Looking for healthy human foods safe for cats to eat? Well, cats are part of the family, right?
A cat’s diet is usually made up of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. This is because cats are carnivores, which means they eat meat. However, there are some healthy human foods that you can feed your cat as well.
Feeding your cat healthy human foods can help promote a healthier lifestyle for them. They will be less likely to overeat or have weight issues if they are fed the right balance of food.
Take a look at these 18 popular human foods that can be perfectly safe for your feline, in moderation, though.
What human food can cats eat?
Cats can eat human foods like Cooked fish, chicken, turkey, and beef. Also, Veggies like Peas, Spinach, Cooked Carrots, and Fruits like seedless watermelon, apples, strawberries are some other types of human food that cats can eat. However, human food can be a great choice for your cat, as long as it is cooked thoroughly before feeding it to your cat.
| Food Name | Nutritional Benefits | Health Risk |
| Fish | Good for your cat’s skin and coat | Raw fish can be harmful |
| Eggs | Excellent source of taurine | Raw eggs can be harmful |
| Meat | Rich source of protein | Raw or spoiled meat can be harmful |
| Cheese | High in protein | Digestive issues are likely |
| Bananas | High in calcium and protein | High sugar is bad |
| Apples | High in calcium, vitamin C, K, & pectin | Bad for diabetic cats |
| Blueberries | Antioxidants can help fight cancer | Feeding in large quantities can be bad |
| Brown Rice | Helps with diarrhea issues | Overfeeding can cause problems |
| Peas | Promotes healthy eyes, muscles, nerves, and skin | Frozen peas can pose a choking risk |
| Cantaloupe | High in vitamin A and C | Eating too much can cause weight gain |
| Bread | Good source of fiber | Uncooked or flavored bread can be harmful |
| Spinach | High in vitamins | Bad for cats with kidney issues |
| Oatmeal | Excellent source of protein and amino acids | Oatmeal containing raisins can be harmful |
| Pumpkin | Great source of fiber | Eating too much can cause diarrhea |
| Carrots | Rich in antioxidants and vitamins | Raw carrot can pose a risk of choking |
| Strawberries | Excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese | Overfeeding can lead to obesity |
| Watermelon | High in vitamins A and C | High sugar content can be bad |
| Fish Oils (Supplement) | Promotes healthy skin and coat | Gastrointestinal discomfort |
Now let’s discuss these foods in a little detail.
1. Fish
Fish is human food, and not only can cats eat fish, but they also enjoy eating it. Although fish is not a part of a cat’s traditional diet, modern-day cats have developed a taste for it.
Since cats are obligate carnivores, they depend on animal protein for optimal health. And fishes are a great source of protein; however, it is not recommended to feed fish to your cat daily. On the other hand, fishes are full of omega-3 fatty acids, and they are best enjoyed by cats as an occasional treat.
Though some cat-friendly human foods can be fed to your cat raw, make sure to give her only cooked fish.
2. Eggs
Since raw eggs can carry the risk of harmful bacteria, you should always cook any eggs that you plan on feeding your cat, as cooked eggs are a safe alternative for cats to eat. Cooked eggs are packed full of amino acids, B vitamins, and protein, so they make healthy cat treats.
It is recommended that cats should be fed cooked eggs once or twice weekly, and never a whole egg.
Read More: Do Cats Eat Egg
3. Meat
Meat is an essential part of a feline’s diet, complete and balanced, and it is one of the human foods that are safe for cats to eat. Poultry, beef, turkey meat is natural option for your little wild baby. Likewise, lamb meat is also ok for your cat.
However, it’s important that you pay attention when serving to make sure the meat is cooked properly. You should never give your cats raw meat, and you should always remove skin and bones before feeding your cat.
4. Cheese
If your kitty cat is not lactose intolerant or doesn’t have any allergies to dairy, feeding cheese in small amounts can be a good idea for an occasional treat from time to time. Cheese is considered safe for cats who can handle dairy well.
Hard cheeses such as cheddar, swiss, or gouda cheese can be good for cats in small amounts. Cheese provides a high amount of protein and calcium as well; thus, it can be said cheese is an occasional healthy treat for cats in small amounts.
5. Bananas
Yes, bananas are also on the menu. With a high fiber content and potassium, bananas are considered a cat-safe snack. However, make sure to remove the peel first, as it can be difficult for cats to digest.
Moreover, you shouldn’t overfeed bananas to your cat. Although bananas are considered a cat-safe fruit, you should only feed them to your cat in small amounts due to their high sugar content.
6. Apples
Apples are yet another cat-safe foods that are high in fiber content. Moreover, apple flesh is also a rich source of vitamins C and K. And this fruit is considered safe as long as you feed it to your cat without skin.
However, apple seeds, stems, and leaves comprise cyanide, which is one of such ingredients that are poisonous to felines and must be removed before feeding cats.[1]
7. Blueberries
Blueberries contain a moderate amount of sugar, and they are high in antioxidants. Blueberries are also high in vitamins A and C. Moreover, blueberries are also found in small pet food products.
However, before feeding whole blueberries to your cat, make sure you wash them thoroughly and remove any stems before feeding them to your cat. And much like other fruits, blueberries are best enjoyed by cats as a treat in moderation.
