What can cats eat? Your table for reference

Did you know that not everything that ends up on your plate is also suitable for your cat?
Many cat owners are faced with the challenge of figuring out which foods they can safely share with their pet.

Cats are allowed to eat high-quality meat, certain types of fish, selected vegetables and fruits, as well as boiled eggs and some dairy products, while raw pork, onions, garlic and raw potatoes should be strictly avoided.
In this article, you'll find an easy-to-understand chart that shows you which foods are safe and which you should never give your cat, as well as tips for a balanced diet for your pet.

Why your cat's diet is so important

Your cat's diet plays a central role in its health and well-being. Just like people, cats need a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients. These nutrients are mainly found in animal products. If important elements are missing from the diet, this can lead to deficiencies that can seriously endanger your cat's health. It is therefore important to make sure that your cat is fed a complete diet that provides everything it needs.

However, there are also foods that you should not give your cat as they can cause health problems . These include, for example, raw pork, which can transmit dangerous diseases, or cow's milk, which can cause digestive problems as adult cats often cannot digest the milk sugar properly. To make sure you are doing the right thing, consulting a veterinarian can be very helpful. They can inform you about which foods are safe and how to properly control the amount of food to avoid obesity.

What can cats eat? The table for reference

If you are unsure about what foods you can give your cat, you have come to the right place. In this section you will find a helpful table that will give you a quick overview of what is allowed on your cat's menu and what is better not to. This table is a simple tool to ensure that you are giving your cat only the best and avoiding dangerous foods.

Safe Meat for Cats

Cats are carnivores by nature and require high-quality animal proteins to stay healthy. Safe meats for cats typically include easily digestible and nutrient-dense varieties such as chicken, turkey and beef. These meats are rich in essential amino acids and taurine, an important nutrient for cats that is not found in plant-based foods.

However, raw meat can pose risks, such as the transmission of pathogens, so it is advisable to always cook meat well for cats. Lamb, rabbit and occasionally fish (in moderation) can also be part of a healthy cat diet. Avoid raw pork and make sure the meat is free of spices and sauces that can be harmful to cats.

Fruits and vegetables that cats can eat

Even though cats are primarily carnivores, there are some fruits and vegetables that they can safely enjoy. Safe options include cooked carrots and parsnips, which can be grated or boiled, and broccoli and green beans in small amounts. These can be a good source of fiber and vitamins.

When it comes to fruit, you should choose low-sugar varieties such as blueberries and raspberries, as cats can be prone to diabetes. Always offer fruit and vegetables in small quantities and make sure they are free of seeds and indigestible peels. It is also important to make sure that your cat does not eat too much fruit, as the sugar it contains can be harmful in large quantities.

Foods that cats should avoid

There are some foods that cats should definitely avoid because they can be toxic to them. These include all onion-like foods such as garlic, onions and chives, which can lead to the destruction of red blood cells in large quantities. Chocolate and caffeine are also dangerous because they contain substances such as theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats.

Other foods that should not be on your cat's menu include grapes and raisins, alcohol, and foods that contain xylitol. If your cat accidentally eats any of these foods, it is important to act quickly and seek veterinary attention. Note that this is not an exhaustive list and caution should always be exercised when in doubt.

What do cats like to eat most? Popular alternatives to cat food

Cats have their own preferences when it comes to food. They like high-quality meat and certain types of fish . Boiled eggs and some dairy products are also popular. But what about alternatives? Sometimes cat owners want to make their pets happy and offer them something from their own plate. However, care should always be taken to ensure that the food is also well tolerated by the cat and is safe for their health .

Not all human food is suitable for cats. However, there are some that can serve as occasional treats . These should always be given in small quantities so as not to endanger the cat's nutritional needs. In addition, it is important to know your cat's individual preferences and tolerances in order to optimize its diet.

Human Foods Cats Can Eat

There are some human foods that are suitable as snacks for cats. These include boiled eggs , which are rich in protein and nutrients. Steamed vegetables such as carrots and broccoli can also be given in small amounts. Fruit should be offered sparingly due to its sugar content, but bananas and berries can serve as occasional treats.

If you want to please your cat, you can also offer her oatmeal soaked in water or a small portion of canned tuna (without oil). However, it is important that such treats do not replace the regular cat food and only serve as an exception . Steamed fish such as salmon is also a tasty snack, but make sure that it is well cooked and boneless.

Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Cats

Some human foods can be dangerous for cats. These include onions , garlic and grapes , which can be toxic to cats even in small amounts. Also particularly dangerous are chocolate and caffeine , which contain substances such as theobromine, which are very harmful to cats.

