Updated: August 9, 2022 by Kristen Chapple
Is your kitty a frequent grass-muncher? If yes, it means you often have to deal with them throwing up. We have some good news: feed them some lettuce and you won’t have this problem any longer. Its leaves are broad and gentle enough not to cause regurgitation. Unlike blades of grass, it can never cause choking. And there’s a variety of other reasons why it is beneficial for your fluffy friend.
Now, it’s not something you will hear very often. Cats and veggies? Not really. Taking this adorable little carnivore to that newest and coolest veggie bar probably won’t really work. But here’s the catch: your cat may like certain kinds of vegetables, without either you or them knowing it. So, can cats eat lettuce and what are the benefits?
Take a look at six good reasons why you should try to feed them lettuce
- Lettuce can help solve the hydration issue. It’s a great way to beat your cat’s aversion to water. We all know how hard it can be to keep your average cat hydrated. Kill two birds with one stone by making your cat ingest water while nibbling those leaves.
- Digestion improved! Grazing some fiber-rich lettuce every now and then will drive away constipation concerns, if any. The kitty’s digestive tract, just like humans’, needs some stimulation, and this is one of the safest ways to do it. Lettuce also contains folic acid, as well as vitamins A and K. Sure, high-quality dry food already has everything your feline needs. But it won’t hurt to add a little bit of this crunchy supplement.
- Fun to eat! It’s a tasty low-calorie food. Different types of lettuce could give you an awesome chance to partially indulge the kitty’s gluttony and general curiosity without worrying about obesity and all the health risks associated with overeating. If they frown at it, you can just mix up tiny slices of it with their regular meal. In that case, you may want to cut down on the kibble or meat, since lettuce is bulky and will cause a feeling of satiety.
- Let them brush and floss with some lettuce. If you are one of those feline owners who face a nightmare every time they try to provide some dental care to the kitty, this could definitely help. Because of their structure, lettuce leaves will take care of some of the food deposits on the cat’s tongue and between their teeth.
- Divert the kitty’s attention from your houseplants. Have you ever wondered why cats LOVE houseplants? Sure, they are so irresistible to the touch and scratch. But there’s more to it – attacking on your favorite plants is just another way for the kitty to investigate and literally try out new things. You might as well try to introduce some greens that are actually legit to eat. You won’t have to worry about your fluffy friend’s safety. And maybe (just maybe) they’ll even leave that Christmas tree alone.
- Enjoy their urge to merge. That special little bundle of joy may look like the most self-sufficient creature you’ve ever met. But the truth is, they are very attached to their owners and many of them just love to try out people’s food. Put some lettuce salad on both your plates! It may prove to be another thing in common to enjoy together.
That being said, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Never reduce your cat’s diet to lettuce and other healthy greens, much as they may come to adore it. Cats really need meat and it’s not a myth. They won’t ever convert to vegetarians – nor is it safe to try and make them. Lettuce and other greens can only be supplements.
Last piece of advice for the day!
If the kitty starts really enjoying lettuce, you need to take care not to overdo it. Some vitamins, A included, can actually be toxic for cats when ingested in large amounts. Also, you don’t want to risk turning that constipation into flux. We’ve only just taken care of the disgorging problem, haven’t we?
Before you go
Make sure to watch this adorable video of cute cats eating lettuce:
