You sit down on the sofa to relax and enjoy a scrumptious snack. Moments later, your cat coils around your legs and plops down, begging for a tidbit of your treat with a sweet meow. Although you would be happy to share a taste, you guiltily say no, knowing your munchies are bad for your kitty.
Or are they?
Not only can “human food” be perfectly safe for cats, but some of your groceries could actually be good for them. Discover some harmless staples you can share with your favorite feline:
1. Fish
While you don’t want your kitty eating from the aquarium, feeding him oily fish such as tuna or mackerel can help his eyesight, joints and brain.
2. Meat
Poutry, beef and other meat is a natural option for your little carnivore. Cooked poultry is your best bet. Skip meats high in sodium, such as cold cuts or ham, as too much salt can be toxic to cats.
3. Cheese
Sharing a slice or wedge with your kitty is very Gouda of you (see what we did there?) as it’s high in calcium and protein.
4. Bananas
Kiddos aren’t the only ones who can benefit from bananas. They can be a healthy snack for cats, too, although they should only be a special treat due to their high sugar content.
5. Berries
Lower in sugar and high in antioxidants, blueberries and strawberries are good fruits to share with your kitty… although probably not in a pie.
6. Melon
Many cats enjoy small pieces of cantaloupe, honeydew or seedless watermelon. Plus, melon is high in vitamins A and C.
7. Carrots
While cats, unlike humans, don’t require veggies in their diet, they can be a safe and healthy treat. Your cat might nosh on some cooked carrots, but avoid raw ones as they may be a choking hazard.
8. Rice
Although not a necessary part of their diet, a little bit of white rice won’t harm your cat. In fact, it might be helpful if she’s having some digestive issues.
9. Pumpkin
Skip the spice and just give your kitty the pumpkin. Pureed pumpkin has fiber and nutrients that can help with everything from constipation to hairballs.
10. Oatmeal
Oats have lots of fiber, iron and even protein, all of which are beneficial to your cat’s overall health. You can also use them topically for skin problems.
11. Eggs
Protein-rich eggs are another healthful food you can share with your cat. Opt for cooked, as raw eggs may carry salmonella or E. coli.
12. Spinach
If you have ever seen your cat nibble on grass, then you know kitties like leafy greens. Spinach is high in vitamins, although it should not be given to cats with kidney or urinary problems.
Of course, any and all of these foods should be given as occasional treats as part of a balanced diet. Talk to your vet about the best food to feed your cat daily or if you have any concerns about what your kitty should or should not be eating.
Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Sign up for the Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information.
now signed up to receive the Headlines Newsletter.
As a feline nutrition enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of cat dietary needs, I'm here to shed light on the intriguing dynamics of sharing human food with our beloved furry friends. My knowledge extends beyond conventional wisdom, delving into the nutritional science that underpins the interactions between certain foods and a cat's well-being.
The article you provided highlights the surprising fact that some "human foods" can be not only safe but beneficial for cats. Let's delve into each concept mentioned in the article:
-
Fish:
- Oily fish like tuna and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to a cat's eyesight, joint health, and brain function.
-
Meat:
- Poultry and beef are natural options for carnivorous cats. Cooked poultry is emphasized, while high-sodium meats like cold cuts or ham should be avoided due to their potential toxicity.
-
Cheese:
- Cheese is highlighted for being high in calcium and protein, making it a suitable occasional treat for cats.
-
Bananas:
- Bananas can be a healthy snack for cats due to their nutritional content, although their high sugar content suggests that they should be given sparingly.
-
Berries:
- Blueberries and strawberries, with lower sugar and high antioxidant levels, are mentioned as suitable fruits for cats.
-
Melon:
- Small pieces of cantaloupe, honeydew, or seedless watermelon are presented as cat-friendly options, being high in vitamins A and C.
-
Carrots:
- Cooked carrots are suggested as a safe and healthy treat for cats, although raw carrots should be avoided due to the risk of choking.
-
Rice:
- While not a necessary part of a cat's diet, a small amount of white rice is considered harmless and may be beneficial for digestive issues.
-
Pumpkin:
- Pureed pumpkin is recommended for its fiber and nutrient content, potentially aiding in issues such as constipation and hairballs.
-
Oatmeal:
- Oats are highlighted for their fiber, iron, and protein, presenting overall health benefits for cats.
-
Eggs:
- Cooked eggs, rich in protein, are mentioned as a healthful food for cats, with a caution against raw eggs due to the risk of salmonella or E. coli.
-
Spinach:
- Spinach is acknowledged for its high vitamin content, although a note is added that it may not be suitable for cats with kidney or urinary problems.
The article emphasizes that these human foods should be given as occasional treats as part of a balanced diet. Consultation with a veterinarian is recommended for personalized advice on daily cat nutrition and any specific dietary concerns. This comprehensive overview reflects a nuanced understanding of feline nutrition, ensuring the well-being of our feline companions.
