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Can cats eat ginger? Ginger is the underground stem of a plant native to Asia. This herbal rhizome has a long history of medicinal use for mankind. Does it have the same benefits for the cat? Is it good for cats? Is ginger poisonous for cats? Can cats eat ginger?
These are the questions that usually come to the mind of furry pet owners. The answer is yes; ginger is one of the many human foods that are safe for cats to eat. Cats not only can eat ginger, but it also has numerous health benefits for them as well. Let’s have a deep look at the safety of ginger for cats.
Nutritional Composition Of Ginger
Ginger has many such nutrients that make it beneficial for use. It contains essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, and folate.
Ginger is packed with several vitamins, such as vitamins B6, B3, and vitamin C. It has a lot of reserves of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Ginger also contains bioactive compounds that work on the digestive and nervous systems.
What Are The Potential Advantages Of Ginger For Cats?
- Cardiovascular health- Ginger can help lower blood pressure due to its blood-thinning effect. It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in your pet. It also has proven effects in controlling blood sugar and cholesterol level.
- Anti-emetic- Ginger proves highly effective against nausea. A few slices of it can help to manage motion sickness symptoms.
- Digestive health- It can aid in relieving stomach pain, emptying the stomach, improving digestion, treating bloats, and reducing flatulence. It helps with problems of gastroenteritis.
- Ginger can also act as a remedy for low milk supply in lactating cats.
- Respiratory health- Helps with respiratory symptoms such as cough.
- Anti-cancer agent- It can also act as an anticancer and reduce cancer risks because its anti-oxidative compounds help your kitty body get rid of free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory agent- Gingerol, a compound present in the ginger. It proved to have an anti-inflammatory property of blocking prostaglandin synthesis. Ginger also aids in relieving arthritis in old-aged cats.
- Immune system- The antibacterial property of ginger can help your cat to have an improved and better immune system.
- Anti-anxiety properties can help calm a nervous, aggressive, and irritable cat.
How Much Ginger Can you Feed your Cat?
Ginger is not necessarily needed to be a part of your cat’s regular diet. What amount is enough to give? It depends on the pet’s health status, medical history, weight, and age.
However, a small pinch of thin-sliced ginger can be sprinkled over the cat’s food. It is better to use this medicinal herb as an occasional treat rather than daily use.
Food for Cats: Did You Know?
Felines are not actually picky eaters as one might think. Therefore, we have looked at several different foods and tell you if it’s safe for your cat to eat or not. Like this one: Can Cats Eat Flies?
When And How To Serve The Ginger To Your Cat?
Never serve the ginger to your pet on an empty stomach, as this can irritate your cat’s stomach. Ginger is acceptable and safe for cats if used in small thin slices or grated form.
Mix the small slices with the regular food. Big chunks are pretty difficult to engulf and can choke.
Do Cats Like Eating Ginger?
May or may not be. It depends on your cat’s taste bud and smells sense. Some cats may love eating it, while some may not give it the time of day.
Always start with a small amount. If you observe that your cat can tolerate its taste, then gradually increase the amount.
Is Ginger Toxic For Cats?
Like everything else, too much consumption of ginger can be toxic for cats. Overeating can end in symptoms like diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, anorexia, vomiting, lethargy, and dullness.
If you observe digestive upset or any of the above symptoms, try to provide free access to drinking water.
When Not To Feed Ginger?
Following are the precautionary measure that discusses the situations in which we should not feed ginger to cats.
- Immediately after the surgery. Since it has blood-thinning characteristics.
- Have ulcers and gallstones.
- With the diabetes medication history.
- Nursing or pregnant.
- Allergic reaction to prior use of ginger.
Conclusion – Can cats eat ginger?
Can cats eat ginger? Yes, ginger is an incredible healing/ medicinal herb used in cats. This can be given once in a while as a treat or to get various health benefits.
These include a better immune system and a protective effect against arthritis, cancer, digestive, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases.
