The diet of your cat is very important. A balanced supply of proteins and nutrients through the choice of cat food is the key to a healthy cat life. Just as with us humans, a balanced diet is the key to a long and healthy life for cats.
Often the question arises, what about the occasional treat or food you eat that you might want to share with your cat. Maybe something fell on the floor and the cat beat you to it? Are any of these foods dangerous to your cat or can they cause health problems? The question is: what are cats allowed to eat?
What are cats not allowed to eat?
So this article is NOT about healthy foods for cats. The foods for humans discussed here are covered from the perspective that your cat eats them unintentionally. Or you may be desperate to share these treats for humans with your cat, which is usually a bad idea
In any case, the statements in my article are not medical advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is allergic to a certain food or if your cat’s digestive system can’t handle something you should check with your veterinarian when in doubt. You should always check with your vet before you start sharing food with your cat to make sure it won’t cause any problems.
Can cats eat ice cream?
Most cats can tolerate a small amount of ice cream, although they may be lactose intolerant and therefore have diarrhea or vomiting. In any case, ice cream is not recommended as a regular treat for cats. The sugar content is too high and thus ice cream is bad for cat health. While we humans are crazy about sweets, cats are less likely to enjoy sweets like ice cream. Cats’ taste receptors are not sensitive enough to taste sugar. However, they do like dairy products for their fat content, which is why many cats are drawn to dairy products.
Can cats eat green beans?
Green beans are generally safe for cats and contain beneficial nutrients such as protein and fiber. Green beans are sometimes recommended for cats suffering from obesity.
Avoid giving many beans at once, however, as too much fiber can interfere with your cat’s natural digestive system. Also avoid canned green beans. These are sometimes loaded with sodium. Feed them fresh or frozen beans instead. You can feed your cat raw beans. If your cat prefers softer food, the beans can also be boiled or steamed.
Can cats eat peas?
Peas are generally safe for cats. Avoid canned peas that have added sodium. Peas contain vitamins B1, K and C, as well as fiber, iron and potassium. Some pet food manufacturers add peas to their food to bulk up the feed (see also corn). Again, your cat needs a meat-based diet to get the important proteins her body needs.
Can cats eat peanuts?
Peanuts are generally not toxic to cats, but they are not healthy either. They are too fatty and contain protein, but not the right kind of protein for your cat’s diet. You should avoid giving your cat peanuts. If your cat grabs a peanut, this should not be a problem. However, you should watch your pet when he eats a peanut. Just like people, cats can have allergic reactions. Watch for sneezing or swelling and seek emergency veterinary care if you think there may be a reaction.
Can cats eat cucumbers?
A cat’s diet should consist mainly of meat. However, cucumber can be added to the cat’s diet precisely because of its high water content and vitamin content. Again, cucumber should only be given in moderation (recommendation: one or two slices).
In warm areas, cat owners there recommend feeding cucumber because of its cooling properties. So if you live in a hot place and think your cat might be uncomfortable, a piece of cucumber can help cool him down. In any case, the cucumber helps by means of water absorption.
Can cats eat cherries?
It is not safe for cats to eat cherries. The stem, cherry pit, and leaves are poisonous. If you see your cat eating from a cherry plant, stop him immediately and take a sample of the plant to your veterinarian. The actual pulp of the cherry is not poisonous, but it is not worth the risk.
Eating cherries does not have any great health benefits for your cat, and she will not appreciate the sweetness because her taste buds are attuned to other tastes.
Can cats eat lettuce?
Cats can eat most types of lettuce without hesitation. They benefit from several nutritional advantages. Lettuce is high in fiber and contains vitamins A and K. It also contains plenty of water, which is good for cats who don’t drink enough from their bowls.
Salad, however, should only be used as a snack or as a supplement to a main food that provides the protein your cat needs most. However, watch your cat when you give him lettuce. Some types of lettuce can cause digestive upset.
Can cats eat corn?
In most cases, cats can eat regular corn without major health concerns. However, aside from small amounts of vitamin B and fiber, the nutritional value of corn is low. This is also true for us humans.
Cats are obligate carnivores, so meat-based meals are more nutritious. Corn is used in many commercial pet foods, but only as a filler. It is only used to thicken the food as cheaply as possible and fill your cat’s stomach faster.
Can cats eat marshmallows?
Cats are not allowed to eat marshmallows. Marshmallows have no nutritional value whatsoever. They contain a lot of sugar, which can cause your cat to gain weight. Remember that your cat’s mouth and throat are much smaller than humans. So the sticky texture can cause constipation in cats much more easily than in humans.
