6 human foods that cats can safely eat

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats:

Eggs
Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization.

Vegetables
Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements. Remember to cook the vegetables before feeding them. Pumpkin, squashes, zucchini, lettuce, green beans, broccoli, carrots, and peas are safe vegetables for your cat. Ideally, you can boil or steam them and serve them without adding seasoning. Avoid sharing portions of raw or uncooked salads from your plate.

Meat
Most cat food contains some protein as meat is crucial for their eyes, heart, and reproductive system. If you want to feed them meat you cook for yourself or your family, ensure it is cooked well. Avoid seasoned meat, or don’t feed them pieces of meat from gravies or curries. Instead of seasoning, you can add spices like basil, cilantro, dill, rosemary, or thyme, which are safe for cats. Small portions of cooked beef, chicken, duck, and turkey are safe meat for cats. Lamb and pork may be fattening, and you can give small portions after trimming the fat. Avoid giving too much organ meat like liver and kidney.

Fish
Cats are prone to allergies and dry skin. Vets generally recommend omega-3-rich fish oils that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Fish can also help older cats that are prone to arthritis. Feeding your cats omega-3-rich fish can help them get a continuous supply of anti-inflammatory foods. The ideal fish you can feed your cats include tuna, herring, crab, and salmon. Avoid seasoning and also remove the bones. If your cat is used to canned or commercial food, they could choke on fish bones.

Oatmeal
Oats are a staple ingredient of many commercial cat food brands, and you can feed them to your cat occasionally. Presoak oats overnight, cook them well and mix them with water instead of milk. Don’t add sugar or any topping that you may have with your oatmeal. You can also add a small portion of oatmeal to their regular food. If your cat has a previous history of gastrointestinal issues, avoid oatmeal as it can interfere with their digestion.

Fruits
As a pet parent, you may know that cats cannot distinguish sweet as a taste. You can give them fruits in moderation as treats or as a part of their meal. Sliced bananas, the flesh of watermelon without the rind or seeds, small amounts of strawberries, berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, small portions of apple, small slices of mangoes, cantaloupes, and pineapples without the rind or skin are all safe for cats. Always chop the fruit into bite-size pieces to prevent choking. Fruits are ideal as treats and not as a whole meal.

Apart from human foods, here are some of the best cat-food brands that you can consider:

Royal Canin
Royal Canin offers a range of commercial wet and dry cat food and therapeutic food for specific health conditions. This brand also offers tailored nutrition, providing the exact requirement of vitamins, prebiotics, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that your cats require. Tailored nutrition is a unique concept that considers your cat’s unique health needs, breed, and lifestyle, which is available for purebred cats and kittens. The brand also has age-specific food for kittens, adult, mature and senior cats.

IAMS™
IAMS offers cat parents the choice of tailored nutrition for their cats based on their age, lifestyle, breed, and individual health issues. You can log in to the IAMS website and answer basic questions about your cat, and experts recommend the best product based on your cat’s individual and unique needs. This brand is offering to cover the cost of your next vet appointment if you buy two bags of IAMS dry food.

GREENIES™
Greenies offer Dental Treats, Pill Pockets, and Smartbites for cats in different flavors. Dental treats are available in chicken, tuna, shrimp, and salmon flavors. Pill pockets are easy to use and available in salmon and chicken flavors. You can roll your cat’s capsule in the pill pocket, hide it, and feed it to your cat without any fuss and strain for them. Smart bites are treats for your cat and are available in salmon, chicken, and tuna flavors.