Cats are carnivores, so it is important to understand what they can and cannot eat. With this in mind, you may often think, can cats eat human food?
It’s not just a question of whether or not they like the taste of the food, but also how that food will affect their digestive system.
Cats have evolved over many years to be able to digest proteins that other animals find indigestible, such as hair and feathers.
Cats can be allergic to some human foods or develop an intolerance if they were given human food at too young of an age.
Some people worry about what is toxic for cats, which isn’t really something you need to worry about with most common human foods, but there are some exceptions!
This post discusses some human foods that cats may enjoy eating, as well as those which should be avoided for safety reasons.
Can cats eat human food? Let’s dive straight in and look through all of the research.
Human Foods Are Not Meant for Cats
It’s important to know that human foods are simply not made for cats to eat. A cat’s diet should consist of mostly meat-based proteins.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive. Cats require certain nutrients , like taurine, that are found in meat but not plants.
Additionally, cats need a lot of fat and protein in their diets because they cannot produce these nutrients on their own. Vegetables simply aren’t enough to provide an obligate carnivore with all the nutrition it needs!
Some human foods should be avoided for completely because they can e toxic for cats. For example, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in certain animals (including dogs).
This is something to keep in mind when deciding whether or not you want your cat eating any sort of fruit or vegetable-based food!
On the other hand, while some things shouldn’t be given at all, some human foods are fine to feed cats in moderation.
Human Foods That Are Toxic For Cats
The following foods are toxic for cats and should never be eaten.
Chocolate
You should never feed chocolate to a cat , because it contains caffeine and theobromine.
These ingredients can cause the following side-effects:
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Increased rate of breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Heightened temperature
- Seizures
- Muscle rigidity
Bread Dough Containing Yeast
Bread dough that contains yeast can rise in a cat’s stomach, causing them to experience pain or bloating.
In some cases this can be fatal. It is even dangerous for cats to eat bread dough that does not contain yeast-bread loaves containing baking soda are safe for cats to consume.
Fruits
- Grapes and Raisins
- Citrus fruits
- Cherries
- Plums
Certain fruits such as grapes and raisins should never be given to a cat. The compounds found in grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure.
The same effect may happen if a cat eats citrus fruits or cherries, although this has yet to be proven conclusively within the scientific community.
Plums contain an ingredient called amygdalin which is poisonous for cats.
Alcohol
Although cats would more than likely never be attracted to alcohol, it is still a good idea to keep all types of drinks away from them.
Even small amounts can result in intoxication and other health problems such as liver damage, so it’s best not to take the risk altogether.
Caffeine
Anything containing caffeine should never be given to a cat.
The effects of caffeine are not yet fully understood by scientists, but it is known to have a negative impact on the central nervous system.
In small doses this can cause restlessness and excitement in cats, while larger amounts may result in seizures or even death as a consequence.
Vegetables
- Green Tomatoes and Raw Green Potatoes
- Onions & Garlic
- Mushrooms
Certain vegetables such onions and garlic are known to be highly toxic for cats.
Onions are extremely dangerous as they cause hemolytic anemia, which is the destruction of red blood cells that leads to kidney damage and multiple organ failure in most cases.
Garlic tends not have this effect on cats but it can reduce their red blood cell count if eaten regularly over a long period of time.
Mushrooms generally fall into two categories: those that are safe for consumption by humans but poisonous for felines, and those being harmless to us but potentially deadly for cats.
Raw Meat, Fish, Eggs
The problem with raw foods such as chicken or fish is that they can contain bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Clostridium perfringens which are responsible for causing food poisoning in humans.
It is highly unlikely that these pathogens will cause any harm to your cat but it depends on how much of the meat you would give them.
Raw eggs may also carry salmonella so should be avoided too unless there’s no other option available
e.g during an emergency situation when normal pet foods have run out or if wild bird egg shells were collected by yourself or someone else without washing first (remember raw chicken meat may potentially contain salmonella).
Nuts
Although nuts contain joint-friendly Omega-3 fatty acids, they are also high in fats and oil.
Peanuts have been linked with causing severe allergic reactions in some humans and although this isn’t common, there is the potential that peanuts could cause an issue too if fed very regularly or in large quantities.
As well as gastrointestinal upsets, a single nut may cause diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
Large quantities of fat in the diet, like those found in nuts, might induce pancreatitis – an ailment that is potentially fatal.
Peanut Butter
Although peanut is not toxic, the sticky texture can become a chocking hazard if consumed by a cat.
It also doesn’t provide anything of value in terms of nutrition for a cat. A cat consuming peanut butter may also cause the following side-effects:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Obesity
- Indigestion
- Getting stuck in the cat’s throat
Human Foods That Should Be Given With Caution
Certain human foods such as cheese are not toxic for cats, and can be consumed in moderation. However, it is best to avoid certain types of cheese which are aged or have mold.
Milk and other dairy products can be given in moderation but should ultimately not make up the bulk of your cat’s diet as they do not provide much nutritional value for cats.
Spinach is another great example. It is high in vitamin k which can be beneficial, but it also contains a lot of oxalic acid.
Avocados are an excellent source of nutrients for cats with many benefits and is Rich potassium content that helps to regulate the body’s fluid balance.
What Human Foods Can I Feed My Cat?
Fish
Fish can be very beneficial for cats, especially when it comes to the skin and coat.
Cats often love fish because of its strong smell which has a lot to do with what we like as well.
It is also an excellent source of omega-three fatty acids that help promote healthy skin and hair in your cat.
Certain Types Of Fruits
- Berries: Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries
- Bananas
- Apples
- Pears
- Cranberries
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Pumpkin
Certain types of fruits are safe for cats to eat, providing you only feed them in moderation.
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are great to feed your cat.
Dried fruits should be avoided as they are high in sugar and can cause stomach upset, diarrhoea, vomiting or pancreatitis in some cases.
Watermelon is also a fantastic choice, as it contains a lot of water that can help keep your cat hydrated.
Other fruits that are safe for cats include pineapple, apples, pears, and pumpkin.
Vegetables
Certain vegetables such as cucumbers, celery, and carrots are safe for your cat to eat. Other vegetables that are considered healthy and not dangerous include green beans, lettuce, and cabbage.
Whole Grains
- Oatmeal
- Rice
Whole grains such as oatmeal and rice are healthy for your cat to eat in moderation. Other whole grains that are safe for cats include barley, quinoa, and rye.
Eggs
Eggs are also considered generally safe for your cat to eat. Cooked eggs can be given as part of a meal, but raw eggs should only be eaten in very small amounts because they contain more cholesterol than cooked eggs.
What Should You Do if Your Cat Eats Something Toxic?
Like anything in life, accidents do happen, and there maybe a situation where a cat has accidentally consumed something toxic. If this happens, it is important to remain calm and call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 213-6680.
If it has been less than an hour since ingestion of the toxin take them to see their vet as soon as possible even if they do not seem sick yet. Your vet can provide care right away before things get much worse!
Can Cats Eat Human Food Conclusion
Can cats eat human food? Cats are often given human food by their owners because they have the misconception that it is good for them.
However, there are some foods that can be toxic to cats and should not be fed at all. There are also other types of human food which may or may not be safe depending on how much your cat eats and what type of reaction you see after giving the food.
If your cat does eat something dangerous, take him/her to a veterinarian immediately so he/she will receive treatment as soon as possible.
It’s important for pet owners to know exactly what foods they’re feeding their animals in order to avoid any potential dangers associated with these items.
