This picture of my cat Gary hangs on a prominent wall in my house. Whenever I look at it, it makes me smile. I’ve been trying to come up with a reason to do a blog entry to accompany the photo (other than “isn’t my cat adorable?”). Then Gary himself provided one.
My husband and I occasionally take spirulina (blue-green algae) tablets as a supplement. Before I explain what happened, I have to emphasize that Gary doesn’t care about food much. To him, eating his dinner is secondary to cuddling. He is also indifferent to cat treats. But when he caught a whiff of the spirulina the other day, he got wide-eyed, reached up to the table where I’d placed the spirulina tablet (Gary has a long reach), and swiped it onto the floor. Before I could take it away from him, he munched it down like it was the best treat he ever had.
I quickly checked online to make sure spirulina is okay for cats, and everything I’ve found indicates that it is. We then offered a half a spirulina tablet to our other cat, Mitzi, so she wouldn’t feel left out. In a split second, she wolfed it down, too, frantically looking around for more. I don’t plan to make a habit of giving it to them until I find out more. Does anybody else out there have a cat who likes spirulina?
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My cat (Couscous) LOVES seaweed. He goes nuts for it.
Hi Robin,I just got your vegan planet cookbook a couple of weeks ago and I love it 🙂 I have made the Mac and cheese (page 270)(without nutritional yeast) and the tofu vindaloo (page 312). I loved them both. I was skeptical with how liquid the mac and cheese was when I put it in the oven but it came out beautifull! For the tofu vindaloo I had no red peppers in hand so I added corn instead for color and it turned out really excellent. I plan on making both dishes on a regular basis. Thank you for your really nice book.Maria
We had a package of sushi nori sheets left open in one of the kitchen shelves, and one day, I saw my cat Adzuki make it fall on the floor. I just placed the package back on the shelf, but when he made it fall again just a few minutes later, I observed him. He was eating the seaweed! He really loves it and whenever we eat dry seaweed he follows us to have some!
Yep, spirulina is OK for cats, as long as it's been well tested for toxins. Actually there has been at least one study that says it's amazing for their immune systems. Also it's known to be good for their skin & coats, and to be a good appetite stimulant when sprinkled on food – so it stands to reason that they'd go after spirulina tablets like we do chocolate.
I researched spirulina for cats some time ago, and the only caveat was that it is very alkaline, and cats, unlike humans (cats being true carnivores) like a more acidic system. So it’s ok, but in moderation!RebeccaPS I love your blog and recipes!
Magpie: I LOVE your cat’s name — too cute! Maria: I appreciate your kind words about Vegan Planet. I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipes.Babette: these cats are just too smart, aren’t they? They seem to know what’s good for them –(sometimes!)Maya and Rebecca: Thanks for all the great info on cats and spirulina. Gary and Mitzi will be thrilled to know they can continue to have some (in moderation!)
Gary is too funny! Now you have a healthy treat he goes nuts for.
All of my cats are very food motivated, but my one little girl Kalyra, is more picky than the other two. She *loves* seaweed. The others will eat it, but Kalyra begs for (loudly!) whenever I’m working with it. I feed my cats a raw diet and the supplement powder I make for them includes kelp powder (from the book Natural Health for Dogs and Cats) so I feel comfortable giving them treats of seaweed. It is certainly much healthier than many cat treats available.
I have a cat, Dobson, who is so desperately addicted to nutritional yeast that ne now attacks any bags with similarly colored foods — couscous, pasta, flour.He has, in the past, managed to wreak havoc on bags of nootch (and my apartment) tearing holes in the bag, licking it, rolling around in it, dragging the bag around the house to make a trail and jumping and dancing in piles of nootch.He is a nutty cat.
My sweet & cut(pupy) cat is very obedient,he always guard & care our house, when we absent.We like very much & love him.
hi —gary is adorable — of course, cuz he's a kitty — any time you have questions on kitty or dog nutrition, contact harbingers of a new age — http://www.vegepet.com/index.html — i have no affiliation with them other than my precious vegan kitty Gina was on their powder for many years & was super healthy & slim –caminante in colorado
I have a 5 year old female cat, we moved house before Xmas and she has been a house cat, more her choice than ours. She has been fantastic with her litter tray, in both houses,using it to wee and poo, and she still does, BUT she has also started weeing to the side of it and I dont know why shes doing it.
