Can Cats Eat Human Food? (Beware of 6 Toxic Foods)

is human food safe for cats

The urge to toss a morsel of your favorite food to your cats can be overwhelming. Your cat’s affection could motivate you to share that sandwich with your feline friend. But can cats eat human food?

If you are pondering this, our guide will help you know what human food cats can eat and the foods you must avoid sharing with them.

Can Cats Eat Human Food? Is It Safe For Cats?

can cats eat human foodHuman foods are not meant for cats. Although some human foods are harmless to cats, others pose a serious risk to your cat’s health.

A simple taste of some human food could be life-threatening for your cat. Generally, cats require complete and balanced cat food. Therefore, human food should serve as occasional cat treats and not form your cat’s main diet.

Human foods that are safe for cats

The following human foods are safe for cats:

1.      Meats

Meats such as beef, chicken, liver, turkey, and lamb are safe for your cats. You must also ensure the meat is cooked as raw meat is known to carry parasites and bacteria that could affect your cat’s health.

2.      Fish

Fish are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are suitable for your cat’s overall health. Cats are attracted to fish, so serving them as occasional treats is not harmful to their health.

However, ensure it is well cooked, and do not forget to remove bone particles from it before feeding your cat. Like meats, avoid feeding your cats fresh fish as they may carry harmful bacteria.

Note: Some cats do not do well to be fed too much fish. We have published an article that discusses fish allergies in cats.

3.      Vegetables

Although cats are obligate carnivores, they can still benefit from plant-based food in their diet. Vegetables contain high amounts of vitamins, fiber, and water, so feeding them to cats is not bad.

You can give your cats some safe vegetables such as peas, carrots, asparagus, cucumber, and steamed broccoli.

4.      Whole grains

Some cat owners consider grains as just fillers. However, grains are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Some grains also provide readily digestible protein. Although cats are natural carnivores, their digestive system can process carbohydrates from grains.

Whole grains, including corn, oat, and brown rice, contain a good amount of protein and are safe for cats to eat.

It is not a requirement that cats should eat grain for the added fiber. Cats get all the fiber they need from meat.

5.      Eggs

Cats can enjoy a morsel of scrambled or boiled egg. Eggs are packed with amino acids and protein, making them a healthy treat for your cats. However, avoid feeding your cat raw eggs as they pose a risk of Salmonella infection.

6.      Fruits

Snacks that cats like to eatThe chances that cats may enjoy a fruit meal varies. Cats have very limited sweet taste receptors, so not all cats may enjoy eating fruits.

However, if your cat is attracted to fruits, quite a few are helpful to them. They include bananas, blueberries, strawberries, apples, watermelons, and pumpkins.

Fruits are a rich source of vitamin A and C, potassium, and fiber. However, most fruits contain a high amount of sugar. Because of this, you should feed them to your cats in moderation. Permanently remove peels and seeds from the fruits before feeding them to your cats.

We have a full article devoted to this question: Can Cats Eat Fruit?

Fruitables sells a tasty, low calorie, crunchy cat treat with a recipe to include superfruits.

7.      Cheese

Most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme that helps process lactose. Although cheese is a dairy product, you can use them as occasional treats for your cats.

Human foods to give with caution

·         Potatoes

Some cat food manufacturers add potatoes to their products. This is because potatoes are a rich source of potassium, vitamin B, and C.

The drawback of potatoes is that it contains solanine which is toxic to cats. However, solanine fades away when cooking, so you can feed your cats moderate amounts of this veggie. Avoid constantly serving your cat fried potatoes because of their high-fat content.

·         Avocadoes

Avocadoes harm some animals, including poultry, rabbit, and goats. Although no evidence suggests avocado is detrimental to your cats, you should feed them in only moderate amounts.

·         Tomatoes

The skin and leaves of tomatoes contain solanine which is toxic to cats. If you must include tomatoes in your cat’s diet, ensure it is fully ripe.

