If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably wondered if it’s safe to share your favorite foods with your feline companion. Understanding What Foods Can Cats Eat is crucial for their health and well-being. While cats can enjoy some human foods, others can be harmful, even toxic. This guide provides a detailed overview of human foods that are safe, those to offer with caution, and those to absolutely avoid feeding your cat.
Safe Human Foods for Cats
While a balanced cat food diet should always be your cat’s primary source of nutrition, certain human foods can be offered as occasional treats. Remember, treats should only make up a small portion of your cat’s daily calorie intake, ideally no more than 10%.
Fruits
Most fruits should be given in moderation due to their sugar content, which can contribute to weight gain and diabetes in cats. Always wash fruits thoroughly, remove peels, seeds, and pits before offering them to your cat.
Apples
Apples are a good source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants for cats. They can be offered in small, bite-sized pieces without the peel and seeds, as apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide.
Bananas
Bananas are packed with potassium and fiber, but they are also high in sugar. Offer only a small slice of banana as an occasional treat.
Pears
Similar to apples, pears offer vitamins and fiber. Ensure you remove the peel and seeds before giving a small piece to your cat, as pear seeds also contain cyanide.
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are beneficial for your cat’s cellular health. A few blueberries can be a healthy and tasty snack.
Strawberries
Strawberries, whether fresh, frozen, or pureed, are safe for cats. They provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which can help boost your cat’s immune system.
Raspberries
Raspberries are a good source of fiber and low in sugar compared to other fruits. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for older cats. While raspberries contain xylitol, the amount is negligible and safe in small quantities.
Cranberries
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber. You can offer a few cranberries cooked or raw, but avoid cranberry sauce or juice due to high sugar content.
Watermelon
Watermelon is hydrating, being over 90% water, and contains vitamins A, B, and C, and potassium. It’s a refreshing treat for cats, especially in warm weather. Remove the rind and seeds before offering a small piece. Other melons like cantaloupe and honeydew are also safe in moderation.
Pineapple
Pineapple is rich in vitamins and minerals and can aid digestion. However, due to its high sugar content, offer only a small amount of peeled pineapple without the hard core.
Pumpkin
Cooked pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling) is excellent for digestive health in cats. A spoonful or two can help with both diarrhea and constipation. Ensure it’s plain pumpkin, not spiced or sweetened.
Vegetables
Cats are obligate carnivores, so vegetables should not be a primary part of their diet. However, some vegetables are safe and can offer supplemental vitamins and minerals, especially for overweight cats due to their low calorie content.
Carrots
Cooked carrots are safe for cats and a good source of beta-carotene, beneficial for vision and coat health. Offer cooked, peeled carrots in small pieces to prevent choking.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them a refreshing snack, especially for overweight cats. Peel the cucumber and offer thin slices.
Celery
Celery is rich in vitamins and fiber, which can aid digestion. It also has diuretic properties and can support kidney function. Offer small, chopped pieces of celery.
Green Beans
Green beans are a good source of iron and protein and are low in calories. Plain, cooked, canned (sodium-free), or frozen green beans can be added to your cat’s meal in small amounts.
Lettuce
Lettuce, particularly romaine, is high in water content and low in calories. It can help cats stay hydrated, especially those who don’t drink enough water. Wash lettuce thoroughly and offer small pieces.
Meat & Fish
Meat is a vital part of a cat’s diet as it provides essential protein and amino acids. Ensure all meat and fish are cooked thoroughly and served plain, without seasonings, sauces, or excessive fat.
Meat
Cooked meat, such as chicken, turkey, and beef, is safe and beneficial for cats. Opt for boiled, grilled, or baked meat and avoid fried options. Ensure meat is boneless and skinless.
Fish
Cooked fish provides vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Boiled or baked fish, like salmon or tuna (in moderation), is a healthy treat. Choose fresh-caught fish when possible and meticulously remove all bones.
Shrimp
Cooked shrimp is a good source of phosphorus, calcium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and coat condition. Offer cooked shrimp in moderation as a treat.
Bacon and Ham
Bacon and ham are high in fat and salt and should only be given as very occasional, small treats. Ensure they are well-cooked and cut into tiny pieces.
Eggs
Cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled) are an excellent source of protein for cats. Never feed raw eggs due to the risk of Salmonella and E. coli.
Cereals and Grains
Cats don’t require grains, but some whole grains can provide fiber, vitamins, and iron in small amounts. Offer them as occasional treats.
Oatmeal
Cooked oatmeal is high in dietary fiber and iron, which can be beneficial for your cat’s digestion. Plain, cooked oatmeal can be offered in small amounts.
Rice
Cooked white or brown rice can be offered as a bland treat, especially if your cat has an upset stomach. Rice is easy to digest and provides fiber. However, it offers minimal nutritional value for cats.
Human Foods to Give Cats with Caution
These foods are not strictly toxic but can cause problems if given in large quantities or too frequently.
Avocado
While the flesh of avocado may not be highly toxic to cats, the pit, skin, and leaves contain persin, which can be harmful to some animals. Avocado is also high in fat, which can cause digestive upset. It’s best to avoid or offer only a very tiny amount of avocado flesh sparingly.
Peaches
A small amount of peeled peach flesh is generally safe, but peaches are high in sugar and difficult to digest, potentially causing stomach upset and diarrhea. Always remove the pit, as it contains cyanide and is a choking hazard.
Potatoes
Cooked potatoes (boiled or baked, plain) are safe in moderation. However, raw potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to cats. Ensure potatoes are fully cooked, peeled, and served plain. Avoid fried potatoes due to high fat content.
