Smylo

Can cats eat carrots?

Yes, cats can eat carrots (kind of)! 

Carrots can be a healthy and safe treat for cats in moderation. 

Man giving feeding his hungry cat

They are low in calories and contain beneficial nutrients such as fiber and vitamins - especially Vitamin A. Unfortunately, since cats are obligate carnivores, they can synthesise these vitamins and minerals only to a very limited extent, which is why feeding vegetables in moderation is always important (Veterinary Centers of America [VCA], n.d.; Veterinary Nutrition at OVC, 2022). While cats can convert some beta carotene into Vitamin A, they cannot do this process as efficiently as other animals, and therefore rely primarily on the preformed Vitamin A found in animal tissues to fulfill that particular nutritional requirement (Morris, 2002).

A few considerations to keep in mind are:

  • Preparation:

Carrots should be cooked (steamed or boiled) and served plain and unseasoned. Raw carrots can be difficult, or even a hazard for cats to chew and digest (Hand et al., 2010). Cooked carrots can be pureed or chopped up into very small pieces and given to your cat.

  • Moderation: 
  1. Carrots should only be given as an occasional treat and not be a regular part of a cat's diet.
  2. At any given time, vegetable treats such as carrots should be less than 10% of your cats’ diet. At Smylo, we have less than 10% carrot and a high animal protein recipe which ensures that your kitty gets all the fibre benefit from their veggies and none of the harmful effects due to incorrect preparation or excess vegetables.
  3. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their primary nutritional needs are met through animal protein.
  4. Additionally, carrots have some sugar content so excess feeding can cause health issues in the long run (VCA, n.d.). 
  • Health Benefits: 
  1. Small, cooked pieces of carrot can provide some fiber, which may aid in digestion and help prevent constipation (Hand et al., 2010).
  2. The antioxidants in carrots can also contribute to overall health by helping to neutralize harmful free radicals (Fascetti & Delaney, 2012).
  • Monitoring: Observe your cat for any adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal upset. If your cat shows signs of discomfort or an allergic reaction, discontinue feeding carrots and consult your vet (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [ASPCA], n.d.; Basepaws, 2024). 

So go ahead and serve your cats carrots for a snack, but make sure you prepare it safely and feed them occasionally. 

Note: Please consult your vet when adding or removing ingredients from your cat's food. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------References

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Toxic and non-toxic plants. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Basepaws. (2024). Can Cats Have Carrots? Nutritional Benefits & Feeding Tips. Basepaws. Retrieved from https://basepaws.com/cat-insider/can-cats-eat-carrots

Fascetti, A. J., & Delaney, S. J. (2012). Applied veterinary clinical nutrition. Wiley-Blackwell.

Hand, M. S., Thatcher, C. D., Remillard, R. L., Roudebush, P., & Novotny, B. J. (2010). Small animal clinical nutrition (5th ed.). Mark Morris Institute.

Morris, J. G. (2002). Idiosyncratic nutrient requirements of cats appear to be diet-induced evolutionary adaptations. Nutrition Research Reviews, 15(1), 153-168. https://doi.org/10.1079/NRR200129

Veterinary Centers of America. (n.d.). Can cats eat carrots? VCA Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/can-cats-eat-carrots

Veterinary Nutrition at OVC. (2022). Can the Easter Bunny Share his Carrots? Retrieved from https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2022/04/18/can-the-easter-bunny-share-his-carrots/