·         Peaches

You can give your cat a small portion of peach, as too much of it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Peaches contain high amounts of sugar and are pretty difficult to digest, so you must feed your cat cautiously.

·         Bread

You can safely feed your cat’s small amount of bread. However, the raw uncooked dough is harmful to your cat, so you must avoid it.

·         Peanut butter

Although peanut butter packs high amounts of protein, you should give it to your cat in small quantities. Peanut butter is high in fats which can contribute to diabetes and obesity in cats.

·         Tuna Fish

Tuna fish serves as a great source of protein for cats. Tuna contains high amounts of unsaturated fat, so you must feed your cats in minimal amounts. So can cats eat canned tuna meant for humans? We have devoted a whole article to this question HERE.

Human foods you should avoid when feeding your cats

Some human food contains toxins that could be harmful to cats.

1.      Grapes and raisins

Grapes are well known to cause gastrointestinal and kidney issues in dogs. Although no concrete evidence supports that these fruits have the same effect on cats, it is better to err on the side of caution.

2.      Cherries

The parts of cherries, including pits, stems, and leaves, are poisonous to cats.

3.      Oranges

Orange seeds, stems, and leaves are toxic to cats. Similarly, citrus fruits like grapefruits, lime, and lemons are acidic and can disturb your cat’s digestive system.

4.      Onions

Onions are toxic to cats, so you should avoid them in your cat’s diet.

5.      Milk

Most cats are lactose intolerant as they lack the enzymes in their digestive system to digest it. Some common symptoms of drinking milk in lactose-intolerant cats are vomiting, diarrhea, and liver problems. Learn more about ‘Can Cats Drink Cows Milk?’ HERE.

6.      Chocolate

will chocolate make cats sickChocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which is harmful to your cats.

Unlike humans, cats are unable to easily metabolize (break down) theobromine, which leads to a build-up of the substance leading to fatal consequences. The darker the chocolate, the more it contains theobromine.

Learn more about why chocolate is bad for cats HERE.

7.      Alcohol

Alcohol and cats do not mix. Therefore, ensure you keep all alcohol products far from the reach of cats.

Can Cats Eat Human Food? Final Thoughts

Can cats eat human food? The short answer is; yes in moderation, however, there some foods to avoid sharing with them.

Not all human food is harmful to cats. But others, such as chocolates and grapes, can be toxic to them.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you discover your cat has eaten toxic human food. Do not forget that human food should be given as occasional treats to your cats and not as an essential part of their diet.

Can Cats Eat Fruit? (Safe cat treats & fruit toxic to cats)

Can a cat eat fruit

Fruits form a healthy and essential part of the human diet. But is it the same for our feline friends? If you have ever asked yourself; can cats eat fruit? Then you are certainly not alone.

Cats are plain carnivores which means they thrive on animal-based food products. However, cats can do with some tasty fruity snacks to help boost their nutrition.

While you can include fruits in your cat’s diet, you must stick to safe fruits. Unfortunately, not all fruits are safe for cats, as some are considered toxic.

Can my cat eat fruit?

can cats eat fruit

Cats lack taste receptors, so they don’t bother about the sweetness of fruits. So your cat might not show interest in that piece of fruit salad.

However, if they do, moderate amounts of fruits can serve as a good substitute for cat treats. You would also need to consider the high sugar content in fruits.

Although fruits are a low-calorie snack, it contains a high amount of sugar which could be a problem for overweight cats. Overweight cats are susceptible to diabetes.

So, can cats eat fruit? Yes. However, you should limit your cat’s consumption of fruits to maintain a healthy diet routine.

 

Safe fruits you can give your cat

The following are some of the healthiest and safe fruits you can give to your cats:

1.      Bananas

Snacks that cats like to eatAlthough bananas are known for their potassium content, they are also an excellent source of magnesium, calcium, fiber, and vitamin C.

Bananas offer numerous health benefits to cats, including improved heart health and stronger bones. However, you must note that bananas are high in carbohydrates and sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

2.      Apricots

Apricots are highly nutritious. They can provide a rich source of proteins and beta carotene for cats. Beta carotene is an antioxidant that helps the immune system ward off free radical damage.

