The cats are very curious pets, all the time they are into having treats. They always find a way to convince you to feed them a treat, no one can resist in front of the cuteness.
Usually, cats do not eat okra, but in recent times I got a mail from a reader, that their cat was always ready to eat okra, so “can cats eat okra?” really? How much quantity is safe for cats?
No worries I am here for you, I researched this topic a lot and had to talk to veterinarians and cat owners who are feeding vegetables to their cats.
Although the okra is safe for cats, there are some conditions that you need to follow. In order to safely feed okra to your cat.
As we move further ahead you will get to know the benefits of feeding okra to your cat. Alright, let me give you a small glimpse!
The okra is rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and folic acid. All these vitamins and minerals will support your cat’s health.
Can Cats Eat Okra?
Yes, your cats can have okra, it is safe if you feed them okra to your furball. In fact, okra is not a common treatment for obligate carnivores.
Moreover, the cats thrive mainly on meat, their diet does not include any plant-based foods. If your cat is eager to have it then you can feed a small amount of okra to your cat.
If you have made up your mind to feed okra to your cat, then you should make sure that it is chopped into small pieces and cooked properly. You should not feed raw okra to your cat, as it might be harmful.
Being said that, monitor the amount that you are providing, if you are feeding okra for the first time then you should feed a very small amount.
However, more okra might cause problems for your cats, like vomiting and diarrhea. If you find any symptoms like these then you should visit your veterinarian.
Benefits of Feeding Okra to Your Cat
There are many benefits of feeding okra to your cat here I have mentioned a few of them. As you may know that it is packed with lots of vitamins and minerals such as Magnesium, Folate, calcium, iron, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin B6
Low-calorie snack
The okra is considered an alow calorie snack, it might be a surprising treat for the cats who rely on commercial foods.
Mostly the felines might love this okra because of the crunchiness that okra has. If your cat is always in a treat mood then you can introduce this vegetable.
The first reason is it does not have that many carbohydrates, and it is very low in calories. So you don’t have to worry about weight gain.
In fact, if your kitty is suffering from obesity then too the okra can help you a lot, it will suppress the craving for eating. In a very small amount, your cat will feel full with almost no calorie intake.
Dietary fiber
The okra is a good source of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers. However, it is not considered an important part of a cat’s diet, but still, you can feed them, it might help in digestion.
If your cat has a healthy gut then your cat might not suffer from constipation. As you may know that okra has good fiber content, which might help in good digestion.
Promotes hydration
Did you know that 90% of okra is water? If you want to keep your kitty hydrated, then you can feed okra.
Usually, cats do not drink water from the bowl, you can try feeding okra to your cat. Make sure to cut them into small pieces.
It’ll neutralize blood cholesterol surges
The okra is filled with a substance called mucilage, it is a gel-like substance, which attaches to the cholesterol during digestion. When the digestion is properly done, then it is secreted from the stools.
“Moreover, the okra helps to stabilize the cholesterol in the body.“
Is Okra Good for Cats?
The answer to this question is a little tricky. furthermore ahead, we will have a look at the nutritional value of okra.
- The okra contains nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, fats, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals.
- 90% of the weight in okra is water, if you are trying to add some okra in commercial cat food then it will help to keep your fur ball hydrated.
- The okra contains insoluble and soluble fibers, which help to prevent constipation and diarrhea.
- Also, the okra contains a good amount of antioxidants which help prevent chronic diseases or inflammation.
- The okra is considered a low-calorie treat for cats, which can be an alternative to a commercial cat treat.
- The mucilage prevents the cholesterol to absorbed in the blood and removes it from the body.
Can Cats Eat Raw Okra?
Yes, cats can have raw okra, but you should not provide raw okra. It is more beneficial the cooked okra, but it also contains more pesticides that might hurt your cat.
If you feed cooked okra then it will be easy for your cat to eat and digest. The raw okra is a little bit sticky because of mucilage, which may cause choking.
If still you want to provide the raw okra then you can cut the okra into small pieces as small treats. then you can feed a very small portion to your furball.
FAQs
Does okra contain a deadly poison?
Yes, okra contains a deadly poison called solanine, which is toxic if consumed in an excess amount. Humans can consume 1-2 mg per kg of body weight, for cats, it should less. So you should monitor the amount of okra you are feeding your cat.
can kitten have okra?
Yes, kittens can have okra. You may know that kittens have a very sensitive digestive system. Feeding okra to your cat may cause vomiting and can lead to diarrhea.
It is always better to consult your veterinarian before you feed okra or any other human foods to your cats.
Which is better raw or cooked okra for cats?
Yes, the okra is safe for cats, you can feed okra in both ways raw and cooked. The best recommendation is to feed the cooked okra to your cat. The cooked okra is safer for your cats.
If you are you are feeding raw okra, then you may have to visit the veterinarian soon sometime. There are chances of pesticides in the raw okra. If you wash it perfectly, then to there might be 1 to 2% pesticides left. So it may be harmful in some cases.
Conclusion
Yes, cats can have okra, as it is packed with nutritional benefits, and it is safe for your cats. Now you might know which is the best way to feed okra to your cat.
I have tried to provide you with the nutritional benefits of okra so that you can have an idea why you should feed okra to your cat.
However, if your cat is eager to have the okra, then you can feed it without any hesitation, provides that it is in a very small amount.
Reference:
- Coates, J. D. (2022, August 25). Cat Nutrition: What Makes a Nutritional Cat Food? Retrieved September 5, 2022, from – PetMD