In addition, cats should not consume alcoholic beverages or foods containing xylitol . Raw eggs and dairy products can also cause problems, as many adult cats cannot digest lactose well. In general, if you are unsure whether a food is suitable for your cat, it is better to play it safe and not feed it.

Answers to your questions about cat nutrition

Many cat owners wonder if they can share their own food with their animal companions. It's important to understand that cats have specific nutritional needs and not all foods that are safe for humans are suitable for cats. In this section, we'll answer some of the most common questions about cat nutrition so you know what you can safely give your cat and what you should avoid.

Can cats eat normal food?

Cat owners often notice their cats' interest in human food. But can cats eat normal food? Basically, cats cannot tolerate the same foods as humans. Their digestion is designed for a meat-based diet, and many of our common foods can even be harmful to cats' health.

However, some foods that we eat are also suitable for cats in moderation. Cooked vegetables such as pumpkin or potatoes can be a complement to a cat's diet in small quantities and without seasoning. However, it is important that you avoid the following foods: onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine and grapes , as these can be toxic to cats.

Which sausages and fruits can cats eat?

When it comes to the question of which sausages cats can eat, caution is advised. Common sausages that we humans eat, such as ham or salami, are often too seasoned and contain additives that are not suitable for cats. Raw and lean beef or chicken, on the other hand, can serve as an occasional treat, as long as it is fresh and unseasoned.

There are also restrictions on fruit. While some varieties such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are safe in small quantities, you should only feed sugary fruits such as apples and bananas sparingly to minimize the risk of diabetes. Avocados, grapes and all stone fruits are toxic to cats .

Myths about cat nutrition revealed

There are many myths surrounding cat nutrition that can lead to misinformation. Some people believe that cats love and need milk, although many cats cannot tolerate lactose . Another myth is that cats should eat fish all the time, but too much fish can lead to vitamin deficiencies . Here are some common myths at a glance:

• Milk is a must for cats – False, many cats are lactose intolerant
• Cats need fish every day – False, too much fish can be harmful
• Dry food is harmful – False, it can be part of a balanced diet It is important to educate yourself about the real needs of cats and not to rely on outdated ideas .

How to ensure a balanced diet for your cat

A balanced diet is essential for your cat's health. High-quality proteins, fats and carbohydrates as well as essential vitamins and minerals are essential. Make sure you use a complete diet that contains all the nutrients your cat needs. Also consider your cat's life stage , as kittens, adult cats and seniors have different needs.

Healthy nutrition without cat food – is that possible?

Homemade cat food can be a healthy alternative if you choose the right ingredients and ensure a balanced nutrient composition . Use unseasoned, well-cooked meat and supplement it with suitable vegetables . Find out about the necessary nutrients and, if you are unsure, consult a veterinarian or use special cookbooks for cats.

The Role of Water in Your Cat's Diet

Water plays a central role in your cat's diet. Make sure that fresh water is always available and offer it in different places that are not directly next to the food bowl. Cats that eat mainly dry food need especially lots of fluids to avoid dehydration .

Nutritional needs for cats in different life stages

Your cat's diet should be tailored to its age . Kittens need energy-rich food for growth, adult cats need a high-protein diet , and senior cats benefit from easily digestible, nutrient-rich food . Look for special products for each life stage and adjust the amount of food accordingly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can you feed cats besides cat food?

You can feed your cat various things that are not part of the typical cat food. These include high-quality, well-cooked meat such as chicken, turkey and beef, certain types of fish, boiled eggs and some dairy products. Certain vegetables such as boiled carrots, parsnips, broccoli and green beans and fruits such as blueberries and raspberries are also suitable in small quantities. It is important that all foods are unseasoned and without sauces. Boiled eggs, steamed vegetables and small portions of bananas or berries can also be used as snacks. Oatmeal softened in water or a small portion of canned tuna (without oil) are also possible. However, these should only be given in small quantities and should not replace regular cat food.

Can you give cats normal food?

It is possible to give cats certain normal foods, however not all human foods are safe for cats. Suitable foods include cooked vegetables such as pumpkin or potatoes in small quantities and without seasoning. However, it is important to avoid foods such as onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine and grapes as these can be toxic to cats.

Which sausage can cats eat?

Common sausages that people eat are often over-seasoned and contain additives that are not suitable for cats. Therefore, you should not feed your cat sausages such as ham or salami. As an alternative, you can give your cat raw and lean beef or chicken, as long as it is fresh and unseasoned.

Which fruits are good for cats?

Fruits suitable for cats include low-sugar varieties such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, which can be given in small amounts. Sugary fruits such as apples and bananas should only be fed sparingly to minimize the risk of diabetes. Avocados, grapes and all stone fruits are toxic to cats.