Does My Cat Need Vegetables?

Dear Ask Darwin’s,

Can Mika, my Grey Tabby, eat vegetables? Does she even need them?

Karla, NM

Dear Karla,

So, do mom-cats say, “Eat your broccoli”?

Here’s what we say.

Cats don’t require fruits and vegetables to balance their nutrition. So, we recommend that you don’t even bother.

Cats are Obligate Carnivores – No Veggies Required

Unlike dogs and humans, who are omnivores, cats are obligate carnivores – meaning that they need a source of animal protein to survive. There is also the need for the Amino Acid Taurine.  With over 20 types of amino acids present in Mika’s body, amino acids are building blocks for proteins and essential to the proper functioning of most of her system.

Cats Need Taurine – Not Provided by Vegetables

I bring this up, because Taurine is exclusively found in animal-based proteins. Not vegetables. It is critical for normal vision, normal digestion, normal heart muscle function, to maintain normal pregnancy (should you decide to breed) and fetal development, and to maintain a healthy immune system.

Cat Grass

You can always provide her with access to grass –  avoiding chemically treated grass and toxic plants, of course. Grass can be a good source of vegetable matter and micronutrients. However, like some natural sources, too much of good thing can be unhealthy. Please be aware that large amounts of certain types of “cat grass” can cause hypervitaminosis D – a rare but potentially serious condition occurring when too much vitamin D is introduced into the system.

To recap: Mika is an obligate carnivore — not an omnivore like us and dogs. This means that animal protein is the only type of protein that fulfills her nutritional needs.

Hope this helps,

Jeanne

PS:  Remember, cats as a rule are not big drinkers. Make sure her food has plenty of moisture. And, always ensure Mika has access to clean fresh drinking water at all times.

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I have been a member of the Darwin’s team since 2009. My passion and growing expertise ranges from being a source authority on Menu Consultations to educating the public at acclaimed events such as The Seattle Kennel, Pet Expo and The Northwest Women’s Show.

Openly believe in all things “green” (except teeth). I love crafting words that make people think and painting dogs and cats. (I invite you to see my watercolors at www.artisantails.com or on FB). I’m also passionate about  amazing individuals who really are working to cure breast cancer and, of course, sushi. I’m the mother of two amazing canines and, in spite of Lucy Van Pelt’s objections, I let my dogs kiss me on the mouth.