Is Your Cat Getting Enough Vegetables In Their Life?
When you think of wild cats, you probably don't envision them munching on a rich diet of leafy greens. However, the reality is that cats in the wild—both big and little ones—do eat veggies on a regular basis. If your cat is kept indoors, it might not be getting the greens that it needs. Read on to find out why cats need veggies and what you can do to supplement your cat's intake.
Fiber Intake
All cats eat veggies in the form of grass and weeds. In the past, you've probably seen a cat chewing on a blade of grass. Kitties eat greens not for vitamins and minerals, but for the fiber that they contain. This fiber helps your cat to pass fully-formed stools, avoid having gas, and to move hairballs out of the digestive tract. Without enough fiber in your cat's life, it could end up having these problems. Thankfully, simply adding a source of fiber back into your cat's diet can help.
Grass Plants
Any good pet store has grass plants for sale these days. These plants are already growing and thriving, providing a small patch of real veggies that your cat can chew on. You can bring some plants home and place them where your cat can always access them, or you can bring them out once a day as a treat for your kitty to up their grass intake.
Pumpkin
Another option is to add a scoop of pumpkin to your cat's food on a regular basis. Pumpkin contains lots of vitamins and minerals, as well as a decent amount of fiber.
Giving pumpkin to your cat is easy, too. Most cats have no issue with the scent or taste of pumpkin, so you can just mix it into their wet food. Try adding a few teaspoons once or twice a day. Your kitty will get a nutritional boost, and you'll get some peace of mind.
Vet-Exclusive Food
Lastly, consider talking to your veterinarian about the choices of indoor pet food they can offer you. Many pet owners never even consider buying food from their vets, but veterinarians have access to a wide variety of specialty pet foods that can only be purchased through a veterinarian or an animal hospital. This includes foods that contain more fiber to make up for the grass your kitty isn't eating outside.
Kitties need the fiber that veggies like grass provide on a regular basis. Make sure that your cat is getting adequate nutrition and the necessary fiber it needs by talking with a vet.