I just happened upon your blog. As I was researching and wondering if spirulina is good for cats. Spirulina has strong cleansing properties. I will be adding it to Stanley's diet.
I'm also impressed with your recipies. Easy and delish.
Keep it up!
Hi there,
Our 10 years old cat Zouli is 100% a raw vegan cat and eats spirulina soup (spirulina powder with water) first thing in the morning and she loves it.
She is also mad about Irish moss(a see weed)and asparagus,peas,olives, broccoli with tamari sauce,avocados occasionally,and our dehydrated raw vegan burgers with sunflower seeds tomaoes and onions.
Happy new year to everyone!
Dina
info@ntina.co.uk
Feeding your cat a vegan diet is cruel . They are carnivorous. Do you understand that ? You really shouldn’t be allowed to keep animals with such foolish thinking . Please research before you attempt to engage your brain.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3644213
My cat fights me for my spirulina each day! He goes crazier over spirulina than cat nip
That’s how my cats are too, Kaitlin. They must know it’s good for them?!
My cat Maximo just ran over me and chowed down on my morning spirulina supplement! HAHA! (That’s when I found this blog, which I will be frequenting now.) I’d wager it’s the protein that is so attractive to them, they can smell it. Now he’s pleased with himself and is relaxing.
Alanna, Maximo sounds like my Gary. The first time I noticed that he loved spirulina was when he grabbed it from me and ate it himself. I think the protein plug the “sea” flavor must appeal to them.
So fun to hear about all the other cats who love spirulina!
I AM WAITING FOR AN ORDER OF SPIRULINA FOR MY CATS, WHICH HAS MINERALS THAT ARE TERRIFIC FOR MY KITTIES.
I HAVE TRANSITIONED MY CATS ONTO A RAW DIET AND HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ON IT BEFORE I MADE A MOVE TO SWITCH THEIR DIET TO RAW.
THIS IS WHEN I SAW A WRITEUP ON SPIRULINA..
YOU KNOW, BOTH YOU AND GARY CAN ADD THIS TO YOUR DIET DURING THE WEEK..
HE LOOKS VERY HEALTHY AND WILL ONLY ADD TO HIS GOOD HEALTH
PUT IN THE NAME SPIRULINA FOR YOUR KITTY AND YOU WILL SEE A LOT OF GREAT INFO..
TAKE CARE..WENDY
CHECK OUT A SITE FOR DR. KAREN BECKER, A HOLISTIC VET..SHE’S TERRIFIC AND POINTS OUT IT’S A TERRIFIC PRODUCT FOR YOUR CAT, DOG AND YOURSELF.
I TAKE SPIRULINA SEV. TIMES A WEEK AND ADD IT MY GREEN SMOOTHIES..
TAKE CARE,,,WENDY
Be very careful with spirulina and cats. Spirulina affects urinary ph. In humans the change is good for bladder health but cats require a ph opposite of what humans urinary ph should be. This will lead to bladder infections in female cats and bladder blockages in male cats.
My male cat recently spend 2 weeks at the vets while they unblocked his bladder. When asked if his food change recently I told them about using spirulina. The vet told me it was a bad thing to do and a rule of thumb for the future is, “if its good for human bladders, its bad for cat bladders”.
Good point. Thanks!
I gave my cat the dr dobias green min for dogs(I now know that there is a separate greenmin for cats!),,,,,anyway ,,,,I noticeed a change in her urinary habits,,,,she was constantly using the litter box and there were tiny balls of clumped pee compared to before the greenmin (with spirulina)
When I researched online and found out about how cats need a more acidic urine to offset infection,,,,I took her off it,,,,no more constant peeing of small amounts
I have just ordered some greenmin (specifically for cats)
BTW…..I’m just a dog and cat mommy,,,,no affiliation whatsoever with the product I mentioned here,,,,honest,,,,just watch your cats peeing habits in the box if it’s an indoor cat,,,not so easy with an outdoor cat,,,,maybe your cat will be ok,,,,mine wasn’t and she is generally healthy with no special issues and she will stay that way because I couldn’t handle it if she got sick,,,,so I’m believing she will always be well until she ‘hears the owl call her name’
Hi Robin.
