Yep. It's another post about my strange, charming, but thieving cat, Jasper. I can't help it. He's an unusual fellow, and I just can't help but share some of the odd, comedic behaviors he engages in on a regular basis. One of the latest? He steals strawberries. Like literally. Off of my plate.

Somewhere along the way, I had the impression that cats, ever the obligate carnivores, would shun any food in which they could smell no trace of animal protein. So, cat food obviously, but even chicken, yogurt, and sardines seem a likely trigger for my little Tigger to brave hopping on the forbidden counter tops in an attempt to swipe a snack from the humans. (Which he has and does, although I don't normally eat those things.)

However, the other evening I was settling in to watch Netflix with my peanut butter covered English muffin and a handful of strawberries. There seemed to be trouble with my internet connection so I set my plate down on the sofa to get up and fix it when I hear an usual sound behind me. I turn just in time to see Jasper the Cat, with an enormous bright red strawberry in his mouth, dart out of my grasp as I reach for him and he runs and hides under the sofa. I kneel down and stare at him as he proceeds to eat the strawberry in a manner which can only be described as that of a slightly-stoned guinea pig. What?!

Being the google junkie that I am I proceeded to research primarily to make sure I didn't need to call the vet and drive him to the Vet ER. Thankfully, various sites comforted me and revealed that strawberries are non-toxic to cats in small amounts, although they don't contain a significant amount of the nutrients they need. Read more about that here.

I had noticed that my other cat, Juniper, has long enjoyed "eating" the grass when she is given outside access. The Purina website states that "grass juice contains folic acid, a vitamin that supports cats’ growth and helps increase oxygen levels in their blood." It also shares that sometimes it can contribute to helping their digestion progress, er, more efficiently. However it warns not to let them eat TOO much as it can cause an upset stomach.

Please, PLEASE make sure you research the foods that are safe and unsafe for your cats. Some foods are downright toxic. Here's one list you may want to check out.

Well, maybe Jasper just wanted to create a little mischief and have me chase him around the house a bit. Maybe he just wanted a few extra nutrients--how very nutritiously-cognizant of him. If only us humans could be more that way on a regular basis. ;)

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