You must ensure you remove the peel, pit, stem, and leaves before feeding apricots to your cats. The reason is that these parts can be toxic for cats.

3.      Apples

Apples can serve as an excellent addition to your cat’s diet routine. Because of their low calorie, apples are beneficial to older cats. Apples are also rich in vitamin A and C, which are critical for healthy bones and tissues.

They can also help reduce allergy symptoms in cats. Apples are also high in quercetin, a natural antioxidant that aids in reducing inflammation and protecting urinary tract health.

4.      Mangoes

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Tasty healthy treats for cats. Click HERE to view on CHEWY.

Mangoes are one fruit your cats can enjoy. They are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and folate. Other nutrients found in mangoes include niacin, manganese, and thiamine.

Mangoes also contain high amounts of antioxidants, making them healthy for your cats. Remove the skin and pit from the mango before feeding it to your cat.

Although the skin contains fiber and is beneficial to humans, it is tough for your cat’s digestive system to break down.

5.      Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the most nutritious fruits out there. They are packed with antioxidants and rich in potassium and vitamin C.

Blueberries are widely dubbed a superfood because of their fantastic benefits for people and animals. For example, the vitamin C content in blueberries can help protect your cat’s urinary health and support night vision.

6.      Cranberries

Cranberries are highly nutritious fruits your cat can eat. They are mainly known for supporting urinary health in cats.

The phytochemicals in cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract wall, making the bacteria easy to flush from the cat’s body.

Cranberries contain high amounts of antioxidants, manganese, and vitamin C. Ensure you feed your cats these red berries when frozen or fresh.

7.      Pineapples

Pineapples are very rich in potassium, calcium, and vitamin C. In addition, it contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme called Bromelain that help supports optimal heart functions.

Pineapples have high sugar content, so you must give them to your cat in moderate quantities. Ensure you remove the skin and core before giving it to your cat.

8.      Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in fiber and water, making them one succulent fruit cats can eat. They contain reasonable amounts of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C.

They also have limited quantities of riboflavin, niacin, and folate. You can mash them and mix them into your cat’s food. But don’t forget to take out the leaves and stem.

9.      Raspberries

Raspberries are low in sugar and calories. They are also packed with potassium which supports health functions in cats, and manganese which is essential for healthy bones and teeth.

Although raspberries have low amounts of sugar and calories, they have a trace of xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener. Xylitol is toxic to cats

10.  Watermelon

Watermelons are juicy fruits your cat would love to eat. They contain nearly 92% water, making them an excellent moisture source for your cats.

Since cats do not drink as much water as other pets, such as dogs, watermelons are moisture-rich fruits that keep your cat hydrated.

Watermelons are a good source of vitamin A and B6. Before feeding watermelons to your cats, ensure you remove their seed as they contain traces of cyanide which is harmful to cats.

Safety tips for feeding cats fruits

It would help if you recognized every cat differs in their choice of fruits. So you would have to figure out the particular fruit your cat enjoys.

Before feeding any fruit to your cart, ensure you consult your veterinarian. The following are safety tips to follow when feeding your cat fruits:

  • Slowly introduce new food to your cat: Sudden changes to your cat’s diet may disturb the balance of your cat’s digestive system.
  • Cut the food into bite-sized chunks; While most fruits may not be complex for cats to chew, large-sized pieces can result in choking.
  • Avoid feeding your cats peels and seeds.
  • Make fruits a secondary part of your cat’s diet.

Fruits you must avoid when feeding cats

The following fruits could pose serious health risks if consumed by your cats:

  • Grapes and raisins; Causes digestive problems in cats
  • Cherries: contain cyanide which is toxic to cats

 

 Final Thoughts- Can cats eat fruit?

Can cats eat fruits? Yes. However, it must be a safe fruit and should only be consumed in moderation.

As a rule of thumb, always consult your veterinarian before introducing fruits to your cat’s diet.