Sharing your life with a feline friend often means wanting to share treats too. As loving cat owners, it’s natural to wonder, “What human food can cats eat?” While cats have specific dietary needs fulfilled by commercial cat food, certain human foods can be safe and even beneficial in moderation. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between safe snacks and potentially harmful foods.
This guide provides an extensive list of human foods that are safe for cats, foods to offer cautiously, and those that are strictly off-limits. Understanding these distinctions will help you ensure your cat’s health and wellbeing while occasionally indulging their curiosity for human food.
Table of Contents:
- What Human Food Can Cats Eat Safely?
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Meat & Fish
- Cereals and Grains
- Human Foods to Give Cats with Caution
- What Human Foods Are Toxic to Cats?
- Human Food for Kittens: Special Considerations
- Key Takeaways
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What Human Food Can Cats Eat Safely?
While a cat’s primary diet should consist of high-quality cat food formulated to meet their nutritional needs, certain human foods can be offered as occasional treats. Remember, moderation is key due to potential sugar content or digestive sensitivities. Always introduce new foods gradually and in small quantities.
Fruits
Most fruits should be given sparingly to cats due to their high sugar content, which can contribute to weight gain and diabetes. Always wash fruits thoroughly, remove peels, seeds, and any parts that could be choking hazards.
Apples
Apples are a good source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants for cats. Offer them in moderation, peeled and without seeds, as apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, which is toxic to cats.
Bananas
Bananas are packed with potassium and fiber. They can be a palatable treat for some cats. However, their high sugar content means they should be given only as occasional treats, making up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
Pears
Pears, like apples, offer vitamins and fiber. Feed them in small amounts, peeled and seeded, to avoid potential cyanide exposure from the seeds and digestive upset from the skin.
Blueberries
Blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses, rich in vitamin C. These can be a healthy snack in moderation, offering cell protection and potentially reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
Strawberries
Strawberries, whether fresh, frozen, or pureed, are safe for cats. They provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, supporting the immune system. Serve in small quantities as a treat.
Raspberries
Raspberries are a good source of fiber and low in sugar compared to other fruits. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial, especially for senior cats. While raspberries contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, the levels are negligible in raspberries and safe for cats in small amounts.
Cranberries
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber. You can offer a few cranberries cooked or raw. Avoid cranberry sauce or juice due to high sugar content, which can cause stomach upset.
Watermelon
Watermelon is hydrating, being over 90% water, and contains vitamins A, B, and C, along with potassium. It’s a refreshing treat for cats in small amounts during warmer weather. Remove the rind and seeds before serving. Other melons like cantaloupe and honeydew are also safe for cats.
Pineapple
Pineapple is rich in vitamins and minerals, beneficial for both immune and digestive systems. However, its high sugar content requires moderation. Offer only small amounts, peeled and with the hard core removed.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin, cooked and pureed, is safe and beneficial for cats. Two to three spoons of plain pumpkin puree can aid with both diarrhea and constipation due to its high fiber content. Ensure you remove the skin and seeds.
Vegetables
Cats are obligate carnivores and primarily require animal protein. However, some vegetables can offer supplementary vitamins and minerals and are low in calories, making them suitable snacks, especially for overweight cats. Serve vegetables plain, cooked or raw (depending on the vegetable), and in small pieces.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, beneficial for vision and coat health. Cooked, peeled carrots are safe for cats and easier to digest, reducing choking hazards.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are hydrating and contain vitamins C and K, and magnesium. Peeled cucumbers are a low-calorie, refreshing snack, especially for overweight cats.
Celery
Celery provides vitamins and fiber, aiding digestion. Its diuretic properties can also support kidney function. It’s a crunchy, high-water snack suitable for cats on controlled diets.
Green Beans
Green beans are a good source of iron and protein, and are low in calories. Fresh, canned (sodium-free), or frozen green beans can be added to meals in small amounts.
Lettuce
Lettuce, especially romaine, offers vitamins A and K, folate, and fiber. Its high water content can encourage hydration in cats that don’t drink enough water. Wash thoroughly and offer in small pieces.
