Can Cats Eat Eggs? | Are They Good or Bad?

Eggs contain vitamins, minerals, and are packed with protein, but “can cats eat eggs?”. When it comes to giving your cat a treat, eggs are probably the last thing you think of.

Cats are obligate carnivores and require a high protein diet, but the usual source of protein they consume comes in the form of meat. Cats in the wild hunt and eat small animals such as rats, mice, birds, and moles.

So when you look at the typical diet of a cat, as well as can cats eat eggs, you may also wonder if eggs are safe for cats to eat, do eggs provide the same nutritional values to cats as they do with humans, and if they do, will cats even eat eggs in the first place?

We have thoroughly researched the topic and all of your questions will be answered inside of this article.

Can Cats Eat Eggs?

The short answer is yes, cats can eat eggs providing they are thoroughly cooked in one way or another such boiled or scrambled eggs. Never feed raw eggs to your cat as they could contract salmonella or E. coli bacteria which can make them sick, and can even be fatal in a worst case scenario.

Cats are obligate carnivores which means they require a diet of animal proteins. Eggs are an animal protein source that which are the highest of quality and provide all of the essential amino acids our body needs. Eggs can provide all of the same benefits to cats as they would humans.

As good and nutritious as eggs are, it’s important to remember that you should never use eggs to replace a cast regular food. Eggs should only be used to supplement a cats diet.

When it comes to the egg itself, egg whites are pure protein without fat, the yolk is mostly fat with some protein. So keep in mind that feeding yolk to a cat is going to increase the fat content of their diet.

Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs?

It’s advised by many experts and veterinarians to never feed raw eggs to your cat. Raw eggs are also on the ASPCA’s list of people foods you should avoid feeding your pets.

They may make your cat very ill as they could be contaminated with pathogenic organisms such as  salmonella or E. coli. If your cat does accidentally consume raw egg, you should take your cat to a vet immediately.

Here are some great ways to avoid any unfortunate accidents:

• Avoid animal carcasses such as birds or eggs that may haven fallen from a nest.
• Before feeding your cat, always make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
• Always dispose of uneaten food on a daily basis.

Can Cats Eat Scrambled Eggs?

Yes cats can eat scrambled eggs as they are packed with protein and are very easy for a cat to consume. Just make sure not to cook the scrambled egg with fats and do not add garlic, onions, salt, or any other kind of seasoning as they are detrimental to a cats health.

Can Cats Eat Boiled Eggs?

Cats can eat boiled eggs providing it is hard boiled, all of the shell is removed, and no seasoning such as salt and pepper is added to it.

Can Cats Eat Egg Yolk?

As long as it is thoroughly cooked, cats can eat egg yolk as it is an excellent source of animal protein. The only thing to be aware of is that unlike egg white which is pure protein, the yolk is mostly fat with some protein. This means the fat content of your cats diet will increase.

Can Cats Eat Eggshells?

According to PetMD, some research does suggest that eggshells contain calcium which can provide health benefits for a cat. Cats can eat eggshells providing that they are boiled, to avoid salmonella poising, and crushed into tiny pieces to eliminate chocking hazard.

The Benefits Of Eggs For Cats

Eggs are an excellent source of animal protein which is essential in a cats diet. The amino acids and protein found in eggs means that cat’s will receive the same health benefits as humans do.

Providing it’s cooked thoroughly, eggs and especially scrambled eggs are easily digestible and are a great source of protein needed for energy and lean muscles. Let’s take a look in more detail:

• Animal Protein: Eggs along with fish are a great source of animal protein.
• Taurine: Taurine is only found in animal proteins which helps maintain healthy eyes and heart. As cats cannot produce taurine on their own, it’s crucial that they get this through their diet.
• Amino Acids: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. 10 out of the 11 essential amino acids that cats require can be found in eggs. In comparison, humans require only 9 essential amino acids.
• Vitamin A: For healthy heart, nervous system, skin, and coat.
• Vitamin D: Bone growth. Along with taurine, a cats body also doesn’t produce vitamin D which makes it a crucial vitamin that they must get through food.
• Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant which helps protect against cell damage.
• Vitamin B12: Supports a cats digestive system, nervous system, and immune system.
• Iron: An essential nutrient that help blood produce red cells.
• Zinc: Great for a cats hair, skin, and reproductive system.
• Thiamine: Supports the brain.
• Selenium: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
• Riboflavin: Helps red blood cell production.
• Biotin: Improves quality of coat and skin, as well as supporting adrenal glands and thyroid.

