As you may know that cats are obligate carnivores, so their nutritional requirement is completely dependent on meat. So, if you try to feed them veggies, they won’t get essential nutrients in the required amount. Yet, too many fellow cat parents ask me whether cats can eat cabbage or not.
But you cannot resist your tempted feline by all the things that you are eating. Yes, it’s natural that you may want to feed your cat everything you eat, because of all the love you want to give her. Right?
But wait, do you know there are some foods that are toxic for your furballs.
Cabbage is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world. It also has many health benefits for humans and also for cats.
It also depends on how you prepare the cabbage for your feline. Want to know how you can safely feed cabbage to your cat. Read through the blog to know more.
Can Cat Eat Cabbage?
Yes, cats can eat cabbage, but everything should be fed in a moderate amount. The cabbage is one of the healthiest veggies available on the market. It is also one of the most consumed veggies.
Moreover, you can offer both raw and cooked to your cat. Mostly, you might know that cats belong to obligate carnivores, yet some cats love to eat veggies and fruits.
Also, if you provide more than recommend quantity then it might lead your cat to an upset stomach. So make sure that you provide cabbage to your cat in a moderate amount.
Can Kittens Eat Cabbage?
Do you know kittens are more curious than adult cats, they always sneak what you are eating or making? There are very less chances that any pathogens on cabbage would likely affect your furball more than an adult cat.
Kittens have more sensitive stomachs than adult cats. As you might know, cabbage has lots of fibers. This may cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhea if kittens consume cabbage in large amounts.
Types of Cabbage
If you see there are more than 400 varieties of cabbage grown in the world. These are categorized depending on their shapes, colors, maturation time, and nutrient composition.
Did you know there are varieties that are found mostly on all the continents? These are Green Cabbage, Red/purple Cabbage, Savoy Cabbage, and Napa Cabbage.
Green Cabbage: The green cabbage has resembled the head of iceberg lettuce, it is the most consumed cabbage in the world.
You will find multiple color variations in the outer leave of green cabbage, ranging from dark to pale green. However, you will find the same white or light green inside the green cabbage.
The green cabbage has a good crunchy texture when it is raw, so your cat might love that texture, as they are having some good treat.
As you might know, if the cat does not have the taste buds, they will not be able to get the peppery flavor of cabbage and the sweeter when it is cooked.
Red or Purple Cabbage: Moreover, you can feed red or purple cabbage they are more soft and tender. The reason behind this is they take a longer time to mature compared to the green cabbage.
You can feed both raw or cooked red or purple cabbage to your feline. One of the facts is that they get the coloration from the compound known as anthocyanin.
Also Read: Are Brussels Sprouts Safe for Cats
Savoy Cabbage:
The savoy cabbage is in deep green color and has crinkly leaves. You will find the savoy cabbage is more tender and sweet than any other cabbage on the market.
You can provide both cooked and raw savoy cabbage to your feline, as they provide good health benefits to your cats.
Napa Cabbage: The napa cabbage is yellow-green in color and they have an oval shape. They have frilly leaves and crispy, thick stems.
The napa cabbage is famous for its tenderness and sweetness, mostly restaurants use this cabbage in their dishes.
Health Benefits of Cabbage For Cats?
Feeding cabbage to your cat is good, in fact, the cabbage is packed with antioxidants such as kaempferol and sulforaphane.
Kaempferol lowers the risk of chronic diseases, the major one is cancer. Sulforaphane is found in cabbages and it helps to protect your body from cancer.
If you are feeding the red-purple cabbage then it may improve the digestion of your cats as it contains anthocyanin. Moreover, it reduces the chances of heart disease.
The cabbage is rich in vitamin K which is a very good addition to your cat’s blood. It also has vitamin B which enhances the nervous system’s functioning.
How to Feed Cabbage To Your Cat
If you are willing to feed cabbage to your cat, then there are many options you can try. Check whether your cats like it or not.
If you are feeding raw cabbage then it might be difficult for them to chew, either you can cook the cabbage. Cooking the cabbage will make it softer and easier to chew and swallow.
Although, you know the nutritional benefits will be lost when you cook any of the veggies.
If you are feeding cabbage for the first time then you can start with a small amount. Whenever you are feeding the regular meal you can place the cabbage on top of the meal.
After feeding monitor your cat if you see any the symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, or constipation.
Whenever you are cooking the cabbage for your cat. Then you should not use any spices, oil, or any other ingredients that are extremely toxic to your cat. Before you feed make sure it cools down. before serving.
Also read: Fruits safe for cats to eat
FAQs
Is cabbage bad for cats?
Cabbage can be toxic if you are not considering the terms, you should feed your cat a very moderate amount. You should never replace the entire meal with cabbage. You can feed it as a treat or else topping on the meal.
Moreover, if you’re feeding cabbage for a longer time then it may affect the thyroid gland. As it contains thiocyanate which suppresses the thyroid gland.
Can cats eat raw green cabbage?
Yes, you can feed raw cabbage to your cat, but there are a few conditions that you need to follow. Although, feeding the cooked is the best way to introduce the cabbage into your feline’s diet.
Final Thoughts
I hope you got the answer, can cats eat cabbage? or can cats have cabbage? However, cabbage is safe for your cats, but feeding them once in a while is the best option I would suggest. Cabbage is non-toxic it does not mean you will feed them daily, there are many reasons.
No matter the cabbage has the antioxidants, which will help to fight the disease, and regulate the bowel movement.
Some of the cats may not enjoy the cabbage, you can also try out cooked, if still, your cat does not like it then you can go for the alternative veggies.
If still, you have any doubts related to cats eating cabbage then you can write down your question in the comment section below.
If you’re feeding cabbage to your cats then we all would be happy if you share your experience in the comment section.
Reference:
- People Food Your Cat Can Eat — Pets WebMD
- Nutrition Feeding Guidelines for Cats — VCA Hospitals
- Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy? — NCBI