The saying "curiosity killed the cat" refers to cats' propensity to want to investigate everything around them and their inability at times to recognise potential dangers. It's likely that your cat is excited to share whatever you're eating. Is it good or bad to give tomatoes to your cats? Let’s find out:
Are tomatoes OK for cats to eat?
Are tomatoes OK for cats to eat?
The brief response is "Not advised." According to the ASPCA, tomatoes contain a substance called solanine that is hazardous to cats as well as horses and dogs. Ingesting both leaves and stems puts a person at risk for gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, a slowed heartbeat, and other problems.
The ASPCA emphasizes that the fruit that is ripe is secure despite this. Tomato paste is a component in certain commercial types of pet food, but since it's often produced from tomato pulp and only in small amounts, there's no need to be alarmed.
Are tomatoes good for cats?
Ripe tomatoes are loaded with nutrients that promote the health of numerous mammals, including humans, just like the majority of vegetables and fruits. However, aside from fulfilling whatever cravings make a cat desire to eat tomatoes at all, they offer minimal benefits to an obligate carnivore like a cat, whose natural diet exclusively contains meat, chicken, and fish protein.
The specialized enzymes required to properly digest vegetables and fruit to extract vital nutrients are not present in a cat's digestive system. For instance, unlike other animals, cats are unable to convert tomato beta-carotene into vitamin A. What benefits do tomatoes offer cats?
1 - Intestinal Wellness
The water and fiber in tomatoes are beneficial for a cat's digestion and hydration. But they can also consume water and fiber from a variety of other delectable plant foods, such as spinach, pumpkin, beans with greens, and blueberries, to mention a few.
2 - Immune system-boosting
Magnesium, potassium, or antioxidants found in tomatoes can help strengthen your cat's immune system or may even help prevent cancer. Additionally, tomato pieces served as a treat had fewer calories than similar commercial delicacies.
What Portion of Tomatoes Can Cats Eat?
You can occasionally give your cat small portions of the ripened tomato flesh if they have a taste for the fruit. However, it is advised that you take no more than one or two bits of tomato flesh at a time. If your cat eats more of the fruit, keep an eye out for symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting, discomfort in the stomach, or diarrhea. If any unfavourable signs emerge, you should contact your veterinarian right soon.
Final Reflections
If you give your cat tomatoes, a few tiny nibbles of freshly ripened tomato flesh are probably nothing to worry about. However, it's imperative to stay away from unripe tomatoes, stems, and leaves. Please get in touch with a vet right away when your cat consumes any of the aforementioned items.
It is crucial to make sure that cats receive a diet that includes meat because they are real carnivores and need at least 90% of their diet to consist of meat. Treats should make up no more than 10% of a person's daily caloric intake. If the cat receives an excessive number of snacks or treats, it could get too full to properly consume its regular food. Nutritional deficits and catastrophic illnesses could result from this.
Always see your veterinarian if you have any questions or worries regarding the health of your pet or whether to feed your cat.
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