8. Brown Rice
Whole grains such as brown rice contain some essential protein and nutrients, which can be good for cats. However, brown rice is only good for cats in small, infrequent doses as an occasional treat.
Most vets would recommend feeding boiled brown rice to your cat if she has any diarrhea issues. The high fiber content in brown rice can help with constipation in cats. Brown rice is easily digestible and also helps in regulating a cat’s digestive system.
9. Peas
Peas are one of the human foods that cats can eat and also enjoy eating. This vegetable is filled with nutrients and is not only healthy for us humans but also for our furry friends.
Peas are found in many sorts of cat food. They are packed full of vitamins, including vitamin A, B1, B6, C, and K. Vitamin C can promote your cat’s immune system, whereas vitamin A can boost eye health, muscles, nerves, and skin.
10. Cantaloupe
Next on the menu, we have cantaloupe. Everyone loves it, even cats would enjoy eating it. Cantaloupe is something like a cat-favorite in the food section. Moreover, it is high in antioxidants.
It also contains beta-carotene, which helps in keeping skin and eyes healthy, and it’s completely safe for cats to eat. However, moderation is the key when feeding cantaloupe to cats. It should only be fed to cats as a special treat, and should not make up a significant percent of your cat’s daily diet.
11. Bread
Bread is a human food that is a good source of protein and fiber, and cats would love to snack on it.
Multigrain or whole bread is suitable for cats, and it is the best and most nutritious option. If you want to feed your cat bread, then it should not be bigger than a small cube, nearly the size of your thumb.
Raw, uncooked bread dough can be harmful to cats, so make the bread has been properly baked/cooked before feeding your cat.
12. Spinach
You might have seen your cat nibble on green grass, this is because some cats like leafy greens. Spinach is considered one of the safe human foods for cats to eat. It is rich in calcium, minerals, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Spinach is a healthy vegetable for cats, and many cat foods also include spinach in them due to their nutritional benefits. However, if you have a cat with kidney disease, then you should not feed spinach, even as an occasional treat.
Read More: Do Cats Eat Spinach
13. Oatmeal
Another healthy human food that is safe for cats is oatmeal. Yes, your cat can enjoy a well-balanced diet of human foods like oatmeal, too.
It is a good source of energy and B vitamins for your cat, plus, it also contains lots of fiber, iron, and protein, all of which can be beneficial to your cat’s overall health.
However, just because oatmeal is safe for cats does not mean that every cat would like to eat oatmeal. And if your cat cannot handle dairy very well, make sure you only feed oatmeal that is mixed with water instead of milk.
14. Pumpkin
You can include pumpkin in cat treats since it is both healthy and safe. Many commercial pet food brands incorporate pumpkin as a low-calorie, high-fiber ingredient that can help in keeping your cat feeling fuller for a longer period.
Cooked pumpkin can provide your cat with the much-need fibers. And since the fruit is so high in fiber content, vets recommend feeding pumpkins to cats suffering from abnormal stools.
Read More: Cats Eat Pumpkin
15. Carrots
Carrots are a healthy and safe human food for cats. They are an excellent source of many different minerals and vitamins, including a good amount of beta-carotene.
However, make sure you cook the carrots after chopping them up in small pieces, so it is easier for your cat to eat and digest.
16. Strawberries
Just like blueberries, cats can also eat strawberries safely. They are a sweet and tasty source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. However, they should not be fed to cats daily, as they are safe only in moderation.
Strawberries are one of the fruits that cats not only love to smell but they also like its taste. Make sure to remove the stem and leaves, and wash the strawberries thoroughly before cutting them into small pieces.
Read More: Are Strawberries Good For Cats
17. Watermelon
Cats love watermelon. Not only is watermelon tasty, but it is also safe for cats to eat. Moreover, watermelon is considered healthy for cats. But if your cat has some specific conditions such as diabetes, it is better that you avoid feeding your cat.
Watermelon is one of such human foods to avoid feeding your cat since it contains a high amount of sugar that is easily absorbed and digestible.
Likewise, before feeding watermelon to your cat, make sure to remove the seeds, as they can become a choking hazard or lead to gastrointestinal irritation.
18. Fish Oils (Supplement)
Fish oil is a commonly consumed human dietary supplement. And this fish supplement is good for cats for a variety of reasons. To name a few, fish oil is full of omega-3 fatty oils, which is good for a cat’s overall health, it can help prevent dry skin in the winter, and also keep your cat’s coat healthy throughout the year.
Fish oil can boost the healthy skin and coat of your kitty cat, which is important for the cat’s comfort and health. Furthermore, it also promotes your cat’s immune system, preventing your cat from any common illness.
You can get fish oil that is specifically formulated for cats, which can be a better alternative to fish oil made for us. Likewise, don’t forget to consult your vet regarding fish oils before feeding them to your feline friend.
Bottom Line
There we have it, folks! Those were some of the most common human foods safe for cats to eat. Of course, you would want to give your cat human food — however, any and all of these foods should be given to your cat only as an occasional treat.
Moreover, you should know that when you introduce new foods to your cat’s daily diet, you can expect her to have a little bit of gastrointestinal upset, but only in rare cases. However, this should not be the case every time.
Talk to your vet for the best advice.
References
- Apples — ASPCA
- 15 human foods that are safe for cats — Chewy
- List of human foods cats can and can’t eat — Pawlicy Advisor