We all love our cats and many of us are guilty of giving human food to our furry friends every now and then. Usually cats are very finicky about what they eat, so odds are your cat will just sniff the food and walk away. But what if you gave your cat a jelly bean? Would you cat eat it, and if so, is it safe for your cat to even eat one.
It’s not a good idea to let your cat eat a jelly bean. Jelly beans contain a large amount of sugar which is bad and unhealthy for cats and can causes gastro intestinal problems. Additionally, there are a few jelly bean brands that contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is really dangerous for cats. In cats, xylitol is toxic and causes a sudden drop in their blood sugar levels, vomiting, and in some cases, seizures.
Furthermore, sugary foods can cause oral health issues such as tooth decay and gingivitis is cats. It’s not like cats can brush their teeth in between meals like humans can. Even if for some reason you brush your cats teeth, feeding him or her Jelly Beans is a terrible idea and should be avoided.
Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Jelly Beans?
A Cats Stomach Is Sensitive
The stomach of a cat is unlike that of a human, so the foods we enjoy may not be suitable for them. A cat’s size should also be considered in comparison to yours. The stomach of your cat simply does not have the capacity to hold this much food and it would be a shame to see your cat become ill and distressed within one hour.
You should also keep in mind that a cats stomach has been specifically designed to process meat (and for the domestic cat the occasional Fancy Feast and crunchies). They aren’t equipped in digesting sweet such as Jelly Beans and other sugary candy. Doing so can cause irreversible harm to your furry friend and quite possibly send him or her to the vet.
Can I Give My Cat Any Snack?
In pet stores and supermarkets, you will find a selection of cat treats which have been specially designed for cats and are suitable for their digestive systems. Since cats are carnivores, protein is an essential part of their diet, but fruit and vegetables don’t contribute to their well-being.
Whenever you feel the need to give your cat something from your plate, you can offer a small bit of anything such as the floowing:
- Cooked pumpkin
- Spinach
- Berries due to their low sugar content
- Steam broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- Oatmeal
- A tiny amount of cooked egg
- Melons
- Fish
- Meats
- Cheese
- Rice
Although these foods are safe for your cat to eat, I still don’t recommend you make a daily habit out of this. Cat food is going to be your best bet, Just make sure you’re selecting high quality cat food such as Purina Pro Plan.
Can Cats Eat Jelly Beans Final Thoughts
I know it might break your heart when your little furbaby is begging for the food you have on your plate. In most cases it’s fine to give him or her a small taste. But just remember, if it’s a Jelly Bean or any type of sugary candy it’s best to keep it far away from your cat. The last thing you want is to give your little guy or gal a massive stomach ache and possibly a trip to the vet.
Has your cat ever ate something he or she really wasn’t supposed to? What was it and how worried did you get? Let us know in the comment section below and as always make sure to checkout our latest articles on cat health by clicking here.