Starting your day with a hot bowl of oatmeal is amazing. It also keeps you energetic the whole day. Many cat owners might have thought, why not provide oatmeal to your furball? I also had the same question, but I did not find any straightforward answer to this question.
So, the question is, can cats eat oatmeal? Technically, there are many factors that play an important role in feeding or not. As we move further ahead, you will get to know the complete information.
Can Cats Have Oatmeal?
Yes, cats can eat oatmeal, but in a very small quantity. Oatmeal is one of the few foods that cats can consume in safe serving sizes.
If you are providing, then you have to measure the oatmeal before feeding your furball. You should not provide the oatmeal in a full meal or replace your cat’s diet.
Cats belong to obligate carnivores which means they thrive on meat, they do not eat any fruits or vegetables. However, just like every other pet, you can occasionally feed them foods besides their regular diet.
That being said, it does not mean that you can provide any food that is edible to humans. Every cat as a distinct species has different digestive systems as compared to humans. So before you feed oatmeal to your cat, it is best suggested to take advice from your local vet.
Nutritional Benefits of Oatmeal
When it comes to nutritional benefits, then oatmeal is packed with lots of nutritional benefits. It has lots of fiber and antioxidants that are good for your feline’s digestive system.
It also helps to keep the skin healthy, long hair, and a shiny coat. Moreover, it is packed with some essential vitamins and minerals.
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin B6
- Zinc
- Iron
- Selenium
Oatmeal is rich in protein, compared to other grains like rice & wheat. However, oatmeal is not only protein-rich food but it also contains more carbohydrates, which is not required in a cat’s diet.
Oatmeal is a good source of iron, it helps boost the function of enzymes. Iron is required to make more blood in the body. If your cat is suffering from anemia, then you don’t have to worry you can feed it oatmeal.
The oatmeal also has Calcium and vitamin B6, which are also essential for a cat’s body to grow. Calcium is necessary for bone development in kittens.
However, vitamins are required to break down the proteins into amino acids, as the amino acids support your cat’s overall functionality.
Oatmeal has manganese, which helps in good digestion and controls cholesterol levels. Moreover, it is high in fiber and low in levels of gluten.
That being said, now you know what are the benefits of having a good amount of fiber, It will assist your cat in clearing the digestive system. Fibers will help to regulate normal bowel movements.
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it the best homemade cat food. Moreover, it has a high diuretic effect and is considered good for cats.
Can Cats Eat Oatmeal With Milk?
Many cat owners ask me this question, can cats have oats? Here I have provided the complete information, have a look. Some cats are lactose intolerant, which makes it difficult to digest the oatmeal with milk.
You should not provide the oatmeal which is prepared with milk. If your cat is intolerant to dairy products, it will be hard to digest for them.
The way to cook the oatmeal for your cat is to use water. You can simply add some water to make the oatmeal soft, but make sure the oatmeal is not too watery.
If you feed them soft oatmeal then it makes it easier for your furball to chew, swallow, and digest. So your cat will get all the nutrients that oatmeal provides.
How Often Can Cat Eat Oatmeal?
As you know cats are carnivores, and they need a protein-rich diet, however, oatmeal is rich in protein. However, you will find a 1/2 carbohydrate ratio in oatmeal. So if you are feeding oatmeal daily, then it will lead your cat to weight gain.
Cats do not need carbs to operate the body as we humans need. However, they are obligate carnivores, they consume all the nutrients from the meat. However, you can feed a small amount of oatmeal once in a while.
When you feed oatmeal to your furball some will find it appealing and others may not like it at all. If your cat is refusing, then do not force her to eat. However, there are other alternatives for carbs that you can feed.
Undoubtedly the best and the healthiest cookies are made from oatmeal, you also may agree with this statement. There are many cat owners who ask me if oatmeal cookies are safe for cats, and if we can provide them as a treat.
The cookies are made from oatmeal porridge, the nutrition is the same, but cookies have a more crunchy texture and sweet taste.
Did you ever think to give a tiny piece of cookies to your cat? The answer should be no, you should not feed oatmeal cookies to your cat.
Usually, all the cookies are made with raisins and chocolate, which are also high in sugar, and it is toxic for felines. You should consult a veterinarian before feeding your feline any human food.
Which Oatmeal to Totally Avoid for Cats?
Now as we know that it is safe to feed oatmeal to cats in a very proportionate amount. Although, there are some brands that combine oatmeal with chocolate and raisins. In this case, because of the added ingredients, it can become toxic to your cats.
So, whenever you feed oatmeal to your cat, make sure that it has no added ingredients. And, even if it has any added ingredients, then make sure that it isn’t toxic to your kitty.
FAQs
How much oatmeal can a cat eat?
If you want to count calorie intake then you should know the height, weight, and age of the cat. You will get an accurate calorie intake for your furball.
You can also visit the veterinarian to know the total daily energy expenditure of your cat. If you want to know roughly, then an adult cat might need 200–300 calories per day.
Can kittens eat oatmeal?
Yes, kittens can eat oatmeal, but make sure you can give it only twice a week. As it is carbs rich so it will make your kitten overweight. Moreover, feeding oatmeal will help your kitten stay energetic the whole day.
Can cats eat oats with almond milk?
Yes, but your cat must not be intolerant to dairy products. If she is then you should not feed oatmeal with almond milk, alternative for that is to prepare it with water.
Conclusion
This leads us to the end. I hope you found this article helpful, and you got all the answers to “Can cats eat oatmeal?”.
Oatmeal is rich in carbohydrates and protein, which is essential for your cat’s diet. However, the way you are feeding is quite important. So have a look what is the best way to feed the oatmeal.
I had the same question, and at that time I was unable to find the answers, so I tried to gather the complete information so that I can provide it to you.
If still, you have any doubts related to cats eating oatmeal then you can leave the questions in the comment section down below.
Reference:
- Feline Nutrition — VetMed
- Role of carbohydrates in cat food — Tufts
- Benefits of eating oats for cats — PetMD