Why cats can have it
Carrots are not toxic to cats. Cooked carrots contain fibre and water, and a cat can chew the soft pieces easily, if it shows any interest at all.
Cats are carnivores and have no need for vegetables. Carrots are not a source of vitamin A for a cat either: unlike people or dogs, a cat cannot turn the beta carotene in carrots into vitamin A and has to get it from animal food. So carrot is fine only as a treat now and then, not as part of the meal.
How to give it
- Peel the carrot and boil it with no salt.
- Cut it into small, soft pieces or mash it.
- The first time, give very little.
- Give it only now and then, as a treat.
What to watch out for
- Hard pieces of raw carrot can get stuck in the throat.
- Too much can cause diarrhoea or wind.
- Carrots with butter, salt or seasoning are not suitable for cats.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
-
Cooked carrot
SafePlain cooked carrot is fine in small, soft pieces.
-
Raw carrot
In moderationRaw carrot is hard, so grate it finely to keep the cat from choking.
What to give instead
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin without sugar or spices is harmless to cats and fine as a small treat. Safe
- Cucumbers Yes, a small piece of fresh cucumber is harmless to cats, but pickled cucumbers are not suitable for them. Safe
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is one of the best treats you can give a cat. Safe
Looking for a treat?
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