What can a cat eat

Thinking about giving your kitty some of the extras off your plate? Make sure you know what foods are okay for your cat, and which aren’t.

Check out this list we’ve compiled of foods that are and aren’t okay to feed your cat.

Remember, each cat is different and may need different food or diet requirements, so you should contact your veterinarian before changing their diet.

What Can Cats Eat?

PROTEINS THAT ARE SAFE FOR CATS

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they need meat to live. Meat is a great source of protein for your cat. However, too much fat can give your cat a stomachache, so make sure to trim off any excess fatty portions beforehand and to cook all meat thoroughly before you feed it to your cat*.

Proteins your cat can enjoy:

• Skinless Chicken (The best!)
• Lean Beef
• Liver
• Lamb
• Lean Deli Meats
• Cooked Eggs

* If you are considering a raw diet because of its health benefits, consult a veterinarian beforehand.

Vegetables That Are Safe for Cats

Like we said, cats are carnivorous, so you don’t want to feed them too many veggies – but they can make for good snacks, and can even help with digestive issues.

Veggies you can give your cat to snack on:

• Pumpkin/Squash
• Peas
• Cucumber
• Cooked or steamed
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Green Beans
• Spinach**

** Don’t feed your kitty spinach if it has had any urinary or kidney problems because spinach can cause crystals to form in the urinary tract.

Grains That Are Safe for Cats

Cats are experiencing an obesity problem in the United States, so make sure not to give your furry friend too much of these high-carb foods! However, a little bit as a treat every once in a while is okay!

Some cats won’t like to eat certain grains or foods, so try giving them a sample before giving them a full snack.

Grains your cat can nibble on:

• Cooked Corn/Polenta
• Couscous/Millet (Many cats like the tiny texture of these grains)
• Carrots
• Bread/Breadcrumbs
• Oatmeal (Plain oats are high in protein!)
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Some cats don’t enjoy the “sweet” flavor, but if your cat does, you can make some fun treats with fruit! Fruit can also help if your kitty is having digestive issues.

Fruit your cat can enjoy:

• Bananas (Can be frozen and blended to make a creamy texture)
• Blueberries (Raw or frozen)
• Watermelon/Cantaloupe/Honeydew (No seeds!)
• Peeled Apples

Dairy That Are Safe for Cats

As they age, cats may become lactose intolerant, so make sure to only give small amounts of dairy foods to your cat.

Dairy items your cat can try:

• Hard Cheeses (Cheddar, Gouda, etc.)
• Low Lactose Cheeses (Cottage Cheese)
• Yogurt (Plain, Low-Fat)

Fish That Are Safe for Cats

Your cat will flip for a fish treat, but make sure to only give it in small quantities. Too much fish can deplete your cat’s Vitamin E.

Types of fish your cat can enjoy:

• Cooked Salmon/Tuna
• Canned fish
• Fish oil (In small quantities, fish oil can help your cat’s dry skin in the winter.)

What Can Cats Not Eat?

Here’s a list of some foods you should steer clear of when you’re feeding your cat:

• Fat Trimmings
• Garlic/Onions
• Coconut Milk
• Alcohol
• Caffeine/Coffee
• Grapes/Raisins
• Seeds
• Raw Fish
• Bread Dough

• Nuts
• Chocolate
• Cooked Bones
• Milk
• Chives
• Candy/Gum
• Human Medications/Supplements
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

If you are using human food as a treat for your cat, make sure to only give your cat about 20 calories a day, so they won’t start to gain excess weight. We hope this guide helps you understand which human foods can be safe for your cat, and which definitely can’t!

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