Is Spinach Safe For Cats?

Published On: September 30th, 2021Categories: Health

Spinach is one of the most popular green leafy vegetables and is also considered a super-food for people. However, is it safe for your furry friend as well or should you be cautious of feeding this human food to your cat?

The short answer to the question “Can Cats eat spinach” is yes, your cat can eat spinach. Although spinach is not toxic to your cat, it requires a certain degree of knowledge before you do so.

Your cat may like the taste of spinach, but you need to check if it’s safe or not for your cute feline. Eating spinach provides nutritional benefits to your cat, but you need to know a few things first to avoid giving your cat side effects instead.

Spinach contains calcium oxalate, which can further aggravate underlying kidney problems. So, if your cat has kidney issues or urinary tract infection, giving spinach can worsen the condition. It’s essential to look for symptoms in that case. Some of the most common are:

Loss in appetite
Blood in urine or stool
Frequent urination
Nausea or vomiting

However, if your cat doesn’t have any of these symptoms and is overall healthy, you can try offering a bit of spinach every now and then.

Is Raw Spinach Safe For Your Cat?

Cats can eat raw spinach, however, it’s not a good idea to do so. Raw spinach contains oxalate which can further complicate any underlying health conditions in cats and lead to kidney issues.

Heath Benefits Of Consuming Spinach

On the other hand, spinach is loaded with nutrients, and your cat can benefit from those. Now let’s get a little bit deeper:

Essential minerals: Spinach is an excellent source of essential minerals like iron and calcium. Iron helps produce hemoglobin which is a necessary protein for the circulatory system of your cat. Iron is also crucial for growth and development and promotes bone health, which makes it more beneficial to kitties.
Rich in vitamins: Vitamin C, K1 and A can be found in spinach. Vitamin K1 promotes blood clotting, while Vitamin C is great for skin health. Carotenoids contained in spinach turn into vitamin A, which promotes a healthy immune system and protects the body from age-related issues.
Rich in fibers: Insoluble fiber, promotes a healthy digestive system by speeding up food and waste through the gut. So, if your cat has digestive issues, the dietary fiber in spinach could be beneficial.

Although spinach has a few advantages to your cat’s health we do not recommend adding it to your cat’s diet. Cats are carnivores and don’t need vegetables. If your cat shows curiosity around the green leafy vegetable, you can offer one leaf as a trial.

You should always ask your vet before trying anything different and the same applies to spinach as well. If your kitty consumes spinach, it’s vital to pay attention to any changes in your cat.

Do you give spinach to your cat? What did your vet advise you? Share with us in the comments below your thoughts and experiences.

Photo: Louis Hansel