Many people have cats in their lives and enjoy sharing most of their comforts with them, including our food. Cats are obligate carnivores and typically stick to eating meat until they see us eating something. Much of what we snack on isn’t safe for cats, but can cats eat root vegetables and mushrooms? Much of the answer depends on the type and how it is prepared. Cats need far less salt, carbohydrates, and calories than we do as humans. Let’s dive into which root vegetables and mushrooms are safe and which are not.
Safe and Unsafe Root Vegetables and Mushrooms for Cats
The curiosity of a cat grows by leaps and bounds when they hear you opening a can. Their cat food comes in cans typically, and they know how to love that sound. You might be focused on cooking and not notice your cat’s little head disappearing into a can of green beans or when they swipe a store-bought mushroom. This is one reason it’s important to know what is toxic or poisonous to your feline and what is safe. Most cats will generally ignore mushrooms in the wild and on your counter. Let’s find out what root vegetables and mushrooms are safe and which aren’t.
Beans
Overall, beans are safe to offer your cat in small increments. They are packed with protein and fiber but are not part of a carnivore’s diet. If the beans have been cooked with additional ingredients, do not offer them to your cat. Even when safe, beans can cause gastrointestinal upset, bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes can be a fun treat to offer your cat. If they have been washed and cooked and no other ingredients have been added, they are safe for your cat in small quantities. Fried sweet potatoes are to be avoided due to their sodium and calorie content. Cats can get sodium toxicity easily since they require very little salt in their diets. The carbohydrates in sweet potatoes are also much more than your carnivorous cat can handle.
Carrots
Plain cooked carrots can be a tasty treat for you and your cat. They are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in our and our cat’s systems. They are also filled with iron, fiber, and vitamin C, making them a healthy choice for most. Mashed up cooked carrots look enticing to a cat, and they can have it as an occasional treat. Make sure the carrots have not been cooked with garlic or onions. Avoid feeding raw carrots to your cats. They can get stuck in their throats and also may contain pesticides.
Onions
Onions are never okay to offer your cat or dog. They belong to the same group that garlic does, Allium, and it can be fatal to our furry friends. Onions and others in the same family contain Thiosulphate, which is a chemical that cats cannot break down. Thiosulphate attacks a cat’s healthy red blood cells, killing them and causing hemolytic anemia. Never feed cooked or raw onions to your pets, and always check ingredients before offering anything.
Celery
Celery is mostly made up of water and fiber, so it can be beneficial to you and your cat’s digestive system. It also has vitamins A, C, and K, along with phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly and only offer a small piece occasionally as a treat. The celery you offer your cat should be completely free of any extra ingredients or seasoning.
Mushrooms
Some store-bought mushrooms may be fine to give your cat. They love the savory texture of mushrooms, but unless you are a mycologist, don’t offer your cat any wild mushroom. You could easily and mistakenly poison your cat. Mushrooms found in the wild can contain toxins and bacteria and can even be fatal to kitties. Even with edible store-bought mushrooms, they can be toxic to your cat. It’s best to always consult your cat’s vet before offering any new foods, especially ones that could potentially be fatal.
Cats can experience a host of issues related to mushroom consumption. Some of these nasty side effects are severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, neurological effects like depression, shaking/tremors, muscarinic effects like drooling and decreased heart rate, agitation and aggression, panic over sensory stimulation like loud noises or petting, and also deadly liver and kidney toxicity. The short answer regarding whether your cat can eat any mushrooms is NO. If you suspect your cat has eaten wild mushrooms, get them to the vet right away.
Stick to the Carnivore’s Diet When It Comes to Your Cat
Cats might beg for everything you eat, but we are omnivores, whereas they are carnivores. There is a big difference in the vitamins and minerals they need, along with protein, fiber, and fat, when compared with a human’s balanced diet. Cats will always be attracted to anything out of a can due to the sound of it opening. They will also always try to eat or drink dairy products and sweets, even though they shouldn’t and cannot benefit from such foods.
It’s up to us, as cat “parents,” to keep them out of harm’s way and only feed them a nutritious, balanced meal fit for a tiny carnivore. There are many fruits, vegetables, and meats that we can offer our little panthers, which can be found on the PetMojo site. Please be sure to always check with your vet before offering any nontraditional food to your cat. Certain details like kidney, heart, and liver conditions can come into play, and while something like a piece of a carrot might not harm cats, it could harm one with specific medical and dietary needs. Your vet knows best.
