Human Foods That Cats Can Eat
We know that every cat owner often shares their foods with cats to build a trust and friendly connection between the owner and cat but do the cat owners know which food is safe for cats and which foods are toxic to cats?
So that’s why we are going to explore the human foods that cats cat eat safely without any risks and cat owners can build a friendly connection with their cats by feeding that safe foods.
So, let’s get started to explore the right solution and find some safe foods that cats can eat safely.
Human Foods That Cats Can Eat
1. Meats
1: Chicken
Chicken is a fantastic source of protein for cats, essential for their muscle development and energy. When feeding chicken to your cat, make sure it’s fully cooked and completely plain. Seasonings, sauces, or spices should be avoided, as they can be harmful to cats. Never giving your cat raw chicken is crucial, as it may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, which can lead to serious illness. Additionally, always remove any bones before serving, as bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
2: Turkey
Turkey is another excellent protein option for cats, similar to chicken in its nutritional benefits. To safely serve turkey, cook it thoroughly and keep it plain. Avoid adding any seasonings or stuffings, as these can contain ingredients that are unsafe for cats. Be sure to remove the skin and all bones, as these can pose choking hazards or cause digestive issues. While turkey can be a tasty treat for your cat, processed turkey products like deli meats should be avoided due to their high content of salt and preservatives.
3: Beef
Beef is a rich source of protein, iron, and essential amino acids, contributing to your cat’s overall health. When preparing beef for your cat, it should be well-done and plain, without any spices or additives. Since beef is higher in fat compared to poultry, it’s important to offer it in moderation. Raw beef should be avoided to prevent the risk of parasites and bacterial infections. As with other meats, ensure that any fat or bones are removed before serving to your cat.
4: Lamb
Lamb offers a flavorful and nutrient-rich protein option for cats. It is packed with vitamins and minerals that can enhance your cat’s diet. When feeding a lamb, make sure it is cooked thoroughly and served plain. As with other meats, avoid any seasonings or additives, and always remove bones before giving it to your cat. Due to its higher fat content, lamb should be given as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your cat’s diet. Moderation ensures that lamb remains a safe and enjoyable addition to your cat’s meals.
2. Fish
1: Salmon
Salmon can be a tasty and nutritious treat for cats, rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, coat, and joint health. However, it’s important to always cook the salmon thoroughly before feeding it to your cat. Serve it plain, without any added seasonings, sauces, or oils, which can be harmful to cats. Raw salmon should be avoided as it may contain parasites or bacteria that can make your cat sick. While salmon offers health benefits, it should be given only occasionally and not as a regular part of your cat’s diet, to avoid imbalances in their nutrition.
2: Tuna
Tuna is another fish that cats often love, and it can be safe in small amounts. If you give your cat tuna, opt for the kind packed in water rather than oil, and ensure it is plain without added salt or flavourings. However, it’s important to limit the amount of tuna you give to your cat due to its high mercury content, which can be harmful in large quantities. Treat tuna as a special treat rather than a staple food, and mix it with their regular diet to maintain a balance.
3: Sardines
Sardines are packed with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and can be a nutritious treat for cats. They can help support your cat’s coat and skin health, as well as their overall well-being. Serve sardines cooked and plain, without any sauces or seasonings. Like other fish, sardines should be given in moderation. Due to their strong flavour and richness, too many sardines can upset your cat’s stomach or lead to dietary imbalances. Offering sardines occasionally will allow your cat to enjoy their benefits without overdoing it.
3. Fruits
1: Blueberries
Blueberries are small, sweet fruits that are safe for cats to eat in small amounts. They are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and support overall health. You can give a few fresh blueberries to your cat as a treat, but make sure they are clean and plain. Since blueberries are a fruit, they should be offered only occasionally and not as a main part of your cat’s diet.
2: Apples
Apples can be a crunchy and tasty treat for cats. The flesh of the apple is safe, but it’s very important to remove the seeds and core before giving it to your cat. Apple seeds contain a small amount of a substance that can be harmful if eaten in large quantities. Cut the apple into small, manageable pieces for your cat to enjoy. As with all fruits, offer apples only in moderation.
3: Bananas
Bananas are a sweet and soft fruit that cats can eat in small amounts. They are safe but contain a lot of natural sugars, which means they should be given only occasionally. Too much sugar can be bad for cats, so a small slice or a few small pieces are enough as a treat. Ensure the banana is ripe and cut into pieces your cat can easily eat.
4: Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing fruit that can be a hydrating treat for cats, especially in hot weather. To safely give watermelon to your cat, remove the seeds and rind, as they can be hard for your cat to digest. The fleshy part of the watermelon is safe and can be given in small amounts. It’s a good way to provide some extra hydration, but like other fruits, it should be a treat rather than a regular food.
4. Vegetables
1: Carrots
Carrots can be a healthy treat for cats, providing a good source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health. When giving carrots to your cat, make sure they are cooked and cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Raw carrots can be hard for cats to chew and digest, so cooking them until they’re soft makes them safer and easier to eat. Offer carrots occasionally to add some variety to your cat’s diet.
2: Peas
Peas are small vegetables that are high in fibre and protein, making them a nutritious option for cats. They should be cooked before feeding to make them easier for your cat to digest. Simply boil or steam the peas without adding any salt or seasonings. You can mix a few peas into your cat’s regular food as a way to include some extra nutrients.
3: Cucumbers
Cucumbers are hydrating and can be a safe snack for cats. They are mostly water, so they can help keep your cat hydrated. Cut cucumbers into small pieces to make them easy for your cat to eat. Make sure to peel the cucumber if it has a thick skin. Cucumbers are a refreshing treat, especially during hot weather, but should only be given in small amounts.
