It’s a natural instinct to worry about your cat nibbling away at some dropped food or licking scraps from a plate. However, much of the food we have is safe for cats, as long as it’s eaten in moderation. Our “human” food can often be a great way of giving them a tasty snack.
While there are some toxic foods that we’ll mention along the way, there are plenty of others which can not only be a treat but also have health benefits. Let’s take a look at what they are.
1. Lean Unprocessed Meat
While they may look like cute balls of fur, cats are obligate carnivores. This means they rely on meat for nutrition and can’t meet their dietary needs without it. Cooked and unseasoned lean meat will always be a valuable source of nutrition.
Even though cats can hunt in the wild, giving them raw meat presents a bacteria risk so it’s better to give them cooked meat, if possible. For the same reason, you should avoid giving them fat, skin, and bones as these are harder to digest and can be a choking hazard.
Some seasonings can be toxic, as can other ingredients that may be used in combination with the meat, such as onion. As with everything on this list, if you’re unsure, don’t take the chance.
2. Fish
Cats like all types of fish which makes it a fantastic option for a DIY snack. Not only is it an excellent source of protein, but the low fat level also makes it easy to digest and the omega-3 will benefit their coat and skin.
Too much fish can cause a vitamin E deficiency and a mercury buildup, but this is only in vast quantities. Also avoid giving them fried fish, as this will be too fatty for them.
If the fish is breaded, your cat eating this layer is fine, but it doesn’t have any nutritional value, so it’s best to peel it off for them. Canned fish is usually okay if it hasn’t been preserved in oil.
3. Eggs
Eggs are perhaps the best non-meat food a cat can eat. Scrambled and boiled eggs especially will give them plenty of essential nutrients, such as amino acids. These give them a healthy coat and strong muscles.
As you’ve probably worked out by now, you should avoid giving them eggs that have been seasoned or cooked in fat. Raw eggs should be avoided as there is a risk of salmonella or E. coli. Some cats can be allergic, so it’s best to start them off with small portions.
4. Most Cooked Vegetables
As an important point, allium vegetables are strictly not allowed. These include onions, leeks, garlic, chives, and shallots. Rhubarb, potato skins, and the green parts of a tomato plant should also be avoided. Aside from that, everything else is good to go.
Cooked carrots, broccoli, green beans, and peas are especially good as a low-calorie snack and will give them a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber. Most vegetables are fine to eat, but many cats won’t like the taste or texture.
Cooked vegetables are better, simply because they are easier to chew and digest. It’s also good to mention here that, while technically not a vegetable, mushrooms are another food to avoid as they can cause stomach problems, especially wild mushrooms.
5. Fruits
Again, let’s start by saying what cats shouldn’t eat. Grapes/raisins are a huge no-no, as are avocados and cherries. Citrus fruits can cause digestive irritation and fruits with a large central stone/seed such as such as peaches and plums are too much of a choking/intestinal hazard.
The best fruits for your cats are berries such as blueberry, raspberry, cranberry, strawberry, and blackberry. Bananas are also a great occasional snack, and seedless cantaloupe and watermelon can be perfect for refreshment on hot days.
6. Squash
The likes of pumpkin, butternut squash, and zucchini are technically fruits but are often not seen as them, so we thought they deserved a special mention. These squashes can not only be a healthy snack but can be beneficial to cats with digestive issues.
They are an excellent source of fiber and a natural way of helping with constipation. Adding a small portion to their meal can be a great way to improve digestion. However, too much may result in loose stools.
7. Cheese
Cats have a complicated relationship with lactose. Despite the common myth that cats love milk, around half of cats are lactose intolerant. If your feline is one of those that isn’t, then cheese can be a delicious snack for them.
Cheese will give them plenty of protein and calcium to help growth and bone health. This should only be an occasional snack due to the fat content. There are also a few low-lactose options out there, such as cheddar and most other hard cheeses. If you’re unsure how they’ll react, give them a small amount of to start with and check to see if it gives them an upset stomach.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt usually contains less lactose than other dairy products so most cats can tolerate a small amount of it. It should be plain and unsweetened yogurt as flavorings can be toxic to cats, especially if there is chocolate involved.
Sugar and artificial sweeteners should also be avoided. As with cheese, it’s best to only give cats yogurt if you’re sure they are going to react well to it. And as ever, if there is any doubt, it’s best not to take any chances.
9. Oatmeal
Cats will happily eat most grains, even though it is not required as part of a feline diet. That being said, the likes of oatmeal can be a useful source of fiber, iron, and vitamin B. However, they can usually get these from their regular cat food too.
Cooked and plain oatmeal is perfectly acceptable, but it shouldn’t have any milk, sugar, or any other additives. It is quite filling, so make sure it’s not a full substitute for one of their meals, as they’ll be lacking nutrients otherwise.
10. Rice
Rice falls into the same category as oatmeal. Plain rice is a perfectly acceptable snack but isn’t a replacement for their nutritional needs. Again, there should be no other flavorings here such as butter, seasoning, or sauce.
Rice can be useful for cats, as it can be a good option to help settle an upset stomach with its ability to be soothing and better regulate bowel movements. Plain rice and chicken are a great meal for them if you notice any issues.
