By Ameera Mills. Updated: May 13, 2018
Unfortunately it sometimes happens that you have forgotten to buy your weekly cat food and it’s too late to go to the store. Your cat is meowing and hungry, what do you do? Luckily, there are other options of food suitable for your cat other than traditional store-bought cat food. Your options range from human food to homemade cat food recipes, easy to make with common items from your fridge.
In this AnimalWised article we will tell you what you can feed your cat if you don’t have cat food.
You may also be interested in: Food You Can't Feed to Ferrets
Contents
- What can cats eat?
- Homemade food for cats
- Human food for cats
What can cats eat?
Cats are strict carnivores and have very specific nutritional requirements. For these reasons, their diet should be composed mainly of protein and fat, as well as vitamins, fatty acids or minerals [1]. Although some cats can eat rice or cheese without any problem, not all cats accept this introduction of new foods to their diets.
There are also some "picky" cats that refuse to eat any new food which they have not previously tried. This is very common if a cat is not socialized and lacks the desire to experiment. For this reason, in some cases, it can be very difficult to replace the pellets or canned food that our felines are used to.
Luckily, there are options!
Homemade food for cats
Did you know that more and more people are feeding their cats homemade recipes? Specifically if their cat is suffering from a pathology. This type of homemade diet has become very popular in the last couple of years as it gives owners the opportunity to control what their cat is eating in turn allowing them to make sure their animals are receiving all the correct nutrients.
If you have not yet experimented with homemade recipes, this could be your opportunity. There are two common homemade diets which you can follow:
- Raw diet or BARF: also known as the ACBA diet, this diet focuses on offering raw food to felines, either chopped or passed through a mincer. It is important to emphasize that it is very important to freeze food before giving it to your animal, to avoid possible parasites or pathogens.
- Homemade cooked or semi-cooked diets: Some owners choose this diet over BARF in order to prevent our cat from contracting any virus or parasite. As in the previous mentioned diet we can choose to cut the food into tiny cubes or crush all the food to facilitate intake.
Human food for cats
Have you ever wondered if cats can eat cheese? Or if cats can eat rice? There are many foods that our cat can eat, however, this does not mean that they are always suitable for their bodies. In general it depends on each cat as each cat has a different body and therefore and different digestive system. In some cats the food might not cause a problem, whereare in others it could cause diarrhea, gas or discomfort.
If you do not have enough time or raw materials to make homemade recipes, you may be interested in knowing some human foods that cats can eat:
- Meat without salt
- Fish without salt
- Sliced turkey
- Slices of ham York
- Chicken slices
- Skimmed yogurt without sugar
- Egg
- Cheese without lactose
- Mussels
- Prawns
Remember that canned tuna is not recommended for cats and that any of these foods should be offered in a timely manner, since in most cases they contain preservatives, salt or other components that are not recommended for cats. The adequate food for a cat, whether based on recipes or commercial food, should be supervised by your veterinarian.
If you want to read similar articles to What Can You Feed Your Cat If You Don’t Have Cat Food?, we recommend you visit our Diet problems category.
References
- Nutritional guides for complete foods and supplements for dogs and cats- European Federation of Food Manufacturers for Companion Animals (FEDIAF)
Forbidden Food for Hamsters
Why Isn't your Cat Drinking Water?
My Cat Eats Without Chewing
How to Feed a Dog With No Teeth
Hypoallergenic Diet for Cats with Food Allergies
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating?
FAQs
Cats can eat canned tuna, as long as it is packed in spring water only and has no seasonings or additives. Never feed your cat tuna in brine or sunflower oil, which is for human consumption only. Brine is salt water, and its high sodium content can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in your cat.
What to do if you can't afford cat food? ›
You're not alone—here's what to do.
- Visit pethelpfinder.org. Search for food pantries and supplies, financially friendly veterinary services, boarding options and local animal welfare groups.
- Contact local food pantries. ...
- Talk to a veterinarian. ...
- Contact local animal welfare groups. ...
- Research other options.
Cats can eat canned tuna, as long as it is packed in spring water only and has no seasonings or additives. Never feed your cat tuna in brine or sunflower oil, which is for human consumption only. Brine is salt water, and its high sodium content can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in your cat.
