What Will Cats Eat? Discover the safe and potentially harmful human foods for your feline friend in this comprehensive guide from solcat.net, ensuring your cat enjoys a healthy and balanced diet.
1. Understanding Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet primarily consisting of animal protein. This doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy certain human foods, but it’s essential to understand which ones are safe and beneficial, and which to avoid. According to research from the Cornell Feline Health Center, in July 2025, a balanced diet is crucial for a cat’s overall health and well-being.
1.1 What does “obligate carnivore” mean for a cat’s diet?
An obligate carnivore requires a diet that is primarily meat-based to meet its nutritional needs. Cats need certain nutrients, like taurine and arachidonic acid, that are found in animal tissues. Plant-based diets often lack these essential nutrients, potentially leading to health problems.
1.2 How much protein does a cat need in their diet?
Cats require a high-protein diet, with protein making up a significant portion of their daily caloric intake. The exact amount varies depending on age, activity level, and overall health, but generally, adult cats need at least 30% of their diet to come from protein. Growing kittens and active cats may need even more.
1.3 Why is it important to choose cat food that meets AAFCO standards?
Choosing cat food that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) ensures that the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for your cat’s life stage. AAFCO-approved foods have undergone testing and meet the minimum requirements for essential nutrients.
2. Fruits Cats Can Eat (In Moderation)
While cats primarily need protein, some fruits can be safe and even offer health benefits when given in small amounts. Always wash fruits thoroughly, remove any parts that might be hard to chew or swallow (like peels and seeds), and offer them as occasional treats, not meal replacements.
2.1 Can cats eat apples?
Yes, cats can eat apples in moderate amounts. Apples are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Make sure to remove the peel and the seeds because they might contain small amounts of cyanide which is toxic to cats.
2.2 Are bananas safe for cats?
Bananas are safe for cats in small quantities. They’re a good source of potassium and fiber. However, their high sugar content means they should only be given as occasional treats, making up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily diet.
2.3 Pears for cats: a healthy snack?
Pears are safe for cats when given in moderation. They contain vitamins and dietary fiber that can protect against infections and cancer. Always remove the peel and seeds, as pear seeds contain cyanide, which is poisonous to cats.
2.4 Can cats eat blueberries?
Yes, blueberries can be a healthy treat for cats. They are rich in vitamin C and powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of UTIs. Blueberries can be given in moderate amounts as a snack or a reward treat.
2.5 Strawberries: a sweet treat for cats?
Cats can consume strawberries fresh, frozen, or pureed. Full of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, a small amount of these sweet red fruits can strengthen your kitty’s immune system.
2.6 Are raspberries a good treat for older cats?
Raspberries can be a good treat for older cats due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Besides being rich in dietary fiber and low in sugar, raspberries also offer anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them a great treat for cats, especially older ones. However, it should be noted that raspberries contain high levels of xylitol, a natural sweetener that is known to be harmful to pets. The amount of xylitol in raspberries is negligible, so if given in small amounts and on occasion, they should cause no harm.
2.7 Can cranberries help prevent UTIs in cats?
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and dietary fiber and may help prevent UTIs in cats. You can give your cat a few cranberries in raw or cooked form, but you should avoid feeding them cranberry sauce or juice because these are high in sugar and could cause stomach upset.
2.8 Watermelon and other melons for cats
Watermelon contains vitamins A, B, C, and potassium and is more than 90% water, which positively affects the water balance in your pet’s body. Cats can also safely consume other types of melon, like cantaloupe and honeydew. You can feed them in small amounts but don’t forget to remove the outer hard skin and the seeds.
2.9 Is pineapple good for a cat’s digestive system?
Pineapple can be beneficial for a cat’s digestive system due to its vitamins and minerals. However, this tropical fruit is also quite high in sugar, which is why it should only be fed in small amounts, after removing the skin and the hard parts.
2.10 How can pumpkin help a cat with digestive issues?
Pumpkin is perfectly safe for feline consumption, as long as the outer skin and the seeds are removed. In fact, two or three spoons of cooked pumpkin puree added to your cat’s meal can help with diarrhea and constipation issues.
3. Vegetables Cats Can Eat (Occasionally)
Cats are carnivores, and their digestive systems are not designed for large amounts of fruits and veggies. However, some vegetables can be safely fed in small amounts because they contain vitamins and minerals absent in meat. These might be especially good for overweight kitties due to their high water, low-fat, and low-calorie content.
3.1 Can carrots improve a cat’s eyesight?
Carrots are chock-full of beta carotene which is great for your cat’s eyes and coat. You can safely feed this orange veggie to your pet as long as it is peeled and cooked in order to reduce the risk of choking.
3.2 Are cucumbers a good snack for overweight cats?
Cucumber contains vitamins C and K, minerals like magnesium, and a high amount of water which makes it a great snack for overweight felines. Peel it and cut it into thin strips before offering it to your kitty.
