What to Feed a Cat When Out of Cat Food?
When you run out of cat food, don’t panic! While a sudden change in diet can cause digestive upset, a temporary fix using human food is possible. Focus on providing high-protein, low-seasoning alternatives as a stop-gap solution until you can restock your cat’s regular diet.
The Panic is Real: Running Out of Cat Food
Discovering you’re out of cat food can be a stressful moment for any cat owner. Our feline companions rely on us for their nutritional needs, and an empty bowl can trigger concern. However, a little knowledge and resourcefulness can help you navigate this situation until you can acquire more of their usual fare. Knowing what to feed a cat when out of cat food is a valuable skill for every pet parent.
The Goal: Mimicking a Balanced Feline Diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet primarily composed of animal protein. When choosing temporary substitutes, your primary goal should be to provide safe, digestible, and protein-rich options. Avoid heavily seasoned or processed foods, which can be harmful.
Safe and Suitable Human Food Options
Here are several human food options that can be suitable for feeding your cat in a pinch:
- Cooked Chicken or Turkey (Plain): Lean, unseasoned poultry is an excellent source of protein. Remove the skin, as it can be high in fat.
- Cooked Fish (Plain): Salmon, tuna, or cod, cooked without salt or oil, can provide essential omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to remove all bones. Canned tuna in water (not oil) can also be used in moderation.
- Cooked Eggs (Scrambled or Hard-Boiled): Eggs are a good source of protein and nutrients. Avoid adding any salt, pepper, or other seasonings.
- Lean Ground Beef (Cooked): Ensure the beef is thoroughly cooked and drained of any excess fat.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This is an excellent source of protein and probiotics, which can be beneficial for digestive health. Make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored.
- Some Cooked Vegetables (in Small Amounts): Certain vegetables, like cooked carrots, peas, or broccoli, can provide fiber. These should only be offered in very small quantities.
Foods to Avoid
Knowing what not to feed a cat when out of cat food is just as important as knowing what you can feed. Avoid these foods:
- Onions and Garlic: These are toxic to cats and can cause anemia.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is poisonous to cats.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
- Dairy Products (except plain Greek yogurt): Many adult cats are lactose intolerant.
- Alcohol: Toxic to cats.
- Raw Meat or Eggs: Can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
- Dog Food: Lacks essential nutrients tailored for cats.
Portion Sizes and Frequency
Remember that these are temporary solutions. When feeding your cat human food, provide small portions to avoid digestive upset. Offer food at regular intervals, similar to their usual feeding schedule. Monitor your cat for any signs of distress or digestive issues.
The Transition Back to Cat Food
Once you’ve restocked your cat food, gradually transition your cat back to their regular diet. Mix a small amount of the cat food with the temporary food, gradually increasing the proportion of cat food over a few days to avoid digestive problems.
Table: Comparing Suitable Cat Food Alternatives
| Food Item | Protein Source | Benefits | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| ——————— | ————– | —————————————————- | ———————————————————————————————————– |
| Cooked Chicken/Turkey | Excellent | Lean protein source, easily digestible | Remove skin, bones. Ensure it is unseasoned. |
| Cooked Fish | Excellent | Omega-3 fatty acids, good for coat health | Remove all bones. Avoid oily preparations and heavily salted canned options. |
| Cooked Eggs | Excellent | Protein and nutrients | Avoid seasonings. |
| Lean Ground Beef | Good | High protein | Drain excess fat. Ensure it is thoroughly cooked. |
| Plain Greek Yogurt | Good | Probiotics, good for digestive health | Ensure it is unflavored and unsweetened. |
| Cooked Vegetables | Low | Fiber (supplemental) | Offer in very small quantities only. |
Common Mistakes
- Overfeeding: Human food can be denser in calories than cat food, leading to weight gain if overfed.
- Seasoning: Adding salt, pepper, or other spices can be harmful to cats.
- Abrupt Diet Change: Switching abruptly can cause digestive upset.
- Ignoring Allergies: Be mindful of any known food allergies your cat may have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I feed my cat milk when out of cat food?
While it might seem like a natural choice, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Feeding them regular milk can lead to diarrhea and digestive discomfort. Plain Greek yogurt is a better alternative as it has lower lactose content.
How long can a cat go without cat food before it becomes a problem?
Cats should eat at least once a day, and ideally twice daily. Going without food for more than 24 hours can be dangerous, especially for kittens or cats with health issues. If you’re unable to find a suitable alternative, contact your veterinarian.
Is it okay to feed my cat dog food in an emergency?
Dog food lacks the essential nutrients cats need, particularly taurine. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and blindness. While it won’t cause immediate harm, it’s not a suitable long-term substitute.
Can I give my cat canned tuna intended for human consumption?
Canned tuna in water is a reasonable temporary option. However, it shouldn’t be a regular part of a cat’s diet as it lacks sufficient taurine and other essential nutrients. Tuna packed in oil should be avoided.
What if my cat refuses to eat the human food I offer?
Some cats are notoriously picky eaters. Try offering different options from the list above. Warming the food slightly can sometimes make it more appealing. If your cat refuses to eat anything for more than 24 hours, consult your veterinarian.
Can I feed my cat baby food when out of cat food?
Plain, meat-based baby food (without onions or garlic) can be an option, especially for sick or elderly cats. However, it lacks the full nutritional profile of cat food and should only be used as a temporary measure.
Is it safe to give my cat bones from cooked chicken or fish?
Never give cooked bones to a cat. Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage. Always ensure that any meat or fish offered is boneless.
How do I know if my cat is having an allergic reaction to a new food?
Signs of an allergic reaction can include itching, vomiting, diarrhea, or skin problems. If you suspect your cat is having an allergic reaction, stop feeding the new food and consult your veterinarian.
Can I mix different types of human food together for my cat?
Yes, you can combine different suitable options to create a more balanced meal. For example, you could mix cooked chicken with a small amount of cooked vegetables.
Is plain rice a good option for my cat when I’m out of cat food?
While not harmful, rice offers very little nutritional value for a cat. It’s primarily a carbohydrate and cats require protein above all else. As such, it is not an ideal alternative.
How quickly should I transition my cat back to their normal food after feeding them human food?
Gradually transition your cat back to their regular diet over a period of 2-3 days. This will help minimize digestive upset.
What are the long-term consequences of feeding a cat human food instead of cat food regularly?
Long-term feeding of human food can lead to nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and other health problems. Cats have specific dietary needs that are met by commercially available cat food. Human food typically lacks the necessary nutrients, such as taurine, and may contain harmful ingredients. You should only use human food as a very short-term, stop-gap solution. Your top priority should always be to provide your cat with high-quality, species-appropriate cat food. What do you feed a cat when out of cat food? The answer should always be “a temporary, safe alternative until I can restock their usual food.”