So, can cats eat celery, and is it safe for them? If your cat has become disinterested in eating the same old food every day, it’s a fair question.
Introducing healthy human food is a common way of mixing things up for your pet and might leave you wondering what foods are safe for your furball.
Let’s find out!
Can Cats Eat Celery?
Yes, cats can consume celery without harm. Cats can benefit slightly from eating celery due to its high vitamin and fiber content. However, you should consult with your veterinarian before feeding your cat any human foods.
Because celery isn’t toxic to cats it’s a safe green vegetable that can provide some of the following benefits.
- A source of antioxidants such as beta carotene, flavonoids, and vitamin C
- It has a neutralizing effect on stomach acidity
- Celery contains plenty of vitamins and minerals
- A great for those with digestive issues as it supports digestive health
- It protects the body against inflammation (ie. arthritis, osteoporosis)
- High in fiber content and made up of 95% water
As mentioned already, although cats can consume celery, they are obligate carnivores which means their bodies are designed to obtain nutrients by eating animal meat.
There is typically no need to supplement your cat’s diet with vegetables.
Do Cats Benefit From Eating Celery?
Cats get some benefit from eating celery as they can absorb vitamins (A, K, and C) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, folate, sodium, and iron). The high water content in celery will help keep them hydrated.
As their digestive tract became accustomed to digesting meat, they will not get all the benefits we would from celery.
Giving them celery stalks as a healthy treat is a good way to add variety to their diet if they start getting fussy, but you should always keep them on a balanced diet for optimal health.
A good way to get it into their system is to chop or puree the celery and mix it in with their wet food.
Try to feed them organic celery that’s free of potential toxins, and always thoroughly wash the vegetable before feeding them some.
How Much Celery Can A Cat Eat?
Celery as a treat should only make up 5% of a cat’s diet. As long as you feed them celery in moderation, they shouldn’t have any issues digesting it.
The small stature of cats means they don’t require a ton of food for energy. Like any diet, balance is key, and the addition of celery is no different.
Additionally, cats aren’t built to eat fruits like mango and vegetables such as spinach, so giving them large amounts of celery can lead to digestive issues.
Can Cats Eat Celery Leaves?
Celery leaves are perfectly safe for cats to eat. The leaves contain concentrated doses of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. It’s important to note that their fondness for celery leaves will come down to whether or not they enjoy the consistency.
Possible Side Effects Of Celery For Cats
The main side effect will be an upset stomach. This goes back to their digestive tracts being designed for an animal protein diet rather than a plant-based one.
The plant will have a laxative effect resulting in diarrhea, and vomiting may also occur. These two side effects dehydrate the cat through the loss of bodily fluids, so keep their water dish full to help them replenish their levels.
Can Cats Drink Celery Juice?
There’s no harm in serving celery juice to your cat, and a small dose of roughly 4 ounces (a shot glass worth) is more than enough for them to get extra vitamins and fiber.
Chop off the stalk base to separate the ribs, wash them, and then feed them into a juicer or blender. A single stalk will give you a full glass of juice. If using a blender, add a quarter cup of water and blend it until smooth. Then strain the juice with a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.
Can Cats Be Allergic To Celery?
Your cat will exhibit unusual behavior if they’re allergic to celery. The first sign you should look for is any evidence of respiratory distress. This will manifest in sneezing, coughing, and wheezing, and some cats can even get a runny nose.
Rashes on the skin and an upset stomach can also be signs of an allergy. Inflammation can also occur, both internally and externally, although it will be difficult for you to diagnose internal inflammation without a visit to your vet.
Finally, be on the lookout for any signs of swelling, as extremities like their paws can balloon if an allergy is present.
Conclusion On Can Cats Eat Celery
Be it ribs, leaves, or juice, your cat can safely consume celery as long as it’s in small doses. Adult cats will respond more favorably than kittens whose bodies are still growing and adapting, but there should be minimal to zero problems if you give your favorite feline this treat every so often.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Safely Give Celery To My Cat?
The hard consistency of raw celery makes it a choking hazard for your cat, so you want to make sure you serve it to them in a safe manner. You should always chop it into small pieces that are easy for your cat to chew and ingest.
If you want to feed them celery juice, you can try a few methods. First, you can serve it to them in a small sauce dish. If that doesn’t interest them try pouring it over their wet food and mixing it all.
Should I Feed My Cat Cooked Celery?
Cooking celery is a route you can go, and your cat might enjoy its wet and spongy consistency after it’s boiled. But celery will lose its nutritional benefits once cooked.
