Yes, cats can eat cucumber, but in moderation. However, a couple of small pieces of cucumber are often enough to put a cat's curiosity to rest. Remember that cats are obligate carnivores, and they get all the nutrients they need from high-quality feline diets containing animal protein.
You may be surprised to learn that many cats actually love cucumbers and will ask for them when they realize you're eating them. Cucumbers are full of water, and hot or thirsty cats that need some hydration may seek them out for refreshment, just like humans.
No, cucumber plants are not toxic to cats.
Just like dog parents, cat parents will be happy to know that the cucumber plant is safe to grow around young kittens and full grown cats. This is because its leaves, stems, tendrils, and roots do not have any known toxic compounds.
It's not uncommon for cats to hate vegetables, so they may simply turn their nose up when presented with one. However, if your feline enjoys an odd veggie snack, they do offer lots of vitamins, fibre and water. A few safe vegetables cats can eat are: cucumber, steamed broccoli, carrots and asparagus and peas.
"Cats are genetically hard-wired through instinct to avoid snakes," Con Slobodchikoff, animal behaviorist and author of "Chasing Doctor Dolittle: Learning the Language of Animals," said. "Cucumbers look enough like a snake to have the cat's instinctive fear of snakes kick in."
The mystery of why cats hate cucumbers is normally explained by the natural fear cats have towards snakes. To a feline's eyes a cucumber can look similar enough to the pesky reptile to elicit their fear response and make them jump a few feet in the air to avoid being bitten.
“Some people believe that cucumbers look like a snake, which is a predator that has been known to attack and even eat cats,” explains Claudine Sievert, DVM, a Kansas-based veterinarian. “Cats see an elongated green object and think it's a snake, so they run from it.”
Toxic Vegetables for Dogs and Cats
Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks, Scallions, and Shallots: Cats are more susceptible to their toxic effects than dogs, but both are affected. In addition to gastrointestinal irritation, they can cause red blood cell damage and anemia. Eggplants are toxic to cats!
Cucumbers aren't the only grocery which cats are unimpressed by, bananas are also a no-go. Cats have a sense of smell which is 14 times stronger than our own so strong odours like fruity scents can be too much for their sensitive snoots.
Cucumbers are an excellent, healthy treat. They are especially good for pets that need to lose weight, as their low-calorie content offers some rewards without the rolls. Cucumbers also have high water content. This crunchy vegetable is actually 96 percent water, which makes it a tasty and hydrating summer treat.
Tomato Plants
The tomato plant's leaves and stems contain solanine. This substance is toxic to both dogs and cats. If pets eat a tomato plant's greenery then they might suffer from nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy.
Superb vegetables to offer your cat are chopped carrots, peas, frozen corn, broccoli florets, green beans, zucchini, lettuce, spinach, winter squash, and pumpkin. This produce should be cooked (steamed is best) since felines, just like us humans, lack a sufficient way to break down plant cell walls.
Feeding your cat avocado is not recommended because it contains persin, which can cause toxicity in cats. If your cat eats a small portion of avocado accidentally, they shouldn't experience any negative side effects. However, you should never willingly feed them avocado.
Peanut butter is generally safe for cats to eat in moderation and with approval from a vet. However, cats do not obtain any valuable nutrients from peanut butter and in many cases, the risks outweigh the benefits.
Some of the most toxic food for cats include onions & garlic, raw eggs & meat, chocolate, alcohol, grapes and raisins. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially around the holidays, as these may contain potentially toxic ingredients.
Raw carrots aren't toxic to cats, but vets recommend against feeding raw carrots to cats because they're a lot tougher to eat and digest. Cats can't chew things up as well as people can, so carrots can be a choking hazard for your cat.
Cheese and dairy are not good for cats. They aren't toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. Eating cheese over a prolonged period can also lead to obesity. Some cheeses are also very high in salt, which can cause problems in excess just as it does in humans.
Can Cats Eat Broccoli Safely? Yes, broccoli is completely safe for cats of all ages and breeds to enjoy, if they're so inclined. In fact, getting your feline companions interested in broccoli could even provide some nutritional benefits. First of all, broccoli is absolutely packed with antioxidants.
Can cats eat bananas as a nutritious snack? Again, the answer is yes, but in moderation. Because they are calorie-rich, bananas are not at the top of the cat treat list, and your cat may not even want to eat bananas.
Why do some cats dislike belly rubs? Hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating, Provoost says. “Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks,” where they have scent glands, Provoost says.
Strawberries are non-toxic to cats, so if your cat eats a small piece out of your bowl, they should not experience any adverse side effects. However, just because strawberries are non-toxic to cats doesn't mean they should eat them regularly.