Cats are known to be picky eaters, and their digestive systems are not the same as humans. While some human foods can be safely given to cats, there are others that can be harmful and even fatal. As a responsible cat owner, it’s important to know what foods are safe for cats to eat and which ones to avoid. In this article, we will explore the human foods that cats can eat.
Before we dive into the list of human foods that cats can eat, it’s important to note that a cat’s diet should primarily consist of commercial cat food. Commercial cat food is specifically formulated to meet all of a cat’s nutritional needs. It’s important to choose a high-quality cat food that contains protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to ensure that your cat stays healthy.
What human food can cats eat?
That being said, there are some human foods that can be given to cats in moderation, as a treat or as a supplement to their regular diet. Here are some human foods that cats can eat:
Cooked Meat
Cats are carnivores, and they require a high protein diet. Cooked meat can be a great source of protein for cats. You can give your cat cooked chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. Just make sure to remove any bones, skin, and excess fat before giving it to your cat. Raw meat is not recommended as it can contain harmful bacteria that can make your cat sick.
Cooked Fish
Fish is another source of protein that cats can enjoy. However, not all types of fish are safe for cats to eat. Some fish, such as tuna, contain high levels of mercury which can be harmful to cats in large amounts. You can give your cat cooked salmon or mackerel in moderation, but make sure to remove any bones and avoid giving them canned fish.
Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein for cats. You can give your cat cooked eggs as a treat. However, make sure not to give your cat raw eggs as they can contain salmonella, which can be harmful to cats.
Cheese
Cats can eat cheese in moderation. Cheese contains protein and fat, which are important for a cat’s diet. However, cheese is also high in calories, so make sure not to give your cat too much. Some cats may also be lactose intolerant, so it’s important to monitor your cat’s reaction to cheese.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is safe for cats to eat in small amounts. It’s a good source of protein and healthy fats. However, make sure to choose a natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugar or xylitol, which can be harmful to cats.
Yogurt
Yogurt is safe for cats to eat in small amounts. It’s a good source of protein and probiotics, which can help promote digestive health. However, make sure to choose a plain, unsweetened yogurt as flavored yogurts can contain added sugar.
Bananas
Bananas are safe for cats to eat in small amounts. They are a good source of potassium and vitamin C, but they are also high in sugar. Feeding your cat too much banana can cause digestive upset and diarrhea.
Berries
Most types of berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are a good source of antioxidants and fiber. However, some cats may be allergic to berries, so it’s important to monitor your cat’s reaction and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Melon
Melon, such as watermelon and cantaloupe, is a good source of vitamins A and C and can help keep your cat hydrated. However, like bananas, they are also high in sugar, so it’s important to feed them in moderation.
Carrots
Carrots are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and K. Some cats may enjoy raw or cooked carrots as a treat, but it’s important to cut them into small pieces to avoid choking.
Rice
Cooked white or brown rice can be a good source of carbohydrates and can help soothe an upset stomach. However, it’s important to avoid feeding your cat rice that contains seasonings or spices, such as onion or garlic powder.
Pumpkin
Cooked, unsweetened pumpkin is safe for cats to eat in small amounts. It is a good source of fiber and can help regulate your cat’s digestive system. Some cats may enjoy canned pumpkin as a treat, but it’s important to avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.
Oatmeal
Cooked oatmeal It can be a good source of fiber and can help regulate your cat’s digestive system. However, it’s important to avoid oatmeal that contains sugar or milk, as most cats are lactose intolerant.
Spinach
Spinach is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. However, it’s important to avoid feeding your cat too much spinach, as it contains oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption and may cause kidney damage in large amounts.
What human food cats shouldn’t eat?
While the above human foods are safe for cats to eat in moderation, there are some human foods that should be avoided as they can be harmful or even fatal to cats. Here are some human foods that cats should not eat:
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can be toxic to cats in large amounts. Even a small amount of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and restlessness in cats. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, heart arrhythmias, and even death.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be extremely harmful to cats. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even coma or death. It’s important to keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach of your cat.
Caffeine
Caffeine can be toxic to cats. It can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and even death. It’s important to keep all caffeinated beverages and foods away from your cat, including coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can be toxic to cats. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even kidney failure. It’s important to keep all grapes and raisins away from your cat, including in baked goods and trail mix.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic can be toxic to cats. They can cause anemia, which is a serious condition that can cause weakness, lethargy, and even death. It’s important to keep all onion and garlic-containing foods away from your cat, including in soups, stews, and gravies.
Avocado
Avocado contains a toxin called persin, which can be harmful to cats. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. While the flesh of the avocado is not as toxic as the skin and pit, it’s best to avoid giving your cat any avocado.
Milk and Dairy
While some cats may be able to tolerate small amounts of milk and dairy, most cats are lactose intolerant. This means that they cannot digest lactose, which can cause digestive upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. It’s best to avoid giving your cat milk and dairy products.
Raw Meat and Eggs
Raw meat and eggs can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, which can make your cat sick. It’s important to cook all meat and eggs before giving them to your cat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cats should primarily eat commercial cat food, there are some human foods that cats can eat in moderation. Cooked meat, cooked fish, eggs, cheese, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter, and yogurt are all safe for cats to eat in small amounts. However, it’s important to avoid giving cats chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, avocado, milk and dairy, and raw meat and eggs, as they can be harmful or even fatal to cats. As always, it’s important to monitor your cat’s reaction to any new food and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s diet.