My Boy Merlin Maine Coon and Girl Lacey Maine Coon also go nuts for spirulina, and both live very healthy lives, I was also concerned so I did some research, and was told that Spirulina was a great source of vitamins for pets, all my animals have gone on to it. Three Dogs and Two Cats, they are all extremely healthy, my elderly male Dog is 10 years old and also suffered from hip problems, and ever since given him spirulina, he is like a pup again, runs plays and swims, really amazed. I have never had any problems, since putting my pets on Spirulina. no more vet bills, no bladder problems and no hip problems, just very healthy happy Pets.
Hope this helps L.
Very helpful. Thanks. I love Maine Coons — our Maine Coon, Frank, was a wonderful boy. I still miss him every day and it’s been over 20 years since he’s gone.
Question for Robin, or anyone who knows. I read that 1/8 tsp of spirulina a day is good for a cat. but if you are in the process of healing your cat, is it safe to give more for a while till he’s totally recovered? He stopped eating for several days and has vomited often over last several weeks. After giving him spirulina and Pro Pet Powder, he started eating again, and didn’t vomit for a couple of days, but he seems to need more than 1/8 tsp per day.
I have three cats. One of them (6 yrs old male) is crazy for spirulina, so much that I have to lock him out before I refill my fish tank feeder.
I hope you give him a little taste! 🙂
I came across this post by searching if spirulina a was ok for my bombay kitten. I buy organic spirulina in bulk powder and in tablets, tablets for me, powder is for my horse. After leaving the small bag on the counter to put groceries away I turn around and my kitten had already grabbed the bag in his mouth, tore it open and had green powder everywhere! He was hovering over the spilled powder licking up as much as he could with a ravenous look on his face. Ever since no matter where I put the bag he finds it, rips the bag open and buries his face in it. He has even gone as far as opening a cabinet door and grabbing the bag. I have to keep it locked in my car now. The tablets are kept in the fridge and we have a morning ritual where I give him one tablet, he grabs my hand with his paws and pulls it towards him. I read that cats can have 1 tsp. of spirulina a day, it’s a great source of protein and loads of other nutrients for carnivores, like my cat, dogs, humans and horses.
A friend of mine visited an d we discovered that my Manchester terrier had unscrewed the cap of her spiralina tablets and wolfed the lot. She visited again today and when we got home the dog had taken the spirulina from her suitcase opened the bottle and eaten six tablets. We couldn’t believe it!!
My cat loooves spirulina!
Hi Robin
I just saw your blog after searching if spirulina was safe for cats. I am vegan and just started taking spirulina powder in water. My cat me owed at me insistently as I was drinking it. I though, he can’t want to try this? But I gave him a spoonful in his food bowl and he lapped it up. Then I put some powder on top of his wet food that he is really picky with, just lacking the jelly off and leaving the rest, and he ate it all. I am so happy.
Dear Robin: I so enjoyed finding this posting after searching to see if spirulina was safe for cats. My Ella, sleuth extraordinaire, has been sneaking spirulina tabs out of my daily bowl of vitamins for some time before I caught on – I kept thinking that I must have taken them. She was only sorting out the spirulina and is good at taking advantage when I leave a room – you should see the security video! I’m now protecting the bowl and giving her a half tab every other day or so. She’s on Wellness Core and obviously there is something here that satisfies a need? Was concerned about the alkaline comment so who knows about dosage – she’s an Amazon alpha kitty – 14 lbs – not fat – just Dad must have been a panther!! Thank you!
I have three who will run up as soon as they hear me picking up the bottle!
It started with my oldest – he’s 7 – who would beg for some when he saw me taking the tablets. And I started to realize that it was helping to heal him from the kidney disease that the vet diagnosed 4 years ago (along with a death sentence). The slippery elm helped, but this was not ensuring that there was no blood in the litter box. The spirilina has strengthened his immune system and he no ever has blood in the litter box.
Our latest little kitten watched him having some and she has a big appetite and had to try one herself. Now her mama is in on the act and they all come running these days, staring up and begging. I have to make sure that I place one tablet in front of each cat, cos otherwise they may try to steal each others!
Awesome that it is healing my oldest, and I know that it is strengthening all of their immune systems. You’d think it was candy!
spirulina is well researched and considered a superfood due to its many different healthy nutrients value a great source of quality of protein, vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants. Nowadays animal food is also made by spirulina.
