If your cat snuck a bite of kale, don’t panic. Cats can eat kale, but this doesn’t mean that it should be a staple in their diets.
Cats are carnivores and are meant to consume meat, not leafy greens. Still, plenty of curious cats tend to nibble on plants, which makes kale one of them.
So, is kale truly safe? To answer that, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about kale for cats, from their potential benefits to the risks.
What are the Potential Benefits of Kale for Cats?
If your cat sneaks a bite of kale now and then, it’s probably not a big deal. Here are the potential benefits:
Vitamin A. Kale is rich in beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. However, cats can’t convert this into usable vitamin A, so this does not provide any benefits.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C is another benefit from kale. However, cats produce their own vitamin C in their liver, so additional from dietary sources won’t be significant.
Vitamin K. This vitamin plays a role in blood clotting. Kale is a great source of vitamin K, but only minimal servings should be given to cats.
Calcium. Kale contains calcium, which supports bone health and nerve function. While they mostly get this mineral from protein, kale can provide small amounts.
Potassium. Potassium helps in nerve and muscle function. Adding tiny amounts of kale to your cat’s diet can be beneficial.
Magnesium. Cats can also get magnesium from kale, but it’s only a minor source. Magnesium helps with muscle function, heart health, and nerve function.
Fiber. Fiber helps with digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. However, too much fiber can be counterproductive.
Is Kale Harmful to Cats?
While kale isn’t toxic to cats, it can cause problems when they eat too much.
Oxalates
Kale contains calcium oxalate, a compound that contributes to kidney and bladder stone formation. Cats with pre-existing urinary conditions should avoid kale to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Heinz Body Hemolytic Anemia
Another potential risk of kale for cats is Heinz body hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are damaged. This leads to the formation of Heinz bodies, which are abnormal structures that develop within red blood cells due to oxidative damage.
Goitrogens
Kale, like other cruciferous vegetables, contains goitrogens, compounds that can interfere with thyroid hormone production. This can be a concern when cats are given huge servings of kale regularly or if they have an existing thyroid condition.
Digestive Upset
Excessive kale intake can lead to excessive fiber intake, which can result in digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting in cats.
How to Serve Kale to Cats Safely
If you have some extra portions of kale you want to give to your cat, there are ways to do it safely.
Cook It First
The kale that cats eat should be steamed or boiled first. Cooking helps reduce the harmful compounds found in raw kale while also making it more easily digestible for cats.
Keep It Plain
Avoid adding any additives and seasonings, such as oil, salt, butter, and garlic. These additives can cause more problems than good.
Chop It Down
Chop the leaves into small pieces to reduce choking hazards and aid digestion. The large pieces of the leaves can be difficult to break down.
Keep Portions Tiny
Think of kale as a garnish, not a full-blown meal. A few shreds of kale should be a good meal topper, just be sure to give them slowly to control how fast they eat.
Supervise Your Cat
Once you start giving your cat some kale, be on the watch for any signs of potential side effects. If there are any issues, stop giving kale completely.
Safer Alternatives to Kale for Cats
If you want to give your cat a healthy treat, there are safe and simpler options other than kale. These include:
Steamed Carrots. Carrots are a great source of fiber, calcium, and iron. Just like with kale and most vegetables, steaming and boiling are the best ways to cook them. Make sure to slice them into smaller pieces and give them in smaller portions.
Pumpkin Puree. Pumpkin is a great treat that helps with a cat’s digestion and nutrition. Making a puree out of it works best as a meal topper. Baking, steaming, and boiling are other ways to prepare pumpkin for cats.
Green Beans. Green beans provide a lot of nutritional benefits, including fiber, low calories, calcium, potassium, and vitamin K. Steaming and boiling work best. You can also mash them down to make a simple puree.
Vet’s Recommendation
While kale is not toxic for cats, it’s not an essential part of their diet. Cats get most of their nutrition from protein, which means that adding kale wouldn’t be that beneficial. Plus, kale holds a couple of other risks. In that case, it’s better to leave kale out of your cat’s diet completely.
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