Cat owners are faced with the constant struggle of maintaining their pets’ diets to ensure their health.
In this struggle, they look into several changes, like trying to introduce their cats to regular exercise or trying alternate diet plans.
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The latter option comes with several questions, with the most popular being whether it is safe to feed cats certain vegetables like broccoli or not.
Before introducing any new food items to cats, it is vital to keep in mind that they are predatory animals, meaning their diet primarily consists of meat.
Hence, a vet should be consulted before any changes are made.
However, since broccolis are non-toxic vegetables and can prove to be beneficial for cats, it is relatively safe for cats to eat them.
BENEFITS OF BROCCOLI:
Broccoli has become a staple in many diets globally due to the pure nature of the vegetable, making it easy to grow, cook, and eat.
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It has also proven to be quite beneficial for humans and can prove to be the same for cats due to the immense health benefits linked to it:
1. HIGH LEVELS OF ANTIOXIDANTS:
Antioxidants are associated with strengthening immune systems, giving them a vital position in fighting diseases and illnesses.
They protect the body from external sources.
They are credited for strengthening the body’s defense system against radicals and such.
Therefore, they are linked to the prevention of cancerous tumors in the body.
Hence, introducing broccoli to your cats can boost their immunity and keep them safe from diseases.
2. CHOLESTEROL CONTROL:
Controlling cholesterol levels in cats and other animals is just as important as it is for humans.
In the case of obesity amongst cats or even an overweight problem, broccoli proves incredibly useful in lowering cholesterol levels.
How? This vegetable is enriched with vitamin E, B6, thiamin, pantothenic acid, and calcium.
The most effective way to lower cholesterol levels with broccoli is by steaming it.
Steaming allows for fiber components within broccoli to fold with the bile acids within the body, which reduces cholesterol levels.
3. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM REGULATION:
The fiber content in broccoli also aids in regulating the digestive system by regularizing bowel movements.
Moreover, since cats tend to opt for consuming grass to ease their digestive system at times, broccoli can be used as a substitute to help in the case of constipation.
However, it must be remembered that they are carnivorous animals.
Their system might react negatively to the vegetable. Hence, portions must be monitored.
HOW TO INTRODUCE BROCCOLI TO CATS:
All cat owners are well aware that cats are creatures of habit and picky.
Introducing a completely new food group to them might prove to be a challenge.
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While some cats may prove to be more willing than others, gradual changes need to be made.
These could include feeding small pieces of broccoli to your cat from your plate whenever you eat the vegetable. Then gauge their response towards the plant.
Another way would be to make a broccoli puree and mix it in your cat’s kibble in small amounts.
Moreover, cats’ digestive systems are vastly different from humans.
Large amounts of broccoli can lead to an upset stomach.
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Hence, it would be to either mix it with meat or other aspects of your cat’s regular food or to use it as a treat, keeping portions controlled.
Therefore, it is suggested to start with a small amount and then monitor your cat’s reaction.
If your cat exhibits symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, then it means it cannot digest the vegetable, and a vet should be consulted.
Conclusion
Hence, consuming broccoli has a considerable number of benefits for your cat.
But several factors must be kept in mind such as the cat’s carnivorous nature, its unique digestive system, and overall reaction to the vegetable,
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It must be consumed with great control so that the benefits are maximized. And your cat can live a long, happy, and very healthy life.
