Can Cats Eat Carrots?
Yes, cats can eat carrots, but only in moderation and with the right preparation.
Cook or steam them so they’re soft and easier for your cat to chew and digest. Always prepare them plain. Avoid oil, butter, garlic, onions, or any seasonings, and cut the carrots into very small, pea-sized pieces to prevent choking. Raw carrots, on the other hand, can be a choking hazard or even upset your cat’s stomach.
If done right, carrots provide vitamins, fiber, and prove to be a low-calorie treat that your cat may even come to love—even though they’re obligate carnivores!
Let’s dive deeper into the benefits, risks, and what you should consider before adding carrots to your cat’s diet.
Why Are Carrots Safe for Cats to Eat?
Carrots are considered safe for cats because they are:
- Non-toxic
- Gentle on digestion (when cooked)
- Nutritious in small amounts
But how do carrots fit into a cat’s carnivorous diet? Carrots, in essence, are a safe treat (not a meal replacement). They’re low-calorie and not harmful, and thus can help satisfy your cat’s curiosity or begging behavior without adding junk food to their diet.
What Are the Benefits of Carrots for Cats?
When properly prepared, carrots offer several benefits to cats, including:
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A little beta-carotene to support eye, skin, and cognitive health
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Some fiber to aid digestion
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A mild natural sweetness that your cat may enjoy
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Essential vitamins and minerals such as:
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Vitamin C
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Vitamin K
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Vitamin B6
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Potassium
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Iron
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Calcium
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Zinc
In short, carrots make a good occasional treat for cats that’s easy to prepare.
Disclaimer: Raw carrots can be a choking hazard or upset your cat’s stomach, so we’re only talking about cooked or steamed carrots here.
What Are the Risks of Feeding Carrots to Cats?
As long as the carrots are well-cooked, plain, unseasoned, and cut into tiny pieces, the risks of allergies or GI issues are low. But as mentioned above, raw carrots can present a choking hazard or upset your cat’s stomach.
Even cooked carrots carry some risks. Large pieces can still pose a choking hazard, as cats don’t chew like humans, they bite and swallow.
Too much carrot may potentially cause mild vomiting, gas, or diarrhea. Cats’ digestive systems aren’t designed to handle large amounts of fiber or starch, so it’s best to offer only a small portion (couple of pea-sized pieces at a time).
Carrots also contain natural sugars and starch that are harmless in small amounts but could spike blood sugar if overfed, which is concerning for diabetic or overweight cats.They may also affect cats prone to bladder stones, as carrots can raise urine pH and disrupt mineral balance.
In short, properly prepared carrots served in moderation are generally a safe treat for most cats, but it’s wise to consult your veterinarian before introducing them.
How Should Carrots Be Prepared for Cats?
Raw carrots are a no-go. Carrots should be:
- Washed and peeled
- Cooked or steamed until soft
- Cut into small pieces, about the size of a pea.
- Served plain (no oil, butter, salt, sugar, or seasonings)
Garlic and onion are especially dangerous, as they’re toxic to cats.
Following these instructions makes carrots a safer treat for your cat.
How Often Can Cats Eat Carrots?
Carrots aren’t a substitute for cat food; they’re an occasional treat. Ideally, offer 1-2 pea-sized pieces of plain cooked carrots no more than a few times per week, not daily.
In fact, if your cat is eating a diet approved by AAFCO, like Wild Earth, for their life stage, their regular food already meets 100% of their nutrient needs. Treats. including carrots, should not exceed 10% of daily calories, while their main diet should make up the other 90%.
What should I do if my cat eats too many carrots?
The first step is to watch for an upset stomach. Signs might include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
- Reduced appetite
Make sure your cat has plenty of water, as extra fiber and carbs from too many carrots can dehydrate or upset their stomach. Stop offering any additional treats and stick to their regular food to give their digestive system time to recover.
Also, monitor your cat’s bathroom habits, especially urination. Most cases resolve within 12 to 24 hours. Contact your veterinarian if vomiting or diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours, if your cat appears lethargic, or if you notice any changes in urination.
Kittens are more sensitive, so call your vet promptly if a kitten consumes too many carrots.
Should You Ask Your Veterinarian Before Feeding Carrots to Your Cat?
Yes. Always consult your veterinarian about dietary changes, including new treats like carrots.
Even though cooked, plain carrots are considered safe for most cats, they may not be appropriate for cats with diabetes, weight issues, bladder stones, chronic digestive problems, or kidney disease.
FAQs About Cats and Carrots
Let’s summarize some of the key points about feeding carrots to your cat.
Can cats eat raw carrots?
No. Raw carrots present a choking hazard and may upset your cat’s stomach. Cooking carrots softens the fiber and starch, making them easier for cats to nibble on and digest without upsetting their stomach.
Can kittens eat carrots?
Yes, kittens older than 12 weeks can eat carrots, but the same rules of preparation apply as for adult cats: the carrots should be cooked and softened, unseasoned, and served in very small, pea-sized pieces. Keep in mind that kittens’ digestive systems are more sensitive than adult cats, so be extra mindful of the serving sizes of carrots.
How much carrot is safe for a cat to eat?
One or two cooked and unseasoned pea-sized pieces as an occasional treat (not daily) is generally safe.
Do I need to peel carrots before giving them to my cat?
Before cooking, make sure to wash and peel the carrots first to remove dirt, pesticides, and surface contaminants.
When not to feed carrots to your cat?
Avoid carrots if your cat has:
- A history of bladder stones
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Chronic digestive issues (IBD, frequent vomiting, sensitive stomach)
- Chronic kidney disease
Cats with food allergies or reactions should also avoid carrots. Kittens under 12 weeks should not be given carrots at all.
Let’s Recap!
Your feline friends should get most of their nutrition from their regular cat food. Cooked carrots are merely an occasional treat.
To prepare carrots as a treat for your cat, make sure the carrots are cooked or steamed until soft. Keep the carrots plain (avoid all seasonings, oils, or salt), and cut the them into tiny, pea-sized pieces, only feeding one or two pieces to your cat at a time.
Avoid raw carrots for cats, as these present a choking hazard or can upset their stomach. And if your cat has health issues, such as diabetes, weight issues, or bladder stones, be especially careful. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian.
If you’re looking for a healthy cat food that’s plant-based, consider Unicorn Pate from Wild Earth.
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