What human foods can a cat eat: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet that's high in animal protein to thrive. While most of your cat's diet should come from a nutritionally complete cat food, occasional treats from your plate can be a nice addition. However, it's important to choose feline-friendly snacks that provide the nutrients your cat needs.
Meat: Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are great sources of protein for cats. However, raw or spoiled meat can make your cat sick. It's important to only offer your cat meat that you would eat yourself.
Whole Grains: Oats, corn, polenta, brown rice, barley, and wheat berries are all options for cats. However, some grains may need to be mashed before feeding to your cat. Make sure any grains you give are cooked so your kitty can digest them fully.
Fish: Canned or cooked fish provides omega-3 fatty acids that can benefit your cat's eyes, joints, kidneys, and heart. However, it's important to avoid giving your cat raw fish, including sushi or sashimi.
Eggs: Cooked eggs are another great source of protein for cats. Raw eggs should be avoided as they may contain bacteria that can harm your cat.
Vegetables: While not all cats like vegetables, they can be a rich source of vitamins and fiber. Fresh cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli, or asparagus are all options. Some cats may even enjoy a veggie burger, but make sure it doesn't contain onions or garlic.
Cheese: Cheese can be a high-protein snack for cats, but it's less nutritionally complete than meat, fish, or eggs. Additionally, many cats have trouble digesting dairy, so cheese should only be given in small amounts.
Foods Cats Shouldn't Eat: Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, bread dough, alcohol, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free gum and candy) are all toxic to cats and should be avoided.
what human foods can a cat eat
Food Group | Examples | Benefits | Risks |
---|---|---|---|
Meat | Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, lean deli meats | Provides essential protein for a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system | Raw or spoiled meat can make your cat sick |
Whole Grains | Oats, corn, polenta, brown rice, barley, wheat berries | Provides protein and fiber for digestion | Some grains may need to be mashed and all grains should be cooked for proper digestion |
Fish | Canned or cooked fish | Provides omega-3 fatty acids for eyes, joints, kidneys, and heart | Raw fish, including sushi and sashimi, can be harmful |
Eggs | Cooked eggs | Provides protein | Raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria |
Vegetables | Cucumber, cantaloupe, broccoli, asparagus | Provides vitamins and fiber | Not all cats like vegetables, and felines cannot taste sweet flavors |
Cheese | Small amounts of cheese | Provides high protein snack | Less nutritionally complete than meat, fish, or eggs, and many cats have trouble digesting dairy |
Foods Cats Shouldn't Eat | Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, bread dough, alcohol, xylitol | N/A | These foods are toxic to cats and should be avoided |
Remember, treats should only be given occasionally and should not make up a significant portion of your cat's diet. A high-quality cat food that meets AAFCO standards should make up the majority of your cat's diet. If you have any questions
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