Can Cats Eat Eggplant?

Do you also wonder if you can share your meals with your cat? While a lot of food that we humans love and prepare can be shared with cats, there are some foods that you need to keep your cats away from. Eggplants are one of them. You cat cannot eat eggplants and there are several reasons why. We will talk about why eggplants should be avoided for cats and the potential risks of feeding them to your cat.

Why Should Cats Not Eat Eggplant?

Eggplants, widely known as aubergines and brinjals, are purple veggies that belong to the same family as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. This category of veggies is called the Nightshade family, which is toxic for cats. These vegetables and fruits contain a chemical compound called solanine, a pesticide produced by plants as a natural protection against insects.

While you may find this chemical compound in leaves and stems, it can be transported to the fruit too. While your cat likely won’t gobble up enough eggplant to experience the toxicity, it’s best to avoid it altogether.

Besides this compound, eggplant also contains oxalic acid which forms calcium oxalate crystals. If these crystals are found in the kidney or bladder, they may cause UTI infections for your cat.

Risks Of Feeding Eggplant to Your Cat

Feeding raw eggplant can be extremely harmful to your cat as cats can't break down the solanine present in eggplants. This is why, if they do eat raw eggplant, the chemical compound can build in their system and lead to health issues. If you suspect your cat has ingested a concerning amount of eggplant, you should monitor them closely for signs of distress.

Some Symptoms to Look for:

Cooking your eggplant can reduce the level of solanine, but even then, it’s not the most ideal veggie to add to your cat’s diet.

Moreover, if you have a smaller cat breed, or a little kitten, the effect of solanine will be far greater on them than on larger cats.

What To Do If My Cat Ate Eggplant?

If you or your family savors eggplants quite often, there is only so much you can do to keep your cats away from your kitchen. Your curious cat may accidentally get a bite of your eggplant, which is why it is best to stay cautious and informed.

If your cat has eaten some eggplant, look for potential side effects such as abdominal pain, lethargy, fatigue, or discomfort. Your cat could also become dehydrated. In this case, try giving them water to keep them hydrated and help bring down their pain. You should seek a veterinary professional who can help out in such cases.

When you connect with your vet, give them all the information you can. Let them know the amount of eggplant your cat ingested, the early signs of discomfort you noticed, and the cat’s overall diet.

Tips for Your Cat’s Healthy Diet:

Cats are obligate carnivores which means they do not need fruits or vegetables as a source of protein. They thrive off animal-based proteins that are present in their cat food. Your cats need fatty acids and amino acids to be healthy, so make sure their diet is full of them.

It is also important to keep your cat hydrated as they may not feel thirsty as often as other pets.

Conclusion:

Eggplant is one of those ingredients a cat should always avoid. Eggplant is a source of both solanine and cyanide which puts your cat at potential health risks.

If you suspect your cat has eaten eggplant, it's best to rush them to a vet for early signs of discomfort and treatment. The early signs you could detect are vomiting, nausea, digestion issues, and overall discomfort.

To help keep your cat safe and healthy, you should always rely on your store-bought, vet-recommended cat food, which is typically enough to give them the nutrients they need.