What Human Foods Can Cats Eat? A Guide for Concerned Cat Owners
You love your furry feline friend and only want the best for them. But when you're enjoying a snack, their adorable little eyes gaze up at you, begging for a taste of whatever deliciousness you're eating. Before you give in to their irresistible charms, you need to know: can cats eat human food? As a concerned cat owner, you know that some human foods can be downright dangerous for cats. But not to worry, there are also plenty of people foods that are perfectly safe and even healthy for cats in moderation. This guide will walk you through the do's and don'ts of feeding your cat human food so you can give them a treat without the guilt. Your cat will thank you, and you'll have peace of mind knowing exactly what they should and shouldn't eat. Read on for the full scoop.
Can Cats Eat Human Food at All?
Many cat owners wonder if it's okay to give their feline companions table scraps and human foods as occasional treats. The short answer is yes, in moderation. Some human foods are perfectly safe for cats, while others can be dangerous or even toxic.
As a general rule of thumb, avoid giving your cat sugary foods, spicy foods, high fat or salty snacks, raw meat or eggs, and anything with caffeine or grapes. These types of people foods can upset your cat's stomach or in some cases, make them very sick.
Some safe human foods you can share with your cat include:
- Cooked eggs - A protein-packed snack that most cats love. Make sure eggs are fully cooked.
- Small pieces of cooked fish or canned fish like tuna or salmon - Fish provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Watch for bones and avoid raw fish.
- Cooked chicken or turkey - Another lean meat protein that's usually a hit with cats. Make sure there are no bones.
- Cooked rice or oatmeal - Whole grains provide fiber. Make sure they're not too hot.
- Pumpkin puree - Great for digestion and a good source of nutrients. Make sure it's unsweetened.
- Broths - Chicken, beef or fish broths can provide moisture and electrolytes. Low or no sodium is best.
As always, any human foods should only make up 10% of your cat's diet. While certain people foods are safe in moderation, cat food should remain the staple of your cat's meals to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. If you have questions about your cat's diet or nutrition, talk to your vet. They can give you customized advice for your feline friend.
Human Foods That Are Safe for Cats
As a cat owner, you want to give your feline companion the best life possible. While cat food should make up the majority of their diet, certain human foods are actually safe and even good for cats in moderation.
Lean meats like chicken, fish, and turkey are excellent sources of protein for cats. Cooked, boneless, and unseasoned, a few small pieces of meat can be a tasty treat. Just avoid fatty meats like sausage or bacon.
Certain dairy products, especially yogurt and cheese, provide calcium, protein, and probiotics. Look for plain, unsweetened options and start with a small amount to avoid digestive upset.
Eggs are a perfect snack for cats. They're highly nutritious and the protein is easily digested. Scrambled or hard boiled, eggs are a purr-fect choice.
Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and broccoli are safe in moderation. Cook them, then chop into bite-sized pieces. They add nutrition, variety and chewing satisfaction.
Fruit like bananas, blueberries and cantaloupe also get the green light. Mash them or chop into tiny bits. Berries in particular provide antioxidants. But due to sugar content, limit fruit treats to no more than one per week.
As with any treat, human food should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calories. Always talk to your vet before changing your cat's diet or for guidance on appropriate portions. By choosing safe, nutritious human foods and proper moderation, you can give your feline an occasional tasty surprise without worry. Your cat will surely appreciate the extra love and attention!
Human Foods to Avoid Giving Your Cat
There are certain human foods you should avoid giving your cat at all costs. Some of these can be downright dangerous for felines.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant which cats metabolize much slower than humans. Ingesting chocolate can be lethal for cats in high amounts. Even a few bites of chocolate can make your cat seriously ill, so keep all chocolate well out of your cat's reach.
Coffee, Caffeine and Energy Drinks
Like chocolate, these also contain compounds like caffeine that cats can't break down easily. Ingesting coffee, caffeinated soda or energy drinks can be toxic for cats and cause dangerous symptoms like tremors, restlessness, increased heart rate, and even death.
Alcohol
Any alcohol can be dangerous for cats in even small amounts. Their livers aren't equipped to metabolize alcohol like humans, and it can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning which can cause a coma or be fatal. Make sure any cocktails, beer or wine are well secured and out of your cat's access.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are all toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure in some. Even a small amount of these dried or fresh fruits can make a cat ill, so avoid giving your cat any type of grapes or raisins.
Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, shallots, leeks and chives all belong to the Allium plant family and contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in cats, causing anemia. Raw or cooked, these veggies can make your cat sick, so avoid feeding your cat any foods containing them.
In summary, keep these harmful human foods well away from your cat. It's always better safe than sorry, so if your cat ingests any of these foods, contact your vet right away. Your cat's health and safety should be the top priority.
How Much Human Food Is Too Much?
While human food can be a tasty treat for cats in moderation, too much can lead to obesity, digestive issues, and nutritional deficiencies. As a general rule of thumb, human food should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calories.
How do I know if my cat is eating too much human food?
Some signs your cat may be eating too many table scraps include:
- Weight gain or obesity. Extra calories from people food, especially fatty treats, can quickly lead to weight gain in cats.
- Upset stomach. Too much rich or spicy human food can irritate a cat's stomach, causing diarrhea, vomiting, or gas.
- Nutritional deficiencies. If your cat fills up on human snacks, they may not eat enough cat food, which is specially formulated to meet all their nutritional needs.
- Begging behavior. Feeding your cat too many table scraps can lead to begging behavior, where your cat constantly asks for food or meows for treats. It's best to avoid reinforcing this behavior.
So what human foods are okay to give in moderation?
Some safe options for occasional treats include:
- Cooked eggs - Hard boiled or scrambled eggs are a good source of protein for cats. Limit to 1/2 egg a few times a week.
- Small pieces of cooked meat - Things like chicken, fish, or lean meat are fine in moderation. Make sure there are no bones.
- Cheese - Most cats enjoy small pieces of cheese in moderation. Look for low or reduced fat options.
- Certain veggies - Cooked carrots, green beans, cucumbers and broccoli are cat-safe in small amounts.
As always, if you have any concerns about your cat's diet or weight, consult your vet. While human food in moderation should be fine, it's best to avoid any treats if your cat has a medical issue. Stick to a consistent diet of high-quality cat food for your feline friend's health and wellbeing.
Creating a Balanced Diet With Human Foods
Creating a balanced diet for your cat with safe human foods is all about moderation and providing appropriate nutrients. As obligate carnivores, cats require certain nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins and minerals that are found in meat. However, some human foods can be part of a healthy feline diet when given in moderation.
Lean Proteins
Lean meats like chicken, fish and eggs are excellent sources of protein for cats. Cooked, boneless chicken and fish like salmon or tuna (in water, not oil) are good options. Hard boiled or scrambled eggs also provide protein, vitamins and healthy fats. Only give your cat one or two small portions a week to avoid obesity and nutritional imbalance.
Carbohydrates
While cats don’t have a biological need for carbs, small amounts of certain carb sources can be okay. things like rice, oatmeal and cooked pumpkin or squash provide fiber. Only give one or two spoonfuls a couple times a week. Avoid sugary or high-fat carbs like bread.
Dairy
Most cats are lactose intolerant, so avoid giving them cow’s milk. However, small amounts of plain yogurt, cheese and goat's milk can be decent sources of calcium, protein and probiotics. Start with just a spoonful at a time to see how your cat tolerates it.
Supplements
Certain supplements like fish oil, probiotics and digestive enzymes can benefit your cat when given properly. Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. Probiotics and enzymes improve digestion and gut health. Follow the dosage for your cat’s weight.
While human food can be part of a balanced diet for cats, always talk to your vet first, especially if your cat has any medical conditions. The majority of your cat's diet should still be a high-quality cat food that meets their nutritional needs. But for a little treat in moderation, certain people foods are safe and even healthy for your feline companion.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the lowdown on which human foods are safe for your feline friend and which are best left in the fridge or pantry. As you've learned, while cats can eat certain people foods, their dietary needs are quite different from ours. The occasional treat in moderation probably won't hurt, but a balanced, high-protein cat food should make up the bulk of kitty's calories. If you have any concerns about your cat's diet or want to switch up their menu, be sure to check with your vet first. They know your cat's health and history best and can provide tailored advice. But with the guidelines above, you now have a handy reference for the most common questions about people foods for pets. Your cat will surely appreciate you doing your homework to keep them happy and healthy.
