Can Cats Eat Tomatoes?Yes, cats can eat a small number of ripe tomatoes, but there are a few things a cat owner needs to understand first. After reviewing the following information, you need to ask yourself if it's worth the risk. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that tomato plants are toxic to cats, so it's not recommended to offer your pet the stems or leaves; at least keep them away from your garden. However, the ASPCA also says that ripe tomato fruit is non-toxic. The problem is that the tomato fruit itself also contains harmful solanine. Fresh from the garden, vine-ripened tomatoes are the safest for low solanine content. However, the tomatoes often sold in grocery stores will contain higher levels of solanine because the tomatoes were harvested while the fruit was still green. A small number of ripe tomatoes will probably be ok for your cat; however, it's good to avoid that to stay safe. There are many other, safer options for finding a snack for your pet, so tomatoes aren't the ideal option and are something you should think about. Tomatoes are a fruit; they are not a vegetable. Water is around 95% of the entire tomato, and you do have fiber and carbs. They are also a great source of vitamins K1 and C and vitamin B. So, in theory, they should be great for cats. The fact that they include solanine is a no-go since it's pretty toxic for pets. Symptoms of Solanine Poisoning in CatsReaction to solanine poisoning in cats can be as quickly as 15 minutes after consumption. The time frame and severity will depend on the levels your cat eats. Cats will show all kinds of side effects from solanine, such as:
If you offer tomatoes to your cat, how many would be ok?Studies showed that small amounts of ripe tomatoes are unlikely to cause harm. Half a cherry tomato is usually fine for a cat. I have personally given tomatoes from my garden to one of my cats with no ill effects, while my other cats have no interest. It's best to give a small bite and monitor your cat over time. Then increase it to two bits, etc. Do cats enjoy the taste of tomatoes?Some cats enjoy the taste, and some want to eat everything they see their owner eating. In a few cases, you might even end up with your cat obsessed with tomatoes, even if that sounds strange. But it can happen; it's not the most uncommon thing out there. CONCLUSIONOverall, tomatoes can be pretty problematic for some cats, so keeping your cat away from them can be a good idea. Sure, ripe tomatoes are fine in minimal amounts, but even then, there are a variety of alternatives you can use to improve your pet's diet.
We recommend avoiding any rush and taking your time as you find better ways to improve your cat's diet. It might take a bit of a trial and error, but in the end, it's certainly something to keep in mind. It would help if you considered varying your cat's diet; however, talking with the veterinarian and figuring out a better dietary option is ideal. You should avoid feeding tomatoes to your cat unless your vet greenlights that!
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Bananas and cats are not a combo that naturally springs to mind when you think of pets and food. But as strange as this question may seem to most, you are not alone in wondering if cats can eat bananas. So let's get right to the topic at hand. Can Cats Eat Bananas?Yes, cats can eat bananas, as bananas are not toxic to cats. But you will find most cats don't like the taste or texture of this fruit. Some cats will eat just about anything you put in front of them or want everything their human owner eats. Because of this, there are additional things a cat owner should know before feeding bananas to their beloved feline. Are bananas toxic or harmful to cats?As mentioned, bananas are not toxic to cats. However, they can be harmful under certain conditions. Let's look at the potential ways bananas can be harmful to your pet. Cats Are Obligate Carnivores While humans are omnivores (meat and plant diets), cats are considered carnivores (meat-based diets) by their core genetics. This means cats require animal protein and do not require vegetables or fruit to survive. This is an open and shut case for some. For example, cats don't need vegetables or fruits to survive; therefore, you should not feed them to your cat. However, being a carnivore does not mean they can't eat vegetables or fruits and get some benefits. It only means vegetables and fruits are not an essential part of a cat's diet. Because cats are carnivores, they cannot be sustained on vegetables and fruits alone. For this reason, bananas should not be the main staple or meal replacement for your cat. Instead, bananas should merely be given as a treat, keeping in mind the size of your cat's tiny stomach. Cats over the years have adapted to eating some plant-heavy pet foods but don't be fooled by these synthetic or manufactured nutrients. Pet food companies have spent decades formulating these nutrients specifically for your cat's digestive system. These manufactured nutrients are not the same as raw or cooked veggies. Cats Digestive Systems This is where it gets a tad complex. Unfortunately, most people get this one wrong when it comes to a cat's ability to digest most vegetables or fruits. Cats have three main enzymes in their digestive system; lipase, protease, and amylase. Without going too far into detail, cats do not naturally produce cellulase. Instead, cellulase breaks down the plant fibers to free nutrients for cats to absorb. With that being said, like most fresh-grown food, bananas contain enough active enzymes to digest the fats, starches, or proteins found in food. The food-based enzymes and their contribution are more critical than often observed. On top of their enzyme content, bananas are a great source of dietary fiber, which may aid digestive health. But, at the same time, additional fiber is not always a good thing. It could lead to diarrhea, so keep a lookout. Cats Sensitive Stomach Cats are known for their sensitive stomach. Before giving your cat any new treats like bananas, limit it to a small amount and watch over your cat for signs of distress. If your cat is undergoing some trouble, you may have detected the following:
