Can cats eat cucumbers?

You may be sitting down for a cucumber snack, and for some reason, your cat is being forceful that you give them some of your cucumbers. So now you find yourself in a pickle, asking yourself, can my cat eat cucumbers? If so, this article should answer whether or not cats can eat cucumbers.​

​CAN CATS EAT CUCUMBERS?

​Yes, your cat can eat cucumbers. By nature, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their bodies are designed to digest and use animal-based proteins. Although most cats will not eat cucumbers, some enjoy a crunchy treat as a snack. This is perfectly fine as long as it's done in moderation. ​

​What is a cucumber?

​Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated creeping vine plant in the family Cucurbitaceae that grows cylindrically shaped fruits and is eaten raw or cooked. The cucumber is also known as an annual plant, and there are three main varieties of cucumber cultivation - slicing, pickling, and burpless/seedless - within which nearly 100 varieties have been bred. The cucumber was historically indigenous to South Asia, but today it is widely grown across the globe.

Nutritional Benefits of Cucumbers

​A serving of cucumber (one-half a cup) is about 8 calories, which means it has a very low "energy density." As a result, cucumbers have small quantities of vitamin K and vitamin A and have approximately 95% water content. You'll also get vitamins B and C and minerals like copper, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.​

Are cucumbers healthy for cats?

​Cucumbers can be healthy for cats, but there are a few things to understand, and here are those things:

The good:
Cucumbers are a healthy vegetable for cats. Cucumbers are made up of around 95% water – that's the highest water content of any food, so cucumbers are a good source of hydration for cats. In addition, the fiber boost they give your cat helps them stay regular and avoid constipation. 

Cucumbers are rich in vitamin K, essential for cats' health. Vitamin K helps blood clot and keep cats' bones healthy. Keep in mind, just because cats require vitamin K, don't overdo it with the cucumbers. Cats can synthesize vitamin K in their large intestines; a deficiency may arise if their diets do not promote the growth of these bacteria.

Several attributes of vitamin A work to support your vision, immune system, and reproductive system health. Vitamin A also ensures that your organs, such as your heart, lungs, and kidneys, function correctly.

The bad:
While giving your cat an occasional treat is generally not harmful, cucumbers are not a nutritionally complete and balanced source of nutrition. Good guidance does not allow treats to exceed 10 to 15 percent of your cat's daily caloric intake. Therefore, giving your cat an excessive amount of cucumbers can deprive them of what is needed in their diets.

One health concern may be the pesticides that farmers use on them. Before letting your cat eat them, peel the skin off or wash them in warm water. This will ensure your cat enjoys the cucumber safely. However, the skin is where most nutrients live, so a better option may be to buy organic and wash them really well.

Cucumbers possess a naturally occurring wax on their skin. This wax is washed away by washing the cucumbers before harvest and is subsequently reintroduced back into the cucumbers before being sent to grocery stores. The wax helps cucumbers remain shelf-stable longer, holding onto germs. The wax itself isn't harmful to eat, but removing the skin before eating the cucumber can lower the risk of contamination (germs). However, the skin is where most nutrients live, so a better option may be to buy organic and wash them well before your cat enjoys them.

Some cats have a sensitive stomach, and cucumbers can cause diarrhea. So don't let your cat go crazy on the cucumbers, start off with a small amount and see how well your cat can handle the cucumbers.

Conclusion:

​In conclusion, cucumbers are a healthy, safe snack for cats when offered in moderation. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and they will help keep your cat hydrated. In addition, cucumbers can be a fun and healthy addition to your cat's diet, so be sure to give them a try!