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Many online sites lack a complete list of human foods that cats can eat. It might be frustrating for cat owners like you to check on what can cats eat at each site. With more than 40 hours of research by editing team and reviewed by our team vet Dr. Iulia Mihai, with a Master’s degree in Pets’ Pathology and PhD in Pets’ Cancer, we are presenting you with a comprehensive list of human foods that your cats can eat.
Ideally, cats are carnivores. In wild, they eat small animals like mice, rabbits, birds, and sometimes small lizards and insects as well. When we look at the nutritional composition of the food they eat, it is protein, fat, and not much of carbs. Since we can’t feed them the actual food they get in a wild environment, we need to check with the vet and provide a healthy balanced diet for our cats.
Occasionally, you can feed these 18 human food types from the list below that are safe for your cat.
Meat
Meat is the first choice of human food that you can give your cat. It is a good source of protein. Your cat needs it to stay healthy. Chicken and turkey are the two recommended types of human food.
Chicken
Chicken can become a healthy recipe if you cook and serve it to the cat. You might find that your cat loves the smell of chicken and chicken breast can become her new favorite food. Just make sure that you remove the skin and bones before serving it to your pet. Chicken skin contains too much fat and the bones can choke your feline.
Turkey
Another favorite food on the list is cooked turkey such as turkey breast or sliced deli meat. Remove unnecessary parts such as skin and bones. Feed your cats with the internal organs of the turkey, such as liver and heart, but make sure you cook them beforehand.
Fish
Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and protein. It provides a lot of benefits for your cat’s good vision, treating arthritis, kidney disease, and heart disorders. Canned or cooked fish is recommended for your feline. Avoid raw fish. Surprise your cat with delicious treats of cooked salmon and tuna but moderation is advised.
If you want your cat’s coat to be shiny and healthy, you can give it fish oil – it is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
Eggs
The next favorite dish on our list is eggs. Not just a favorite for kids but your cat as well. They have amino acids, protein, and B vitamins. Don’t forget to cook eggs since raw eggs might have salmonella or E. coli bacteria.
Vegetables
Cats might not like them but they are rich in vitamins, fiber, and water. It is okay to nourish her once in a while in small amounts.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the nutritious vegetables that contain vitamins A, C, K, iron, and calcium. Don’t be surprised if your cat starts liking it. If your cat has kidney or urinary problems, it is better to avoid this food and consult a vet.
Carrots
Carrots have beta carotene, vitamins, and minerals. Feed cooked carrots to your cat in small pieces. Avoid raw carrots as they may choke your pet.
Peas
Peas are high in fiber, vitamin A and C, proteins, and carbs. Try and tell me if your cats like them.
Broccoli
Treat your feline with steamed broccoli. It is rich in antioxidants.
Green Beans
It is one of the high-fiber diets that your cat can feed on. It especially helps when your cat is overweight.
Zucchini
Zucchini is rich in manganese, potassium, and magnesium. Delight your cat with this vegetable diet.
Fruits
Just like vegetables, fruits aren’t the best solution for your cat’s hunger. Still, there are a few of them that your cats might love. Further, fruits are rich in potassium, vitamin A, C, and fiber. They are also low in calories, which is an added benefit.
Cantaloupe (or) Melon
High in antioxidants and beta carotene, cantaloupe is one of the few fruits that your cat might love to eat. It is also recommended for healthy skin and eye health. Don’t feed too much, as it contains a lot of sugar.
Pumpkin
Low in calories and rich in fiber, pureed pumpkin can actually be a medicinal diet for cats. It is recommended when your cats have digestive problems or hairballs.
Banana
High in potassium and soluble fiber with low calories, bananas represent a safe treat for cats. However, feed in small amounts since it has high sugar content.
Apples
Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C. Remove skin and seeds and feed small pieces of apple flesh to your cat in moderation.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a good source of Vitamin A and C. However, feed your cat in moderation.
Cheese
Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. You can feed hard cheese to your cat. Either bake it as treats or feed it raw in small amounts. Before you feed it, check with the vet if your cat can handle dairy.
Oatmeal
Since oatmeal is a human food, introduce it slowly to your pet. Avoid sugar and cook plainly as cats don’t have sweet taste buds. It is rich in protein, vitamin B, and healthy carbs.
Bread
It is a great snack for your cat as it is a good source of protein and fiber. Prefer using whole grain bread . Never feed your cat raw dough because it contains yeast and can ferment in your cat’s stomach, which can lead to alcohol poisoning
The Bottom Line
This list of human food cannot be a replacement for a certified balanced cat diet. This is only a guide for alternative foods that you can feed your cat occasionally. If in doubt, always contact your trusted veterinarian for more information.
If you want to know about foods that cats must avoid, click here.
