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The quick answer: Yes, in very small amounts.
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and nutrients for humans, and can even be a great addition to a dog’s diet but that doesn’t necessarily mean that cats should be eating hearty helpings of sweet potatoes too.
Because they are obligate carnivores, cats do not digest sweet potatoes the same way humans or dogs do. Nor do they get the same benefits of the nutrients offered by a sweet potato. However, cats can enjoy the occasional vegetable so long as it is safely prepared for them.
Sweet potatoes as a treat
If your cat is curious about sweet potatoes, you can offer him a small bite of plain, cooked sweet potato. Boiled, baked, steamed, or dehydrated sweet potatoes are all safe for cats so long as no salt, seasonings, or toppings have been added.
In small amounts, the added fiber from sweet potatoes can help some cats with constipation problems.
Hazards of sweet potatoes for cats
Eating too much sweet potato can cause digestive issues for your cat, including vomiting and diarrhea. Cats that regularly consume sweet potatoes in addition to their regular diet could experience weight gain. Obesity presents a number of associated health conditions, so it’s best to keep your cat at a healthy weight.
Added toppings and seasonings can be dangerous or downright toxic to cats. Avoid sharing sweet potato that has been topped with marshmallows or seasonings like garlic, onion, or salt.
