Fortunately, we’ve got answers to those questions and many more, including some that might surprise you. Diet plays an important role in the health and happiness of senior felines. With this helpful guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about selecting a senior cat food that fits your feline family member’s specific tastes and needs.

Senior Cat Nutrition: Why It’s Important

Senior cats experience many changes in their golden years, and nutrition impacts how they tolerate those changes. 

Appropriate senior cat nutrition may prevent some health concerns in older cats. For other cats who go on to develop various conditions, their diet may alleviate symptoms. For all senior cats, we want their nutrition to promote overall wellness.

To understand the importance of senior cat nutrition, it’s helpful to know how your cat’s health and needs may change in the years ahead, as well as the role diet can play in managing those changes. 

Here are some of the most common challenges cats face as they age:

• Increased energy needs: While most adult cats are prone to obesity and may require calorie restriction, senior cats tend to face the opposite problem. Many aging cats have trouble keeping weight on. This is because their digestive system becomes less efficient, meaning they don’t absorb as much energy from their food. As a result, they have a higher energy requirement. 
• Weakened immune system: The immune system of a senior cat may not be quite as effective as a younger cat’s at fighting off infections. Senior cats also have an increased risk of chronic health conditions that weaken the immune system.
• Increased likelihood of chronic health conditions: Several diseases, such as chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, are more common in senior cats. Some of these conditions require specific diets as part of their treatment.
• Dental disease: Senior cats are more likely to have dental disease, often leading to tooth extraction or loss. In fact, some senior cats don’t have any teeth left, which can impact their desire and ability to eat.
• Increased need for water intake: Many senior cats will have changes to their kidney function that predispose them to dehydration. 
• Decreased appetite: Senior cats commonly have a lower appetite than their younger counterparts. In some cases, this may occur because their abilities to smell and taste aren’t as good as they once were. For others, this can occur because of an underlying disease that affects their appetite, such as chronic kidney disease.

Should You Change Your Senior Cat’s Diet? 

The answer to this question isn’t as simple as you might think. Here’s why.

While kitten food and adult cat food formulas generally adhere to nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), no standardized AAFCO guidelines exist for senior cat diets.

This means that pet food manufacturers can create their own formulas to market as senior cat food. So it’s not as if any old cat food with the word “senior” on the packaging will suffice once your cat hits a certain age.

There’s no guarantee that formula will provide what your cat needs in their senior years. Your best bet is to work with your veterinarian to pick an appropriate diet for your aging cat.

When Should You Change Your Senior Cat’s Diet? 

Another myth in need of busting is that your aging cat’s nutritional needs change once they celebrate a specific birthday. Despite what you’ll see on pet food bags, there isn’t a particular age at which your cat should switch to a senior cat diet. 

If you look closely, you’ll notice that not all commercial senior cat diets use the same age cutoff for when a pet is senior. Some say 7+, others say 11+, and some won’t have a specific age listed at all. 

Instead of basing dietary changes for senior cats off the age listed on the food bag or cans, you should work with your veterinarian to determine if and when a dietary change is necessary. Issues that may indicate you need to change your cat’s diet include:

• Appetite changes
• Weight loss or gain
• Loss of muscle mass
• Vomiting
• Changes to stools, such as diarrhea, loose stools, or constipation
• Excessive drinking or urination

These warning signs could indicate it’s time to switch to a diet better suited to your cat’s needs. Or, they could point to a wide range of other health issues. So, it’s best to have your veterinarian conduct a thorough exam to ensure you know precisely what your aging cat needs. 

What to Feed Your Senior Cat

Since we now know that you can’t just pick any formula with “senior cat food” on the label, exactly what should you consider when deciding how to nourish your senior kitty?

If your senior cat isn’t showing any signs of slowing down or other age-related health issues, you may be fine feeding them any cat food formulated for adult cats. However, the symptoms of age-related health conditions in cats can be subtle and easy to miss. So, it’s a good idea to talk with your veterinarian before you decide on any dietary changes.

Questions to ask your veterinarian include:

• Does your cat have any special nutritional needs due to a specific health condition?
• Does your cat’s dental health affect the kind of food they should eat?
• How can you increase your cat’s water intake?
• How can you make food more appealing for a cat who won’t eat?

Depending on your cat’s unique needs, here are a few options your veterinarian may recommend.  

Prescription diets

For cats diagnosed with certain health conditions or nutritional needs, veterinarians may recommend a prescription diet that’s specially formulated to help them thrive. These options, also known as veterinarian-authorized or therapeutic diets, can only be purchased with special approval from a veterinarian.

Examples of common senior health conditions that may have dietary therapies available include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Dental disease
• Hyperthyroidism 
• Obesity

If your veterinarian prescribes a therapeutic diet for your senior cat, your best bet is to go with the formula they recommend. However, a variety of brands offer prescription diets. So, if your cat won’t eat their new food, it is worth asking your vet if the prescription diet is available from another brand and whether it would be appropriate to switch. 

