Cats are typically known for being incredibly picky eaters, but did you know that potatoes are perfectly fine to feed your cat? In fact, they’re even good for them!
Feeding your feline friends potatoes is a great way to add some extra nutrients and fiber into their diet. Keep reading below to learn more about why it’s okay to share this healthy treat with your kitty!
1. Can Cats Eat Potatoes? Are They Good or Bad For Them?
Yes, you can definitely share potatoes with your cat. In fact, they could be considered a healthy treat since they’re full of fiber and vitamins! Just make sure not to give them the skin or any fries – no matter how much cats beg for them!
In general, most vegetables are actually good for your cat. However, some may cause upset stomachs in certain cats – this is why you should always introduce new foods slowly.
2. What Kind Of Potatoes Can I Feed My Cat?
Any kind of potatoes are fine for your cat to eat. However, if you’re looking for some low carbohydrate options try giving them boiled potatoes or baked potatoes without the skin or any butter/salt added.
They may not be the most appealing topping, but they’re certainly good for them! If cats get bored of plain old potatoes, you could also try mixing in some healthy cat food or tuna juice to make the meal even tastier.
3. How Many Potatoes Can My Cat Eat?
The amount of potatoes your cat can eat depends on their size, weight, age and overall health. Also remember that every time you give them new foods they should be introduced slowly instead of all at once since it can be pretty hard on their stomachs.
As a general rule of thumb, you should only give them around 1-2% of their body weight in potatoes each day.
If they eat potatoes regularly or have any other pre-existing health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, obesity or inflammatory bowel disease, then don’t feed them potatoes at all.
4. The Dangers of Potatoes to Cats:
While potatoes are generally considered safe for cats, there are a few things you need to be aware of.
- The skin of potatoes can sometimes be poisonous, so make sure to peel them before giving them to your cat.
- Also, raw or green potatoes are not safe for cats. If they aren’t fully ripe then they are probably still trying to grow which could affect their stomachs.
- It’s best to only give your cat cooked, well-mashed, or baked potatoes to ensure that they don’t get an upset stomach or other negative side effects.
5. What Not To Feed Your Cat:
While potatoes are generally safe for cats, there are still a few things you shouldn’t feed them.
- First of all, never give your cat French fries, chips or any fried potatoes.
- Also, make sure to stay away from the skin and any spices/flavoring your cat hasn’t had before since they could cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Finally, potatoes are considered starchy vegetables, so cats with diabetes must eat them only in moderation. It’s best to consult a vet for more specific feeding advice if you’re worried about your cat’s health.
- The best way to prevent any negative effects is to introduce new foods slowly and monitor your cat afterwards!
- If they have an upset stomach or show other signs of being sick, then stop giving them potatoes for a few days until their system recovers before trying again.
6. The Safety of Different Potato Preparation Methods:
There are some different ways potatoes can be prepared.
- Raw Potatoes: Raw potatoes contain a toxin called solanine which is what causes most of the negative side effects. They also aren’t good for cats with kidney disease due to their high phosphorus content.
- Boiled Potatoes: Baked or boiled potatoes are both safe for your cat as long as you take the skin off first. The cooking process reduces most of the solanine and phosphorus content.
- Mashed Potatoes: Baked or boiled potatoes can easily be mashed with a fork to make them easier for your cat to digest. Simply mix in some cat food to give it a little flavor!
Final Thoughts:
Cats can eat potatoes and in moderation they’re actually pretty healthy which means you shouldn’t be afraid to share your food with your cat every once and a while.
However, make sure to introduce new potatoes slowly or else they could get an upset stomach or diarrhea! Also keep in mind that the skin of the potato is poisonous since it contains solanine which is why it should always be removed before you give it to your cat.
Cats are hunters at heart, so they love anything that has a strong, appealing smell to them which is why most cats love potatoes too! So don’t hesitate to introduce potatoes in small amounts every once in a while if you’re up to it!
