When it comes to giving your cat a treat, you have several options. The most important thing is to pick something that your kitty likes and that will be good for them.
Fruits and vegetables are great treats for cats, especially those that are water based. These include cucumbers, cantaloupe, broccoli and asparagus.
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Meat
Meat is a great source of protein and essential fatty acids that cats need for a healthy heart, eyesight, immune system, and reproduction. But, be sure to avoid greasy fried meats and those with salt, nitrates or preservatives.
If you want to give your cat some meat for a treat, try cooked beef, chicken, turkey, venison, or lean deli meats. But, be sure to cook these foods thoroughly and remove all the skin and bones.
Fish
Fish is a source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and they can provide a tasty treat for cats. However, it’s important to keep in mind that fish should be given in moderation.
While fish is an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids, it can be harmful to cats if fed excessively. This is because fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase, which can break down the cat’s natural thiamine.
Poultry
When it comes to giving your cat a treat, meaty tidbits are a healthy and natural option. Small pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, beef or venison are especially beneficial.
Avoid processed meats, such as hot dogs and deli meats, which are high in fat and sodium. Tinned meats are also best avoided.
Fish is another protein-rich option for cats. Canned tuna, mackerel and salmon make tasty treats and are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help keep your cat’s eyesight sharp and their joints and heart healthy.
Dairy
Dairy is a source of protein, calcium and other nutrients that can help promote healthy bones and teeth. It also provides a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D (in fortified dairy products), riboflavin, potassium, zinc, selenium and choline.
Cats can be prone to lactose intolerance, which means they cannot digest milk sugars properly. They may get an upset stomach or suffer from diarrhea and vomiting if they drink milk.
There are some lactose-free options for cats, such as milk replacers. These have been formulated to taste like milk, but don’t contain the enzyme lactase that causes cats to react negatively. These products should be given with moderation and are best used as treats.
Fruit
Some fruit is safe for cats to eat in moderation, but there are also some fruits that can be harmful. Some of these include grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure in dogs and gastrointestinal problems in cats.
Other fruits, like pears and peaches, are generally considered safe for cats but their pips contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be dangerous to felines. To avoid this, remove the pips from a ripe pear before offering it to your cat.
Vegetables
Carrots are a great addition to a cat’s diet because they are low in fat and high in fiber. They are also packed with vitamins A, C, and K.
Green beans are another healthy vegetable that cats can enjoy. They contain thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium, and potassium as well as vitamins A, B6, and C.
However, it’s important to only offer your feline friend small amounts of these vegetables. They can cause serious health problems if they are overconsumed.
Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are toxic to cats because they contain a variety of sulfur-containing oxidants that they have trouble breaking down. These oxidants can damage red blood cells and cause illness.
