Is green tea extract safe for cats?

As cat owners, we all want the best for our feline friends. Whether it’s feeding them a nutritious diet or giving them toys to play with, we always strive to keep them happy and healthy. However, when it comes to giving your cat supplements or extracts, such as green tea extract (GTE), there are many questions about safety that arise. In this article, we will explore whether green tea extract is safe for cats.

What is Green Tea Extract (GTE)?

Green tea extract is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant which has undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Its primary component includes polyphenols like catechins and flavanols.

Flavonoids and Polyphenols in GTE

Flavan-3-ol (also referred to as catechin) is an example of flavonoid found abundantly in GTEs which consists around 30% by weight(1). These molecules have strong antioxidant properties and couldn’t be efficiently synthesised naturally by either human beings or even cats.
Polyphenolic compounds concentrations ranged between 60-75% w/w of total phenolics in water-extracted teas(2) . One example within this category would be epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major constituent responsible for most biological potential effects observed in these extracts; EGCG accounts upto ~68 mol.% among other polyphenolic constituents present(~23%-67% GC Mol%).

These components are beneficial due to their antioxidative attributes that seem useful against various chronic ailments(4a/b/c/d).

The Benefits of Using Green Tea Extract

While popularly known for its health benefits such as reducing inflammation & oxidative stress but non-inclusionary results indicate regulation of metabolism facilitating reduction body fat synthesis amidst inducing thermogenic effect.. Moreover abundant amount of antihypertensive agents snuggly fit light green leaves may help aid against cardiovascular diseases & reduce stress in both cats but not less importantly also human beings.

The Safety Risks of Giving GTE to Cats

As much as potential health benefits cat owners should be aware that GTE intake has potentially harmful side effects, especially when administered at high dosages.

Bioavailability

Pro-health components present within Camellia sinensis (GTE) are not easily digestable by cats due to lack/deficiency of enzymes required for metabolism/catabolism even after significant time-lapses(5).This suggests higher levels than safely consumed largely do remain intact perhaps accumulating dangerous level resulting organ damage or metabolic issues(6).

Moreover, Acute hepatic failure is casued owing to EGCG presence and interactions with P450 enzyme system facilitating nitro-reduction thereby creating unstable intermediate metabolites causing critical liver-function hampered symptoms such as sudden vomiting / yellowed eyes/Jaundice/lethargy etc.. Though rare it’s sad news if occured !!

Due to the potential risks associated with giving your cat Green Tea Extract, it is recommended that you consult your vet before doing so.

Green tea extract certainly packs a punch when it comes to its medicinal properties. Its antioxidant capacity can remedy many ailments including weight management and cancer prevention too showcasing promising results across various researches conducted mainly on human subjects..

That being said always remember there will always be unique responding traits between species which probably won’t have parallel outcomes.Perhaps this factor coupled with enzyme deficiency risk faced eating/drinking/supplementing flavanols/polyphenolic compounds heavily implies avoidance rather than outright consumption purely out of temptation-guilt during shared food habits.
To ensure your beloved pet’s safety, we recommend consulting a veterinarian prior to administering any supplements like green tea extract into their diets as they might have better grasp over the tiniest details about prior sickness of your cats and can thus guide you accordingly on the future feeding treatments to provide them.

Remember, your special kitty deserves only the best!

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!