As cat parents, we all know the fear of ending a bag of cat food. As the pack is about to empty, your mind races to find what to feed your cat, how to make cat food at home, what human foods cats can eat, and which human foods can be dangerous for your feline buddy.
Well, worry not. We have the solution for all your cat food-related problems. Let’s explore how to keep your cat well-fed and happy with homemade food.
14 Human Foods Cats Can Eat Safely
Cooked Fish
Fish such as salmon or tuna provide high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for a cat’s skin and coat health. However, it should be served cooked and in moderation to avoid mercury exposure and to ensure it doesn’t contain bones that could pose a choking hazard or cause internal injury.
Cooked Chicken
Chicken is another excellent source of protein for cats, which is essential for their muscle health and energy levels. It should be cooked without adding seasonings or sauces, which can harm cats. Chicken can also be a good meal option when a cat feels unwell, as it’s easy on the stomach.
Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and contain essential amino acids and vitamins. Scrambled eggs can be a healthy treat for cats without any added salt or spices. Make sure they’re fully cooked to avoid the risk of salmonella.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which can benefit a cat’s skin and eye health. Many cats enjoy the soft texture and moisture of this melon. It should be given in small amounts as a treat.
Steamed Broccoli
This vegetable is high in fiber and vitamin C and can be a good option for cats who enjoy chewing on plants. Steaming it makes it easier for cats to digest. It’s also useful for overweight cats, providing a low-calorie treat option.
Carrots
Cooked carrots are safe for cats and can provide vitamins, such as beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, supporting eye health. Carrots should be cooked and cut into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking.
Peas
Peas are often found in commercial cat foods as a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, including vitamins A, B, and K. They can be served frozen or thawed as a treat, offering a crunchy texture that many cats enjoy.
Pumpkin
Pure, unsweetened pumpkin is a great source of fiber, which can help with a cat’s digestive system, particularly for managing constipation or diarrhea. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and E, and potassium.
Cheese
While many cats are lactose intolerant, small amounts of hard cheeses like cheddar can be a tasty treat. Cheese should be given sparingly due to its fat content and potential to upset a cat’s stomach if they are lactose intolerant.
Apples
Apples (without the seeds) can provide vitamins, fiber, and phytonutrients to cats. They should be served in small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Ensure the apple is peeled and free from seeds, as the seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to cats.
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and K. They can be given as a low-calorie treat. Their small size makes them convenient for cats to eat, and their health benefits are a plus.
Watermelon
Watermelon provides hydration and vitamins A, B6, and C, making it a refreshing treat during hot weather. Remove the seeds and rind to prevent any risk of choking or gastrointestinal blockage.
Rice
Cooked plain white or brown rice can be given to cats in small amounts, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. It’s easily digestible and can help bind stools in cases of diarrhea. However, rice should only be a minor part of a cat’s diet due to its high carbohydrate content.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good energy source and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It can be a warm, comforting treat, especially for older cats. Ensure it is cooked and served plain, without any sugar or flavorings.
Human Foods that Cats Must Never Eat
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants cats cannot metabolize effectively. Ingesting chocolate can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures or death.
Onions and Garlic
These foods contain compounds that can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells in cats, leading to anemia. This is true for raw, cooked, or powdered forms. Symptoms of toxicity include weakness, lethargy, and pale gums.
Grapes and Raisins
Though the exact toxin is unknown, grapes and raisins have been linked to acute kidney failure in cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, lethargy, and subsequent kidney failure, which can be fatal.
Alcohol
Alcohol and foods containing alcohol can be highly dangerous to cats, causing symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
Xylitol
This sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, including gum and baked goods, can cause a rapid release of insulin in cats, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or death.
Raw Eggs, Meat, and Fish
Raw eggs contain avidin, an enzyme that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw meat and fish can contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, and certain fish can contain enzymes that destroy thiamine, an essential B vitamin, leading to serious neurological problems.
Caffeine
Found in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks, caffeine can be toxic to cats. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors.
Homemade Cat Food – Healthy & Delicious Vet-Approved Recipes
Most ingredients listed in recipes online are costly and not commonly available in Pakistan. We have listed the recipes that can be made from commonly available ingredients all over Pakistan. These recipes take some time and effort but are cheaper than costly cat foods in Pakistan. Moreover, these recipes are also great for picky cats and cats with health conditions.
Homemade Chicken and Rice Cat Meal Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast, Boneless: 1 piece
- Rice, White or Brown, Cooked: 1/4 cup
- Chicken Broth, Low Sodium: 1/4 cup
- Carrots, Cooked and Pureed: 1/4 cup
- Peas, Cooked and Pureed: 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Begin by fully cooking the boneless chicken breast, ensuring it’s thoroughly done with no pink in the middle. Once cooked, cool it slightly and finely shred it into pieces that are easy for your cat to eat.
- Take a clean mixing bowl and combine the cooked rice with the low sodium chicken broth, ensuring the rice is moistened.
- Next, incorporate the pureed carrots and peas into the rice and broth mixture, blending everything for uniform consistency.
- Fold the finely shredded chicken into the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout.