You may also want to ask your veterinarian how long your senior cat should be on a prescription diet. For some conditions, feeding a therapeutic diet is part of a long-term treatment plan. For other conditions, such as obesity, it may be a temporary fix until your cat achieves a healthy weight and can switch to a diet designed to help maintain that weight.

Commercial diets

If your veterinarian does not recommend a prescription diet for your senior cat, then there are plenty of viable cat food options available to sustain your elderly feline in their golden years. 

However, not all formulas are created equal, and some may be better for senior cats than others. Here are some important considerations to remember when choosing a diet that will help your elderly cat thrive.

• Meets AAFCO standards: Any diet you choose should have an AAFCO statement near the nutrient label which says the food is approved for adult maintenance.
• Protein-rich: Your senior cat is an obligate carnivore, which means they need animal products in their diet to get all their essential nutrients. Look for options with meat or fish as the number one ingredient and check the percentage of protein content listed on the label. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, most senior cats should eat a diet with a minimum protein allowance of 30–45% dry matter. Avoid plant-based (vegetarian or vegan) diets, which are inappropriate for cats of any age.  
• Kibble vs. canned: While both kibble and canned food can provide senior cats with the nutrition they need, canned food may be a better pick for some older cats. The extra moisture in wet cat food helps combat dehydration in senior cats, and the softer texture is easier on senior cats with dental pain or fewer teeth. 
• Portion sizes: A cat’s weight can be challenging to manage in their senior years, so working with your veterinarian to develop a weight management plan is a great idea. If your cat is obese, consider reducing their amount of food by 10 percent and reweighing them every two weeks for a month. But what if they’re underweight?

If your cat is underweight, you should determine if they have any underlying health conditions. Assuming all is well, you have several options to consider:

• Increase their food amount by 10 percent and reweigh every two weeks for a month to ensure they are gaining weight. If there’s no progress, try increasing it by another 10 percent. 
• Try switching to a food with more calories in the same amount (higher caloric density), so they’re getting more energy from their food even though they’re eating the same amount.
• Switch to a canned food to see if this is more enticing.
• Heat the food to increase aroma and appeal.
• Add a small amount of canned food to their kibble as a topper.

If you are working to manage your cat’s weight, consider signing up for a GreatPetCare account, which has access to health management tools such as a pet weight tracker. 

Supplements

While it’s not necessary to supplement your senior cat’s diet if they are eating food that meets appropriate AAFCO standards, some nutritional supplements may help address age-related health issues. For example, joint supplements that contain extra glucosamine and chondroitin may help improve mobility in some cats with joint pain.

However, nutritional supplements do not replace appropriate veterinary treatment. If you’re considering supplements for your senior kitty, speak with your veterinarian before starting your cat on them. 

Hydration

Senior cats are often more susceptible to dehydration. This may be due to reduced sensitivity to thirst, disease, or mobility issues that make it harder to get to the water bowl. 

If your cat is a kibble-eater, consider switching to canned food to help keep them well hydrated. You can also coax your cat into drinking more by introducing water fountains and placing multiple water bowls on the levels of your home. 

Senior Cat Nutrition: Other Tips and Advice

Once you and your veterinarian decide what your senior cat should eat, there’s still the matter of ensuring they’re eating properly. Here are some expert tips to ensure your cat gets the nutrition they need to help keep them happy and healthy.

• When changing your senior cat’s diet, make that change slowly over several days. Changing the diet too rapidly can lead to stomach upset, which could result in diarrhea, vomiting, and appetite changes. To make the switch successful, follow the schedule below:
  • Day 1: 25% new food, 75% old food
  • Day 2: 50% new food, 50% old food
  • Day 3: 75% new food, 25% old food
  • Day 4: 100% new food

• If your cat is not finishing their meals, consider feeding smaller meals more frequently.
• If your senior cat is losing weight and is getting pickier, consider leaving kibble available at all times. This may not be feasible if you have other pets in the home who like to steal from their senior friends.
• Treats are safe for you to give your senior cat but should make up under 10% of their diet. If your pet is on a prescription diet, check with your veterinarian before feeding treats to ensure they do not pose any danger to your cat’s health. 
• Safe human foods that could be given to your cat as a treat include thoroughly cooked lean meats and fish, cooked eggs, cucumber, carrots, peas, and more. Always ensure that food is safe before offering it to your pet. 
• If your cat has multiple health conditions that complicate your dietary options, consider asking your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist. 
• If you are interested in a homecooked diet for your senior cat, you must work with a veterinary nutritionist to develop a nutritionally balanced diet.