What can I give my stray cat if I don't have cat food? ›
Plain rice and sweet potato are good fixes for a starving feral cat. These food items will not only make them feel full but also aid their digestion process. These can be great options to offer. Just make sure to not provide them with stale food as it can do more harm than good.
What is the best home food for cats? ›
Some homemade foods that are suitable for cats include cooked chicken, mutton, fish (like basa or tilapia), eggs, and low-fat dairy products like paneer or curd. You can also incorporate cooked vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach in moderation, as well as small portions of whole grains like brown rice or oats.
What is the cheapest way to feed cats healthy? ›
10 Cheap Ways to Improve Your Cat's Diet
- Just like humans, our pets need fresh foods. ...
- Provide fresh, filtered water.
- Wash all bowls daily.
- Add water or broth to your cat's meals.
- Ditch the tuna!
- Cook a whole chicken.
- Feed a raw diet part time.
- Introduce raw meat snacks!
Some of the cheapest cat foods may lack key components of a balanced diet. In some cases, this may lead to unpleasant faeces, a less healthy coat, and poor growth and development. In other cases, lacking key nutrients can lead to more serious medical issues such as bone abnormalities, poor vision and heart conditions.
Can cats eat scrambled eggs? ›
Yes, cats can eat eggs. Fully cooked eggs are a great nutritional treat for cats. Eggs are packed with nutrients, like amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein, and they're also highly digestible. Scrambled, boiled, however you choose to prepare them is fine.
Can cats eat cheese? ›
All types of cheese, including cheddar, parmesan, brie, feta, mozzarella and blue cheese, are not healthy for cats, as they all contain lactose which can make them unwell. Also avoid giving your cat any lactose-free or plant-based cheese, as a lot of dairy alternatives contain ingredients that could be toxic for cats.
Is milk good for cats? ›
Is milk bad for cats? Yes – most cats are lactose intolerant, and consuming dairy products can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting. There are some specially designed cat milk options available, which are more suitable and contain reduced lactose. However, these should only be fed in moderation.
Cats shouldn't eat bread on a regular basis but, rather, reserve it for a once in a while treat. Healthwise, there is nothing in baked bread that is bad for your cat, but the concern is that it also does not supply nutrients your cat needs. Essentially, for cats, bread is considered a source of empty calories.
Can you make your own cat food? ›
To be honest, most veterinarians would likely tell you that making your own cat food is not the best idea, as it's nearly impossible to get your feline companions the nutrients they need. That's why the best pet food companies have veterinary nutritionists on staff.
What is the cheapest way to feed a feral cat? ›
Although wet food packets and cans are available on the market, dry kibble is the least expensive and most convenient form of commercial cat food since it can be stored and distributed easily.
What is the healthiest thing to feed a cat? ›
In general, for healthy adult cats, the best option is a canned food with a protein content of 40% or higher (greater than 10% if the can is greater than 78% water) and a carbohydrate content of 10% or less.
What is the number 1 healthiest cat food? ›
Which are the best cat foods in 2024? At a glance
- Best overall – Royal Canin.
- Best value cat food - Whiskas.
- Best wet cat food – Purina Gourmet.
- Best kitten food – Hills Science Plan Kitten Food.
- Best senior cat food – Republic of Cats.
As one of the best sensitive skin and stomach cat diets available over-the-counter, this Purina Pro Plan cat food is one of our veterinarians' most recommended formulas. Thanks to ingredients such as rice and oat meal, it's easy for cats to digest.
How do you befriend a cat without food? ›
Cats are not as food-motivated as dogs. If offering food does not work, try giving them attention. Toys or small, moving things will encourage them to approach you.
Can I feed homeless cat? ›
The feeding of stray cats poses risks not just from cats but also from other local wildlife species such as raccoons, skunks, foxes and opossums that may be drawn to these feeding stations. Luring these animals into human areas, even unintentionally, poses the same risks to people, pets and property.
How to get a free bag of cat food? ›
The Humane Society of the United States maintains a list of national and local organizations that offer free pet food, low-cost spay/neuter services, and temporary foster care if you need help. Feeding Pets of the Homeless offers resources for finding both food and veterinary care.
How to afford prescription pet food? ›
A pet insurance plan can help partially or fully cover the cost of prescription pet food. In cases where it doesn't fully cover the prescription, it can at least help reduce the expense. See our list of cheapest pet insurance companies to find a budget-friendly plan.
