Your tiny tiger may have tried every kind of kibble from chicken to rabbit to fish, but can cats eat eggs? Yes, cats can eat eggs if you know the risks and benefits — cooked eggs can be a great treat to add to your cat's mealtime routine.
The Benefits of Eggs
Petcha includes eggs on a list of cat "superfoods." The author of the list, veterinarian Dr. Laci Schaible, says she offers her own cats some scrambled eggs once a week. The protein in eggs is easy for cats to digest, and eggs are packed with amino acids that help maintain lean muscle.
Salmonella: It's No Yolk
If you don't have time to scramble them up diner-style, can cats eat eggs raw? Absolutely not, says the American Verterinary Medical Association. That's because, just like humans, cats can contract salmonella or E. coli bacteria from consuming raw eggs (or raw meat). Symptoms of poisoning from these pathogens vary but can include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. The illness can even be fatal.
The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine warns against the recent uptick in pet parents feeding cats and dogs "raw diets," both for nutritional reasons and because of the dangers of salmonella and E. coli. Any contamination from raw meat can be transmitted to humans by feeding or handling pet dishes, and a bout with salmonella can be dangerous for someone who is very young, elderly or immunocompromised. Be careful to wash your hands after cooking meat or eggs for yourself, and keep your cat away from raw ingredients and other toxic human foods.
In addition to the dangers of salmonella and E. coli, Catster warns that raw eggs contain a protein called avidin that interferes with the absorption of biotin, the vitamin your cat needs to maintain her healthy skin and shiny coat. Cooking eggs denatures this protein and also provides a dose of biotin.
Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
As with any food, never feed it to your cat without checking with your veterinary first. If you are feeding your cat eggs for the first time, keep an eye on her for a day or two to see if she has an adverse reaction. According to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, egg is a common allergy in cats and dogs — though it should be noted that the overall percentage of pets with food allergies is low. A food allergy can be one of the causes of itchy skin or ears, skin infections or gastrointestinal issues.
Want to see if your cat likes eggs? Great! After consulting with your vet to make sure it's a safe snack for your kitty, you can try serving them scrambled, hard-boiled or poached. Just remember to consider them a treat, and only feed your fur baby eggs as part of a balanced meal plan. For the rest of her meals, choose a high-quality, nutritionally balanced food like Hill's Science Diet Adult. Keep her curious at mealtimes and give her food that fuels her growth, health and energy!
Contributor Bio
Kara Murphy
Kara Murphy is a freelance writer and pet parent who lives in Erie, Pa. She has a goldendoodle named Maddie.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of feline nutrition and health, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of pet dietary requirements, consulting with veterinarians, and staying abreast of the latest research in the domain. My commitment to understanding the nuances of what our feline companions need has enabled me to provide valuable insights and guidance on various aspects of cat care, including their diet and nutritional preferences.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article about whether cats can eat eggs:
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Benefits of Eggs for Cats: The article highlights that eggs are considered "superfoods" for cats. The protein in eggs is easily digestible, and they are rich in amino acids that contribute to maintaining lean muscle mass in cats. This information is attributed to Dr. Laci Schaible, a veterinarian, who includes scrambled eggs in her own cats' diet once a week.
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Raw Eggs and Salmonella Concerns: The article emphasizes a crucial point: cats should not consume raw eggs due to the risk of contracting salmonella or E. coli bacteria. This is in line with the American Veterinary Medical Association's stance. The symptoms of poisoning from these pathogens include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine also warns against the dangers of feeding pets "raw diets."
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Avidin in Raw Eggs and Biotin Absorption: Catster is cited to caution against feeding raw eggs to cats because they contain avidin, a protein that interferes with the absorption of biotin, a vital vitamin for maintaining healthy skin and coat in cats. Cooking eggs denatures avidin, making it safe for cats and providing a dose of biotin.
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Allergies and Adverse Reactions: The Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University is mentioned, advising pet owners to be cautious when introducing eggs into their cat's diet for the first time. Cats and dogs can have allergies to eggs, though the overall percentage of pets with food allergies is low. Adverse reactions may include itchy skin or ears, skin infections, or gastrointestinal issues.
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Consulting with Veterinarians: The article underscores the importance of consulting with a veterinarian before introducing new foods into a cat's diet. It suggests keeping a close eye on the cat for a day or two after the introduction of eggs to monitor for any adverse reactions.
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Feeding Eggs as Treats: While cats can enjoy eggs, the article recommends treating them as occasional snacks rather than a primary food source. It advises pet owners to incorporate eggs into a balanced meal plan, and to choose high-quality, nutritionally balanced cat food for regular meals.
In conclusion, this comprehensive overview provides cat owners with valuable information on the benefits and potential risks associated with feeding eggs to their feline companions, stressing the importance of responsible and informed pet care practices.
