5 Human Food Items That Are Safe for Cats ( and 5 That Are Not!)

If you are like most fur-parents, you probably enjoy those afternoons on the couch cuddling with your cat while you munch on your favorite snacks - that is, until you look at your cat and see how much they want a bit of your snack, too. But as much as you want to share treats with your kitty, you're certainly worried about the safety of your beloved pet.

But before you say no every time, you should know that there are actually some harmless human food items that you can give your cat. Here, Earthwise Pet shares some of them:

1. Cheese

Cheese is an excellent snack for your cat, especially if you give her the low-sodium kind. It is beneficial for your cat's health because it contains tons of the mineral taurine, which is essential for cats with heart problems.

2. Fish

Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein for cats. It is also believed to help the cat's digestive health and prevent bad breath. Just make sure to cook the fish before giving it to your cat.

3. Carrots

Carrots are a crunchy source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in your cat's diet. They can be given fresh as a snack or dried as a treat.

4. Chicken

Chicken offers a great source of high-quality protein, making it a perfect treat for your cat. But remember to remove the skin and bones since they are not safe for cats. Also, avoid giving your cat chicken wings since they can cause choking in cats.

5. Pumpkin

Pumpkin can be your cat's favorite treat because it's delicious and nutritious. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and contains great vitamins for cats.

What You CANNOT Feed Your Cat

Sadly, there are still other types of human food you cannot give to your cat. Here are some of the foods you should never give to your cat:

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is bad for cats. It can cause theobromine poisoning, which can be fatal.

2. Coffee and Tea

Caffeine is bad for cats and can cause heart problems in cats. It can also cause nervous disorders and hyperactivity in cats.

3. Grapes and Raisins

These are not just "bad" for your cat. They can cause kidney failure, which can be fatal.

4. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic can cause anemia in cats. So avoid feeding your cat any food that contains these ingredients.

5. Salt

Although salt is OK for people, it's not good for cats. A common myth is that cats lick their paws after walking on salty surfaces to control their salt intake. This is not true because they lick their paws to get rid of the smell of the salty surface.

Conclusion

Although some human food is OK for your cat, there are still some they should avoid. It's always better to be safe than sorry when giving your cat treats. So if you want to give your cat a treat, make sure to read the list of safe treats above.

You can be a more responsible cat owner now that you know what to feed your cat (and what not to give). You will need to know more information, but the rule of thumb is to always give your cat the freshest food you can find. If you’re hesitant to give human food to your feline friend, you can find some awesome cat treats from your local pet store that your cat will surely love.

And here's one more piece of advice: don't forget to monitor your cat's weight and eat healthy foods to stay fit.

If you are looking for local pet supplies and the healthiest food available for your cat, Earthwise Pet in Fremont has the best products for you. Check out our pet nutrition products today!