4: Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great vegetable for cats, especially for their digestive health. Cooked and plain pumpkin can help with both constipation and diarrhoea due to its high fibre content. When giving pumpkin to your cat, make sure it’s plain and free of any spices, sugar, or additives. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is a convenient option as long as it’s pure pumpkin. A small spoonful mixed into your cat’s regular food can be beneficial, but it should be given in moderation.
5. Dairy
1: Cheese
Cheese can be a tasty treat for cats when given in small amounts. It’s best to choose plain cheese that is low in lactose, as many cats are sensitive to lactose, which is a sugar found in milk. A small piece of cheese can be a nice occasional snack, but too much can upset your cat’s stomach. Stick to low-lactose options like cheddar or Swiss, and avoid giving cheese too often.
2: Yoghurt
Yoghurt can be beneficial for cats because it contains probiotics, which are good bacteria that help with digestion. When giving yoghurt to your cat, make sure it is plain and unsweetened, without any added sugars or artificial flavours. Choose yoghurt that is low in lactose to reduce the risk of stomach issues. A small spoonful of yoghurt can be a healthy treat, but always give it in moderation.
6. Grains
1: Rice
Rice can be a helpful food for cats, especially if they have digestive problems like diarrhoea or an upset stomach. Cooked plain rice is easy to digest and can be mixed with your cat’s regular food to make it gentler on their stomach. Make sure the rice is fully cooked and plain, without any added salt, spices, or sauces. It’s a good temporary addition to help with digestive issues but should not replace their regular diet.
2: Oats
Oats are another grain that can be safe for cats and are a good source of fibre, which can support healthy digestion. To feed oats to your cat, cook them plain without any added flavours or sweeteners. You can mix a small amount of cooked oats into your cat’s food to provide a boost of fibre. Like other grains, oats should be given occasionally and not as a main part of your cat’s diet.
7. Eggs
Eggs are a nutritious food for cats, high in protein and beneficial nutrients. To safely feed eggs to your cat, make sure they are cooked thoroughly, either scrambled or boiled. Avoid giving raw eggs to your cat because they can carry bacteria like salmonella, which can make your cat sick. Cooked eggs can be mixed into your cat’s regular food or given as a standalone treat, but always offer them plain without any added salt or spices.
8. Herbs
1: Catnip
Catnip is a herb that many cats enjoy and find exciting. It is generally safe for cats to eat and can be a fun treat that stimulates playful behaviour. You can give your cat fresh or dried catnip, or even catnip toys, to watch them have a bit of fun. Some cats may not respond to catnip, which is normal, but for those who do, it’s a safe and enjoyable addition to their environment.
2: Parsley
Parsley is an herb that can be safe for cats in small amounts. It contains some vitamins and minerals that are good for your cat. You can chop a little fresh parsley and sprinkle it on your cat’s food occasionally. However, it’s important to use it in moderation and not make it a regular part of their diet. Too much parsley can be harmful, so just a small pinch now and then is enough.
9. Other Human Foods That Cats Can Eat
1: Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be a tasty treat for cats if it is plain and unsweetened. It’s important to choose peanut butter that does not contain xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely toxic to cats. A tiny amount, like a small lick, can be a fun treat for your cat, but because peanut butter is high in fat and calories, it should only be given occasionally. Always ensure that the ingredients are safe.
2: Bread
Bread is generally safe for cats in small amounts as long as it is plain and fully cooked. A small piece of plain bread can be given as a treat. Avoid bread that contains ingredients harmful to cats, such as garlic, onions, or raisins. Bread should be given sparingly and should not be a regular part of your cat’s diet, as it doesn’t provide the essential nutrients they need.
Precautions and Tips
1: Avoid Seasonings and Additives
Always give human foods to your cat plain, without any seasonings, sauces, or spices. Ingredients like garlic, onions, and chives are toxic to cats and should never be included in their diet. Stick to plain, cooked versions of foods to keep your cat safe and healthy.
2: Moderation
Even if food is safe for cats, it should be given in moderation. Cats have specific dietary needs that are best met by their regular commercial cat food, which is specially formulated to provide all the essential nutrients they need. Treats and human foods should only be given occasionally to prevent nutritional imbalances.
3: Allergies and Intolerances
When introducing new foods to your cat, do it slowly and in small amounts. This allows you to watch for any signs of allergies or intolerances, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or changes in behaviour. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop giving that food immediately and consult your veterinarian.
4: Hydration
Always ensure that your cat has access to fresh water, especially when feeding them dry or processed foods. Water is essential for their overall health and helps prevent dehydration. Encourage your cat to drink water regularly by placing clean water bowls in easily accessible areas around your home.
Conclusion:
Adding safe human foods to your cat’s diet can make their meals more exciting and nutritious. Always cook meats like chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb, and avoid raw fish to keep them healthy. Small amounts of fruits like blueberries, apples, bananas, and watermelon, and veggies like carrots, peas, cucumbers, and pumpkins can be good treats. You can also offer cheese, yoghurt, cooked rice, oats, and eggs, and give herbs like catnip and parsley occasionally. Treats like plain peanut butter and bread are okay in tiny amounts. Avoid seasonings and introduce new foods slowly to watch for any bad reactions. Always provide fresh water and keep treats occasionally to avoid upsetting their diet. By following these tips, you can safely share some of your food with your cat while keeping them happy and healthy. For more advice, check out our blog or ask your vet.
