The kinds of foods that you think cats may love or that may be healthy for them may not actually be safe for your cats. People have to be very careful about what human foods they give their feline friends, and I want to talk about some of the best human foods that you can safely feed your cat.
1. Fish
This cat delicacy will probably be one of your pet’s favorite foods, but make sure you provide cooked fish and not raw fish. It’s also not a great idea to feed your cat directly from the can, as the sharp edges can be dangerous. Salmon and tuna are two of the best fish to give your cat, but be careful about feeding these too often, as they contain mercury that isn’t very healthy. Fish in moderation is excellent for your cat, though, as it contains heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids.
2. Cooked Meat
While we are on the topic of animals feeding your cat, you should consider giving your cat some meat every now and then. This can include chicken, beef, pork, lamb, or turkey. The leaner the meat, the better it will be for your cat, especially if your cat is overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. Cooked meat is better for your cat than raw meat because it is less likely to contain bacteria and diseases.
3. Oatmeal
Did you know that both cats and dogs like oatmeal? Well, most of them do, and oatmeal is a great source of protein and fiber which helps if your pet has Anal Gland Disease. The high fiber content of oatmeal is excellent for your cat because it protects the heart and the digestive system, preventing inflammation, obesity, heart attacks, and diabetes. It also helps to keep your cat active and is easy to digest. The only reason not to give your cat oatmeal is if your cat has gluten sensitivity.
4. Raw Vegetables
You don’t have to cook veggies for your cat to eat. Many cats will not take to fresh, raw vegetables, but it is great for them. If you can get your cat to eat vegetables every now and then, you can protect them from tooth decay and ensure they are getting lots of vitamins and minerals in their diets.
This is especially helpful for cats that like to chew on household plants since those plants can be toxic to your cat. If you see that kind of behavior, introduce some veggies into their diet and hope that sticks. Green beans, chopped greens, and broccoli are all good raw veggie choices. If you don’t mind cooking the vegetables, then steamed asparagus and baked carrots are good choices.
5. Cheese
Cats tend to love dairy products, and while a lot of dairy in the diet can lead to constipation and other digestive problems, a little bit every now and then can serve as a nice treat. Organic cheeses are the best, and they offer lots of calcium to benefit your cat. Beware that some cats are lactose intolerant, so make sure your cat can handle the cheese before you give her very much of it.
6. Cooked Eggs
You can give cooked eggs to just about any animal. These contain lots of protein and vitamins that will improve the overall health of your cat. Be sure to cook the eggs thoroughly before feeding them to your cat. You can fry them up or boil them, and then test them out to see which version your cat likes more. Eggs can be served alone or mixed into the meals that your cat eats, and they can provide some minerals that your cat may not be getting from its regular diet.
7. Bananas
Everyone loves bananas- even cats. You can give your cats bananas regularly, but make sure they are not making up any more than 10% of their daily caloric consumption. Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, so they offer some great health benefits to your cat. You can slice or mash the bananas to suit your cat’s preferences.
8. Bread
Bread is one of the most common foods that people will give to cats, simply because it is so readily available and usually such a large part of our diets. Just be careful about feeding your cat very much bread, as it can be tough on some cats’ digestive systems and should not constitute a large portion of their diet. Whole-grain, unprocessed dreads are the best for your cat, as they contain healthy fiber and fewer chemicals that could cause health problems for your cat.
9. Fish Oil
Cats love the taste of fish, so they should also love having some fish oil in their diet. You can spruce up dry, unsavory meals with a few drops of fish oil. Your cat should gobble it up and enjoy the omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients that fish oil offers.
10. Baby Food
The mashed food that you give to babies is perfect for cats. It is already smashed up for them, and it is easily digestively at that point, making it go down smooth for your cat. This food tends to be packed with vitamins and minerals that your cat can benefit from; just make sure that your cat is getting mostly meat in its diet.
Stick to what you know is safe for your cat, because there are plenty of human foods out there that you should not be giving to your cat. If you follow the guidelines I’ve listed here, though, you can safely feed your feline friend from your table.
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