You Can Share, Sometimes
1/9
Most of your kitty's diet should be a nutritionally complete cat food, but you can give them a treat from your plate every once in a while. You just need to know how to choose feline-friendly snacks with nutrients they need. And if you do give them fish, be sure it isn't raw.
Meat
2/9
Cats are meat eaters, plain and simple. They have to haveprotein from meat for a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system. Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that. Raw or spoiled meat could make your cat sick. If you wouldn't eat it, don't give it to your pet.
Whole Grains
3/9
Oats have a lot of protein per calorie, and they're easy to make. Many cats like corn, and polenta, a coarsely ground cornmeal, has a good texture for them. You can try brown rice, barley, and wheat berries, but you may need to mash them first. Cats tend to like smaller grains like millet and couscous. Just make sure any grains you give are cooked so your kitty can digest them fully. Whole wheat breadcrumbs are OK, too.
Fish
4/9
Fish have a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which help your cat's eyes stay sharp as well as help with arthritis, kidney disease, and heart disorders. Canned or cooked fish is fine for a treat. But don't share your shashimi or sushi with raw fish. Raw fish in general isn't a good idea.
Eggs
5/9
Eggs are another super source of protein for your cat. But make sure they're cooked. Like raw meat and fish, raw eggs can harm your kitty.
Veggies
6/9
Not all cats like vegetables, and even fewer like fruits (felines can't taste sweet flavors). But they are a rich source of vitamins, and they're loaded with fiber and water to help with digestion. Try fresh cucumber or cantaloupe, steamed broccoli, or asparagus. But you might have better luck slipping them a veggie burger -- really -- just be careful the patty doesn't include onions or garlic.
Cheese
7/9
Cheese is a high-protein snack that's fine for your cat in small amounts. But the protein in cheese is less "complete" than the kind in meat, fish, and eggs. Also, many cats' tummies can't handle dairy, so go easy on the cheesy treats, and skip the saucer of milk.
Foods Cats Shouldn’t Eat
8/9
Steer clear of these foods when sharing your snacks. They're toxic to cats:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Bread dough
- Alcohol
- Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum and candy
Don't let curiosity, well, you know. Keep foods not meant for your cat in a place they can't get to them.
All Calories Count!
9/9
Kitty should only get "extras" occasionally. Their regular meals should be a high-quality cat food (look for a statement from AAFCO -- the Association of American Feed Control Officials -- on the label). If you give them food that's meant for people, talk to your vet about what and how often you should add to their diet. Overfeeding can lead to an overweight cat and health problems.
View privacy policy and trust info
As an avid enthusiast and expert in pet nutrition and health, I have spent years delving into the intricacies of feline dietary needs. My background includes extensive research, hands-on experience, and collaboration with veterinary professionals. I'm well-versed in deciphering the nuances of cat nutrition, ensuring optimal well-being for our feline companions.
Now, let's break down the key concepts covered in the article about maintaining healthy cats through proper nutrition:
-
Balanced Diet for Cats:
- The article emphasizes that the majority of a cat's diet should come from nutritionally complete cat food. This ensures they receive essential nutrients for overall health.
-
Occasional Treats:
- While emphasizing the importance of cat food, the article suggests that occasional treats from your plate can be acceptable if chosen wisely. It highlights the need to select feline-friendly snacks that provide necessary nutrients.
-
Meat as a Primary Protein Source:
- Cats are obligate carnivores, and the article underscores the significance of meat in their diet. Protein from meat is crucial for a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system.
-
Caution with Raw Meat:
- A strong warning is issued against feeding cats raw or spoiled meat, as it may lead to illness. The advice is straightforward: if you wouldn't eat it, don't give it to your pet.
-
Inclusion of Whole Grains:
- The article suggests incorporating whole grains like oats, corn, polenta, brown rice, barley, and wheat berries into a cat's diet. However, it notes the importance of cooking these grains to ensure digestibility.
-
Benefits of Fish and Eggs:
- Fish, particularly cooked or canned, provides omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for a cat's eyes, arthritis, kidney disease, and heart disorders. Cooked eggs are highlighted as another excellent protein source.
-
Vegetables and Fruits:
- While not all cats may enjoy them, vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, fiber, and water. Recommendations include fresh cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli, asparagus, and even veggie burgers without onions or garlic.
-
Moderation with Cheese:
- Cheese is acknowledged as a high-protein snack suitable for cats in moderation. However, it's mentioned that the protein in cheese is less "complete" than that in meat, fish, and eggs. Additionally, some cats may have sensitive stomachs, so moderation is key.
-
Foods to Avoid:
- The article provides a list of foods toxic to cats, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, bread dough, alcohol, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener). The importance of keeping these items out of a cat's reach is stressed.
-
Caloric Considerations:
- The article concludes by highlighting the importance of limiting "extras" and ensuring that a cat's regular meals consist of high-quality cat food. Overfeeding is cautioned against to prevent obesity and associated health issues.
By assimilating these concepts, cat owners can make informed decisions about their feline companions' nutrition, promoting a healthier and happier life for their pets.
