Ever wanted to share a bit of your snack with your hopeful kitty, but stopped in your tracks wondering if it was safe for them? Cats have very different digestive systems from people, so it’s important not to share food with them before doing your research.
Luckily, there are several human foods that are generally safe for cats! Just make sure to consult your vet before supplementing your cat’s diet with any of these tasty treats. Here are eight human food your cat can eat too:
#1: Tuna
Fish is a great source of essential fatty acids for your cat. However, canned tuna is packaged in salty water which is not safe for cats. Instead, opt for fresh tuna from the fish counter for an occasional treat.
#2: Eggs
Eggs are a common ingredient in homemade raw cat food recipes. They are a great source of protein and vitamins. We recommend feeding your cat cooked eggs rather than raw to avoid the risk of E.Coli and Salmonella.
#3: Rice
Rice is safe for your cat as an occasional treat. As obligate carnivores, cats do not need carbohydrates in their diet, so it’s important that it is only a treat. The high fiber content can help with stomach upset.
#4: Oats
Oats are high in dietary fiber and iron which both benefit a cat’s overall health. Oats can also be used topically to soothe skin irritation.
#5: Ham
Cooked ham cut into bite-sized pieces can be a nice treat for your kitty. Ham has a high amount of salt and fat, so just make sure not to overdo it!
#6: Raspberries
Raspberries are full of fiber and low in sugar, and they’re safe for cats! The anti-inflammatory properties make them especially great for elderly cats. They should only be given in small amounts to avoid having your kitty ingest too much xylitol, which is present in small amounts in raspberries.
#7: Carrots
Carrots are full of beta carotene, which is healthy for your cat’s eyes and coat. Always cook carrots before feeding small amounts to your cat to reduce the risk of choking.
#8: Lettuce
With its high water content, lettuce can be great for cats who struggle to drink enough water. It also has vitamins K and A making it a nutritious treat for your cat.
Now that you know some human foods cats can eat you and your kitty can enjoy a snack together! Remember to consult your veterinarian before feeding any of this food to your cat as a treat. New foods should always be introduced slowly into a cat’s diet to avoid stomach upset.
Just like feeding your feline friend cat grass, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much of any of these treats can result in vomiting or diarrhea.
Take a look at our latest post on what cat grass does to cats to learn more. Need a pet door for your cat? Check out the best cat doors of 2022 for some great options.
FAQs
Bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, watermelon (seedless), peeled apples (deseeded) and pumpkins can all be offered as a tasty snack.
What human food can I feed my cat? ›
14 Human Foods That Cats Can Enjoy
- 1) Cooked Lean Meats. Because cats are obligate carnivores, they love meat and will likely eat any kind you give them. ...
- 2) Cooked Fish. Fish is another favorite for many cats. ...
- 3) Scrambled or Hard-Boiled Eggs. ...
- 4) Cucumbers. ...
- 5) Steamed Broccoli. ...
- 6) Peas. ...
- 7) Carrots. ...
- 8) Bananas.
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.
Whether you're feeding a cat or a kitten, “Cats need animal-based protein as part of their main diet,” explains Purina Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS. Some protein-rich foods cats like to eat include: A variety of fish, such as salmon, trout, tuna and whitefish. Poultry like chicken, turkey and pheasant.
What is the healthiest meat for cats? ›
They have to have protein 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.
What is the best thing to feed your cat? ›
Meat-based diets provide animal fat and supply many essential nutrients specific to the nutritional and health needs of our feline friends. A diet made to fit the unique nutritional needs of the cat is one higher in animal-based proteins, low in carbohydrates, and moderate in fat.
What will a starving cat eat? ›
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 food do cats love? ›
Food that cats and kittens love
- Fish (Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel) As discussed previously, cats are simply delighted by the taste of fish. ...
- Ham. Like fish, ham is also exceptionally popular among cats. ...
- Boiled Chicken. ...
- Egg. ...
- Wet/dry cat food.
Cats can only eat tuna in spring water safely. Your cat can't eat tuna in oil or brine, as these can cause health problems. Choose a high-quality canned tuna product, and ensure there is no salt, seasonings or additives. Canned tuna is only safe for cats in small amounts, occasionally.
What food can cats not resist? ›
Many cats deem cooked corn, rice, oatmeal, and couscous delicious. "Cooked grains are easily digestible to your cat and are found in many of the most popular dry cat foods available on the market," Dr. Kirk said.
Purina Pro Plan offers both wet and dry cat foods, including options for kittens, adult cats, and seniors. The Pro Plan Complete Essentials Dry Food is a popular choice for adult cats, and the Pro Plan Complete Essentials Wet Food comes in several cat-approved flavors.
What foods are irresistible to cats? ›
Canned mackerel, canned sardines, or canned tuna are great options! Fresh and warmed fried chicken can also be very enticing. Use a non-food bait- It's possible to attract cats into traps without using food. Some cats can be lured in with catnip!
What food makes cat happy? ›
One of the most important ways to keep your cat happy is by providing it with high-quality food. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat in their diet to survive. You should feed your cat a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
What can I give my cat if I don't have cat food? ›
12 human foods that are safe for your cat to eat
- Fish. While you don't want your kitty eating from the aquarium, feeding him oily fish such as tuna or mackerel can help his eyesight, joints and brain.
- Meat. Poutry, beef and other meat is a natural option for your little carnivore. ...
- Cheese. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Berries. ...
- Melon. ...
- Carrots. ...
- Rice.
Foods that cats can't eat include:
- Alcohol.
- Chocolate.
- Tea, coffee and energy drinks.
- Cheese and milk.
- Fat trimmings.
- Raw eggs, raw meat and raw fish.
- Grapes and their dried forms raisins, sultanas and currants.
- Onions and garlic.
Treats that are made from nutritious ingredients are generally better for your cat. Our experts recommended looking for treats made with high-quality protein, such as chicken, turkey, beef or fish, as cats are carnivores. “Treats with high amounts of sugar, fat or carbohydrates should be avoided,” said DiMaio.
Can I give my cat canned tuna? ›
Cats can only eat tuna in spring water safely. Your cat can't eat tuna in oil or brine, as these can cause health problems. Choose a high-quality canned tuna product, and ensure there is no salt, seasonings or additives. Canned tuna is only safe for cats in small amounts, occasionally.
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.