Feeding your senior cat does require a slightly different approach than many pet parents may be used to, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Now that you know how your aging cat’s nutritional needs may change and how that impacts their health, you can have thoughtful conversations with your veterinarian about the best diet for your senior cat’s overall health and wellness. 

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But if you’re wondering: can cats eat corn? You’re not alone. Many feline pet parents have the same question. 

Before you feed, hold onto that cob. Read on to learn whether or not cats can eat corn, if corn has any benefits for our feline friends, and what you should know before sharing corn-based dishes with your pet.

Can Cats Eat Corn? 

Yes! Cats can indeed eat corn. “Corn is a highly nutritious carbohydrate source that’s found in many manufactured cat foods,” says Dr. Nancy Welborn, an assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge. 

However, just because corn is found in well-balanced, veterinarian-approved cat foods, that doesn’t mean it’s something you should go out of your way to feed your pet. “Cats are obligate carnivores,” explains Dr. Welborn, “which basically means they need a higher concentration of protein in their diets.”

A little bit of carbs in a cat’s diet, corn included, is okay. But a lot is not. To live her best life, your cat needs kitty chow with the right balance of macronutrients and a hearty portion of high-quality protein. Additional treats or supplements are rarely beneficial.

Can Cats Eat Corn on the Cob? 

Cats can technically eat corn on the cob. That said, it’s best to keep this treat in the “human food” category. Most of the time, corn on the cob is covered in salt, oil or fat, and seasonings—none of which are great for cat consumption. 

In this case, even a couple of licks can be a calorie bomb, especially considering how few calories the average cat’s compact body needs. Cats aren’t going to a job or the gym with you every day, so those extra calories can add up quickly. In fact, more than half of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and overfeeding can lead to additional health problems over time like diabetes, says Dr. Welborn. 

But there’s a reason why videos of cats eating corn on the cob are a rarity. Compared to dogs, cats are much less likely to beg for a taste anyway—so they won’t even know what they’re missing. Keep corn husks and cobs off the menu, too; toys designed for cats to gnaw on are a safer option for a happy cat. 

Can Cats Eat Corn Tortillas? 

Keep corn tortillas off the menu for cats, too. They’re a high-calorie snack and don’t offer the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbs for the optimal feline diet. 

Can Cats Eat Corn Chips? 

Corn chips are another no-no for cats. Processed foods tend to be high in calories and contain ingredients your cat doesn’t need in her diet. 

Can Cats Eat Cornbread? 

While we all want to treat our pets and make them feel included, cornbread is another human food you can skip sharing with your cat for the same reasons you’d keep these other corn-based dishes out of her diet. 

Are There Benefits of Cats Eating Corn? 

Corn is found in many cat foods because it’s an inexpensive, healthful source of kitty fuel. The grain offers up nutrients including fiber, protein, and fatty acids, says Dr. Welborn. And corn byproducts found in kibble can help boost the palatability (a.k.a. tastiness) of food and support healthy digestion.   

Is Corn Bad For Cats? 

As the base for high-fructose corn syrup and other high-calorie, highly-processed foods, corn doesn’t always get the best rap in the human diet or the feline diet. 

But the good news is, corn and corn products are rarely bad for cats. Here are the answers to some of the most common corn-related concerns. 

Does corn provide empty calories for cats? 

There’s a common misconception that corn’s just a “filler” in pet foods that crowds cats’ bellies with empty calories. But the research does not back up this belief, per an article published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. As mentioned above, corn can be a nutritious part of a cat’s diet and is found in many veterinarian-approved cat foods.

Is corn gluten meal bad for cats? 

With the rise of “grain-free” diets and human concerns like food allergies and gluten intolerances, you may wonder if similar health problems could affect your pet. However, veterinary reports show the main cause of allergies in cats is actually from protein-based foods; grain-based foods are at the root of less than 1.5% of all food allergy cases. Honestly, “grain-free” is just a marketing term, says Dr. Welborn. (And even pet foods that claim to be grain-free may not be! One supposedly grain-free cat food, for example, was found to contain barley, according to a study by veterinarians at Tufts University.)

Feeding Cats Corn: Tips to Consider 

When it comes to cats and corn, there are two key rules to keep in mind, according to Dr. Welborn:  

1. Everything in moderation. Avoid extra corn products in your cat’s diet, especially if she is overweight. Occasionally, plain corn is okay as long as there’s no salt, butter, oil, or seasonings on it. 

2. But generally, just stick with cat food. For enrichment and training, opt for veterinarian-approved treats that are designed specifically for cats. Another cost-effective option? Simply take a portion of your cat’s kibble out of the bowl so you know she’s getting in the usual amount of calories she needs to stick with a healthy, balanced diet. 

