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As kids, we are always told that leafy greens will make us big and strong. It is natural to assume that certain foods will provide your feline friend with the same benefits as it does to you. However, there is one major difference – cats are carnivores.
Carnivores have evolved to process certain foods differently from us omnivores. Domesticated cats are no different from their wild counterparts, they get all they need from meat! You may be wondering if they can eat any vegetables at all.
Cat owners will know that these crafty beings are always interested in our plates of food, so if they sneak a little taste every now and then is that so bad? Some human foods are actually toxic to cats.
In this article, learn whether or not it is safe for your cat to eat lettuce and what vegetables are okay for them to eat (see also ‘Can Cats Eat Carrots?‘).
Can Cats Eat Vegetables?
Although cats are through and through carnivores, they are curious creatures and may pay attention to the vegetables on your plate from time to time. There are a few vegetables that are safe for cats to eat, but they are not required for a healthy and balanced diet (see also ‘Can Cats Have Strawberries?‘).
Certain vegetables can be beneficial to help with your cat’s digestive system. Vegetables contain lots of fiber which helps with regular bowel movements. If you notice that your cat hasn’t made a bowel movement in a while, a small portion of vegetables may help.
Here is our list of cat-safe vegetables:
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Carrot
- Green beans
- Potatoes
- Corn
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Pumpkin or squash
Even if you don’t plan on giving your furry friend any vegetables or ‘human food’, it can be reassuring if they do steal a little from the countertop that they won’t do any harm.
Is Lettuce Safe For Them To Eat?
Yes, lettuce is safe for cats to eat! According to Purina, a well-known pet care brand, cats can eat lettuce in moderation but it is by no means toxic to your cat. This means no physical harm will come to your cat such as gastrointestinal issues or poisoning.
As you will be aware, there are many types of lettuce. So are they all safe for cats to eat? It is recommended that if you are going to feed your cat lettuce it be one of these types:
- Iceberg
- Leaf
- Romaine
A few shreds of lettuce every now and then aren’t going to cause any harm and may excite your curious kitty. We recommend talking to your veterinarian if you have any doubts about giving your pet a new type of food.
Are There Any Benefits Of Eating Lettuce?
Cats can eat lettuce in addition to their main meals, but it should not be a substitute. There are discrepancies as to whether the lettuce will make any difference in your cats’ nutrition; here are some of the benefits put forward.
Hydration
Even though cats are carnivores, there still may be a few benefits that come from them eating a little bit of lettuce. They don’t need lettuce to stay healthy, but the water content of the food means that they can get some extra hydration in their system.
Vitamins And Minerals
Lettuce contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial to both cats and humans. Examples of this include vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps with metabolic functions such as immune system regulation. Cats and dogs can make their own vitamin C, but a little extra never hurts!
Potassium is an important nutrient to help with the normal functioning of the cells. Cats need some potassium in their diet to help filter out anything harmful through the kidneys. They should get all the potassium they need from meat, but a little extra is always appreciated.
Fiber
The fiber content of the vegetable can help with your cat’s digestion, especially if they are suffering from constipation. It is better to try a method such as this rather than constipation relief from the veterinarian as this will be gentler on their system.
Low-Calorie Snacks
It is no secret that cats can be greedy little creatures, they definitely know the sound of a treat packet opening. Luckily, lettuce has next to no calories, so it can be a healthy snack option for your cat.
Giving your cat a small serving of lettuce or even a few shreds can be a great way to manage their weight – providing they like lettuce in the first place!
How To Feed Your Cat Lettuce
As mentioned, cats can consume lettuce in small quantities. This means breaking apart lettuce leaves or shredding them rather than giving them to your cat whole as this stops them from choking.
There is no need to cook the lettuce, but definitely wash it beforehand so it’s free from dirt or potential pesticides.
Why Does My Cat Want To Play With Lettuce?
Do you love houseplants? Does your cat also like your houseplants? When feeling somewhat bored or mischievous, cats have been known to play with (attack) the leaves of houseplants which can be fatal for your green friend.
Some cats also like the taste of certain houseplant leaves! They have such a good sense of smell that attracts them to the plant and they give it a cheeky little nibble.
If your cat has encountered lettuce before, it may have a similar reaction to the plants. One way to try and combat this behavior is to let them play with the leaves of lettuce.
This offering may reduce their tendency to nibble or shred your houseplants and satisfy their cravings for leafy greens.
The Bottom Line
Cats can eat lettuce in small quantities. Once a week is the ideal serving suggestion for this type of vegetable. Although this will not provide your cat with much nutritional value, it can make for a nice change and a healthier treat for overweight kitties.
