Celery is a healthy vegetable and a popular side dish with various foods in different cultures, but can cats eat celery? That is not a question we often ask ourselves or others around us. Therefore, in this article, we shall be answering this question and many others like it.
Cats are one of the most loved animals, and if you have a furry little companion of your own, this article will help you figure out what you can do to make their meals more exciting.
Can Cats Eat Celery?
Well, the answer is YES! Cats can eat celery. Celery is one of the few food items that are almost as beneficial for cats as they are for us. Cat owners find themselves in a situation where they do not know what to feed their cat other than the same old packaged cat food.
They begin to experiment with preparing their meals at home, finding themselves in a position wondering what vegetables they can eat?
Cats are carnivores which means that they fulfill their specific nutritional requirements from meat consumption. Although some vegetables may be toxic for cats, such as spinach, celery is one of the few vegetables that will not be harmful to your cat.
Is Celery Safe for Cats?
Yes! You can feed celery to your cat. However, it can not be used to replace a well-balanced diet for your cat. As cats are carnivores, consuming meat is vital because, without a proper meat-based diet, they cannot receive the desired intake of the minerals and vitamins required. Insufficient consumption of meat can make your cats seriously ill.
Although, if given in a moderate amount, it will not negatively affect your cat. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has listed known toxic plants that cause life-threatening issues to cats. This list does not have a single sign of celery. This means you are good to go! As it won’t be harmful to your feline companion.
Have a look at can cats eat asparagus
What Does Celery Do for a Cat?
Cats can have one of two reactions when they encounter a piece of celery:
They will either love it due to its playful texture as many cats show a preference towards certain types of textures, and celery can prove to be quite enticing for them due to its crunchy and wood-like texture
They will completely ignore it as cats are often not fond of vegetables. It is okay to give your cat a small quantity of celery because large quantities can cause them to vomit due to their inability to digest such fiber-intensive foods.
Is Celery Good/Bad for Your Cats?
Although cats do possess the ability to eat celery, the real question here is: What are the advantages and disadvantages of celery to cats?
Benefits associated with the consumption of eating celery:
- There is no better feeling than caressing your cat’s soft fur as they snuggle on your lap if you are a cat owner. Luckily, celery contains a decent number of vitamins such as Vitamin C, D, E, and Vitamin B6, B12, and Vitamin K, which are extremely valuable for your cat and promote healthy skin.
- Celery is rich in fibers, which can help with your cats’ digestive issues.
- One of the best things about celery is that it can help intensify a cat’s appetite.
- Celery also helps your cat’s kidney function, which further aids them in releasing toxic compounds in the cat’s body system.
- Celery contains 15 different antioxidants, and adding small amounts of celery to your cat’s diet can improve their gut health.
- Celery can also help in weight loss for obese cats.
- Since celery contains around 95% water, this will help keep your cat well hydrated, and this high level of water, along with the high level of fiber present in celery, can help fight against constipation in cats.
Cons of feeding celery to your cat:
Approximately 10% of your cat’s daily diet should come from sources outside their nutritionally balanced cat food. Eating celery as that 10% would amount to 1 single tablespoon of celery a day. If you end up feeding your cat more than that 10%, it would not have a huge impact, but it’s important to note that you should not turn that into a daily thing, or a habit like that can lead to a more negative impact.
If you exceed the specified limit, there can be some problems, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some cats may experience mild amounts of skin agitation if they encounter celery leaves, and a small number of cats may also be allergic to the vegetable.
Read can cat eat cucumber
In some cases, it can even be a choking hazard for cats if it isn’t cut into small bite-sized pieces that are to chew and digest for these precious little feline creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cats Eat Cooked Celery?
Yes, your cat can eat cooked celery, Although steamed would be the best option as cats do not possess the ability to sufficiently break down plant cell walls and digest the celery entirely.
Can cats eat celery root?
Yes, you can put small portions of celery roots along with your cat’s food or if you’re making a kitty soup to add a little extra variety to their meal.
Can cats eat celery stalks?
Cats can eat celery stalks, but only if it is given in a controlled quantity and small portions such as very tiny pieces, so it does not become a choking hazard for them.
Can baby cats eat celery?
Yes, you can feed your infant cats vegetables as they need to absorb nutrients from their diet. Being filled with several nutrients and minerals, it’s a great option to provide your baby cat with a mixture of meats and vegetables such as celery.
Why do cats love celery?
Many cats are usually not fond of vegetables or don’t prefer to eat them, but some cats can develop a liking for certain vegetables such as celery.
Do cats like the smell of celery?
Cats are quite sensitive to smell and usually have a picky nature. You may notice them completely ignoring certain vegetables such as celery or developing a fondness for them.
Are celery leaves safe for cats?
Yes, Celery leaves are completely safe for cats. You may also notice that cats are often attracted to celery leaves growing out of celery stalks due to their similarity to catnip.
Can cats drink celery juice?
Yes,cats can drink celery juice. Celery juice provides your cat with a significant number of vitamins and fibers that are crucial and beneficial for your cat. Due to a lack of research, your cat should intake no precise set amount, but it is suggested that one tablespoon is more than enough.
Celery juice comes with a substantial number of vitamins and nutrients. Besides this, there is no choking hazard for your cat either as it does not contain any large pieces of celery.
Can Cats eat celery seeds?
Celery seeds are often used in eastern medicine as they are beneficial for treating several health issues such as kidney issues. However, it is advised to seek advice from a veterinarian before giving your cat any herbal supplements. Depending on their medical history, they may contain compounds that can be harmful to your cat.
Conclusion
Is celery safe for cats? The answer is Yes. Cats can safely consume celery. Like humans, cats can also take advantage of the various health benefits of celery, which mostly comes in vitamins and its rich fiber content.
It does not contain anything that can harm your cat, although if a cat is fed more than the required amount, it can have side effects such as vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.In conclusion, Celery is beneficial for your cat, but it is always better to consult a doctor before adding human foods to your pet cat’s diet.
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