The Bottom Line on Corn for Cats 

All in all, corn is rarely bad for cats. In fact, it’s a common ingredient that provides nutritional value in many high-quality cat foods. But if you’re worried something in your cat’s diet could be making her sick due to concerning symptoms like an upset stomach or diarrhea, by all means, contact your veterinarian. It’s better to figure out what’s going on together with a full exam than to try to rework your cat’s diet on your own. 

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Here’s a list of eight common cat food mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Free Feeding

Leaving a bowl of dry food out for your cat to eat whenever he wants might be convenient – and it might be necessary at times, such as when you won’t be home for a while.

However, according to Dr. Jessie Markovich of NorthStar VETS in New Jersey, free feeding all the time isn’t a good idea. “Free-choice feeding your cats is the most common mistake that I see, which often leads to overweight cats,” she says. Overweight cats have a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, and live shorter lives on average than their lean counterparts.

An unhealthy weight isn’t the only risk of free feeding your cat. “The other mistake that I often see is owners who, due to free-choice feeding, try to have all cats in the household eat the same diet irrespective of their age or disease states,” Dr. Markovich adds. “It would be better to train your cats early to eat two or more times per day, which will allow you to feed them the correct amount per day and monitor the amount that each cat is eating.”

Dr. Karolina Holda, an expert in canine and feline nutrition whose work includes writing, lecturing, and offering online courses, agrees. She says food that’s left out might spoil, and cats might eat out of boredom and gain weight. Instead of free feeding, she recommends portion feeding.  

Mistake #2: Not Feeding a Complete and Balanced Diet

When selecting your cat’s food, make sure it’s complete and balanced to ensure your pet is getting the right number of calories and nutrients. Dr. Markovich says a food label should feature an AAFCO statement “defining whether a diet is complete and balanced or to be used as a supplemental diet.” Treats should not be used as your cat’s main source of calories and nutrients.  

You can contact manufacturers directly to ask them about the quality of their foods. Also, Dr. Markovich and Dr. Holda recommend reading the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee: Guidelines on Selecting Pet Foods.

Mistake #3: Not Feeding for the Correct Life Stage

It’s wise to consider your cat’s age when selecting a food because a pet’s nutritional needs change over time. AAFCO statements will indicate if a diet is nutritionally balanced for growth and reproduction or for adult maintenance. Some diets are approved for all life stages.   

Dr. Holda explains that an active and growing kitten will require kitten food with more calories per cup or can compared to an adult cat’s food. Therefore, an adult who continues to eat kitten food might gain too much weight. Also, senior cats might have specific dietary needs, especially if they develop health problems. Your senior cat may benefit from a prescription diet in some cases, such as if they have hyperthyroidism or chronic kidney disease.

Mistake #4: Switching Up Cat Food Too Often or Too Quickly

Sure, there may be times when you need to change your cat’s food. For instance, if a food is discontinued or your cat stops eating it, you’ll have to find a new diet that meets your pet’s preferences and needs. Also, you might have to switch foods if your cat has been diagnosed with a health concern or food allergy.

However, if you just want to give your kitty some variety with different flavors and brands, don’t overdo it. “I would actually recommend limiting your rotation and brand switching as much as possible because it promotes pickiness (now your kids know about all of the flavors!), which makes things difficult when they become ill and we need to change the diet, or if we need to be able to tempt them with something different,” advises Dr. Markovich. 

When transitioning to a new food, introduce it gradually over days or weeks. Making the mistake of switching too fast may lead to digestive upset.

Mistake #5: Too Many Treats or Table Scraps

When it comes to treats, Dr. Markovich recommends limiting them to 10 percent of the total daily calories. This can reduce the risk of unbalancing your pet’s complete and balanced primary food. Feeding too many treats or table scraps also increases the likelihood of obesity. If you aren’t sure, you can ask your veterinarian for calorie recommendations.   

Dr. Holda warns that many human foods are toxic to cats. Examples include grapes, raisins, and chocolate. So, if you’re going to give your kitty some of your food, make sure it’s totally safe.

Mistake #6: Not Providing Enough Moisture

Dr. Holda explains that cats are desert animals who drink small amounts of water because they get much of the hydration they need from prey. Therefore, only feeding your cat dry food might result in your kitty not getting enough moisture, especially if he isn’t drinking enough water. Plus, wet cat food may better satisfy a cat’s appetite, while also helping to support urinary health.   

“Canned foods contain a higher moisture percentage (78 to 82 percent water) as compared to dry diets (10 to 12 percent water), which can be helpful to manage certain disease conditions, such as kidney disease or lower urinary disease,” says Dr. Markovich. 

No matter what, make sure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. “If you feel your cat is not drinking enough water, consider changing to wet food or mix wet and dry,” says Dr. Holda. You can also encourage your cat to drink more water by having multiple water dishes or small automatic water fountains throughout the home.        