- Before serving your cat, ensure the meal has cooled to room temperature to avoid any potential harm from hot food.
- Offer the prepared meal to your cat in their regular feeding dish, observing their enjoyment of this homemade delicacy.
Homemade Veggie Cat Food
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes, Cooked and Mashed: 1/4 cup
- Carrots, Cooked and Mashed: 1/4 cup
- Green Beans, Cooked and Mashed: 1/4 cup
- Quinoa, Cooked: 1/4 cup
- Olive Oil (Optional): 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Start by preparing a mixing bowl. Add the mashed sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans to this bowl, followed by the cooked quinoa. These ingredients should be pre-cooked and cooled before mashing.
- For an extra touch of flavor and to introduce more moisture into the meal, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture. This step is optional and based on your cat’s dietary needs and preferences.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined, ensuring an even distribution of the vegetables and quinoa throughout the meal.
- Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to your cat’s feeding dish. It’s important to let the meal cool down to room temperature to make it safe and comfortable for your cat to eat.
- Present the meal to your cat, offering them a nutritious, homemade option that diverges from their regular diet.
Homemade Beef and Sweet Potato Cat Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- Beef, Cooked and Shredded or Finely Chopped: 1/4 cup
- Sweet Potatoes, Cooked and Mashed: 1/4 cup
- Peas, Cooked: 1/4 cup
- Beef Broth, Low Sodium: 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Prepare a mixing bowl and add the shredded or finely chopped cooked beef, ensuring it’s fully cooked and cooled beforehand.
- Add the mashed sweet potatoes and cooked peas to the beef, bringing together a mix of textures and flavors beneficial for your cat’s diet.
- Pour the low sodium beef broth over the mixture. This not only adds moisture but also helps in combining the ingredients more effectively while enhancing the flavor.
- Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well incorporated, and the mixture has a uniform consistency.
- Before serving, make sure the stew has reached room temperature to ensure it’s safe for your cat to consume.
- Present this homemade beef and sweet potato stew to your cat in their feeding dish, offering a nutritious and tasty meal alternative.
What are the Nutritional Needs of Cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must primarily consist of meat. Their nutritional needs are specific and differ from those of omnivores, such as humans and dogs. Here are the key nutritional components and their general percentage requirements in a cat’s diet.
Protein
Protein is crucial for growth, maintenance, and overall health, providing essential amino acids like taurine, which cats cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities. Adult cats require a diet with at least 26% protein on a dry matter basis, but higher levels are often recommended, especially for kittens and pregnant or nursing cats, who may require up to 30% or more.
Fat
Fat is a dense source of energy for cats and provides essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health, among other functions. The recommended fat content in a cat’s diet is about 20-24% on a dry matter basis. This helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and provides essential fatty acids such as arachidonic acid and linoleic acid.
Fiber
While not a nutrient cats require for energy, fiber helps in the digestion process and aids in the management of weight and hairballs. The fiber content in a cat’s diet is typically lower than that in an omnivore’s diet, around 1.5-2% on a dry matter basis, but it can vary based on the cat’s health needs.
Vitamins and Minerals
Cats require specific vitamins and minerals in their diet, including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals such as zinc, iron, and selenium. These should be properly balanced; for example, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio should be around 1-2:1.
Water
Although not a nutrient in the traditional sense, water is essential for life and makes up 60-70% of an adult cat’s body weight. Wet food can provide a significant portion of a cat’s water needs, but fresh, clean water should always be available.
Taurine
An essential amino acid for cats, taurine must be included in their diet as they cannot produce enough of it on their own. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) and vision problems. Commercial cat foods are supplemented with taurine; however, there’s no specific percentage requirement as long as the diet meets the AAFCO standards for taurine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give milk to my cats?
Many cats are lactose intolerant, which means their digestive system cannot properly digest the lactose in milk. Giving milk to cats can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea and stomach discomfort. While some cats may tolerate small amounts of milk, it’s generally recommended to avoid giving milk to cats, especially as a regular part of their diet.
Do cats have food allergies?
Yes, cats can have food allergies, with some of the most common allergens being beef, fish, chicken, dairy products, and eggs. Symptoms of food allergies in cats can include itching, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic disorders like ear infections or asthma. Identifying and eliminating the allergen from the diet is essential for managing food allergies in cats.
How much should I feed my cat?
The amount of food to feed a cat depends on its size, age, and activity level, but a general guideline is that an average adult cat requires about 20 calories per pound (44 calories per kg) of body weight per day. For a typical cat weighing 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg), this translates to roughly 200 calories a day. The specific gram amount of food will depend on the food’s caloric density, but for commercial cat food, this usually equates to approximately 50-70 grams of dry food or 150-250 grams of wet food per day.
Can my cat eat raw food?
Cats can eat raw food, and some diets are designed around raw feeding principles, emphasizing meats, organs, and sometimes bones. However, raw diets come with risks, such as exposure to pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. If considering a raw diet, it’s important to follow strict hygiene practices and consult a veterinarian to ensure the diet meets all nutritional needs and is safely prepared to minimize health risks.