3.3 How can celery help cats with digestion issues?
Celery is rich in vitamins and fiber, which is great for cats with digestion issues. This crunchy veggie also possesses diuretic advantages and can assist with your pet’s kidney functions. It is also high in water, so it can be given to overweight cats with controlled diet plans as a snack or treat.
3.4 Can green beans be part of a weight management plan for cats?
Green beans are rich in iron and protein and are also low in calories, which makes them ideal for overweight cats. You can safely add a tablespoon of fresh, canned, or frozen beans to your pet’s meals. However, if you’re feeding the canned variety, make sure the beans are sodium-free.
3.5 Lettuce as a hydration source for cats
Besides vitamins A and K, folate, and fiber, lettuce is also low in calories and very high in water, which means that it can be great for cats who don’t drink enough water from traditional sources. This green veggie should be washed thoroughly before feeding and should be given in small pieces.
4. Meat & Fish: Essential Protein Sources for Cats
Meat and fish are crucial sources of animal protein and amino acids, the main nutrient source for cats. You can feed your cat any type of meat as long as it’s cooked and served plain, without any sauces or seasonings. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), a diet rich in animal protein is essential for a cat’s health.
4.1 What are the best ways to cook meat for cats?
Opt for boiled, grilled, or baked meat when preparing it for your cat. Avoid serving it fried as it contains lots of fat. In addition, be sure the meat is cooked well enough so that all the possible viruses and bacteria on it are killed.
4.2 Fish: fresh-caught vs. farm-raised for cats
The best way to serve fish to your cat is boiled, cut into small pieces, and without any seasonings. Opt for fresh-caught fish instead of farm-raised and make sure to pick out the skeleton and bones very carefully. Fish contains vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
4.3 Shrimp: a healthy treat for cats?
Shrimp is rich in phosphorus, calcium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s good for heart health and can help keep your kitty’s fur in good condition. You can add cooked shrimp to your pet’s meals from time to time but don’t make it a staple in their daily diet.
4.4 Can bacon and ham be given as treats to cats?
These types of meat can be given in small amounts and on occasion as treats because they contain high amounts of fat and salt. Make sure they’re well cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces (about the size of your cat’s kibble).
4.5 Eggs: a good source of protein for cats
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and can be safely fed to cats as long as they’re cooked (scrambled or boiled). Never give your kitty raw eggs as they carry the risk of certain viruses and bacteria, such as E. Coli and Salmonella.
5. Cereals and Grains for Cats (Occasional Snacks)
Similar to fruits and vegetables, cats don’t need carbohydrates in their diet. However, unrefined whole grains and wheat cereals can be good for them in terms of vitamins, fiber, and iron. Again, they should be offered as an occasional snack and not become an everyday staple.
5.1 Oatmeal: benefits for a cat’s health
Oats are high in dietary fiber and iron, both of which are beneficial to your cat’s overall health. You can also use them topically for skin issues.
5.2 Can rice help with stomach issues in cats?
Rice is safe for cats as an occasional treat, as long as it is well cooked and fed in moderate quantities. Due to its high fiber content, rice can help with diarrhea and stomach issues in cats. However, it is not part of the natural diet for felines and is not likely to provide any nutritional benefits. As obligate carnivores, cats should not eat grains too often.
6. Human Foods That Should Be Given With Caution
Some human foods can be given to cats, but only with caution and in very small amounts. These foods might have potential risks or lack significant nutritional value, so moderation is key.
6.1 Is avocado poisonous to cats?
Avocado’s pit, skin, and leaves contain persin which causes poisoning in some animals such as rabbits, goats, and birds. Even though there’s no clear evidence that avocados are poisonous to cats, it might be better to stay on the safe side and not feed it too often to your kitty. The avocado flesh, which can be given in very small amounts, is also quite high in fat.
6.2 Peaches: a safe treat for cats?
You can safely feed a small amount of peeled peach but too much of it might cause stomach upset and diarrhea due to its high sugar content and because it’s difficult to digest. Be sure to remove the pit as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can present a serious choking hazard.
6.3 Potatoes for cats: cooked vs. raw
Many cats like the taste of potatoes and some cat food manufacturers even add these veggies to their products. Potatoes are rich in Vitamins B and C, as well as potassium. However, raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxin that can be very dangerous for your feline friend. The good news is, solanine disappears while cooking, so you can safely feed moderate amounts of peeled and cooked (boiled or baked) potatoes. Avoid feeding fried potatoes due to the high-fat content and be sure to serve them plain.
6.4 Spinach: when to avoid it in a cat’s diet
If your pet has kidney issues or digestive tract problems, spinach should be avoided altogether. This is because it contains calcium oxalates that can cause stone formation in the urinary tracts. However, healthy cats can safely consume small quantities of this green leafy veggie which is packed with vitamins and minerals.
