Table scraps may not be the best for your cat’s health, but in a pinch, here’s a list of what’s safe and what’s not.
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Introduction
Table food is any food that is served on a table, whether it is cooked at home or bought from a restaurant. Cats are carnivores and need meat in their diet, but some people also give their cats table scraps as a treat. While there are some benefits to feeding your cat table food, there are also some risks that you should be aware of.
Benefits of feed table food to your cat include:
-Extra Flavor: Most cats love the taste of table food, especially if it is something they do not usually eat. Cats can be fussy eaters, so giving them a variety of different foods can make meal times more exciting for them.
-New Nutrients: Table food can provide your cat with new nutrients and vitamins that they may not get from their regular diet. This is especially important if your cat is picky about their food and does not eat a well-balanced diet.
-Bonding: Feeding your cat table scraps can be a great way to bond with them. Some cats enjoy eating from their owner’s plate and this can create a special connection between you and your pet.
However, there are also some risks associated with feeding your cat table food. These include:
-Weight Gain: If you feed your cat too much table food, they may start to gain weight. This is because most table foods are high in calories and fat, which can lead to obesity in cats. It is important to only give your cat small amounts of table food and to monitor their weight carefully.
-Nutritional Deficiencies: Cats who only eat table scraps may not be getting all the nutrients they need in their diet. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems over time. It is important to make sure that your cat’s diet is well balanced and that they are getting all the nutrients they need.
-Food Poisoning: Some types of table food can be dangerous for cats, such as raw meat or fish which could contain harmful bacteria. It is important to only feed your cat safe foods that are unlikely to cause them any harm.
What Table Foods Can Cats Eat?
While a lot of people think that cats can eat anything, the truth is that there are some table foods that can be harmful to them. So, what table foods can cats eat? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options for your feline friend.
Fruits
While there are many foods that are safe for cats to eat, fruits are not generally included on that list. Some fruits, such as grapes and raisins, can be toxic to cats and should be avoided altogether. Other fruits, such as bananas, melons, and pineapples, are safe for cats to eat in small quantities but are not particularly good for them and should not be fed to them regularly.
Vegetables
Most vegetables are safe for cats to eat. In fact, some vegetables are actually good for them and provide essential nutrients that help keep them healthy. However, there are a few vegetables that you should avoid feeding your cat, as they can cause gastrointestinal upset or other health problems.
Some of the best vegetables for cats include:
-Broccoli
-Carrots
-Green beans
-Peas
-Spinach
These vegetables are not only safe for cats to eat, but they also offer a range of health benefits. For example, broccoli is an excellent source of fiber, which can help improve digestion. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for good vision and a healthy immune system. Green beans and peas are both good sources of vitamins C and K. Spinach is a particularly nutrient-rich vegetable, providing vitamins A, C, and K as well as iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Meat
Generally speaking, meat is safe for cats to eat. This includes both cooked and raw meats, as well as organ meats. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, avoid giving your cat fatty meat, as this can cause gastrointestinal issues. Second, if you’re feeding your cat raw meat, be sure to do your research to make sure the meat is safe and properly prepared. Finally, avoid feeding your cat processed meat, such as lunchmeat or jerky, as these can be high in fat and sodium.
Dairy
While a small amount of dairy probably won’t hurt your cat, it’s not something that’s good for them to eat on a regular basis. Cats are lactose intolerant, which means they can’t properly digest milk and other dairy products. Eating dairy can cause digestive problems, such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
What Table Foods Should Cats Avoid?
While some table foods are nutritious for cats and can even be a part of a healthy diet, there are some foods that cats should avoid. Many common table foods can be harmful to cats, even if they seem innocuous. So, before you share your next meal with your feline friend, let’s take a look at what table foods cats should avoid.
Fruits
While there are a number of fruits that are safe for cats to eat, there are also a number of fruits that cats should avoid. The following list includes some of the most common fruits that cats should not eat.
Fruits that cats should avoid include:
-Avocados
-Cherries
-Grapes
-Raisins
-Strawberries
Fruits that are safe for cats to eat include:
-Apples
-Bananas
-Blueberries
-Cantaloupe
-Kiwi
Vegetables
Most vegetables are safe for cats to eat, but there are a few that should be avoided. Onions and garlic are in the allium family and can cause anemia in cats. While a small amount might not cause any problems, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep these vegetables away from your cat. Other vegetables that are harmful to cats include rhubarb and avocado. The leaves of these plants contain oxalates which can cause kidney damage in cats. The fruit of the avocado plant can also cause stomach upset in some cats.
Meat
While some people think it’s okay to give their cat a little bit of lean meat from the table as a treat, it’s really not a good idea. First of all, cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. While they can technically survive on a diet of plant-based proteins, they will not thrive and may even develop health problems as a result.
Additionally, table scraps are usually high in fat and calories, which can lead to obesity in cats. Obesity is a serious health problem in cats and can lead to a number of other issues such as diabetes, joint problems, and respiratory difficulties.
If you want to give your cat a treat, stick to commercially-prepared cat treats or small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey breast with the skin and bones removed. Avoid giving them fatty meats such as pork or lamb, as well as meat that has been cooked with bones still in it (such as chicken wings), as these can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Dairy
Cats should avoid dairy products as they can cause digestive upset and other problems. Dairy products contain lactose, which is a sugar that cats cannot digest. In addition, many dairy products are high in fat and calories, which can cause weight gain in cats.
Conclusion
Yes, cats can safely eat some foods that humans eat. In fact, there are a few human foods that are actually good for cats. However, there are also many human foods that are toxic to cats, so it’s important to be careful about what you feed them. Table scraps should only be given to cats in moderation, and it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your cat’s diet.
