Can cats eat spinach? Maybe you’ve been preparing some spinach in the kitchen ahead of adding it to your evening meal and found yourself wondering if you could share it with your kitty. If humans can eat spinach, can cats safely eat it too?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat spinach. The leafy green vegetable is a great source of vitamins and minerals, along with fiber which can help out with digestion problems. But it should be noted that there are certain cats who should avoid spinach due to a few potential medical issues.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your beloved feline, including spinach. Here’s what you need to know about spinach and cats.
How Is spinach Good For Cats?
When it comes to the health benefits of feeding spinach to your cat, it provides great amounts of the vitamins A, B6, B2, C, E, and K. Spinach also provides the nutrients potassium, magnesium, and folate.
Being that spinach is high in fiber, it can be a useful dietary addition for cats who struggle with digestion issues. It may also help improve a cat’s eyesight, and in some cases, spinach can help felines dealing with high blood pressure.
How Can I Safely Give Spinach To My Cat?
First of all, it’s important to note that because spinach contains calcium oxalates, it is not recommended for cats who have urinary tract issues. This is because calcium oxalates can lead to crystals forming in the urinary tract.
If your cat has experienced urinary tract issues in the past, consult with your veterinarian before adding spinach to your kitty’s diet.
When it comes to preparing spinach for your cat, it’s best to avoid feeding raw spinach due to the above issues involving oxalates. Instead, steam the spinach, making sure that you don’t add any extra sodium, spices, or garlic to the pot.
Once cooked, let the spinach come to room temperature before feeding it to your cat, and only ever feed a small amount of spinach to your feline. Remember, cats are obligate carnivores who need most of their nutrition to come from meat protein, not vegetables.
Has your cat ever enjoyed spinach as an addition to their regular meals? What other veggies is your cat willing to eat? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