Mistake #7: Making Food at Home Without Veterinary Support

Some pet parents want to gain more control over the quality of their cat’s food by preparing recipes at home. If you want to take this route, work closely with a veterinarian or board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet will be properly balanced.

What about all those recipes that you can easily find in books and online? They may not give your cat exactly what he needs to thrive. “The majority of recipes found online or in books are not complete and balanced,” says Dr. Markovich.  

“There are many recipes on the internet or in books, but one should always be careful about the quality of these sources,” adds Dr. Holda. “The food should not only be palatable but also balanced and complete. Lack of, or even excess of, nutrients can cause various health problems.”

Mistake #8: Feeding Incorrect Amounts of Food

Feeding your cat the right amount of food every day is important. If you aren’t sure how much your cat should be eating, consult with a veterinarian.

“If you find that you are feeding less than 80 percent of the volume that your pet food bag recommends, then you are likely restricting nutrients (vitamins and minerals) in addition to restricting calories,” says Dr. Markovich.  

You can use the information on a pet food label as a guide, but Dr. Holda states that a cat might need more or less food based on his unique needs. She also recommends dividing the daily dose of food across multiple small meals per day.  A cat’s energy level spikes around the time they are expecting a meal, so feeding your pet multiple times per day also encourages your pet to be more active.     

Final Tips

Read pet food labels closely.  Keep the pet food fresh by following the label’s directions on proper storage. It’s often recommended that the food remain in its original packaging and that it’s sealed between uses.

Save pet food bags. Consider saving food bags and labels for potential pet food recalls. In the event of a recall or other concern, you’ll have the information you need.

Reevaluate your cat’s diet regularly. Pay attention to your cat’s changing needs and discuss your cat’s nutrition with your veterinarian. Regularly reevaluating your cat’s diet will help ensure he’s getting the highest quality food that meets his needs for overall wellness and a healthy weight.

The post 8 Cat Food Mistakes You Might Be Making appeared first on Great Pet Care.

In 2018, 4 percent of cat owners were feeding raw cat food to their cats, and it’s likely that more were buying ‘human’ food from supermarkets with the intention of sharing it with their pets. 

But humans are advised against eating raw chicken due to Salmonella and other potentially harmful pathogens. But can cats eat raw chicken? We’ll take a closer look at whether raw chicken is safe for cats and whether this trend could spell trouble for your feline friend.

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken?

Yes, cats can eat raw chicken, but there are health risks associated with feeding cats raw meat. 

Chicken, whether raw or cooked, is a good source of protein for cats, and you’ll find it in most pet foods. However, cooked meat is much safer than uncooked meat. Uncooked meat can host nasty bacteria that can cause illness. This is especially true for chicken, which is why humans should never eat raw or undercooked chicken. 

Having said this, cats do show some resistance to the effects of eating raw meat. While most humans will get ill if they eat raw chicken, cats are less likely to show immediate signs of illness. Sometimes they’ll show symptoms of illness such as vomiting and diarrhea, but more often than not they simply carry on as normal. 

However, it’s still very difficult to say that raw chicken is safe for cats. While we know they don’t get as ill as we do, some cats will still get ill, and some illnesses carried by raw meat can be serious and long lasting. 

Those that recommend raw-feeding suggest that cats receive a lot of benefits from raw meat that they don’t get from cooked meat. Raw food enthusiasts believe it’s more digestible and more nutritious because it’s “biologically appropriate” (in other words, what cats evolved to eat). Unfortunately, there are no studies that demonstrate a clear improvement in any aspect of a cat’s health when being fed a raw diet. 

As a vet, I wouldn’t ever purposefully feed raw chicken to my cat. Cooking meat makes it safe, so I usually recommend boiled chicken for cats. But, if a piece of raw chicken fell on the floor and the cat ate it, or if the cat got into the fridge and ate a few pieces of raw chicken breasts, I wouldn’t rush to treat them for illness, either. 

The Dangers of Raw Chicken for Cats

Raw chicken is commonly contaminated with Salmonella, E.coli, and other bacteria. 

In one small study, 80 percent of chicken-based raw meat diets were contaminated with Salmonella. While cats are naturally a little resistant to becoming ill with these pathogens, they aren’t immune. What’s more, the bacteria are then on their food bowls, in their mouths, on their fur, and in their poop, from where they can easily infect humans. 

To get around this, some raw food companies freeze their food or even freeze-dry it. Unfortunately, this does not necessarily make it safe. Salmonella can survive freezing (otherwise we could all eat raw chicken as long as it had been frozen first) and it has been isolated from freeze-dried diets too. 

The only way to stop chicken meat from being contaminated is to practice really good hygiene in the farm and abattoir, as well as any post-slaughter processing. But, as we know from the frequent cases of human illness, pathogenic bacteria slip through the cracks even in the human food chain. In fact, about 1 in 25 packs of chicken at the supermarket are contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.