Meat & Fish
Meat is the cornerstone of a cat’s diet, providing essential protein and amino acids. Fish is also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Always serve meat and fish cooked, plain, and without seasonings or sauces. Opt for boiled, grilled, or baked preparations over fried to minimize fat content. Ensure all bones are removed to prevent choking or internal injuries.
Meat
Cooked meat of any kind (beef, chicken, turkey, lamb) is safe and beneficial for cats. Ensure it’s well-cooked to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
Fish
Cooked fish, especially oily fish like salmon and tuna, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Choose fresh-caught over farm-raised when possible and meticulously remove all bones.
Shrimp
Cooked shrimp is a source of phosphorus, calcium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health and coat condition. Offer cooked shrimp as an occasional addition to meals, not as a dietary staple.
Bacon and Ham
Bacon and ham can be given as very occasional treats in small, well-cooked, bite-sized pieces due to their high fat and salt content.
Eggs
Cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled) are an excellent protein source for cats. Never offer raw eggs due to the risk of Salmonella and E. coli.
Cereals and Grains
While cats don’t require carbohydrates, whole grains can provide fiber, iron, and vitamins. Offer them as occasional snacks, not as a regular part of their diet.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is high in fiber and iron, contributing to overall health. Cooked oatmeal can be offered in small amounts.
Rice
Cooked rice, especially brown rice, can be given in moderation. Its fiber content can help with digestive issues like diarrhea. However, rice offers minimal nutritional benefit for cats and should be an occasional treat.
Most of the listed foods should be treats, supplementing your cat’s primary diet. Treats should constitute no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. Introduce new foods slowly, monitoring for any adverse reactions like vomiting or diarrhea. Always ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water, especially if they primarily eat dry food.
Human Foods to Give Cats with Caution
Certain human foods aren’t strictly toxic but should be given sparingly or with specific preparation due to potential risks.
Avocado
Avocado pits, skin, and leaves contain persin, which is toxic to some animals. While the flesh is considered less toxic to cats, it’s high in fat and best avoided or given in very small amounts of the flesh only.
Peaches
Peeled peach flesh is safe in small amounts. However, peaches are high in sugar and can cause digestive upset. Always remove the pit, stems and leaves as they contain cyanide and can be a choking hazard.
Potatoes
Cooked, peeled potatoes (boiled or baked) are safe in moderation and provide vitamins B and C and potassium. Raw potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to cats. Avoid fried potatoes due to high fat content and serve plain.
Spinach
Spinach contains calcium oxalates, which can contribute to urinary tract stone formation in cats predisposed to these issues. Healthy cats can have small amounts, as spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, but it should be avoided for cats with kidney or urinary tract problems.
Broccoli
Broccoli is vitamin-rich but can cause constipation in some cats. Offer small amounts of boiled, unseasoned broccoli occasionally.
Tomatoes
Ripe, peeled tomatoes without stems and leaves are generally considered safe in small amounts. The green parts of the tomato plant and unripe tomatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to cats.
Corn
Corn is not toxic but offers minimal nutritional value for cats. Small amounts of cooked, plain corn are unlikely to cause harm, but large quantities can lead to digestive issues.
Tuna Fish (Canned for Humans)
Canned tuna in water, intended for humans, can be given as an occasional treat, about a tablespoon. It can be high in unsaturated fats and excessive consumption may not be healthy. Tuna formulated specifically for cats is a better option.
Bread
Small amounts of plain bread are safe, but bread offers no nutritional value for cats and should not replace cat food.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter, in very small amounts (teaspoon to tablespoon), is generally safe if it does not contain xylitol. It’s high in fat and can contribute to obesity and diabetes, and its sticky texture can be a choking hazard. Some cats may also have peanut allergies.
What Human Foods Are Toxic to Cats?
Certain human foods are definitively toxic to cats and should be strictly avoided. Ingestion can lead to serious health issues, and in some cases, be fatal.
