What Human Food Can Cats Eat?

ByDynamic Energy Reading Time: 10 minutes

What Human Food Can Cats Eat? Despite their reputation as finicky eaters, cats can actually consume a wide range of human foods, including fruits and vegetables. By providing your pet with a variety of wholesome treats, you may broaden their nutritional options and palate.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require a lot of meat and protein in their diet to stay healthy. They shouldn’t consume vegetarian or vegan diets since they are deficient in taurine, which is needed to maintain your cat’s health and is only present in animal protein.

Even though your cat must eat meat, you may still include a variety of colorful foods in their daily diet as long as you always do so in moderation.

However, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before making any changes, particularly if your cat has any known medical issues. Below are all the human foods cats can eat safely.

What Human Food Can Cats Eat?

It’s okay to occasionally give your cat a tiny amount of the following foods.

1. Asparagus

Once in a while, your cat might like a tiny amount of steamed, chopped asparagus. Ensure that it has been cooked and chilled. However, keep in mind that, given its high alkaline profile, asparagus may be best avoided, especially if your cat has urinary problems.

Asparagus is also high in potassium, which can cause crystal formation and obstructions in the urinary tract in cats that have a history of such issues (this is especially true of neutered male cats).

2. Broccoli

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does not categorize broccoli as hazardous, thus it can be offered to cats cooked and cooled. There are several beneficial antioxidants in broccoli.

Always remember to feed this as an occasional treat and in moderation. If not done carefully, adding anything to your cat’s diet, even a small treat, can upset their stomach.

3. Carrots

Unquestionably, cats can consume steamed carrots. They contain lots of tasty nourishment and are high in fiber.

Carrots should only be given to cats occasionally and in small amounts, just like all other vegetables. Avoid giving your cat raw carrots, and if you must, chop them up into smaller pieces to prevent choking.

4. Green Beans

Green beans are a nutritious source of fiber, protein, and vitamins and are thought to be safe for cats to eat. For cats who are obese, carrots provide a good snack choice.

However, foods high in fiber can occasionally induce gas and GI upset, so be sure to introduce this treat gradually and only give it occasionally. Choose fresh, organic green beans rather than canned, salty ones for your cat.

5. Peas

Cats can consume peas without a doubt, and many commercial cat feeds include pea protein as a replacement for other proteins for cats who are prone to food protein allergies.

Peas can be a tasty treat for your cat and provide both carbohydrates and protein. Peas should only be fed occasionally.

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6. Pumpkin

Your cat can get plenty of fiber and vitamins from pumpkin. Pumpkin can also aid with problems related to constipation or even troubles with impactions brought on by hairballs. Offer your cat only pure pumpkin; it must not contain any flavor or spices.

7. Spinach

Naturally, cats enjoy leafy greens, and spinach has a number of vitamins that are good for cats. However, because of the high levels of vitamins and calcium in spinach, avoid giving it to cats that have urinary or kidney problems.

8. Winter Squash

Winter squash is undoubtedly edible to cats. It can be served chopped or pureed, but pureed is preferred. Along with adequate levels of fiber, winter squash provides a number of beneficial vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B and C, potassium, and magnesium.

9. Apples

If you wish to feed apples to your cats, make sure they are organic and that the peel has been removed. Remove all seeds as well, as they are deadly and contain cyanide. Since cats cannot taste sweetness, they may or may not enjoy a small bit of apple.

10. Bananas

Although bananas are not poisonous to cats, their high fiber content makes them difficult to digest. Additionally, bananas have a lot of potassium in them. The amount of bananas you serve should be limited because they are likewise heavy in sugar.

11. Blackberries

Cats can consume other berries, such as blackberries, which are high in fiber and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Berries should always be given as a treat rather than in big quantities to prevent your cat from choking.

12. Blueberries

Because of the antioxidants they provide, blueberries are thought to be safe for cats, and some cat meals even contain blueberry powder.

Pets who frequently experience dehydration benefit from the fiber and water in blueberries. Offering this reward every so often might be enjoyable.

