Giving your cat the right food , both quantity and type, is absolutely essential for good health and a happy life. Cats are basically carnivores, and therefore like to hunt and catch small prey such as mice and birds when they are out in the wild. This means that it is important for your kitty to get plenty of protein from meat or fish to stay healthy. But does she get it via dry food? And what can cats actually eat from human food? We answer everything you need to know about what cats can and cannot eat.
Dry food: convenient and nutritious
An easy way to provide your cat with the necessary protein is through dry cat food. For younger cats, it is best to choose a dry food for kittens that is specifically designed for growth and development. Cats are used to eating several small meals throughout the day, so you should always leave the dry food out so that your cat can eat when they want. If your cat starts to gain weight, you may want to switch to a dry food with a lower energy content and possibly limit the amount according to your cat's needs.
A varied diet for a happy cat
Most cats appreciate variety in their diet. In addition to dry food, you can occasionally give your cat wet food , meat or fish. It is important to avoid giving cooked bones from fish or poultry as these can pose a choking hazard. Many cats love cooked, white fish, which is a great source of variety in their diet.
What can cats eat from human food and other foods?
Protein sources: Chicken, fish, and eggs
Chicken is an ideal source of protein for cats. It is lean and contains essential nutrients that cats need to maintain healthy muscle mass. Chicken is often a main ingredient in many cat food products, so it is a safe and healthy food for them.
Fish , especially fish that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, is healthy and good for your cat's health. These fatty acids help prevent arthritis, heart problems and kidney disease in cats, among other things. However, make sure the fish is cooked properly, and be aware that tuna and canned fish contain a lot of salt and oil.
Boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein for cats. They also contain important nutrients such as B vitamins and minerals. It is important to ensure that eggs are cooked properly to avoid the risk of salmonella, so boiled or fried eggs are the safest choice.
Liver pâté is perfectly fine for your cat to eat, as long as it doesn't make up a large part of their diet. Liver pâté is high in salt, so keep it to an occasional treat.
Vegetables and fruits
Fruits and vegetables may not be what you associate with carnivores. However, there are actually several fruits and vegetables that your cat can eat (if they like it). Some of these foods can even be rich in minerals and vitamins that are just as beneficial for your kitty as they are for us humans! In the vegetable section, your cat can eat:
- Cucumber
- Broccoli
- Banana
- Berry
- Melon
- Carrots
- Pumpkins and squash
However, remember that your cat should not have large amounts of fruit and vegetables in their diet, and that this should only be served as a treat!
What can cats not eat from human food and other foods?
Raw fish
Raw fish carries a risk of food poisoning, as raw fish can contain bacteria and parasites. In addition, cats that eat a lot of raw fish can develop thiamine deficiency, which can negatively affect their nervous system.
Chocolate, grapes and raisins
Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to cats. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause serious illness, and chocolate is therefore something that cats cannot tolerate at all.
Cats should also not eat grapes or raisins, as this can cause kidney failure.
Milk
This may come as a surprise to many, as it is common to believe that cats and milk go hand in hand. However, cats are actually lactose intolerant and should not have regular cow's milk. Alternatively, you can offer cat milk that is specifically formulated for cats.
Onions, chives and garlic
Onions contain substances that can damage your cat's red blood cells and cause serious digestive problems. Most cats are generally not interested in eating onions, but keep them out of reach just to be safe. Garlic and chives have the same effect and are also dangerous for cats to eat.
Nuts
Nuts, especially macadamia nuts, can be toxic to cats. Other types of nuts are not necessarily as dangerous, but can cause digestive problems.
Dog food
A bite of dog food is not dangerous for cats, but they should not be fed a diet made from food made for dogs. These animals have different nutritional needs, and a cat that only eats dog food will not get what it needs.
Mushroom
Mushrooms can contain toxins that are dangerous to cats. Some species of mushrooms can cause mushroom poisoning and lead to liver failure and death in cats. Steer clear!
Sugar and sweeteners
Sugar provides no health benefits for cats and can lead to obesity and dental problems. Additionally, sweeteners like xylitol can be dangerous and are best avoided altogether.
Want to learn even more about cat behavior and needs? Explore our cat blog here !
What can cats eat - summary
There are several food options that can be both healthy and provide a tasty variety to your cat's diet. However, remember that the safest choice when it comes to what cats can eat is always cat food. If you are unsure whether something is safe for your cat to eat or not, you should skip it and avoid taking any chances. By buying good quality cat food, you can be sure that all the ingredients are safe for your cat to eat and that it is getting the right nutrients. Also, remember to introduce new foods into your cat's diet gradually to avoid digestive problems.
Finally, cats have preferences just like us humans. Even if they can eat something, they may not necessarily want to!