To avoid potentially exposing your cat to Samonella, E.coli, or other dangerous bacteria, it’s best to cook chicken before giving it to your feline family member.

Raw Chicken for Cats: The Breakdown

Although humans prefer chicken breasts and occasionally the legs and wings, raw cat food with chicken could contain a whole host of different chicken parts. Chicken livers, chicken meat and other organs (like lung) are all regularly used in cat foods. 

Can Cats Have Raw Chicken Breast? 

Chicken meat, including chicken breasts, is the most common type of raw chicken your cat will be exposed to. Cats can eat raw chicken breast, but uncooked chicken breasts pose the same risks as other raw parts of the chicken. 

Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones? 

Chicken bones are generally a no-no cats. Bird bones are thin and easily break into sharp shards, which can cause damage to the mouth and soft tissues of the throat and gullet. 

However, the risk is far greater with cooked bones than for raw chicken bones, as raw bones are much softer and less likely to splinter. The ‘long’ bones of the legs are also more risky than other bones – so if you’re going to try bones for your cat, opt for the bones of the neck which tend to be softer and less brittle. 

Ground chicken bones – such as the ‘bone meal’ – might be included in cat foods. This is fine for felines. Bone meal provides valuable calcium and phosphorus and is the safest way for your cat to eat chicken bones. 

Remember that bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can be on raw bones just as on raw skin or meat, so the same risks apply as discussed above.

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Liver? 

Raw chicken liver is another common ingredient in commercial raw cat foods. Like other raw chicken portions, raw liver does pose some threats to cats – mostly the risk of bacterial contamination, or the spread of parasites. 

However, liver is a nutritious food and contains lots of iron, vitamin A, and protein. It’s a good food to include in your cat’s diet as long as it only makes up a small portion of the diet – too much vitamin A can cause illness. Other organ meats are also nutritious. 

However, as with all the other portions of chicken, I would never feed raw chicken liver to my cat, preferring instead to gently cook it to increase its safety. If you’re wondering “can cats eat raw chicken hearts” then the answer is the same – it’s best to cook the hearts to make them safer.

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Fat?

Cats get much of their energy from fat and have a high tolerance for it. Fat is also important in the diet for fat-soluble vitamins. However, fat is high in calories, and this can cause a problem if your cat struggles with their weight. It can be really hard to spot when your cat is getting overweight so make sure you ask your vet at every visit. 

For most normal-weight cats, chicken fat isn’t likely to be harmful. However, the same warnings about raw chicken fat (possible contamination with Salmonella and other pathogens) apply. 

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Skin?

Raw chicken skin, like other forms of raw chicken, is not recommended due to the risk of bacterial contamination. Chicken skin is the fattiest part of chicken and should only be fed to cats who are not overweight. 

How to Feed Cats Raw Chicken

If you decide to feed raw chicken to your cat, there are some things you should do. Firstly, it’s very important that raw chicken is not the sole ingredient in your cat’s diet, as it is not complete and balanced. It needs to be mixed with other ingredients to ensure your cat is getting everything they need. 

If you want your cat’s diet to be raw, it’s best to buy an AAFCO-formulated complete food that contains raw chicken. Don’t make a diet at home. Cats can quickly become ill with nutritional deficiencies. In addition, making raw food at home increases the risk of bacterial contamination for you and your family, as you’ll be preparing several raw ingredients. 

If you’re just feeding raw chicken to your cat as a one-off or as a treat, just make sure it’s not more than 10 percent of their daily calories – the other 90 percent of their calories should come from a balanced source, like their usual diet. You may need to reduce their dinner to take into account the extra calories.

Precautions When Feeding Cats Raw Chicken

When feeding raw chicken to cats, there are a few precautions to consider. 

Practice safe handling. Firstly, the risk of bacterial contamination with disease-causing bacteria is high. It’s therefore important that you handle your cat’s raw food with the same care you’d handle raw chicken. Wash your hands and any utensils thoroughly after handling any raw chicken for cats, and clean their food bowls immediately after use. Remember that your cat’s saliva and fur could be contaminated too – don’t allow your cat to lick you and wash your hands after touching your cat. This is especially true if there are any immunocompromised people in the house.

Start with small amounts. Secondly, raw chicken won’t suit all cats. Some cats may have a chicken allergy or intolerance, while others might struggle with the ‘raw-ness’ of it, or simply the change to their normal diet. It’s possible that some cats will get a digestive upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, after eating raw chicken. 

A sensible precaution would be to start off with just a tiny amount of chicken (a teaspoonful) to give your cat the chance to try it and observe for any reactions for 48 hours before slowly increasing the amount of raw chicken in your cat’s diet.

