What Can I Feed Cats Besides Cat Food?

Ideally, cats should only be given water to drink. However, it’s important for your cat to stay properly hydrated, especially if they have other health problems such as kidney disease.

 Some individuals are really not keen on the taste of water, but there are a few tricks you can try to encourage increased water intake. Read on for our tips.

You sit down on the sofa to relax and enjoy a scrumptious snack. Moments later, your cat coils around your legs and plops down, begging for a tidbit of your treat with a sweet meow. Although you would be happy to share a taste, you guiltily say no, knowing your munchies are bad for your kitty.

Other Food To Feed Cats

1. Fish

Fish, like tuna and salmon, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These are great for eyesight and for easing arthritis symptoms. The nutrients in fish also stave off heart disorders and kidney disease. Only feed your cat cooked fish and canned fish, but not raw fish.

2. Meat

Poutry, beef and other meat is a natural option for your little carnivore. Cooked poultry is your best bet. Skip meats high in sodium, such as cold cuts or ham, as too much salt can be toxic to cats.

3. Cheese

Sharing a slice or wedge with your kitty is very Gouda of you (see what we did there?) as it’s high in calcium and protein. Hard cheeses can be fed to your cat if they are interested. Cheese is high in protein and calcium. It can be given to your cat in small amounts. Make sure your cat can handle dairy first.

Eggs

4. Bananas

Kiddos aren’t the only ones who can benefit from bananas. They can be a healthy snack for cats, too, although they should only be a special treat due to their high sugar content.

5. Berries

Lower in sugar and high in antioxidants, blueberries and strawberries are good fruits to share with your kitty… although probably not in a pie. A good source of vitamins A and C, blueberries can be found in some cat foods, like American Journey salmon grain-free dry cat food, and some felines may even like to snack on frozen blueberries, Wismer said. As mentioned, you’ll want to limit the amount of treats you give your cat each day, even if they’re healthy.

6. Melon

Many cats enjoy small pieces of cantaloupe, honeydew or seedless watermelon. Plus, melon is high in vitamins A and C.

7. Carrots

While cats, unlike humans, don’t require veggies in their diet, they can be a safe and healthy treat. Your cat might nosh on some cooked carrots, but avoid raw ones as they may be a choking hazard.

8. Rice

Although not a necessary part of their diet, a little bit of white rice won’t harm your cat. In fact, it might be helpful if she’s having some digestive issues.

9. Pumpkin

Skip the spice and just give your kitty the pumpkin. Pureed pumpkin has fiber and nutrients that can help with everything from constipation to hairballs.

10. Oatmeal

Oats have lots of fiber, iron and even protein, all of which are beneficial to your cat’s overall health. You can also use them topically for skin problems.

11. Eggs

Protein-rich eggs are another healthful food you can share with your cat. Opt for cooked, as raw eggs may carry salmonella or E. coli.

12. Spinach

If you have ever seen your cat nibble on grass, then you know kitties like leafy greens. Spinach is high in vitamins, although it should not be given to cats with kidney or urinary problems.

Of course, any and all of these foods should be given as occasional treats as part of a balanced diet. Talk to your vet about the best food to feed your cat daily or if you have any concerns about what your kitty should or should not be eating.

Cantaloupes

Cantaloupe is a cat favorite in the fruit category, something they normally don’t love. The beta-carotene helps keep skin and eyes healthy, and it’s safe for cats to eat.

Milk

You may wonder if or not your cat can drink milk besides cat food. The image of a cat happily lapping up milk is such a common one that many people don’t even question it. But it may surprise you to learn that sipping at cows’ milk is actually detrimental to their health, no matter how much they make like the taste of it.

Kittens have an enzyme in their stomachs that allows them to break down lactose from their mother’s milk, but adult cats don’t have this enzyme and lose the ability to digest milk sugars. Instead, the lactose in the milk may cause an upset stomach when it begins to ferment.

Turkey

Another lean protein, turkey, including cooked turkey breast or sliced deli meat, is a cat-safe snack. When introducing new foods to your cat, you should expect her to have a little bit of gastrointestinal upset, Werber says. If it’s a food they’ve never had before, their bodies may not be used to digesting it and they can be a little finicky about what they eat. Werber’s advice? Give them some variety to see what they like and make sure to do everything in moderation. And ensure your kitty is receiving proper daily nutrition by feeding their cat food in addition to any human food snacks.

Peas

High in fiber, vitamin C and vitamin A, peas are another cat-safe human food. They often are found in commercial cat foods, such as Solid Gold Indigo Moon with chicken and eggs grain-free dry cat food, but can be fed to your cat frozen or raw.

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