A Tasty Dilemma: What Human Food Can Cats Eat?
It can be tempting to share your tasty meal with your cat, but it’s important to know which human foods are safe for them and which ones to avoid. Here’s a simple list of human foods that cats can eat and those they should not have:
Safe Human Foods for Cats
Here are some human foods that are safe for cats to eat:
- Cooked Meat: Lean, cooked meats like chicken, turkey, and beef can be occasional treats. Make sure they are cooked all the way through and have no bones, as bones can choke your cat or cause injuries.
- Fish: Cooked fish without bones, like salmon or tuna, can be a healthy treat but don’t give them too much, as eating too much fish can cause health problems.
- Eggs: Cooked eggs, whether scrambled or hard-boiled, are a good source of protein. Avoid raw eggs because they can have harmful bacteria.
- Cheese: Small amounts of low-fat cheese, like cottage cheese or cheddar, can be a tasty treat. Just don’t give too much, as it can upset their stomach.
- Certain Fruits and Vegetables: Some fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, strawberries, and cooked carrots, can be given in small amounts. But avoid grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic because they can be toxic to cats.
Human Foods to Avoid
Here are some human foods that cats should never eat:
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains a toxic substance called theobromine, which can cause serious health issues in cats.
- Dairy Products (except cheese): Many cats can’t digest dairy well, so eating too much can upset their stomach.
- Fatty Foods: Foods high in fat, like bacon, butter, and fried foods, can lead to pancreatitis, a serious condition.
- Salty Foods: Eating too much salt can make cats dehydrated and cause other health problems.
- Sweet Foods: Sugary treats like candy, cakes, and cookies can lead to obesity and dental issues.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is very toxic to cats and can even be deadly.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can cause heart problems, and seizures, and can be fatal for cats.
Human Safe for Cats Table
Human Food | Safe for Cats? | Notes |
Cooked Meat (chicken, turkey, beef) | Yes | Lean, cooked, and boneless |
Fish (salmon, tuna) | Yes, in moderation | Cooked, boneless, and limited |
Eggs | Yes, cooked | Avoid raw eggs |
Cheese (low-fat) | Yes, in moderation | Can lead to digestive upset if excessive |
Certain Fruits and Vegetables (blueberries, strawberries, cooked carrots) | Yes, in moderation | Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic |
Chocolate | No | Toxic |
Dairy Products (except cheese) | No | This can lead to digestive issues |
Fatty Foods | No | This can lead to pancreatitis |
Salty Foods | No | Can cause dehydration and other health problems |
Sweet Foods | No | This can lead to obesity and dental problems |
Alcohol | No | Highly toxic |
Caffeine | No | Can cause serious health problems |
What human food can cats eat every day?
While some human foods can be occasional treats for cats, their main diet should be high-quality cat food. However, a few human foods can be safely added to their diet in small amounts:
- Cooked Lean Meats: You can give your cat small pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, or beef, as long as there are no bones.
- Cooked Eggs: Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs are a good source of protein.
- Certain Vegetables: Cooked vegetables like carrots and green beans can be added to their food in small amounts.
- Always check with your veterinarian before adding any new foods to your cat’s diet.
What are cat’s favorite human food for kittens?
While it’s important to focus on a kitten’s nutritional needs with high-quality kitten food, you can give them some human foods as occasional treats. Just be careful to avoid foods that could harm them. Safe choices include small amounts of cooked lean meats like chicken or turkey, cooked eggs, and certain vegetables like cooked carrots or green beans. Always check with your veterinarian before adding any new food to your kitten’s diet to make sure it’s safe and right for their age and health.