Keep an eye on your cat’s calories. Thirdly, you should ensure your cat’s calorie intake stays within their recommended daily allowance. If you’re adding raw chicken to your cat’s diet as an addition to their usual diet, you should make sure you aren’t feeding too much by reducing your cat’s meal accordingly. Remember that any non-balanced additions to a diet (like raw chicken and any other treats) should not make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily calorie allowance or they risk unbalancing the whole diet and resulting in nutritional deficiencies. 

Conclusion

Feeding raw chicken to cats doesn’t have any proven benefit over feeding cooked chicken, but it does come with some additional risks. As a vet, I would never feed raw chicken to my cat or recommend raw meat for cats. However, if you do decide to feed your cat raw chicken, there are important precautions you should take so that you do so as safely as possible.

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But if your curious kitty wants to join in on lapping up this yummy frozen dairy treat, you might be wondering: can cats eat ice cream? 

Can Cats Eat Ice Cream?

The simple answer to this question is no. Ice cream is primarily made of cream, which cats shouldn’t have due to being lactose intolerant. Sugar is another major ingredient, which is just as bad for cats as it is for us. 

Additionally many ice creams have added ingredients, some of which are toxic for cats. Watch out for rum and raisin, chocolate, or coffee for some of the more common dangerous ice cream flavorings. Sugar-free ice cream may also contain the sweetener xylitol, which is toxic for cats. 

What about plain flavors – can cats have vanilla ice cream? While vanilla ice cream won’t cause toxicity in cats, you still shouldn’t feed it to felines due to its dairy and sugar content. Even if you avoid all of the harmful ingredients, ice cream is high in calories, which can lead to obesity.

Can Cats Eat Non-Dairy Ice Cream? 

Since cats are lactose intolerant, you may be wondering whether that makes non-dairy ice cream a safe option. However, there isn’t a simple answer, as it depends on the ingredients in the product. 

Non-dairy ice creams usually use nut milks (including coconut milk), soy milk, or oat milk to produce the ice cream, which are generally safe for cats. As long as none of the other ingredients in the ice cream are toxic, your cat can have a very small amount of non-dairy ice cream. 

The problem comes with the calories in non-dairy ice creams, which are similar in to those in regular ice cream. A cup of non-dairy ice cream may provide more calories than your cat’s daily recommended intake!

Can Cats Eat Frozen Yogurt?

Although frozen yogurt is marketed as a healthier option than ice creams for humans, it’s still really high in sugar. The main ingredients in frozen yogurt are sugar, milk, and yogurt cultures. 

Unless it’s specifically marketed as lactose-free, frozen yogurt will still contain lactose and therefore is not a suitable option for cats. 

As with the other ice cream options, a single lick of frozen yogurt won’t hurt your cat (unless it contains toxic ingredients), but large amounts can lead to an upset stomach and weight gain. 

Are Cats Lactose Intolerant?

Yes, adult cats are considered lactose intolerant. Like all mammals, kittens are born with the ability to digest lactose (a sugar in milk) because they produce lactase, an enzyme. 

But as kittens wean, they stop producing lots of lactase. Most cats older than 6-8 months therefore can’t digest much lactose. When cats eat dairy, the milk sugars can’t be properly digested and instead pass through the intestines causing diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain.

Of course, cats don’t know that this will happen when they drink milk or eat cheese, so they’ll quite happily lap at a saucer of milk. 

It’s worth noting that a small number of cats do not become lactose-intolerant, and dairy products may not cause adverse reactions. However, the symptoms of lactose intolerance are present in many cats after eating dairy, suggesting that most cats are lactose intolerant to some degree.

Is Ice Cream Bad for Cats?

Unfortunately, ice cream is considered bad for cats. You probably already know that ice cream isn’t exactly good for humans. The tiny amount of protein and calcium it includes is quickly outdone by the large amounts of fat and sugar in the ice cream. And that fat and sugar doesn’t have any benefits for your feline friend. 

Aside from the potential gastrointestinal issues associated with dairy ice-cream, there’s also the risk of toxic ingredients. Raisins, nuts, chocolate, sugar-substitutes like xylitol, and coffee are all toxic to cats to some degree, meaning that you have to scour the list of ingredients if you’re thinking about letting your cat lick your ice cream cone. How sick your cat gets will depend on the amount consumed and the type of toxin, but these dangerous ingredients can cause serious problems and even be fatal.

Of course, eating small amounts of non-toxic ice cream is unlikely to cause any immediate harm, especially if the ice cream is dairy-free. 

However, it’s important to remember that ice cream is very high in calories. Even a small taste can cause your cat to exceed their daily calorie allowance. If this happens often, it will lead to obesity. Obese cats have a lower life expectancy than felines who maintain a healthy weight.  

Ice Cream and Cats: Helpful Feeding Tips

If you’ve got this far and you still want to feed your cat some of your ice cream, then here are some tips to make sure you’re doing so safely.