6.5 Can broccoli cause constipation in cats?
Broccoli is full of vitamins and minerals but it can also cause constipation. You can feed it to your cat every once in a while in small amounts, boiled and unseasoned.
6.6 Tomatoes: ripe vs. unripe for cats
The leaves and the skin of tomatoes contain solanine which is toxic to cats. If you want to include tomatoes in your cat’s diet, be sure that they’re ripe and completely peeled.
6.7 Corn: nutritional value for cats?
Even though corn is not toxic to cats, it doesn’t really offer any nutritional value to them either. A few pieces of corn won’t harm your cat, but if consumed in large amounts, it can negatively affect their digestive system and stomach. If you’re going to give your pet a bit of corn, opt for boiled or cooked without any spices, sauces, or oil.
6.8 Tuna fish for cats: human vs. cat-specific
Cats can safely eat canned tuna prepared for them but the one for humans can be high in unsaturated fats. It might be suitable as a snack or treat in the amount of about one tablespoon, but constant consumption of large quantities of tuna can be harmful to your cat.
6.9 Bread: occasional treat or dietary staple for cats?
Cats can safely eat small amounts of bread from time to time but note that bread contains no nutritional value for them, so it shouldn’t replace their normal cat food diet.
6.10 Is peanut butter safe for cats?
Peanut butter is safe if given in very small amounts (between a teaspoon to a tablespoon). Even though it is rich in protein, peanut butter is also high in fats, which can contribute to obesity and diabetes, and carbs that cats can’t digest well. Moreover, its sticky texture can present a choking hazard. It is also possible for your feline companion to have a peanut allergy which can prove to be life-threatening.
7. What Can Cats Not Eat? Toxic Foods to Avoid
Some common human foods can be very dangerous to cats and result in serious illnesses if consumed continuously and in big amounts. Infections, obesity, bladder and urinary tract issues, liver and damage are some of them. Some types of mushrooms, on the other hand, can be toxic and could even result in death. The list below contains all the foods your cat should stay away from.
7.1 Grapes and Raisins: A Danger to a Cat’s Kidneys
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure and GI problems in dogs. Even though there is no concrete evidence proving these fruits have the same effect on felines, there are reports of similar reactions.
7.2 Why are citrus fruits like oranges dangerous for cats?
The seeds, leaves, stem, and peel of the orange contain oils that are poisonous to cats. In addition, citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit are very acidic and can upset your cat’s tummy. The good news is, most cats are repelled by the smell of citrus and probably won’t even try to eat these fruits.
7.3 Cherries: are all parts of the plant toxic to cats?
All of the parts of the cherry plant except the ripe fruit are considered toxic to cats. This includes the pits, stems, and leaves.
7.4 Plums: a hidden source of cyanide for cats
The plum’s seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanide. Plums are always toxic to our feline companions, but they are especially dangerous as they wilt because they have higher concentrations of the toxin during wilting.
7.5 How does onion and garlic affect cats?
All members of the allium family (including chives and leeks) are poisonous to cats if they eat a single large serving or repeatedly nibble on small amounts over time. Garlic is considered to be five times as toxic as onions for felines.
7.6 Mushrooms: store-bought vs. wild for cats
Most store-bought mushrooms are safe for cats in small amounts but you should never give wild mushrooms, as they can be poisonous. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning are diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, discoloration of the skin, etc.
7.7 What are the risks of feeding raw meat, fish, or eggs to cats?
Raw meat, fish, and eggs carry a risk of potentially fatal viruses and bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella. In addition, some raw meats might contain high amounts of fat, which can lead to pancreatitis.
7.8 Small bones: a choking hazard for cats
Small pieces of bone can easily get stuck in your kitty’s esophagus or damage the stomach and intestinal system during digestion. You don’t have to worry about cooked (baked or boiled) coarse bones, which your pet can manage to remove from the meat and are also good for their teeth.
7.9 Can milk cause digestive issues in cats?
From the moment kittens transition from mother’s milk to solid food, the enzyme that digest lactose in milk and other dairy products begins to decrease. In fact, most cats become lactose-intolerant and can’t digest milk. If a lactose-intolerant cat consumes milk, they might experience a number of issues, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to liver damage.
7.10 Cheese: a safer dairy option for cats?
Cheese is lower in lactose so some cats can tolerate it better than milk, but you should still be very careful. If you give your cat cheese at all, feed them a small piece once in a while. Feeding your cat large amounts of milk or other milk products can cause damage to their digestive system.
7.11 Why is ice cream bad for cats?
Besides the lactose issue, ice cream also contains sugar, which can cause diarrhea and other GI issues.
