The short answer: Yes, but only in very small amounts.
The long answer: Black beans are edible legumes, which belong to the same family as peanuts, chickpeas, and peas. They are also called turtle beans due to their hard, shell-like appearance. Low in fat and high in vegetable-based protein, these beans contain nutrients such as vitamins A and C, calcium, folate, magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Cooked black beans are technically safe for cats to eat. However, it is recommended that they consume limited amounts of these. For one, they do not need the vitamins that black beans provide since they can produce these on their own. Another reason is that black beans are not easily digestible and may cause your cat gas and digestive distress.
Never give your cat raw black beans because they may contain toxic lectins or bacteria. Symptoms of lectin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Additionally, the hard, uncooked beans may also cause throat or intestinal blockage.
How to feed black beans to your cat: Feed your cat dried black beans that have been soaked and boiled with water. Steer clear of oil, butter, salt, sugar, and other potentially harmful spices that may cause her poisoning. As such, canned black beans should never be fed to your cat since they may be high in preservatives and flavourings.
When letting your cat try black beans for the first time, only give a small portion of a bean and observe her closely for the next 24 hours.
In summary: Though black beans may be eaten by your cat as an occasional treat, she is better off snacking on other easily digestible vegetables. Consult with your veterinarian before including black beans in your cat’s diet, and find out how much and how often she can safely have this type of legume.
References:
Can Cats Eat Beans: Top Key Points Every Owner Should Know
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