There is a famous saying that goes by “eat green if you want to stay healthy” and I am all ears to hear the stories in which this statement has done wonders.
But as most of the conversation we end up having, being cat parents, it mostly relies on our cat, our furry babies, and what better than associating every little thing with them?
The first question that might have come to your mind is are vegetables actually healthy for our felines too?
Okay, so here I would like to disclose today’s topic for you all.
As we were discussing green, yes you guessed that right. Today’s article will revolve around arugula.
I know you people are really intrigued and just want to get inside the article.
To give you an overview, yes, cats can have arugula as it’s is a healthy option for them, but the thing that persists here is that it’s a food given to herbivores while cats are inbuilt carnivores.
Let’s take this to another level, come?
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Can Cats Eat Arugula?
Cats can be given arugula but only in moderation and only as a treat.
To extend it, all of you are familiar with the fact that cats are carnivores and their basic necessity is a meat-based diet or food.
Only such meat-based products can provide them the essential nutrients and present them with the healthy mode to sustain.
While it is pretty evident that arugula doesn’t possess any harmful or toxic contents to your cat, but it also should be kept in mind that arugula is meant for herbivores, and considering cats are not that, it doesn’t have the properties to provide your cat the nutrients as a whole.
You can give your cat arugula if you want to bring forth a great addition that wouldn’t in any way harm your cat, then it’s a great option indeed.
Is It Okay For Cats To Eat Arugula?
It is absolutely okay for cats to eat arugula keeping in mind it’s a vegetable having no toxic contents.
You are free to add this bitter and slightly spicy plant to your cat’s diet but you need to retain this fact that cats don’t need to have plant-based diets as it wouldn’t be able to give your cat the contents and protein that they require as a carnivore.
Though, if you are a parent and like to keep junk away from your feline’s diet then kudos to you for choosing arugula.
But as I said, being a parent you need to know every horizon of a spectrum even if it seems crystal clear.
Feeding arugula in excess amounts can make it difficult for your feline to digest ending up in diarrhea and vomiting.
Also, the point to remember is, that cats don’t have the proper enzymes to break down such a complex plant-based food product that may turn out to be hazardous.
Is Arugula Good For My Cat?
Arugula is a plant-based product and is definitely non-toxic for your cats, claiming it Is healthy and good for your cat.
The thing to keep in mind here is, that any plant-based diet wouldn’t be able to provide the best for your cats if put in comparison with a meat-based diet that is mostly advisable for your feline.
The reason why? As mentioned several times earlier that cats are only meant to derive their healthy sustainability through being a carnivore, plant-based product or you can say serving them food that is completely meant to herbivores wouldn’t be able to do much and can only be kept as an addition, source of some extra nutrients and not as a whole.
While talking about that, I really want to mention that if you do want to see how it works for your furry baby, get a vet consultation where it is very likely you will be able to get to know your cat’s current nutritional value that will help you to decipher the current scenario and act accordingly.
Can Cats Eat Baby Arugula?
Yes, cats can have baby arugula but only as an occasional treat.
Baby arugula just as arugula has the possibility to give your feline diarrhea and vomiting because they don’t have the proper enzymes to break down complex plant diets.
Hence, the possibility of serving your cat baby arugula is ruled out here.
It is believed that arugula and baby arugula has some benefits to give to your cat but it cannot be a wholesome diet.
Feeding your cat baby arugula should only be a treat or be given only when the persisting nutritional contents are not enough to build a healthy upbringing for your cat, you can opt for baby arugula in such cases.
Arugula Benefits For Cats
Arugula has some great benefits that you can use in your favor by keeping this plant diet in moderation in your felines’ staple food.
Most of which we are going to discuss further in this part of the article. But before we commence ahead, I want you to retain that cats are not meant for any human food and should only be given that when it is recommended by a qualified vet irrespective of all the good and bad we happen to come across.
Being cat parents, it’s our duty to be cautious and introspecting.
Let’s talk benefits now.
- Presence of nutrients
The first and foremost good thing about arugula is the presence of great nutrients that a feline needs in its daily life.
Some of them are potassium, folic acid, calcium, and iron. It also comprises vitamin A, C, K. potassium limits the risk of hypertension in cats which is a great thing to look for another is, vitamin C that boosts your feline’s immune system and prevents diseases.
Vitamin K is necessary for your cat’s teeth and proper bone development. And folic acid is a great component of genetic material.
Also, when cats are given vegetable-based diets, it is unlikely that your feline will go through any constipation issues. You can also opt for arugula also known as rocket lettuce to keep your cat in the advisable weight category. In simpler words, you should opt for arugula if your cat is obese.
Hence, arugula possesses some benefits which ensure a great additional diet for your cat.
Arugula Disadvantages For Cats
It’s always nice to know the other part of the spectrum too to have a nice overview of the topic. Here, we are going to do that.
Earlier in the previous article, we came across the benefits. Now let’s dwell on the negatives too to decide.
- A vegetable-based diet
As we keep taking along the article, we have come to know that arugula is a plant-based diet that cannot complete the value of nutritional intake as a cat requires to live a healthy life cycle.
Considering cats can only rely on the meat-based product for the completion of useful contents in their body, it’s not an appropriate choice for your cats, ruling out the benefits.
- Excess of vitamin A
Arugula has the presence of vitamin A in excess which has the high potential of giving toxicity in cats that can often lead to fatal occurrences that are the last thing you would wish for.
These are the points that you need to ponder a great deal of time in for choosing the right option for your cat. Hence, we have come to the conclusion that arugula should be kept at bay and be avoided to keep it as a staple diet. Opt for it if you are looking for a great treat that is non-toxic and free of junk.
How Can I Feed My Cat Arugula?
You can feed your cat arugula once a week as an addition to your cat’s diet.
Try to give your cat arugula devoid of any added sauces and preservatives. Try to give rocket lettuce or arugula to your cat in its natural form washing it thoroughly to avoid transfer of any pesticides or harmful substances.
You can also go for a quick vet consultation if you want to know more about how to give it to your cats as most cats a vegetable diet is not what your cat is likely to have irrespective of it being full with a lot of benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know your cat is allergic to arugula?
Your cat will show signs of allergy if your cat is allergic to your cat. Some of it is rashes on different parts of the body, lethargy, constant itching, redness, hair loss. Consult your cat’s veterinary in case this lingers around for a great deal of time.
Can I feed my cat spinach?
Spinach is a great vegetable diet that can be given to your cat as it comprises of vitamins, minerals. It is also full of magnesium, folate, calcium, and potassium. It helps to maintain good digestive health. You can surely choose to give it to your cats as it’s a great addition.
Final Words
At the last of this article, we have come to the conclusion, that arugula Is a great choice for your cats only if it’s not given in excess and kept in moderation.
Vegetables and fruits don’t belong to cats and yet can be used in their favor only if we keep it as an addition and not try to exaggerate your cat’s diet boundaries to feed them with human food.
It is always recommended to feed your cat a new food choice after knowing your feline’s health status and the deprivation of nutrients in their diet.
To bring a halt to my words, I would like to put across another question that needs your deep pondering, take a seat, think and shed your thoughts in the comment section.
So, what was the first time you gave your feline a plant-based diet? What was the reaction? Were there any allergies?
Come and tell, buddies.