Cats are carnivores by nature, and they’ll chase after and hunt any animal they can when they’re outside. This includes even the smallest, most unlikely of prey, such as earthworms! Cats are opportunistic hunters who’ll eat any small creature if it’s a viable source of nutrition, and if your cat comes across an earthworm, they may eat it. 

Although cats can eat earthworms, it’s wise to stop them from doing it as much as you can. Earthworms can carry parasites that cause disease in cats, so preventing them from ingesting earthworms is the best course of action. 

Are Earthworms Bad For Cats? 

Earthworms aren’t toxic to cats, but they’re not the best things for them to eat, either. Earthworms only provide your cat with a little protein, and there are nasty parasites that can be transferred from the worm to your cat. Capillaria is a parasite your cat can pick up from earthworms, and they can cause problems in many organs of the body. 

Capillaria

Infections of Capillaria worms, often Capillaria plica, in cats cause Capillariasis. This species of parasitic worm has a complex life cycle that begins with eggs being deposited into the soil via the urine of infected cats. These then hatch into larvae that are ingested by earthworms. Once ingested, the larvae will mature in the earthworm until they’re able to infect a new host.

Infection

Once a cat eats an earthworm infected with a Capillaria worm, the worms will mature and move to the bladder. Eggs are shed into the urine, which then starts the life cycle again. There are several signs Capillaria worms can cause, but many cats don’t show any visible signs at all. 

Cats can have similar signs for different urinary problems, like bladder stones or crystals. It’s crucial to take your cat to the vet if they seem unwell. 

What Happens If My Cat Eats an Earthworm?

If your cat eats an earthworm, the likelihood is that they’ll be fine! Because earthworms aren’t toxic, they’ll likely not cause a problem. However, there’s a chance that any earthworms they eat could carry Capillaria or other infectious parasites, such as roundworm eggs. 

Earthworms move through soil where roundworm eggs can be found, but they don’t spread them directly. If you notice your cat eating an earthworm or notice any signs of ill health, you should seek the advice of your vet. Your vet can tell you whether your cat needs to see them and can advise you of any signs to look out for. 

Why Do Cats Eat Earthworms?

Cats are hunters that chase and consume prey. Outdoor cats may be on the prowl and consider an earthworm a quick and juicy snack, but they don’t provide much in the way of nutrients. In most cases, domestic cats will eat earthworms simply because they’re playing with them, rather because they’re hungry. Although pet cats don’t generally need to hunt for food, the hunting instinct is still there.

How Can I Stop My Cat Eating Earthworms?

The only reliable way to prevent your cat from eating earthworms is to stop them from going outside. Earthworms only usually come up from underground after it rains, as the topsoil is easier to move through when wet. However, you cannot guarantee there won’t be any on dry ground, so there’s always the chance your clever cat could find one! But really, there’s no real need to stop them. In most cases, your cat will have no ill effects of eating earthworms, and most routine worming treatments will eradicate any parasites.

A catio can help keep your cat safe from eating earthworms, getting sick or attacked by predators, and hunting other animals. Catios can give your cat the freedom to enjoy the fresh air while keeping them enclosed and protected. 

Final Thoughts

Cats are natural hunters that play with and eat many creatures. Earthworms are a relatively novel experience for many cats, particularly if they don’t get outside much! They’re wriggly and easy to catch, so your cat might decide to sample one to see what it’s like. 

Earthworms aren’t toxic to cats and will most likely cause them no harm. However, they can carry Capillaria worms and other parasite eggs due to their movement through the soil. Provided that your cat is up to date with their preventative health treatments, there is likely no cause for alarm, but if in doubt, always speak to your vet. 

Featured Image Credit: Bukhta Yurii, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Eat Worms (Earthworms)? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Tips by Beth Crane appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Healthy cats need to drink around four ounces of water per five pounds of body weight daily. This amount will vary though, depending on their diet, activity levels and any underlying medical conditions. Unfortunately, some kitties are very picky and particular about the kind of water they drink and the receptacle they drink from. Since we often enjoy bottled water’s fresh and pure taste, it only makes sense that our cats will also enjoy it, right?

While cats might enjoy drinking bottled water and can drink it safely, it may not always be the best kind of water for your kitty to drink. Read on to learn more.

Can Cats Drink Bottled Water?

Giving your kitty bottled water isn’t inherently dangerous, so long as the brand in question is a high-quality and fresh option. Bottled water is great in a pinch, such as when you’re traveling or if you’re in an emergency. We recommend opting for spring water or bottled tap varieties wherever possible.