13. Cantaloupe

Your cat can have a small amount of cantaloupe, and in addition to dogs, cats also frequently enjoy this treat. Cantaloupe’s texture and flavor are said to appeal to them.

Of course, make sure to remove the seeds and cut the melon into smaller pieces; you can even think about pureeing it to prevent your cat from choking.

14. Honeydew

According to the ASPCA, cats are not poisoned by honeydew. Although it is a novelty fruit for many, you ought to think about giving it to your cat on occasion. It is a fantastic source of fiber and is high in vitamins A and C.

15. Raspberries

Offering your cat raspberries is a wonderful treat. They have excellent anti-inflammatory qualities, are low in sugar, and are high in fiber.

Although they naturally contain trace levels of xylitol, which is hazardous to animals in high doses, especially if it is synthesized, raspberries should only be consumed in moderation. Never offer your cat raspberries in large quantities.

16. Watermelon

Cats can be given seedless watermelon, and most cats like to eat it. It is a beneficial treat for cats who otherwise have hydration issues.

However, due to the high sugar content, cats with diabetes or those who are sensitive to huge amounts of sugar shouldn’t be given treats like watermelon.

17. Brown Rice

If the cooked brown rice is plain, you can give it to your cat. Typically, dogs with diarrhea are given rice; however, cats can also benefit from this method. Recognize that rice is very constipating; thus, use it under your veterinarian’s supervision.

18. Barley

Barley is a fantastic grain for cats to digest, and you may help your cat’s digestion by giving it sprouts of greens.

Barley is frequently a cat favorite. It helps maintain the health of their skin and coat because it is packed with active enzymes.

19. Corn

When cooked and ground, corn, which is frequently used in pet food, is safe. Corn is frequently used as a filler by many pet food manufacturers in both dog and cat food. On rare occasions, some cats like to nibble on little pieces of corn chips.

20. Millet

Your cat can get protein from millet, which is also a healthier substitute for several ingredients in pet food because it does include some fat. Some commercial dog and cat meals frequently contain cooked millet as a grain.

21. Oatmeal

Oatmeal can be served to cats in a manner similar to how you would prepare it for yourself and they will likely appreciate it. Limit your use of salt, butter, and milk. It can be served as a rare treat in moderation.

22. Wheat

Since most cats’ diets also include wheat, a small crumb of bread or a taste of plain wheat pasta every now and again is usually good.

Dog and cat food frequently include wheat, which also provides certain crucial nutrients. If you are feeding your cat anything that contains wheat, think about using organic wheat.

23. Meat

Since cats are obligate carnivores, the majority of their diet should consist of meat. Here are some of the typical meats you can feed your cat, including fish, white meat, and red meat.

Of course, due to the risk of salmonella and E. coli, only give cooked meat, and make sure to carefully remove the bones.

24. Eggs

Your cat may benefit from eating eggs because they are a high-protein diet source. In order to reduce the risk of salmonella or E. coli, only feed your cat-cooked eggs in small amounts.

What Human Foods Should You Avoid Feeding Your Cat?

Common human foods can be extremely harmful to cats and cause major illnesses if ingested frequently and in large quantities.

Some of these include infections, obesity, bladder and urinary tract problems, liver damage, and others. On the other side, some varieties of mushrooms have the potential to be fatally toxic. All the foods that your cat should avoid are listed here.

1. Grapes and raisins

In dogs, grapes and raisins can result in GI issues and kidney failure. There have been stories of similar responses even though there is no definitive evidence that these fruits have the same impact on felines.

2. Oranges

Oranges have oils in their seeds, leaves, stems, and peels that are lethal to cats. Citrus fruits with high acid content, such as lemons, limes, and grapefruit, can also upset your cat’s stomach.

The good news is that most cats dislike the scent of citrus and are unlikely to even attempt to consume these fruits.

3. Cherries

Cats should avoid eating any cherry plant material besides the ripe fruit. The stems, leaves, and pits are included in this.

