Does your cat beg? These are the foods it can consume
2024. February 13 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
2024. February 13 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
Most pet owners struggle with cats begging at the table, and often we can't resist those huge cat eyes. We have collected the human foods that you can safely offer your pet.
Wet and dry cat foods available for cats perfectly satisfy all the animal’s nutritional needs. Nevertheless, most cats, as soon as they notice their owner eating, immediately pretend to starve and do everything possible to get a bite too. Here is a list what you can give to your begging cat.
Cats can consume most fruits – albeit in small quantities. The reason for this is the high sugar content – it can cause obesity or diabetes if the animal regularly consumes them. If your pet likes fruit, it can occasionally be given as a treat. It is important to always give it thoroughly washed and cut into small pieces.
When it comes to fruit, look out for the following:
If you offer apples or pears to your pet, make sure no seeds end up on its plate. The seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, which is poisonous. (This applies to all seeded fruits, such as watermelon.)
Many cats like bananas, pineapples, but due to their very high sugar content, give them only occasionally.
When it comes to fruits, the best choices are strawberries or blueberries. Both are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help strengthen the cat’s immune system. Blueberries also reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
Pumpkin is also a great choice – yes, pumpkin is not a vegetable but a fruit! Here too, it is important to remove the outer skin and seeds, but adding two to three tablespoons of cooked pumpkin puree to your cat’s diet can help with digestive problems.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all necessary nutrients from animal protein. Although their digestive system is not primarily designed to process vegetables, vegetables can be safely given occasionally, in small amounts. Consumption of vegetables may be beneficial, especially for overweight pets due to their low-calorie content.
Carrots are full of beta-carotene, which is very good for a cat’s eyes and fur. It’s no coincidence that some wet cat foods also contain this excellent vegetable. If your cat eats it alone, offer it peeled and cooked.
Cucumbers contain vitamins C and K, magnesium, and a large amount of water, making them an excellent snack for overweight cats. Peel it and cut it into small pieces before offering it to your pet.
Celery is rich in vitamins and fibers, which is great for cats with digestive problems. Like cucumbers, this is also a great snack for overweight cats trying to lose weight.
Lettuce is rich in vitamins A and K, folic acid, and fiber, and has a low calorie content. It can be a good dietary supplement for cats who do not consume enough fluids. Wash very thoroughly and cut into tiny pieces before giving it to the cat.
Meat is rich in animal protein and amino acids, and it represents the main source of nutrition for cats. You can feed your cat any type of meat as long as you serve it cooked and without sauces or seasoning. Cats cannot consume salty foods due to the risk of sodium poisoning, and strong spices can also cause digestive problems.
If the cat begs, always make sure to give it only plain meat – for example, from the middle of a chicken breast where it has not come into contact with any seasoning or sauce.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and can be safely given to your pet. But it is important never to give them raw, as they may carry bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.
Similar to fruits and vegetables, cats don’t actually need grains in their diet. If your cat enjoys eating cooked rice, for example, you can occasionally offer it, but it should only receive one bite at a time.
The listed foods (except meat) can mainly serve as treats in your cat’s diet, as supplements to their usual cat food. Your cat might be eager to steal the entire contents of your plate, but it’s better not to let it.
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