What Table Food Can Cats Safely Eat?
While cats have specific nutritional needs best met by commercial cat food, some human foods are safe and even beneficial in moderation. This article explores what table food can cats eat safely, offering guidelines and precautions to ensure your feline friend’s health and well-being.
A Feline Feast: Decoding Table Food for Cats
The temptation to share a bite with your feline companion is strong. But understanding feline nutritional needs and the potential risks of certain human foods is crucial. Unlike dogs, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet primarily composed of meat. What table food can cats eat? safely falls primarily into lean protein sources, with a few exceptions for certain vegetables and grains.
The Benefits and Risks of Table Food
Introducing certain table foods into your cat’s diet can offer some benefits, such as providing additional moisture or supplementing essential nutrients. However, it’s vital to weigh these benefits against the potential risks, including digestive upset, toxicity, and nutritional imbalance.
Benefits:
- Hydration: Some foods, like cooked chicken or fish, offer additional moisture, which is particularly beneficial for cats prone to dehydration.
- Supplementary Nutrients: Lean meats can provide high-quality protein and essential amino acids. Certain vegetables, in small quantities, can offer vitamins and fiber.
- Enrichment: Offering small, safe portions of human food can add variety and excitement to your cat’s diet.
Risks:
- Digestive Upset: Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and introducing new foods too quickly or in large quantities can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Toxicity: Many common human foods, such as chocolate, onions, and grapes, are toxic to cats.
- Nutritional Imbalance: Replacing balanced cat food with table food can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, impacting overall health.
- Obesity: Overfeeding table food can contribute to weight gain and obesity, increasing the risk of various health problems.
Safe and Unsafe Foods: A Comprehensive Guide
Knowing which foods are safe and which to avoid is paramount. Here’s a breakdown:
Safe Table Foods for Cats (in Moderation):
| Food | Preparation & Portion Size | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| ——————- | —————————————————————————————— | ——————————————————————- | ————————————————————————————————————- |
| Cooked Chicken | Boneless, skinless, plain. Small, bite-sized pieces. | High in protein, easily digestible. | Avoid seasoning, bones, and skin (high in fat). |
| Cooked Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Sardines) | Boneless, skinless, plain. Limit to once or twice a week due to mercury content. | Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for skin and coat health. | Choose low-sodium options. Avoid raw fish (parasites). |
| Cooked Eggs | Scrambled or hard-boiled, plain. | Excellent source of protein and amino acids. | Limit portion size due to cholesterol content. |
| Cooked Lean Beef | Ground or diced, plain. | High in protein and iron. | Trim excess fat. |
| Steamed or Cooked Vegetables (Broccoli, Carrots, Green Beans) | Finely chopped, plain. Small amounts only. | Provides fiber and some vitamins. | Some cats may not tolerate vegetables well. Introduce slowly and monitor for any digestive upset. Avoid corn, onions, and garlic. |
| Cooked Oatmeal (Plain) | Cooked with water, no sugar or sweeteners. Small portions only. | Provides fiber and some vitamins. | Some cats may not tolerate vegetables well. Introduce slowly and monitor for any digestive upset. Avoid corn, onions, and garlic. |
Foods to NEVER Give Your Cat:
- Chocolate
- Onions and Garlic
- Grapes and Raisins
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Raw Dough
- Avocado
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- Dairy products (most cats are lactose intolerant)
- Bones (chicken, fish, etc.)
- Macadamia nuts
Introducing Table Food: A Gradual Process
The key to safely introducing table food is to do so gradually. Start with tiny portions and observe your cat for any signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat tolerates the new food well, you can slowly increase the portion size. Remember that table food should only make up a small percentage (no more than 10%) of your cat’s daily caloric intake.
Monitoring Your Cat’s Health
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for monitoring your cat’s overall health and ensuring that any dietary changes are appropriate. Your veterinarian can provide personalized advice based on your cat’s individual needs and health conditions. It’s important to communicate to your vet if you’ve made a change to your cat’s diet.
Common Mistakes When Feeding Table Food
Several common mistakes can compromise your cat’s health. These include:
- Overfeeding: Giving your cat too much table food can lead to obesity and nutritional imbalances.
- Offering Toxic Foods: Failing to research which foods are toxic to cats can have devastating consequences.
- Ignoring Digestive Upset: Dismissing signs of digestive upset can lead to more serious health problems.
- Neglecting Balanced Nutrition: Relying solely on table food can deprive your cat of essential nutrients.
- Sudden Changes: Changing your cat’s diet quickly can cause digestive distress.
- Using Human Supplements: Supplements that are formulated for humans should not be given to cats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can cats eat cheese?
While a tiny bit of cheese might seem harmless, most cats are lactose intolerant and unable to properly digest dairy. This can lead to digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, it’s best to avoid giving your cat cheese.
Is tuna safe for cats?
Tuna is safe in small quantities as an occasional treat. However, it should not be a staple food, as it lacks certain essential nutrients and can contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful in large amounts.
Can I give my cat milk?
As mentioned earlier, most cats are lactose intolerant. Cow’s milk is a common trigger for digestive upset. There are commercially available lactose-free milk alternatives specifically formulated for cats that may be a safer option as a treat.
Are bones safe for cats?
Never give cooked bones to your cat. Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, posing a serious choking hazard and potentially causing internal injuries. Raw bones also pose a risk of bacterial contamination.
Can cats eat bread?
Plain, cooked bread is generally not toxic to cats. However, it offers very little nutritional value. It can be an empty calorie filler but avoid breads that contain onion, garlic or other spices. Stick to plain bread, but only as a rare treat.
What vegetables are safe for cats?
Certain cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans, are safe for cats in small amounts. These can provide fiber and some vitamins. However, avoid onions, garlic, and other vegetables that are toxic to cats.
Can cats eat fruit?
Some cats may enjoy small pieces of melon or berries, but most fruits offer limited nutritional benefit. Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to cats and should be strictly avoided.
How much table food can I give my cat?
Table food should only make up a small percentage of your cat’s daily caloric intake, ideally no more than 10%. The majority of their diet should consist of a high-quality commercial cat food that provides all the necessary nutrients.
What if my cat eats something toxic?
If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. Time is of the essence in these situations.
How do I know if my cat is having an allergic reaction to table food?
Signs of an allergic reaction can include skin irritation, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms after introducing a new food, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.
Is it OK to feed my cat leftovers?
It depends on the leftovers. If the leftovers consist of plain, cooked lean meat or safe vegetables without any seasoning or potentially harmful ingredients, they may be safe in small quantities. However, always avoid leftovers containing bones, onions, garlic, or other toxic substances.
My cat only wants to eat table food. What should I do?
Gradually reduce the amount of table food you offer while simultaneously increasing the amount of their regular cat food. Avoid giving in to their demands, as this will only reinforce the behavior. Work with your veterinarian to determine the underlying reason behind your cat’s picky eating habits.