Spirulina is the best superfood for today’s generation. It is the reachest food containing the highest percentage of protein. Spirulina contains maximum protein and all other essential nutrients and vitamins which we required in our daily life. Your post will motivate people to use spirulina.
Thanks For Post!
Spirulina is one of the best superfoods we have but many people do not know about it. They do not know what exactly spirulina is and how it is beneficial for us.
Here you have given all the details and it will help those who even do not know about superfood or spirulina. I think it is one of the best posts about spirulina.
Thanks for the post!
If an animal, any species, is craving or going nuts for something ………. edible or not,
It’s showing they are lacking nutrients in their system. So all you people who think it’s cute that they’re stealing or loving spirulina……. your cats diet is way off…and it’s literally starving for micronutrients… and if it’s vegan or dry food in a bag or canned food, it’s def. way off. There are calories but no nutrition in those things not to mention the disgusting things they put in there and have the nerve to call it food. And yea, don’t push your veganism on a carnivore! It’s completely NOT a species appropriate diet for a cat in all the feline family. Fine for you, NOT For a cat! And to thbe lady who feeds the vegan burgers with onions……. onions are poisonous to cats and dogs! Humans…….ugh………….. dumbest species in earth.
Spirulina is not a super food for humans because it’s high in oxolates. Look up how humans should not eat foods high in them. Chlorella isn’t so bad.
I fed a raw balanced meat, organ and bone diet to my cat including 2 spirulina tablets daily, which she loved. She developed very high liver enzymes at 14 and was cured by a holistic vet. 2 years later the condition returned and she suffered terribly and had to be put down. The cause for the liver failure wasn’t known.
I read today not to feed dogs spirulina with a history liver disease Now I’m wondering if spirulina affected my cat’s liver.
Microcystins are one of the most common contaminants of spirulina, along with heavy metals. They are a group of amino acids that attack the liver. I fed my cat organic spirulina, but now I’m thinking I won’t feed it anymore to my new cat. Even though they love it, is it absolutely safe? Dogs love chocolate and my staffie loved grapes. Both are bad for dogs!
Omg! My cat tiger ??? loves spirulina so much that I have trouble keeping him @ bay while taking my vitamins. I think spirulina is great for them …. it just has to be ?
My girl kitten (3 1/2 years) ate one of my spirulina supplements before I could get to her also. I frantically went online to search if it was safe and came upon your article. I feel better now, thank you!
My cat Moonstar came running up acting super lovey dovey after I opened the bag of spirulina tablets. After reading this I have him one. He HATES cat treats but I don’t think he even CHEWED the tablet. He’s mad now cause I put it in a drawer.?
Our new rescue cat Sylvie has taken to attacking my pouch of spirulina I use for smoothies, I thought it was just because it’s similar to her treat pouch and she’s on a diet and VERY interested in food (she’s morbidly obese and we’re not sure of her age so have put her on a slight diet and exercise regime!).
Came across your post whilst finding out if we should be worried, but even the big pet food companies agree in small doses it’s fine for cats and dogs without liver issues or seafood allergies.
Spirulina saved a long hair cats life with a tube in its neck to young kittens with respitory infections . In right doses natural stuff is far safer then man made
My cat just ate 2 of my tablets! Never knew they liked that stuff.
You have to be really careful about giving animal supplements. My cat really loved my D3 vitamin that I dropped on the floor but I found out as soon as I called the vet that it could cause kidney damage and liver damage and so I had to take her in and she had to flush her system out. I don’t know anything about spirulina but just be careful with things around your pets.
my cat stole mine off a tray and now I buy them just for her. the vet said it is great for them 🙂
Oh, gawd YES.
25 years ago, I opened a bottle of spirulina tablets and my tabby INSTANTLY appeared from the other side of the apartment, demanding some at the top of her lungs. I did some quick thinking and realized there’s nothing unhealthy for cats in it, it’ll just make her poop less stinky.
Every cat I’ve ever had goes bonkers over the stuff, I have no idea how they can differentiate the sound of me picking up the bottle from any other bottle of pills.
I have all sorts of other cat treats, but spirulina is my current cat’s favorite.
I suggested my sister get some fror her cats, they show no interest at all.
WTF.