Can Cats Eat Artichokes?

The answer is actually a little tricky. While artichokes are not necessarily toxic to your cat, there is little to no benefit in feeding it to them.¹ It may actually be a good idea to just avoid introducing this vegetable to your cat’s diet.

Artichokes are a member of the thistle family, originating in the Mediterranean.¹ In the US, you would typically find people referring to it as green artichoke or French artichoke. Artichokes are highly nutritious and can be cooked in several ways including into tarts, bravas, salads, calzone, and hundreds of other dishes. Artichokes can even be used to make herbal teas.

Do Cats Like Artichokes?

Cats are usually attracted to foods high in protein, and most of the time this means meat. Having said that, cats also often become intrigued by the foods that their pet parents are eating. One possibility is that the cat is curious about the smell or texture of the food. When it comes to artichokes, there isn’t much of a chance that your cat will jump onto your dining table hoping to swipe a bite of your meal. But is it safe to offer them a bite if they seem curious?

Are Artichokes Good For Cats?

Let us break down the nutritional content of artichokes. A serving of 100g artichokes consists of the following² –

All these nutrients in artichokes can help² –

Now these are the benefits artichokes can offer us, but the digestive system of cats doesn’t work the same way as ours. Our human systems are made for digesting dietary fibers from plants and vegetables. Cat systems are made primarily for absorbing nutrients only from meat.

Health Benefits of Artichokes For Cats

Despite the rich nutritional content of artichokes, they aren’t much use to cats. While artichokes are not toxic, there is always a chance that feeding your cat artichokes could lead to an upset stomach if they consume too much.¹

How Much Artichoke is Safe For Your Cat?

Being carnivorous in nature, it is recommended that your cat derive most of their daily nutritional requirements from meat. You can substitute cat safe human foods as a treat, once in a while.

Firstly, before introducing any new fruit or vegetable to your cat’s diet, consult your vet. Once you have the go-ahead from the vet, you can start by giving your cat a very small fingernail-sized piece of artichoke. After feeding it to them, look out for any sign of discomfort. If after a few hours, your cat is not showing any signs of an allergic reaction or upset stomach, you can feed 1-2 very small pieces of artichoke to your cat.³

How Can You Feed Artichokes to Your Cat?

Before offering artichoke to your cat, it is important that you know how to prepare it for them.

What Happens if a Cat Eats Too Much Artichoke?

If your cat eats too much artichoke, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach.¹ You should contact your vet right away if you see –

Are There Any Cats That Should Not Eat Artichokes?

Some cats, not specific to any breed, can be more susceptible to getting an upset stomach from eating artichokes. For them, artichokes should altogether be avoided. If your cat is known to have any allergies to fruits and vegetables, you should avoid letting them try artichokes altogether.

Expert Insights From Spot

While sharing our favorite foods with our pets can be tempting, it's important to remember that not all human foods are safe cats. Spot's internal data shows that pet insurance claims for dietary indiscretions average $642*, highlighting the importance of caution and research before sharing snacks with your pet.

How Spot Pet Insurance Can Help

At Spot Pet Insurance, we know that unexpected accidents and illnesses can happen at any time. That’s why Spots accident and illness and accident-only plan options offer pet parents up to 90% cash back on eligible veterinary bills. So, pet parents can have help getting additional peace of mind while navigating difficult circumstances. Customize a plan that will best fit the needs of your pet and your budget by choosing your deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement from a range of options. Get a free quote today!

Conclusion

Artichokes are safe to feed your cat but don’t add any nutritional value to their diet. If you do decide to let your cat taste artichoke, checking with your vet first is always a good idea. If they give you the go-ahead, remember to cook the artichoke without seasoning, and only give your cat pieces from the heart.