Cats have a wide selection of food choices, including many human dishes. However, some human products should not be fed to cats and should be avoided.
Examples include chocolate, coffee, raw dough and alcohol – which can cause serious health issues in cats if consumed regularly or in large amounts.
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Meat
Meat and fish are the two staples of a cat’s diet. Not only do they provide essential vitamins and nutrients that promote longevity, but they can also contribute to overall good health.
Feeding your feline friend a nutritious diet with plenty of meat is one of the best things you can do for them. Include different types of animal proteins like beef, lamb, chicken, and fish in their food plan; just make sure it’s cooked to at least medium temperature without any sauces or seasonings added.
Fish
Cats are obligate carnivores and need a high-protein, nutrient-rich diet in order to stay healthy. Animal protein such as chicken or fish are the ideal options for felines.
Eggs are an excellent source of vitamins, proteins and B-vitamins to support your cat’s immune system. Not only that, but they may even improve haemoglobin production in their blood; however they should always be cooked first to avoid salmonella contamination.
Meats such as beef, chicken, turkey and lamb can be enjoyed by cats provided they’ve been cooked thoroughly with all skin and bones removed before serving. Remember to serve these items with moderation since too much salt may upset your pet’s stomach.
Eggs
Eggs are a high-protein snack that’s generally safe for cats to eat as part of a balanced diet. However, only give your cat small amounts of eggs at a time.
They contain high levels of fat, which may contribute to weight issues in cats. Therefore, it’s best to steer clear of them if your feline has health conditions like kidney disease or pancreatitis.
Raw eggs may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues or death if not cooked thoroughly before feeding them. Therefore, only cooked eggs should be fed to your pet.
Grains
Cats do not typically eat grains in the wild as they are obligate carnivores and get all their nutrition from meat sources.
Cats enjoy green vegetables, and some people even believe that cats require grains in their diet for proper nutrition.
Though this may be true, cats are carnivores and require a high protein diet that includes meat and other sources of amino acids.
Vegetables
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must feed on prey animals to stay alive. Vegetables play an essential role in their diet as they provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Although most vegetables are safe for cats to eat, there are some that should not be given to your feline friend. Garlic, onions, leeks and chives in particular are toxic due to the organosulfide compounds they contain that cause Heinz body anemia in cats.
Cucumbers are safe to feed cats as long as they’re cooked or boiled first. Be mindful not to overdose though, since too much cucumber may lead to diarrhoea.
Fruit
Fruits make healthy snacks for cats when given sparingly. Bananas in particular may be a favorite, but be mindful that they contain high levels of sugar.
Melons, particularly watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew, make for a nutritious and sweet snack for pets. Be sure to wash them first to remove rinds, inedible skins and seeds before feeding them to your furry friend.
Some fruits, such as grapes, cherries and plums, contain cyanide which is toxic to cats. It’s best to steer your cat away from these items since they can lead to kidney damage, liver problems or even death if fed frequently.
