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\nDogs are renowned beggars of human food \u2014 it\u2019s part of the reason we have a whole series dedicated to \u201cCan My Dog Eat That?<\/a>\u201d But dogs aren\u2019t the only ones who will beg for a tidbit of human food. Cats can be equally good at sad eyes and pitiful cries saying, \u201cPwease, can I have a wittle bit of your food?\u201d<\/p>\n There are many reasons why you should tell your cat \u201cNo!\u201d to people food, but if you can\u2019t resist those woeful whines, it\u2019s good to know which human foods cats can safely eat.<\/p>\n Not all human foods are safe for your cat to nibble on. Even a small morsel of people food can cause an upset stomach \u2014 or worse if the food is toxic to cats (more on that later). However, the good news is that there are plenty of human foods that can be a healthy snack to feed your kitty (in moderation). As always, check with your veterinarian before feeding new cat foods or human foods.<\/p>\n There are many healthy foods in your fridge that cats can eat: for example, eggs (plain and cooked) and most fruits and vegetables. If you cut up cantaloupe or watermelon, most cats will love to snack on those (in tiny cat-sized pieces). While people love the sweet flavor of these melons, that\u2019s not why cats are happy to munch on them. Cats don\u2019t have receptors on their tongue for sweet tastes, so they can\u2019t taste sweet flavors like we can. It\u2019s a different flavor they\u2019re enjoying.<\/p>\n While we\u2019re talking about fridge food, a word of warning about milk and other dairy products. Many cats tend to be lactose intolerant. This means that they don\u2019t produce lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. If your cat is lactose intolerant, the lactose can ferment in their gut, leading to digestive upset like bloating, gas, vomiting or severe diarrhea. So if you don\u2019t want a mess, it\u2019s best to avoid feeding your cat dairy products.<\/p>\n Cats can safely eat most fruits and vegetables as a healthy snack. As long as you cut them into tiny, bite-sized pieces, cats can eat raw vegetables like carrots, green beans and broccoli. However, cooking vegetables is better since the hard chunks of vegetables can still be a choking hazard. A spoonful of canned pumpkin (without spices) is also a healthy treat for cats. There are some vegetables and fruits that are toxic to cats (see below) so make sure you check whether the particular food you are feeding is safe.<\/p>\n Not all foods are safe for cats. Human foods with strong seasonings can be irritating to cats and potentially dangerous. Other foods which are on the no-no list include garlic, onion, chives, leeks, chocolate (especially dark chocolate), macadamia nuts, coconut milk, grapes and raisins \u2014 these are all toxic to cats.<\/p>\n Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need <\/em>nutrients that are only found in meat. While your cat does need animal proteins in their diet to get essential amino acids, feeding raw meats or raw fish can put your cat and your family at risk of illness. Raw meats (and raw eggs) could be contaminated with viruses, bacteria or parasites that can make your cat sick (especially if they are immunocompromised) or spread to people who touch contaminated surfaces (e.g., food bowls) or clean up the kitty litter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> does not recommend feeding raw pet food or treats to cats (or dogs).<\/p>\n If you want to feed your cat cooked meat, lean meats like chicken or turkey, and cooked fish like salmon or tuna are good choices. But make sure the meat and fish have the bones removed because cooked bones can splinter and if swallowed, could damage your cat\u2019s gastrointestinal tract.<\/p>\n Also, watch your cat for allergies when feeding them meat or fish (any animal protein). A food allergy<\/a> in cats is usually caused by a protein in their diet. Symptoms include scratching at their face, neck and ears, overgrooming, bald patches or gastrointestinal signs. A limited ingredient diet<\/a> can help cats with a food allergy.<\/p>\n Commercial cat foods provide a complete and balanced diet that has all of the nutrients needed for cats to stay healthy cats and in an optimal weight range. As much as they protest, cats don\u2019t need that morsel of meat from your plate. If you must <\/em>give your cat a human food treat (or any treat), make sure it\u2019s a healthy, low-calorie treat that is no more than 10 percent of your cat\u2019s daily calorie intake.<\/p>\n Healthy human foods cats can eat include certain cooked vegetables (e.g., steamed broccoli, carrots, peas, pureed pumpkin), certain fruits (e.g., banana, seedless watermelon, blueberries, strawberries), cooked eggs (don\u2019t feed your cat raw eggs) and whole grains. Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but make sure you check with your vet before adding fish oil or fish oil supplements to your cat\u2019s diet.<\/p>\n A good idea is to put human foods cats can eat in a food puzzle. That way you’re not just handing over the tasty treat \u2014 your cat is getting some additional benefits since putting the food in a puzzle<\/a> helps your cat\u2019s environmental enrichment<\/a>.<\/p>\nAre Human Foods Safe for Cats?<\/h2>\n
What Can Cats Eat from the Fridge?<\/h2>\n
Can Cats Eat Vegetables and Fruit?<\/h2>\n
Watch Out for Toxic Foods<\/h2>\n
Can Cats Eat Raw Meat?<\/h2>\n
What Human Food Can Cats Eat Every Day?<\/h2>\n
Make Your Cat Work for Their Treat<\/h2>\n
The Problem with Human Foods<\/h2>\n