Fruits
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in dogs and are suspected to have similar effects in cats. Avoid feeding grapes and raisins entirely.
Oranges and Citrus Fruits
Orange seeds, leaves, stems, and peels contain oils toxic to cats. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit are also highly acidic and can cause stomach upset. The strong citrus smell is generally repellent to cats, which is a natural deterrent.
Cherries
All parts of the cherry plant, except the ripe fruit flesh, are toxic, including pits, stems, and leaves.
Plums
Plum seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanide and are toxic to cats. Plums are especially dangerous in their wilted state as toxin concentration increases.
Vegetables
Onions and Garlic
All members of the allium family (onions, garlic, chives, leeks) are toxic to cats. Garlic is particularly potent, being about five times more toxic than onions. They can cause damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Mushrooms (Wild)
While some store-bought mushrooms are considered safe in small amounts, wild mushrooms can be highly poisonous. Avoid feeding any wild mushrooms to cats. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and skin discoloration.
Meat and Fish
Raw Meat, Fish, and Eggs
Raw meat, fish, and eggs carry a risk of Salmonella and E. coli infections. Raw meat can also be high in fat, potentially causing pancreatitis.
Small Bones
Small bones, especially cooked chicken or fish bones, can splinter and cause choking, or internal damage to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Avoid giving any small bones to cats.
Dairy Products
Milk, Cheese, Ice Cream, Yogurt
Many adult cats are lactose intolerant. As cats mature, they lose the enzyme needed to digest lactose in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance can cause digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. While cheese and yogurt are lower in lactose, they can still cause problems in sensitive cats. Ice cream is high in lactose and sugar, making it unsuitable for cats.
Other Foods
Xylitol
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, is toxic to dogs and while not definitively proven toxic to cats, it is best to avoid it entirely to be safe.
Nuts
Nuts are not poisonous but are high in fat, which can cause digestive upset and potentially pancreatitis, especially with frequent or large consumption.
Popcorn (Store-bought)
Store-bought popcorn often contains high levels of salt, butter, and additives that can cause digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation. Plain, air-popped popcorn can be given in very small amounts, but poses a choking hazard.
Alcohol
Alcohol is highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, breathing problems, coma, and death.
Caffeine
Caffeine is toxic to cats and can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and breathing difficulties. Coffee grounds, tea bags, coffee, soda, and energy drinks should be kept away from cats.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to cats. Dark chocolate and sugar-free chocolate are particularly dangerous. Chocolate toxicity can cause heart problems, muscle tremors, and seizures.
Raw Dough
Raw dough containing yeast can be dangerous as the yeast ferments in the stomach, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide, leading to alcohol toxicity and potentially life-threatening bloating and digestive obstruction.
Pro Tip: If your cat has eaten something potentially toxic, immediate veterinary attention is crucial. Pet insurance can help manage unexpected veterinary costs, ensuring your cat receives prompt and necessary care.
Human Food for Kittens: Special Considerations
Kittens require a diet specifically formulated for their growth and development. Kitten food or food labeled for “all life stages” should be their primary source of nutrition. While introducing small amounts of safe human foods is possible, it’s important to do so cautiously.
Suitable human food for kittens in very small quantities includes cooked eggs, cooked meat and fish (boneless and skinless), salad greens, and plain pumpkin puree. Introduce one new food at a time, in very small amounts, and monitor for any digestive upset. Human food should constitute no more than 10% of a kitten’s daily caloric intake to avoid nutritional imbalances.
Key Takeaways
- A variety of human foods are safe for cats in moderation, but many others are harmful or toxic.
- Always prioritize a balanced cat food diet as the primary source of nutrition. Human foods should be treats, not meal replacements.
- If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic food, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Moderation and careful selection are key when offering human food to cats. Always research and prepare food safely to protect your feline companion’s health.
By understanding what Human Food Cats Can Eat, you can safely offer occasional treats while ensuring their overall diet remains healthy and balanced. Always prioritize their well-being and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s diet or potential ingestion of toxic substances.