Spinach
Spinach contains calcium oxalates, which can contribute to urinary tract stone formation, especially in cats prone to urinary issues. Healthy cats can have small amounts of spinach, but it’s best avoided for cats with kidney or urinary tract problems.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals but can cause gas and constipation in cats. Offer small, boiled, unseasoned amounts infrequently.
Tomatoes
Ripe tomatoes without the green parts (leaves and stems) are generally considered safe in small amounts. However, tomato leaves and stems contain solanine, which is toxic to cats. Ensure tomatoes are ripe and peeled if offered.
Corn
Corn is not toxic but offers little nutritional value to cats. Large amounts of corn can cause digestive issues. Offer plain, cooked corn in very small quantities and avoid corn on the cob, which can be a choking hazard.
Tuna Fish (Human Canned)
Human canned tuna can be high in unhealthy fats and sodium. While a small amount as a treat is generally okay, excessive tuna consumption can lead to mercury poisoning and nutritional imbalances. Opt for tuna specifically formulated for cats or offer human tuna very sparingly.
Bread
Plain bread in small amounts is not toxic, but it provides no nutritional value for cats and should not replace their regular food.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is safe in very small quantities (teaspoon or less). However, it is high in fat, sugar, and calories, which can lead to weight gain and digestive issues. Some peanut butters also contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and should be avoided for cats as well. Check labels carefully and offer plain, xylitol-free peanut butter sparingly.
What Cats Cannot Eat (Toxic Foods)
These foods are dangerous and should never be given to cats. They can cause serious health problems and even be fatal.
Fruits
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. While the exact mechanism in cats is less clear, there are reports of similar adverse reactions. It’s best to avoid grapes and raisins entirely.
Oranges and Citrus Fruits
Orange seeds, leaves, stems, and peels contain oils that are toxic to cats. Other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit are also highly acidic and can cause stomach upset. The strong citrus smell is often naturally repellent to cats, which is fortunate.
Cherries
All parts of the cherry plant except the ripe flesh are toxic to cats, including the pits, stems, and leaves, due to cyanide content.
Plums
Plum pits, stems, and leaves also contain cyanide and are toxic to cats. Plums, especially wilted ones, should be strictly avoided.
Vegetables
Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, chives, leeks, and all members of the allium family are toxic to cats. They damage red blood cells and can cause anemia. Garlic is particularly potent. Avoid all forms of onions and garlic, cooked, raw, powdered, or in sauces and gravies.
Mushrooms (Wild)
While some store-bought mushrooms are generally considered safe in small amounts, wild mushrooms can be highly poisonous to cats. Never feed wild mushrooms to your cat, as they can cause liver and kidney damage, neurological issues, and even death.
Meat and Fish
Raw Meat, Fish, and Eggs
Raw meat, fish, and eggs can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, leading to food poisoning. Raw fish also contains an enzyme that can deplete thiamine (vitamin B1), essential for cats. Raw fatty meats can also cause pancreatitis.
Small Bones
Small bones, especially cooked chicken or fish bones, can splinter and cause choking, internal punctures, or intestinal blockages. Avoid giving any small bones to your cat.
Dairy Products
Milk
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. They lack the enzyme to properly digest lactose in milk, leading to digestive upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Avoid giving cow’s milk or other dairy milk to your cat.
Cheese
Cheese is lower in lactose than milk, so some cats may tolerate small amounts. However, cheese is high in fat and salt and can still cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant cats. Offer cheese very sparingly, if at all.
Ice Cream
Ice cream combines lactose from dairy with high sugar content, making it unsuitable for cats and likely to cause digestive upset and weight gain.
Yogurt
While some claim yogurt with probiotics can be beneficial, dairy-based yogurt can still cause issues for lactose-intolerant cats. Sugar-free, plain yogurt in very small amounts might be tolerated by some cats, but it’s not a necessary or recommended food.
Other Foods
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs and potentially harmful to cats as well. It can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Avoid all products containing xylitol, including some sugar-free candies, gums, and baked goods.
Nuts
Nuts are not necessarily toxic, but they are high in fat and difficult for cats to digest. Large quantities of nuts can cause digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts are particularly concerning for dogs and should also be avoided for cats.
Popcorn (Store-bought)
Store-bought popcorn often contains butter, salt, and artificial flavorings that can cause digestive upset. Air-popped, plain popcorn in very small amounts might be acceptable as an occasional treat (unsalted, unbuttered), but it’s not recommended due to choking hazards and lack of nutritional benefit.
Alcohol
Alcohol is highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, breathing problems, coma, and death. Never give alcohol to your cat.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant toxic to cats. It can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and even death. Avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and caffeine pills.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to cats. Dark chocolate and sugar-free chocolate are particularly dangerous. Chocolate toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, heart problems, and death.
Raw Dough
Raw dough containing yeast is dangerous because the yeast can rise in the cat’s stomach, causing painful bloating and potentially life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Additionally, the fermenting yeast produces alcohol, which is also toxic.
What Human Food Can Kittens Eat?
Kittens need a diet specifically formulated for their growth and development, primarily kitten food. While you can introduce small amounts of safe human foods, kitten food should always be their main source of nutrition. Introduce new foods slowly and one at a time, in very small quantities, to avoid digestive upset. Safe options for kittens in moderation include cooked eggs, cooked meat (plain), cooked fish (boneless), and plain pumpkin puree.
Key Takeaways
- Many common human foods are safe for cats in moderation as occasional treats, but a balanced cat food diet should always be their primary nutrition source.
- Numerous human foods are toxic to cats and must be strictly avoided, including onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and raisins.
- Always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to monitor your cat’s reaction.
- If you suspect your cat has eaten a toxic food, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Human foods should never make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
By understanding what foods can cats eat, you can ensure your feline companion stays healthy and happy while safely enjoying occasional treats.