If your cat continues to exhibit the above signs, this may be due to a more significant problem, and it's time to visit the veterinarian. Feline Diabetes Bananas contain natural sugar. This fruit is exceptionally high in sugar and can create problems later in life for felines, such as diabetes. You should be aware of this when you offer your cat this food. Here are four key indications to look out for that might point toward recognizing feline diabetes:
Allergic to Bananas Allergic reactions to bananas are rare, but they can happen to cats. So here are the indications to look out for:
How to feed bananas to your catFirstly, remove the banana peel. Keep this away from them as it can be a choking hazard. Cut the banana into bite-sized pieces. Try a small amount and keep an eye on your furry friend to check they're eating it and reacting to it OK. Don't be tempted to feed them the whole banana! Are cats afraid of bananas?You may have seen videos of cats reacting badly to bananas that have been placed nearby. But why? Rather than being scared, it's actually to do with being put off by the chemicals emitted by the skin. For example, banana peel emits ethyl acetate. Cats pick up on this scent and interpret it as the object is dangerous. This is what often causes them to run away. So this provides another good reason to keep the peel away from the cats, should you try out bananas as a treat. ConclusionIn conclusion, your cat can try bananas in moderation and always under your supervision. But with all fruits and your furry friend - exercise caution. Specially made cat food will look after their nutritional needs, so there's no real reason to feed your cat fruit other than curiosity.
And you know what they say about curiosity.
Can Cats Eat Cherries?The direct response to your question is, "Yes, cats can eat cherries." There are a few precautions and things you should be aware of, such as the seeds, stems, blossoms, and leaves are dangerous to consume in specific amounts. However, the flesh or meaty part of the cherries is entirely safe for your cat to eat. If you read other articles on this topic, you may find them asserting that cats can't eat cherries, that you need to seek medical attention right away, and that your cat is in danger of being poisoned. I would take most of that advice with a grain of salt. I don't think most people are sitting around with a plate full of cherries, blossoms, or leaves snacking away. Also, it's unlikely people are sticking the whole cherry in their mouth with the stem and seed and chewing away. Typically, people remove the stem and seed, or in some cases, they spit the seed out before consuming the cherries. I would think that most individuals that are kind enough to share this snack with their cat would take the same care for their pet and remove the stem and pit. But, as I get older, the more I learn that anything is possible, so let's go over a few of the dangers associated with giving cherries to your cat. What Makes Cherries Toxic for cats?Although the flesh of ripe cherries is not harmful to cats, other parts of the fruit are; the cherry pit, the stems, the blossoms, and the leaves. The fact is that cherries contain amygdalin (cyanide) which is dangerous for humans, much less your cat. A cat that has consumed a large amount of cherry plant material or small amounts of crushed pits will start to show severe signs of being poisoned. Here are some of the symptoms of cherry poisoning that you should be aware of as a cat owner: • Dilating pupils • Going into shock • Having trouble breathing • Bright red mucous membranes • Death Note: If your cat swallows the whole pit, it's unlikely its digestive system will break it down, and the pit should pass through its system. The bad news is that the cat's track is small, and the pit could become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage. What do You need to do if a cat eats a Cherry?If your cat eats a cherry plant or the pits, you must take them to the vet immediately along with the sample of what they eat to ensure an accurate diagnosis. If your cat may be suffering from cherry poisoning, the vet will have to take a blood sample for testing. In addition, your cat might need to use an intravenous drip or supplementary oxygen to manage the symptoms. It would be best to never leave cherry plants or cherries around for your kitty to eat. However, if your cat has accidentally snuck a bite, you will have to take action to avoid any consequences. ConclusionThere is no justification why your cat can't eat cherries. Just remove the stems and pits, and don't leave the cherries sitting out. Also, as a reminder, you should follow the general rule that snacks should not exceed 10 percent of a cat's daily calorie intake. You shold make sure your cat is getting their nutritional needs.
