Curious what human food cats can eat? It is important to understand what cats eat naturally. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diet to meet their nutritional needs. While they may show interest in different foods, just because they’ll eat it doesn’t mean it’s good for them.
The best way to choose the right food for your cat is to speak with a trusted veterinarian. They can determine the right food and feeding amount for your furry friend. When providing safe human foods, prepare them carefully and remove choking hazards like pits, stems, seeds, and cores. Keep in mind some foods are only safe in small amounts or when gently cooked, and remember: overfeeding human food can lead to obesity and nutritional imbalances.
Use this comprehensive guide to get an idea of foods you can safely share, and always ensure your cat gets the majority of their nutrients from high-quality, complete and balanced cat food. And keep in mind the 10% Rule: balancing treats and cat nutrition.
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Hops can be severely toxic to dogs and cats. Even the lowest amount of alcohol can be toxic for cats.
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Apples, while high in sugar, are safe for cats so long as the stems, leaves, and especially seeds are removed from the apple. The core also poses the risk of an obstruction to the digestive tract.
While generally considered safer for cats than dogs, the high fat content can still cause gastrointestinal upset.
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While cats typically hate the taste of them, bananas offer potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, biotin, and copper. Bananas are also high in sugar, so use them more as a treat than a meal — and make sure to remove the peel.
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While cats can’t detect sweet flavors, they can appreciate the wet, juicy texture. Keep in mind that blueberries are high in sugar, so treat them more as a snack rather than a meal.
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Plain, baked bread is generally safe in small amounts, though it offers no nutritional value for cats. Never feed raw dough, as the yeast causes dangerous stomach expansion.
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While cats do not require vegetables for nutrition, some can be offered as an occasional treat if your cat shows interest. For example, some cats can show an interest in certain berries or melons, but make sure to remove any seeds and avoid feeding any part of the rind, which may result in an obstruction to the digestive tract.
Several fruits and veggies can be toxic to cats and result in a range of health issues. For example, small amounts of grapes, onions and garlic are all highly toxic to cats and can cause them to experience gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea.
While sharing safe human foods can be fun, it's crucial to maintain your cat’s balanced nutrition. Veterinary experts recommend that treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's total daily caloric intake.
Overfeeding human food can lead to obesity and nutritional imbalances. Ensure your cat gets the majority of their nutrients from high-quality, complete and balanced cat food.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies require nutrients derived from animal products. When considering what cats like to eat, remember they have specific needs for protein and amino acids like taurine, which are found in meat and high-quality cat food, not in most plant-based foods and not in the right amounts for cats in dog food.
There are very few human foods that should be eaten every day. While small amounts of cooked, unseasoned protein might be safe, cats require the specific balance of nutrients found in complete and balanced cat food for their daily meals. Human food should only be an occasional treat.
Feeding raw meat, including raw chicken, carries risks of bacterial contamination (like salmonella) for both the cat and humans in the household.
Do not wait for symptoms to develop. If you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately: (855) 764-7661
Developed in partnership with Pet Poison Helpline