4. Plums

Cyanide is present in the plum’s seeds, stems, and leaves. Plums are poisonous to our feline friends all the time, but when they wilt, when the toxin levels are at their highest, they become even more hazardous.

5. Onion and garlic

Cats are poisoned by all members of the allium family (including chives and leeks) whether they consume a single large serving or a series of tiny servings over time. For felines, garlic is thought to be five times more poisonous than onions.

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6. Mushrooms

Small amounts of the majority of store-bought mushrooms are generally safe for cats, but you should never offer cats wild mushrooms because they can be toxic. Diarrhea, vomiting, an elevated heart rate, skin discoloration, and other symptoms of mushroom poisoning.

7. Raw meat, fish, eggs

Salmonella and E. coli are only two examples of the potentially deadly viruses and bacteria that can live in raw meat, fish, and eggs. Additionally, some raw meats may be highly fatty, which can cause pancreatitis.

8. Small bones

Small fragments of bone can easily become lodged in your cat’s esophagus or cause digestive system injury to the stomach and intestines.

You don’t need to be concerned about cooked (baked or boiled) coarse bones because your pet can pull them out of the meat and they’re also healthy for their teeth.

9. Milk

The enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk and other dairy products starts to decline as soon as kittens switch from their mother’s milk to a solid diet.

Actually, the majority of cats develop lactose intolerance and cannot digest milk. A lactose-intolerant cat may face a variety of problems after consuming milk, from nausea and diarrhea to liver damage.

10. Cheese

Some cats can digest cheese better than milk since it contains less lactose, but you should still exercise extreme caution.

If you do give your cat any cheese at all, only give them a tiny bit occasionally. If you feed your cat a lot of milk or other dairy products, it could harm their digestive tract.

11. Ice Cream

Ice cream contains sugar, which can contribute to diarrhea and other GI problems in addition to the lactose problem.

12. Yogurt

Although not supported by scientific data, some experts contend that cats can safely consume modest amounts of yogurt and even benefit from it. As yogurt includes probiotics, it is thought to be useful in treating feline diarrhea.

13. Xylitol

Many foods for humans employ the ubiquitous sweetener xylitol as a sugar alternative. Although there is no evidence that it is hazardous to cats, it is known to be toxic to dogs, therefore it is recommended to avoid it.

14. Nuts

Although nuts are not dangerous to cats, your pet’s digestive tract may be harmed by the high-fat content.

Cats who consume walnuts and almonds frequently or in large quantities may get diarrhea, vomiting, and, over time, pancreatitis.

15. Popcorn

Preservatives and additives included in store-bought popcorn frequently contribute to diarrhea and constipation. You should feed air-popped popcorn sparingly because it might cause choking, although you can make it at home.

16. Alcohol

A variety of unpleasant symptoms, including stomach trouble, confusion, respiratory problems, coma, and even death, can be brought on by even modest doses of alcohol.

17. Caffeine

Increased heart rate, hyperactivity, respiratory problems, tremors, and seizures can all result from caffeine intoxication in cats.

While it is doubtful that a few licks from your coffee, soda, or energy drink can seriously hurt your cat, if your cat eats raw coffee grounds or tea bags, they may contain enough caffeine to swiftly cause problems.

18. Chocolate

Caffeine and theobromine, which are found in chocolate, can make cats experience seizures, muscle tremors, and cardiac issues. This also applies to dark and sugar-free chocolates.

19. Raw dough

The yeast in the raw dough is one of the key issues. In fact, it can swiftly produce enough alcohol and carbon dioxide to seriously harm a cat.

Additionally, the dough itself will increase in size inside the animal’s stomach to the point where surgery may be necessary to remove the digestive obstruction.

Bottom Line

Giving your cat human food as a treat can be a fun way to strengthen your bond with them and provide them with some extra luxuries.

However, it’s crucial to adhere to recommendations and stay away from meals that can be bad for their health. Always give your cat human food in moderation, and keep an eye on how they react to make sure they tolerate it.

It is recommended to speak with your veterinarian for tailored guidance if you have any queries or concerns regarding what human food is safe for your cat to eat. 

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