Spring water is naturally free of chemicals such as chlorine or toxins that can leach into the water from plastic bottles. It also usually contains trace minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can benefit your kitty.

Bottled tap water is typically filtered and, therefore, free of the impurities and toxins that could potentially be found in the tap water supply.

What Bottled Water Varieties Should Be Avoided?

Not all bottled water is created equal.

Can Bottled Water Be Dangerous?

The biggest risk of bottled water is not the water itself but the packaging. BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical used in countless plastic products, including plastic water bottles. It’s also used in the coating of aluminum cans like those your pet’s wet food comes in.

While there is limited research about the dangers of BPA for cats, there is circumstantial evidence suggesting a link between BPA found in canned wet food and hyperthyroidism ¹.

Does All Bottled Water Contain BPA in Its Packaging?

No, not all bottled water varieties use BPA. Some of the most popular brands don’t use BPA in their packaging, including:

What Water Is Best for Cats?

Most experts agree that tap water is generally the safest and cheapest option for pets, especially if the water is filtered.

However, this depends entirely on where you live, as some areas may have contaminants in their water supply, especially if your home has an older plumbing system. However, it is generally safe for you to give your cat the same water you drink. You can buy filter attachments for your taps that filter out impurities, making your drinking water safer and healthier for you and your pets. Cats are often sensitive to the taste of chlorine so often prefer filtered water.

Final Thoughts

While bottled water is generally safe, especially if you choose varieties that don’t use BPA in their packaging, it’s not the most cost-effective water option. Filtered tap water is generally considered the best type of water for pets and can be achieved by purchasing a simple attachment for your faucets.

Featured Image Credit: yanik88, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Drink Bottled Water? Vet-Reviewed Types & Recommendations by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Kidney beans are a tasty legume chock full of health benefits for humans, but are they something you can share with your cat? While cooked kidney beans aren’t toxic for kitties and offer some nutritional benefits, they aren’t found in a cat’s natural diet and can be difficult to digest. As obligate carnivores, cats are better set up to digest meats rather than plant products.

Read on to learn more about the benefits and risks of kidney beans for cats and the appropriateness of this legume for your feline family member.

What Are the Benefits of Kidney Beans?

Kidney beans are a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, B vitamins, and manganese. It is also a great source of fiber. These nutrients play important roles in metabolism and cellular growth and function. Fiber can also help regulate digestion and manage feline obesity.

Keep in mind that cats eating a good-quality diet don’t require kidney beans to meet any of their nutritional needs, and feeding too many kidney beans can result in gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Do Kidney Beans Provide Protein for Cats?

One 100-gram serving of boiled kidney beans offers over 20 grams of protein.

As obligate carnivores, cats have higher protein requirements than dogs. However, their bodies have adapted to diets consisting primarily of animal protein. Cats cannot digest and utilize plant protein as readily as animal sources. So, while kidney beans do have a lot of protein, it is important to note that cats will have a more difficult time utilizing the protein from kidney beans than they will from animal sources.

How to Offer Kidney Beans

If you decide to give your kitty a taste of your kidney beans, there is a right and wrong way to do so.

Raw Beans

Never offer your cat raw kidney beans. Uncooked beans contain high levels of lectins, which can be toxic for cats. Lectins are plant proteins that bind to carbohydrates. They are a defensive mechanism to help plants survive in nature, but this same protective quality can cause discomfort in humans (and cats) if consumed.

Cooking or soaking raw kidney beans will help destroy all active lectins.

Canned Beans

Many people opt for canned beans over raw simply for convenience. To offer your kitty canned kidney beans, thoroughly rinse them before cooking. Most canned varieties are packed in salt water for preservation’s sake, so you’ll want to get rid of this before giving any to your cat.

What are Other Treat Options Besides Kidney Beans?

Rather than giving your cat kidney beans, you may instead decide to offer them small pieces of plain, lean, cooked meats, such as chicken breast. This will provide a protein boost without a lot of extra calories. You may also opt for commercial cat treats. If you have any questions on other treat options, be sure to speak to your vet.

Final Thoughts

While kidney beans may have something to offer in terms of vitamins and minerals, this isn’t a food found in a cat’s natural diet. If your kitty goes wild for them, you can offer a few cooked kidney beans occasionally, once a week or less, as a special treat. However, the bulk of your pet’s diet should consist of commercially prepared food designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of cats.

Featured Image Credit: Piyaset, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Eat Kidney Beans? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Health Guidelines by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.