As your pets’ human, you are highly responsible for your domesticated animals’ well-being. Since one of their basic needs is a healthy diet, you should be aware of the food types that are good for them as well as those that are not. Not all things
are universally beneficial for all.
When it comes to your pet cat’s food, not everything works. For example, the items that humans can consume to get their nutritional needs fulfilled do not always benefit their canines and feline family members. You should know what these food items
are to keep your pets healthy and safe.
Table of Contents
Can Cats Eat Their Human’s Food
It is common, and almost natural for some people, to feed pets with whatever the rest of the household is eating. After all, pets are family members. While your intention might be completely pure, that cannot eliminate
the possible hazardous impacts of the food on your pet’s body.
Human Food: Meat
Felines are carnivores by nature. This makes meat generally safe and even nutritious for them. The protein content of meat is one of the primary requirements of a healthy and balanced diet for cats. This is essential for
keeping their heart, reproductive system, and vision healthy.
Some pet owners think that meat for cats should be raw. While they do consume raw meat, you should be aware that there are risks to it. The number of bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella can result in your pet getting ill. It is better to stick with cooked meat with minimal seasoning such as garlic flavor.
You should keep your felines from sushi and other raw fish varieties as well as uncooked bones and meat. You can feed them cooked salmon and other fishes, chicken, turkey, lamb, and beef, but they should be cooked and not to frequently.
Human Food: Eggs
Another good source of protein for your cats is eggs. They are good for cats as long as they are cooked. The risks of bacteria existing in raw eggs make them harmful for your pets. Additionally, egg whites contain avidin, which is a protein that binds biotin. This is an essential vitamin that is unabsorbable when bound.
Human Food: Vegetables
Certain vegetables are good to have in your cat’s diet such as asparagus, broccoli, and carrots. They provide fiber, some nutrients as well as water, which are very helpful for your pet’s digestive system. They should be steamed and not consumed raw though. Spinach is also good except for felines who have issues with their kidneys and urinary tracts.
Vegetables belonging to the allium family such as garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots are to be avoided. Consuming them leads to problems with the red blood cells, which can result in anemia and possible death.
Human Food: Fruits
Your felines at home are actually unable to enjoy the bliss of sweet food flavors, so they do not enjoy fruits as much as their humans do. In terms of nutrients though, they are quite helpful for keeping their digestive system healthy. They do enjoy it with yogurt too like some people.
However, not all vegetables are good for them. Cherries have been known to be toxic. Grapes and raisins affect the kidneys negatively. Persimmons and citrus fruits such as lemon have been found to result in an upset stomach.
The rest of the fruit kingdom like apples, bananas, and mangoes to name a few are safe and even good for your pet. You must ensure that they are free from seeds and uneatable parts.
Human Food: Grains
Not all grain items are bad for your pets. You can feed them couscous, polenta, oats, and even bread. The raw dough should be completely avoided though. It can result in an expansion in the stomach and also makes alcohol inside.
Most nuts and seeds have harmful effects on cats. Those that are directly hazardous are mostly rich in fat and salt. Your pet is better off without this food group.
Human Food: Dairy
When you first started having a cat at home, you most likely have the idea that cats should drink a lot of milk. After all, there is the constant exposure to visuals of milk bowls for felines in the TV and other media. In reality, cats can consume milk and benefit from it.
The majority of the cat population is not lactose-intolerant. However, cats generally do not need a huge portion of dairy. They can safely consume yogurts, hard cheeses, and low-lactose cheeses. It is better to avoid any variety that is high in lactose.
Other Human Foods
While humans find some benefits from alcohol and caffeine, cats do not, so it is best to keep them away from these two. Chocolate is another thing that cats should not consume.
The chemical compound theobromine that chocolate contains can ignite different negative reactions from your feline. These include heart rate increase, fluid loss, gastrointestinal problems, and nervous system issues. Ice cream is also not good because the milk or cream and sugar that it contains may lead to diarrhea and digestive problems.
Conclusion
Knowing the foods what your cat can consume and not is just the first part. Your pet does not have the same cognition process that you do.
Therefore, a huge portion of the responsibility in ensuring their healthy and safe diet lies in you and your family. Everyone in the household should be aware of these facts to be guided properly.
Featured Cat Accessories