healthy leafy greens. But how does this equate to cats? Cats are obligate carnivores and derive most of what they need nutritionally from meat.
Cats are highly dependent on protein for energy and require dietary fats to absorb some vitamins. Veggies are therefore not an essential part of a healthy diet for cats, unlike humans. However, even small amounts of spinach can be an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, iron, folate, and various essential vitamins.
Is Spinach Good for Cats?
Spinach is packed with goodness, so even a small portion of these leafy greens can provide a daily dose of various minerals and vitamins for cats. It is high in fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system and for reducing constipation. Spinach is also very low in calories for those cats who need a little help managing their weight.
How Much Spinach Can A Cat Eat?
Cats are small creatures, and therefore their daily requirements for various vitamins and minerals are smaller than ours. Small amounts of spinach are therefore perfectly adequate, especially because vegetables should only be used as an addition to your cat’s main diet, which should be meat-based, as they are carnivores. Eating large amounts of spinach can be problematic, especially for cats with urinary or kidney problems.
How Frequently Can A Cat Eat Spinach?
Spinach, and other veggies, should not form a major part of your cat’s diet, and therefore should be only fed on occasionally.
What Are The Risks Of Eating Spinach For Cats?
Spinach is not toxic nor poisonous to cats, but it can cause problems if fed in large quantities, or if your cat has any pre-existing urinary or kidney disease. Spinach contains a compound called calcium oxalate, which can cause stones to form in the urinary tract (either bladder stones or kidney stones), if eaten in large amounts, or if your cat is predisposed to urinary problems.
Raw spinach has the highest concentration of calcium oxalate than overcooked spinach. Small amounts of calcium oxalate will not be a problem in healthy cats, but if your cat has any known urinary problems it is recommended to avoid feeding spinach.
What Happens If Your Cat Eats Spinach?
In the vast majority of cases, eating spinach will only provide beneficial nutrients to your cat. However, if your cat is prone to urinary issues, or has eaten a large amount of spinach, monitor for the above symptoms and call your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Do Cats Enjoy The Taste Of Spinach?
Cats are usually most drawn to meaty or fishy smells and textures, and are often not hugely attracted to plant material as food. However, some cats are more curious than others and may fancy a try of some human food.