Can Cats Eat Artichokes? Are Artichokes Harmful To Cats?

Published:

Updated:

Disclaimer

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Can Cats Eat Artichokes are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that has become part of many salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. However, they are not common in many parts of the world but are eaten as a part of the regular diet at the places where they are present locally. Your cat may be attracted to you while you eat a slice of artichoke, and you might wonder: can cats eat artichokes?

Can Cats Eat Artichokes

Can Cats Eat Artichokes?

Can Cats Eat Artichokes are carnivores, and their digestive system is made to digest meat-based foods. Feeding vegetables to the cat might seem bad, but it is not practically impossible. So, if you are thinking about whether cats can eat artichokes or not? Then the answer is, yes, your cat can eat artichokes in limited amounts.

Can Cats Eat Artichokes are rich in fiber, potassium, Vitamin A, C, and K. They can become a smart alternative to carbohydrates and sugar-rich snacks. You can give a slice to your cat but make sure not to make it a part of their regular diet.

Artichokes are beneficial for cats only in limited amounts. However, feeding your cat artichokes in large amounts can harm the liver and digestive system.

Are Artichokes Good For Cats?

You can feed your Can Cats Eat Artichokes, which may benefit the cat. Antioxidants in artichokes fight free radicals (compounds that can be harmful if their levels increase) inside the body. If left oxidized, they can cause damage to the cells and lead to several abnormalities.

Therefore, antioxidants in artichokes help reduce the chances of mutation and cancer inside the cat’s body.

Vitamin C in Can Cats Eat Artichokes boosts the cat’s immune system and helps it fight diseases ranging from common colds to feline cancers. Vitamin A and beta carotene enhance vision and eliminate laziness in cats. Moreover, artichokes are rich in fibers that keep the cats’ digestive system healthy and help eliminate constipation.

Furthermore, cats’ stomachs are not made to digest foods rich in carbohydrates, so plant-based diets rich in carbs can cause indigestion and upset stomachs. Artichokes have small amounts of carbohydrates and are full of fibers, so they are suitable for adding to the diet.

However, if your cat has digestive issues, then do not try to feed artichokes to it. Moreover, if you see any signs of sensitivity, contact the vet first to avoid anything more serious.

Are Artichokes Bad For Cats?

Like all obligate Can Cats Eat Artichokes, the cat’s stomach is made to digest meaty foods. Protein-digesting enzymes in a cat’s body can only digest and break down foods rich in proteins. Vegetables contain large amounts of carbohydrates and fiber unsuitable for a cat’s digestive system.

There is no clear-cut answer to the question of whether artichokes are bad for cats or not. You already know that excess of everything is terrible. Artichokes are like invasive food ingredients for the stomach of cats, and it depends on the sensitivity and how badly they can affect digestion and excretion.

Small amounts of Can Cats Eat Artichokes are good for a cat’s stomach, but large amounts are harmful. Excessive portion size can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, liver damage, and nausea in cats. Therefore, it is recommended to take an artichoke, peel it and then cook it properly before giving one or two bite-sized pieces to your kitty.

Are Artichokes Harmful To Cats?

Can Cats Eat Artichokes are not harmful to your cat if you feed them in small amounts. However, more significant amounts can be problematic. Vegetables like artichokes are tough for cats to chew or digest. So, before feeding them artichokes, you must boil them and cut them into small pieces because cats can devour bite-sized and cooked artichokes.

Large portion sizes of artichokes are bad for cats because they contain carbohydrates. The cat’s stomach lack carbohydrates digesting enzymes. Therefore, food with more than 2% carbohydrates is toxic for the cat. While feeding artichokes to the cat, ensure they are fresh because canned and refrigerated foods contain preservatives that are not good for the cat’s stomach.

A small number of fats are also present in artichokes. Small portions do not create much difference, but large portions can increase the cholesterol levels in your cat’s body. Increased cholesterol levels lead to many heart and liver diseases and can make your cat obese. So, keep the food intake of your cat controlled, and while adding veggies to the diet, watch out for the portion size.

What Happens If Cats Eat Artichokes?

If a Can Cats Eat Artichokes in a limited amount, around two to three slices a day, it gets extra nutritional benefits that a meaty diet fails to provide. However, your cat can face severe problems with large portions. The cat may suffer from vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, and nausea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is There Any Side Effect Of Eating Artichokes On Cats?

Can Cats Eat Artichokes are suitable for cats if eaten in limited amounts. They are rich sources of antioxidants and vitamins that keep your cat healthy. However, excess artichokes in a cat’s diet can cause serious issues. High amounts of carbohydrates lead to obesity. If fat concentration increases, it can lead to high cholesterol levels that can cause heart failure and liver damage.  

Can Cats Eat Asparagus Instead Of Artichokes?

Artichokes are suitable for cats, but if you are looking for an alternative, then asparagus can be a good pick. Asparagus is rich in fibers and carbohydrates. Moreover, it has antioxidants, potassium, manganese, and various vitamins that benefit cats’ health. While feeding asparagus to a cat, keep the portion size limited.

Can Kittens Eat Artichokes?

Yes, kittens can eat artichokes, but they are not suitable for their stomachs. A kitten’s digestive system can only digest protein-based foods as an obligatory carnivore. They should only be given milk and meaty foods at an early age. You can add veggies to the diet of your adult cats, but giving them to kittens is not a good idea and can lead to several digestive and gastrointestinal tract issues.

Conclusion

  • Cats can eat artichokes because they are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and beta carotene.
  • Cats are carnivores, and their bodies are only made to digest protein-based foods.
  • If you want to feed artichokes to your cat, keep the portion size small to get maximum benefits. Make sure to cook the artichokes before feeding. 
  • Excess artichokes in a cat’s diet can lead to various digestive and gastrointestinal problems.
  • Ask your vet if you want to add artichokes to your cat’s diet. 
  • If your cat is sensitive to veggies, don’t try to feed artichokes to the cat.

About the author

Latest Posts

  • Can Cats Eat Raw Fish?

    Can Cats Eat Raw Fish?

    Cats require particular nutrients that can only be given as animal flesh. Most species of cats are known to hunt fish in shallow streams, and other places, the smell of fish alone is likely to attract your cats. However, feeding raw fish to your cat has some significant health consequences.  The question arises here: “Can…

    Read more

  • Can Cats Eat Eel?

    Can Cats Eat Eel?

    It’s a common belief that cats are fond of eating fish or fish-based food. Can Cats Eat Eel However, there are some shocking facts to this theory. As a part of the marine family, eels also fall under the category of fish. Here we will highlight some hidden facts about cats and their love for…

    Read more

  • Can Cats Eat Crab?

    Can Cats Eat Crab?

    As a cat owner, you must be familiar with how Can Cats Eat Crab gravitate toward different animal proteins. At such moments, it is natural to wonder what your Can Cats Eat Crab safely consumes. Protein can be obtained from many animal sources, but can cats eat crab? Is it safe for them? Yes, Can…

    Read more