Can kittens eat eggs?

It is also perfectly safe for a kitten to eat eggs. The only thing you need to be careful of is how much you actually give them. If you take into consideration how little calories a kitten needs each day, you do not want to overfeed them. It’s best to buy foods specifically designed for kittens, and provide eggs as a treat for older cat’s.

Will Cats Eat Eggs?

This all depends on the individual cat. All cats are very unique with their own personality and personal preference. They are also very well known to be picky creatures. The only way to find out if a cat will an egg is to just offer them a small piece and see how they respond.

Can Cats Be Allergic To Eggs?

Although egg allergies are not very common in cats, it is possible that some cats could have a reaction to them. All cats are unique and will have different tolerances to different foods.

Here are some common symptoms of egg allergies:

How Often Should Cats Eat Eggs?

Champion race horses eat eggs to give them a shiny coat and powerful legs. As a cat is nowhere near the size of a horse, how often should cat’s eat eggs? A moderately active cat of around 20 pounds will need around 150-200 calories per day. Giving them just one egg a day is the equivalent of a person eating many eggs a day. As a whole egg contains around 90 calories, the amount you give your cat should be very small.

Another reason your cat shouldn’t eat too much egg is because they do not contain a fully balanced nutrition that your cat will need. Although eggs are full of nutrition, your cat could develop significant dietary deficiencies if they are fed nothing but eggs.

To be on the safe side, it’s best to stick with a regular cat diet and just give them a small amount of egg on the odd occasion as a treat. It’s also advised that cat’s who are trying to watch their weight shouldn’t really eat eggs at all. Just stick with their regular diet.

How Do I Prepare Eggs For My Cat?

Here are some great ways that you can cook an egg for a cat:

• Boiled egg
• Scrambled or poached eggs: Soft and easily digestible
• Fried eggs: Do not use butter, salts, or milk

As you may already know, cat’s are very fussy creatures. You’ll find that your cat may turn it’s head at boiled eggs, but may love scrambled eggs. Other cat’s may love boiled eggs. The best thing to do is try different variations. You can also even try mixing a bit of egg with regular food.

Signs of Egg Allergy in Cats

Some cat’s may have an allergic reaction to eggs. Although very rare, it’s always a good idea to test a small amount first, and keep a close eye on your cat. If your cat experiences any of the following symptoms, avoid feeding them egg in the future.

• Sneezing and wheezing
• Itchy skin
• Runny eyes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Swollen paws

Other Healthy Snack Ideas

Instead of giving your cat eggs all of the time, here is a list of other healthy, non toxic snacks you can give your cat as a treat.

• Meat (cooked turkey, beef, chicken and some lean deli meats)
• Zucchini
• Celery
• Oats
• Carrots
• Green bell peppers
• Spinach
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Broccoli

Common Questions

Do cats eat eggs in the wild

Some cats out in the wild are actually known for raiding eggs from a birds nest.

Can cats eat eggs with salt?

It’s not a good idea to add salt to eggs when feeding it to your cat and there is never a reason to. Eggs are best served to a cat completely plain with no salt, pepper, onions, garlic, or any kind of seasonings.

Can Cats Eat Eggs Conclusion

Can cats eat eggs? Just to summarize, thoroughly cooked eggs either scrambled or boiled are perfectly safe to feed to your cat, and are an excellent source of animal protein that is an essential part of a cats diet.

Just make sure to never feed raw eggs to your cat, and always serve cooked eggs completely plain with no seasonings. Do your cats like eggs? Let us know in the comments section below.

Here are some other articles you maybe interested in:

• Can Cats Eat Blueberries: https://caredicat.com/can-cats-eat-blueberries/
• Can Cats Eat Coconut Oil: https://caredicat.com/can-cats-have-coconut-oil/