Can Cats Eat Broccoli? What are the Benefits?
Broccoli is a very nutritious veggie and a source of vitamins and minerals for humans. But can cats eat broccoli? Yes, a little broccoli won’t hurt a cat as long as it’s cooked.
If your kitty snacked on your plate of broccoli when you’re not looking, there’s nothing to be worried about. Broccoli is non-toxic, but it must be given in moderation and in small amounts, just like any food.
Remember that as carnivores, vegetables like broccoli are not a major part of a cat’s diet.
Can Cats Eat Broccoli? Is Broccoli Safe For Cats?
Broccoli is one of the few vegetables that cats can actually eat. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will boost your kitty’s health.
Experts believe that cats reap the same benefits as we do when eating broccoli. It helps flush out toxins in the body as well as free radicals that may cause sickness. For cats with an upset stomach, broccoli may offer some relief.
Aside from that, broccoli is rich in fiber that will aid your cat’s digestion and bowel movement.
If you are to give broccoli to your cat, start with the smallest bit. After that, observe if your kitty will have an adverse reaction.
If your cat seems to be fine, you can give more. But if the kitty showed symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, you must stop giving broccoli.
I also recommend having the cat checked by the vet to know if it has an allergy or intolerance toward broccoli.
Just note that humans’ and cats’ digestive systems are inherently different. Cats don’t digest food and absorb nutrients the same way that we do. While they may benefit from broccoli, it may not become as nutritious as it’s supposed to be.
Precautions When Giving Broccoli To Cats
Like with any vegetable, you should only give broccoli to cats in small amounts. Also, it shouldn’t be a major part of your cat’s diet.
Unlike some humans, cats are not meant to be vegetarians. While you may want your cat to hop into your newfound lifestyle, it would be detrimental to their health.
In the wild, cats don’t need plants or broccoli, for that matter. But as domesticated pets, they have been exposed to various food items.
Still, don’t expect your cat to know the difference between broccoli and a toxic plant. Cats that are used to eating green vegetables like green beans stand the chance of chewing on a poisonous shrub.
Anyway, if you just want to get rid of one broccoli floret from your plate, giving it to your cat shouldn’t be a problem.
Also, you should chop the broccoli before giving it to your cat. An entire floret can be a choking hazard, especially for a kitten. Most of all, the broccoli should be steamed, so it’s soft and easier to chew.
Lastly, avoid giving broccoli to cats suffering from kidney problems. Broccoli contains high levels of potassium, which will add pressure to the kidney’s condition.
Why Is My Cat Obsessed With Broccoli?
Cats develop unique obsessions with different food items. For example, some cats love broccoli, while others hate the smell of it. It depends on your cat will react to it once you give the veggie to the kitty.
If your cat suddenly can’t get enough of broccoli, you should consider bringing it to the vet. Your cat might be suffering from stomach problems. As you know, cats seek plants in an effort to flush out the irritants in their tummies.
It’s also possible that your cat likes the taste of the broccoli meal. If you’re serving flavored and seasoned broccoli, just about any cat will like it. However, this isn’t healthy, especially if you’re using a lot of spices and salts.
Can Cats Have Cauliflower?
Cauliflower is somewhat similar to broccoli, so no wonder a lot of cat owners are asking if it’s suitable for their pets. Yes, cauliflowers are safe for cats if steamed or boiled.
Like broccoli, cauliflower is rich in vitamins and minerals. However, it has fewer antioxidants due to its lighter color.
Cauliflower is also suitable for cats that have developed plant eating habits.
Also, you should only give your cat a small amount of cauliflower from time to time. It’s still a vegetable, which isn’t a major part of the feline diet.
You should also stick to cauliflower florets since they are softer and more nutritious than other parts.
Can Kittens Eat Steamed Broccoli?
Steamed broccoli should be safe for kittens as long as it’s given in small amounts. Kittens that have been weaned are likely eating soft or wet food.
Sprinkling chopped and boiled broccoli on top of it will give the kitty an added dose of nutrition. Remember that you have to dice it into tiny pieces to prevent choking.
Still, you shouldn’t consider broccoli or any vegetable as the main source of protein for kittens.
Kittens are fast-growing, and they need whole protein sources like animal meat. This will sustain their growth and keep them healthy.
Can Cats Eat Celery?
Celery is often served side by side with broccoli. Overall, celery is safe for cats, but giving too much of this veggie will cause stomach upset.
Celery contains flavonoids, beta carotene, Vitamin C, and different kinds of antioxidants that have been proven beneficial for inflammation of the digestive tract and overall health.
Nevertheless, a lot of cats don’t like celery because of its smell. While your kitty can eat raw celery, you should cook it the same way you’ll do with broccoli. Please read here: Can Cats Eat Raw Tuna
If your cat experiences diarrhea and stomach upset, you must stop giving celery right away.
Can Cats Eat Broccoli Florets?
According to a study, broccoli florets have a better nutritional profile than their stalks or leaf. This is the reason why these parts are excellent options for cats.
Aside from that, florets are softer and easier to chew, so even kittens can consume them.
Also, make sure that you wash the florets carefully and cook them well.
Can Cats Eat Beef Broccoli?
Beef broccoli is a delicious meal, but it may not be suitable for cats. First of all, classic beef broccoli recipes use a lot of salts and flavoring.
Some would use a lot of garlic and onion to add more taste. All of these are not safe for cats.
If you want a savory meal for your kitty, buy canned cat wet food with gravy. You can add boiled broccoli to it afterward.
Conclusion
Can cats eat broccoli? The answer is yes, but only in small amounts.
Also, the broccoli must be boiled or steamed, so it will be easier for your cat to eat. There’s no need to season or flavor it. However, if your cat experiences diarrhea or vomiting, you must stop giving the veggie and seek advice from a veterinarian.