What is it about pistachios that we find so appealing? Let's face it; it's easy to overeat these delicious and nutritious snacks. And at times, we also love to share our snacks with our beloved cats. But, as cat owners, don't we have a responsibility to do our research and find out the answer to the frequently asked topic, "Can Cats Eat Pistachios?"? Would we be harming our cats, and should we be concerned if they consume one or two nuts? Let us look at the concerns on this topic in detail, allowing you to put your questions and concerns to rest. Can cats eat pistachios?Yes, cats can eat pistachios. However, of course, pet owners should be aware of a few risks that can result from eating pistachios; such as: Gastrointestinal Distress Pistachios contain many Lipids, which is just a fancy term for any insoluble compounds in water, such as fat or oil. Both roasted and raw pistachios contain a lot of fat and dietary fiber, like most nuts. Unfortunately, a cat's digestive system is designed to process animal protein, and it's less efficient for plant-based proteins, leading to gastrointestinal distress in some cats. Signs of distress can be loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, bloating (gassiness), and diarrhea. Just keep in mind that not all cats are created equal, just like people. I remember my grandpaw, who lived be 98 years old. I can't remember how many occasions I watched my gramps pour bacon grease over his cornbread. Your cat could have a castiron stomach just like him. Sodium Poisoning (hypernatremia) A 1/3 cup of dry-roasted pistachios (salted) contains about 175 milligrams of sodium. A salt consumption for an adult cat of more than 41 milligrams a day can be life-threatening. Signs of salt poisoning can lead to vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, incoordination, and excessive thirst or urination. Tremors, seizures, coma, and even death are feasible in extreme cases. Choking or Intestinal Obstruction Pistachio shells have the potential to induce choking as well as intestinal obstruction. Of course, it's doubtful you would feed your cat shells, but your cat could get into a bag if you left it sitting out. An intestinal obstruction interferes with the passage of food and fluids, can damage digestive tissues, and result in life-threatening consequences. Signs of gastric or intestinal obstruction vary but often include vomiting and loss of appetite. Other symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, abdominal pain or swelling, fever or subnormal body temperature, dehydration, and shock. Garlic or Onion Poisoning Pistachios are sometimes seasoned with garlic and onion, which are considered harmful to cats in specific amounts. In small quantities, poisoning could have a delayed onset and may not be apparent for several days. However, eating this has a high potential to destroy blood cells in cats. The destruction of these blood cells will lead to symptoms of anemia, including an increased respiratory rate, an elevated heart rate, lethargy, weakness, exercise intolerance, and even death. TAKE precautionSAs you can see, the answer to the issue of whether or not cats can eat pistachios is not a resounding no. But, there are some health hazards to keep in mind. First, make sure your cat's tummy can tolerate the fats and high fiber content; feed your cat a small amount and watch them over several hours to see how they handle these nuts. Second, manage the salt content and keep their daily consumption under the recommended limit. Third, don't let them eat seasoned nuts unless you can fully understand the impact each ingredient can have. Finally, follow the recommended practice of making sure treats only consist of 10% of their daily calorie consumption. Your cat needs a balanced diet, and they will not get the required nutrition by eating treats all day long. ConclusionThe fact is that pistachios can be bad for cats. Also, keep in mind that kittens, elderly, pregnant cats, and ill cats are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these nuts, as their immune systems are already compromised. In addition, because of their smaller digestive tracts, kittens are more susceptible to foreign body obstructions than other animals. But with the proper precautions, your cat can enjoy these yummy pistachios, just as you. So the only question you need to ask yourself is, is the enjoyment of your cat eating these nuts worth the risk?
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