Yes, cats can eat potatoes in small amounts when they are cooked. However, they should not have access to uncooked potatoes. Remember that your feline acquaintance is a carnivore by nature.
Notably, the cat did not evolve by consuming the refined, processed foods we get today. In the days of domestication, it is typically acceptable to give your cats some non-meat food such as certain veggies and fruits.
However, do you know the kinds of people’s food permissible for cats to consume? Although most cat owners usually hold off giving their pets people food, it is acceptable to give your cat friend a small taste of potato. Potatoes are generally in many varieties, including purple, white, gold, and sweet.
As a food source, potatoes are heavy on carbs, although they do not provide proper nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and magnesium. Compared to white potatoes, it is essential to understand that sweet potatoes and yams typically contain more nutrients.
For this reason, they are considered a healthier variety of potatoes for humans; however, sweet potatoes are generally poorly tolerated since they cannot digest well. Therefore, cats can only eat cooked potatoes since they are perfectly safe and the toxins are damaged during the cooking process.
Are Potatoes Safe For Your Cat?
Can cats eat potatoes? Cat owners might have wondered whether it is safe to give your cat potatoes when your kitty is begging for a small bite of your roasted potatoes. Unfortunately, there are no yes or no answers about whether cats can consume potatoes.
Theoretically, when potatoes are cooked properly, they are not toxic to cats so that they can enjoy potatoes safely. However, since cats are obligate carnivores, you should avoid feeding your cat too many potatoes.
Dangers of Cats Eating Potatoes
Starchy potatoes may appear appropriate for your kitty. However, there is a specific condition in which cat owners should certainly keep potatoes out of the cat’s food dish.
Do you Know?
We’ve done our research for lots of foods and have vetted them if they are safe for your pets. Why not check out this article: Can Cats Eat Pineapples?
Can Cats Eat Raw Potatoes?
No, they can’t. As discussed, a toxic compound found in potatoes is usually destroyed during the cooking process. However, it should be noted that glycoalkaloid solanine is among the compound found in potatoes and is deadly to your cat and can make a cat become quite ill after eating raw potatoes. Therefore, you should always ensure raw potatoes are out of reach for your cat.
Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes do not have the solanine chemical. However, sweet potatoes may lead to numerous health-related problems when cats eat. First, it is essential to mention that cats have more trouble digesting potatoes than humans do; also, sweet potatoes’ nutritional value is not as beneficial to cats as people. It is important to note that a small bite of mashed sweet potatoes will not harm your cat; however, when you occasionally serve your cat, it may result in indigestion and health-related issues such as diarrhea and vomiting.
When Are Potatoes Okay for Cats to Eat?
Like humans, when you want to feed your cat some potatoes, you will need to cook them to be safe and appropriate for the cat. Boiled potatoes in plain water and unseasoned are safe ways to cook potatoes for the cat. Also, mashed potatoes without adding extra seasonings such as milk and butter are safe for the cat.
Are Potatoes Safe For Cats?
In conclusion, as mentioned, you can give your cat a small bite of cooked potatoes as a special treat when the cat appears to like it. However, giving your cat potatoes is essential for the cat’s health. The reason is that the potential risk when feeding your cat potatoes outweighs the potential benefits. In light of the above, remember your cat is carnivorous, and meat-based cat food contains adequate nutrients.