If your cat is snacking on a marshmallow, make sure he doesn’t choke. Marshmallows are not poisonous. So as long as they can breathe just fine, all you need to do is monitor your cat.
Can cats eat olives?
In most cases, olives are safe for cats to eat. However, they must be regular olives. And you should remove the pit, as it is a choking hazard. Never feed your cat more than one olive as a snack, as it could upset its stomach. Stuffed olives are a no-go, as they don’t know what’s in the filling.
Normal olives, on the other hand, are often loved by cats. This is thought to be due to a chemical similar to that found in catnip.
Can cats eat oranges?
Citrus fruits such as oranges are not suitable for cats. The high amount of citric acid can upset their digestive system and cause diarrhea. The oils contained in orange peels and seeds are also toxic to cats. So the cat should only eat the flesh of the fruit at most.
If your cat has eaten an orange, you should monitor it closely and consult a doctor. Especially if you fear that the cat has also eaten the peel of the orange or other citrus fruits.
Can cats eat olive oil?
Cats can consume olive oil in moderation. Too much of any fatty food is bad for their health. Olive oil is sometimes recommended to treat hairballs, but always ask your veterinarian for advice first. Extra virgin olive oil is not chemically treated and is less acidic.
In any case, it should only be used in small portions. Food cooked in olive oil should also be safe if prepared in smaller portions. Fried foods are not healthy for cats.
Can cats eat mushrooms?
In general, mushrooms are not suitable for cats. Purchased mushrooms are usually safe as long as you only give your cat a small amount, but the nutritional value is low, so it’s not worth the risk.
With mushrooms, you have to be careful because their smell and taste can be particularly appealing to cats. If you have an outdoor cat and live in an area where wild mushrooms grow, this can become a problem. You will need to weigh whether it is safer to restrict your cat’s movement.
Can cats eat peaches?
As with many fruits, the actual flesh of peaches is not poisonous, but all other parts of the fruit (stem, leaves, and the pit) contain cyanide. Peach pits also pose a choking hazard.
Most cats also cannot tolerate peach pulp, so you should not feed your cat peaches. If your cat does eat some peach pulp, he is likely suffering from dehydration and may vomit or have diarrhea. These are also some of the first symptoms of poisoning. So if your cat does eat peach, you should get it checked out.
Can cats eat salami?
In general, salami is safe for cats in small amounts. However, it is not a healthy meat that should dominate your cat’s diet. Salami is cured and therefore contains a lot of sodium. Also, be aware that some of the spices used in salami can irritate your cat’s stomach. It is best to stick with chicken, beef or fish as a source of protein for your cat. Especially for pregnant cats, avoid cured sausage for feeding.
Can cats eat kelp?
Seaweed has a number of nutritional benefits for cats, improving their coats and acting as an antacid. So it’s okay for cats to consume a small amount of kelp along with their usual diet.
However, kelp contains a lot of iodine, which can lead to hyperthyroidism, in which the cat produces too many hormones and develops health problems as a result. Small, irregular portions are usually fine, but check with your veterinarian.
Can cats eat celery?
Celery can be consumed by cats in moderation, although too many leaves can cause stomach upset. Celery does have some nutritional benefit, as it contains a lot of fiber, but it is only suitable as a small snack as part of a regular protein-rich diet.
Most vegetables are safe for cats in small amounts, as long as they are store-bought and fed fresh or frozen. Too much of them can upset your cat’s normal diet and cause digestive problems.
Can cats eat spaghetti?
Your cat should have no problem eating spaghetti. Regular spaghetti is made from flour, eggs, and water, and none of it is toxic to cats. It’s the sauce that could be more of a problem. Herbs and spices can have a negative effect on your cat, so be careful. Since the spaghetti is soft, it should be safe, but only give them small morsels, and don’t let them suck on a long strand, as that could cause irritation in the throat. There is no nutritional benefit to letting your cat eat spaghetti.
Can cats eat asparagus?
Asparagus is not toxic to cats and is a good source of fiber and potassium, as well as being rich in vitamins A, C, and K. So in moderation, asparagus is a good food for your cat to eat occasionally in addition to its normal diet.
Asparagus is somewhat tough for cats to eat raw. Therefore, steam or boil it first and avoid feeding the firmer end of the stalk, which can be difficult to digest. If you cut it into bite-sized pieces, you can add it to your cat’s regular food. In any case, avoid spices and gravy.
What cats can eat – final thoughts
Most of the foods on this list are not toxic, however, so occasional consumption is not a problem for them. Avoid fruits that may contain cyanide. Always make sure snacks are fresh, not canned, and foods are not flavored for humans. And be sure to use these foods only as irregular treats alongside a normal, high-protein diet.