Being a pet owner, you might have fed human foods to your pets. Some foods may harm your pet, while others can prove beneficial for their health. That said, cats are adorable creatures and make for the most loving and calm pets. But cats are obligate carnivores by nature. It means – unlike humans who can go a hundred percent vegetarian – they require meat to survive. Still, the occasional fruits and vegetables are great healthy cat treats. 

Here is a list of beneficial and harmful foods for your pet cat.

Foods to eat

1. Apple
Apples are rich in fiber and have low levels of fat. These factors make it highly valuable for older or overweight cats with a low metabolism. Apples also contain significant levels of vitamins A and C that are essential for healthy bones. Give a few apple slices; they’ll love it.

2. Cooked carrots
Carrots also make for healthy cat treats. They contain useful minerals and vitamins, as well as beta-carotene. All you need to do is cook the veggie, chop them into small pieces to avoid choking and serve them to the feline.

3. Bananas
Bananas, high in potassium, helps maintain healthy heart and kidney functions. The plantain is also rich in carbohydrates and sugar, so make sure to control the consumption of the fruit you feed your cat. Slicing a banana into fine slices makes for a great snack.

4. Green beans
When it comes to a healthy food supply for your cat, green beans are worth trying out. They are rich in fibers and are a viable alternative for traditional cat treats. Green beans are preferred for cats that are overweight.

Foods to avoid

1. Allium veggies
Allium veggies such as onions, garlic, leeks, and chives can cause anemia in cats. It doesn’t matter if they are cooked, powdered, dehydrated, or even served raw. Serving allium veggies can hamper the red blood cells and lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, even diarrhea.

2. Grapes
Grapes should be avoided as they are anything but good for cat health. They may cause serious digestive issues that include lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, grapes may contribute to acute kidney failure in cats.

3. Coconut flesh
When it comes to bad foods for cats, coconut is probably one that you must avoid. Coconut flesh (and coconut milk) can lead to a series of digestive problems in your pet. Though coconut oil is useful for treating cat skin, the fruit is severely high in potassium, which makes it unsafe for consumption.

4. Citrus fruits
Lemons, limes, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are rich in citric acid and other essential oils. These substances – when consumed in excess – can cause vomiting, diarrhea, even problems in the central nervous system. Even smaller quantities can potentially cause an upset stomach, so make sure you keep them out of your cat’s food supply too.