7.12 Yogurt for cats: beneficial or harmful?
Although not proven by scientific evidence, some experts claim that small amounts of yogurt are safe and even beneficial for cats. Yogurt is believed to be effective in treating diarrhea in cats as it contains probiotics.
7.13 Xylitol: a sugar substitute to avoid for cats
Xylitol is a common sweetener used as a sugar substitute in many human foods. Even though it is not proven to be harmful to cats, it is known to be toxic to dogs, which is why it’s best to steer clear of it.
7.14 Nuts: high-fat content and digestive issues in cats
Although nuts aren’t poisonous to cats, the high-fat content can damage your pet’s digestive system. In cats that eat walnuts and almonds frequently or in big amounts, diarrhea and vomiting might occur, as well as pancreatitis in the long term.
7.15 Popcorn: a choking hazard and digestive irritant for cats
Store-bought popcorn often contains preservatives and additives which can cause diarrhea and constipation. Air-popped popcorn, which you can prepare at home, can be fed occasionally and with caution as it can present a choking hazard.
7.16 Alcohol: even small amounts can be deadly for cats
Even small amounts of alcohol can cause a range of nasty symptoms such as digestive upset, disorientation, breathing issues, coma, and even death.
7.17 How does caffeine affect cats?
Caffeine toxicity in cats can cause increased heart rate, hyperactivity, breathing difficulties, tremors, and seizures. While it is unlikely that a lick or two from your coffee, soda, or energy drink will cause serious harm, raw coffee grounds and tea bags could contain enough caffeine to quickly create a problem if your cat ingests them.
7.18 Chocolate: a definite no-no for cats
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can cause heart problems, muscle tremors, and seizures in cats. This also refers to sugar-free and dark chocolates.
7.19 Raw dough: a dangerous treat for cats
One of the main problems in the raw dough is the yeast. In fact, it can quickly produce enough carbon dioxide and alcohol to cause some major problems for a cat. In addition, the dough itself will expand inside the animal’s stomach to a size that might require a surgical intervention to remove the digestive obstruction.
8. What Human Food Can Kittens Eat?
Growing kittens should eat kitten food or food labeled for all feline life stages. Even if you introduce other foods, this should be their primary source of nutrients as too many changes in the diet can lead to digestive upset.
On the other hand, if your kitten grows up eating only one food, they’ll become accustomed, and changing it later will be difficult. For that reason, you can try offering foods like scrambled eggs, cooked meat and fish, salad greens, and pumpkin.
Remember to introduce any new foods slowly and always feed them in small amounts. Keep in mind that these foods should not make up more than 10% of your kitten’s daily calorie intake Any more than 10% could upset the nutritional balance of their food. In addition, offer one new food item at a time to give your pet a chance to taste and get to know that food.
9. Key Takeaways: Safe Feeding Practices for Cats
- Most food groups contain a few items that your feline companion can safely consume, but they also have foods that you should never feed, such as chocolate and wild mushrooms.
- If you suspect your pet has ingested human food that is poisonous to cats, call your veterinarian for advice. In some cases, small amounts might not cause harm but larger quantities may require urgent treatment.
- Keep in mind that human foods should be given as an occasional treat and shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About What Cats Can Eat
10.1 Is it okay to give my cat milk as a treat?
Most cats are lactose intolerant, so giving them milk can cause digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea. It’s best to avoid milk altogether.
10.2 Can I give my cat cooked bones?
Small cooked bones can be a choking hazard or damage your cat’s digestive system. It’s best to avoid giving your cat any type of bones.
10.3 Are there any fruits that are toxic to cats?
Grapes and raisins are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes can also be harmful.
10.4 What vegetables can cats eat safely?
Cats can safely eat small amounts of cooked carrots, cucumbers, celery, green beans, and lettuce.
10.5 Is chocolate really dangerous for cats?
Yes, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which are toxic to cats and can cause heart problems, muscle tremors, and seizures.
10.6 Can cats eat peanut butter?
Peanut butter is safe in very small amounts, but it’s high in fat and can cause digestive issues. It also presents a choking hazard.
10.7 How much human food can I give my cat?
Human foods should only be given as occasional treats and should not make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
10.8 What should I do if my cat eats something poisonous?
If you suspect your cat has ingested human food that is poisonous, call your veterinarian for advice immediately.
10.9 Can kittens eat the same human foods as adult cats?
Kittens have specific nutritional needs and should primarily eat kitten food. However, they can try small amounts of safe human foods like scrambled eggs, cooked meat, and pumpkin.
10.10 Are there any grains that are safe for cats to eat?
Cats can safely eat small amounts of cooked rice and oatmeal. These grains can provide some fiber and iron.
Navigating your cat’s diet can be tricky, but with the right information, you can ensure they receive the nutrition they need while enjoying the occasional treat. For more insights, articles, and a community of cat lovers, visit solcat.net, your trusted resource for everything cat-related.
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