Which Human Foods Do Cats Enjoy?

Curiosity Killed the CatCats are curious creatures, they get up on your plate and sniff what you’re eating. Your feline friend might often beg for a share of your dinner, and you may find yourself wondering: what human foods can my cat really eat? However, some human foods are safe and even healthy for cats in moderation. Nonetheless, it is important to know what you are giving and to prevent occasional health problems.

Human Foods That Are Safe for Cats to Eat

• Let There Be Cooked Meat: It is their nature Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat to live. Safe bets include ground beef, cooked chicken, or turkey. However, ensure the meat itself is plain and not seasoned or salted complimenting a sauce as these upset your cat’s stomach. To clarify, something such as grams of boiled chicken breast can be a pleasant indulgence for your cat, and make sure they are getting protein to appease their primal desire.

• Fish: Many cats have a huge weakness for fish, and some kinds are good for them as an occasional treat. Some examples include cooked salmon, tuna, and sardines. Fish is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for a cat’s coat and general well-being. But keep it at a sporadic type of affair because this dish is loaded with fat and can pack on mercury, especially from the likes of tuna.

• Cooked Eggs: A great source of protein, cooked eggs can be a good snack time option for your kitties. More: boiled or scrambled eggs without anything (to be eaten as an occasional snack) But never forget that eggs have high calories, so do not be careless in providing them.

• Vegetables: Cats are obligate carnivores, but many seem to like eating vegetables. While they may be acceptable in small quantities, cooked carrots, peas, and broccoli can also possibly be avoided. They are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But not all cats will like them — and it is crucial to respect that.

• Fruits: Few are safe for cats but they do not fall under the dietary requirements. Alternatively, you can offer small portions of fruits like cantaloupe, watermelon (seedless), or blueberries now and then. Well, the good news is that they contain a little water and some cats have been known to enjoy fruit so it may entice them.

Cats Eating Human Foods – Is it So Bad?

There is nothing inherently wrong with feeding your cat human food, as long as you follow a few basic principles. Since cats have very unique dietary requirements that are quite different from what we as humans need, without a doubt you should always be feeding your cat food to cater to these needs. Human food is generally safe to feed; however, too much human food may upset the balance of your cat’s diet and potentially lead to some nutritional deficiencies or excesses.

Secondly, there may be toxic or poisonous in the food. For example, onions and garlic are two common ingredients used in many cooked foods that will poison your cat to death from anemia. Similarly, high salt sugar, and fat foods may cause digestive problems or even lead to obesity or a more serious illness like pancreatitis issue.

How much human food can a cat eat in one day?

As far as how much people food your cat can eat it is all about moderation. Cats only need a minuscule bit of human food to supplement their diet (think to treat rather than meal replacement).

A general guideline to keep in mind is that treats should only make up 5-10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. This could be a couple of small pieces of chicken or spoonfuls if you are using tuna fish that weigh measured at 100 calories), especially considering the size and calorific value of cat food. As to not have them overeat (cats can gain weight quickly) or feed the wrong type of food in small amounts, as any amount could cause health issues with digestion.
The majority of your cat’s diet should be a well-balanced, nutritionally complete cat food. This makes sure that they receive the appropriate balance of protein, fat, and other nutrients needed for their overall health.

Human Food to Avoid Feeding Your Cats

A few human foods are safe for cats to eat and others should be kept off-limits. Foods You Should Never Feed Your Cat For reference, here are some foods:

• Chocolate: One of the most common things a vet will see in a poisoned pet, chocolate is simply deadly to those with four legs. It takes very little to induce vomiting and diarrhea, with more serious consequences developing into seizures or life-threatening emergencies!

• Onions and Garlic: Both of these vegetables have compounds that damage red blood cells in a cat resulting, in potentially fatal anemia. And that includes powders, so watch out for foods that may have those figures in any format.

• Grapes and Raisins: All it takes is a small amount of grapes or raisins to trigger acute renal (kidney) failure in some cats, the mechanism behind this phenomenon is not clearly understood at present. Your best bet is to steer clear of them.

• Alcohol: Alcohol can be seriously toxic to cats even in small amounts, causing personal injury or death of human beings.

• Caffeine: Contained in coffee, tea, and certain soft drinks (and all sweets), this stimulant may be particularly poisonous to cats, inducing restlessness coupled with quick breathing as well as heart palpitations.

• Xylitol: Appears in sugar-free gum and some baked goods, this artificial sweetener is deadly for cats. One of them is it can induce a massive insulin surge thereby causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and possibly liver failure.

Eating together helps build a bond between you and your cat, but it is important to know what foods are safe for them as well. Minimal consumption of cooked meats, fish, and eggs from best sources as well a small selection fruits AND vegetables. Stay away from anything that is a hazard or unbeneficial to cats, and make sure the bulk of your cat’s diet comes via high-quality commercial dry food designed to meet their dietary needs. This way, your furry pal can stay healthy and happy with you purring beside them.