1. Only feed your cat ice cream as an occasional treat – no more than once every couple of weeks.

2. Don’t let your cat eat more than a tablespoon of ice cream at a time, to avoid them consuming too many calories.

3. Thoroughly check your ice cream ingredients list for allergens and feline toxins. The main ones to look out for are raisins, chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts, alcohol, xylitol (also seen as E967 or birch sugar). However, it’s best to double-check any ingredients you aren’t 100 percent sure are safe.

4. Dairy-free ice cream prevents the risk of lactose intolerance and is the better option as long as it’s also free from toxins.

Try to avoid highly-flavored ice creams – not only do the extra toppings increase the calories, but more ingredients also increase the chance of an allergen or a toxin creeping in. 

There are also special frozen cat treats available that are marketed as ice cream for cats. These may be a better option if you’d like to offer your cat something special. These products generally use very little cream or milk, making them a safer bet. 

Even though ice cream designed for cats may be a better option, it still shouldn’t be offered regularly and should never make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily calorie allowance.

The Verdict on Ice Cream for Cats

Ice cream is not a healthy treat for cats and in some cases can be unsafe, depending on the ingredients used. If your cat eats ice cream with toxic ingredients you should call the nearest open veterinarian for advice. 

While a small lick of non-toxic ice cream every now and again is unlikely to do your cat much harm, consuming large amounts will likely lead to gastrointestinal problems and weight gain.

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The answer is yes! In appropriate quantities, plain, canned pumpkin can be a healthy addition to a cat’s diet. Read on to learn about the benefits of pumpkin and get suggestions for when and how to feed pumpkin to cats. 

Is Pumpkin Good for Cats? 

Not only is pumpkin good for cats, it’s even found in some commercial cat foods. Pumpkin is low in calories, and contains fiber and nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E. Pumpkin also contains antioxidants, which might prevent cell damage due to free radicals. 

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that the majority of their diet should come from meat. However, small amounts of other foods, including pumpkin, may be beneficial in a cat’s overall diet. Fiber is found in varying amounts in cat foods, but some cats benefit from extra fiber in their diets.

When feeding pumpkin to cats, canned pumpkin puree is the simplest option. Make sure you are using plain, canned pumpkin—not canned pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and other ingredients cats shouldn’t be eating. If you prefer, you could roast the flesh of a whole pumpkin, then puree it yourself. Just be sure to skip the butter, oil, and salt—plain pumpkin is all your cat needs.

Though cats can eat pumpkin seeds—roasted or raw—they could potentially be a choking hazard, so should be ground or chopped up. Cats might not enjoy eating pumpkin seeds, but many cats will eat pumpkin puree. 

Benefits of Pumpkin for Cats

The soluble fiber in pumpkin offers many benefits to cats. For cats with mild diarrhea, pumpkin can absorb excess water and firm up the stools. Pumpkin can also help cats with constipation, as the fiber and moisture in pumpkin can help things move along again. 

Pumpkin can have a similar effect for cats that suffer from hairballs, with the fiber in pumpkin helping to move the hair through the digestive tract.

Adding a small amount of pumpkin to your cat’s food can also help cats who need to lose some weight. The pumpkin can provide a little bulk with few calories, helping cats to feel more full and satisfied. 

If your cat is suffering from digestive upset or excessive hairballs, it’s important to seek veterinary advice before attempting to treat the symptoms yourself with pumpkin. 

“Cats with severe diarrhea or constipation may not respond to pumpkin,” says Dr. Emily Swiniarski, medical director of the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, Illinois. Also, your cat might require additional treatment depending on what is causing the symptoms.

How Much Pumpkin to Give a Cat

Pumpkin should only be given in very small quantities—no more than 2 tablespoons daily. “This is because we do not want our cats to fill up on pumpkin and not cat food, which would cause serious imbalances in their diet,” Swiniarski says. “The cat will not have room for sources of protein that are essential to their health. Any more than 10 percent of their diet could be detrimental.”

Too much pumpkin could even have the opposite of your desired effect, potentially causing stomach upset. “If a cat eats too much pumpkin, they may vomit or have diarrhea due to the change in diet and change in fiber,” Swiniarski says.

To avoid stomach upset, start off with smaller amounts at first—about 1 teaspoon—and work your way up gradually if you don’t see results from the smaller serving. According to Swiniarski, most cat owners feed about 1 tablespoon daily to their cats.

Pumpkin for Cats: 3 Ways to Use It

If you’re ready to start adding pumpkin to your cat’s diet, here are a few ways to serve it:

Feed canned pumpkin directly

Some cats might enjoy the taste of plain, canned pumpkin. If your cat is one who does, you can let him or her lick the puree right off a spoon as a treat.

Mix canned pumpkin into food

Most cats prefer the taste of meaty foods, so pumpkin might not be their first choice for a snack. If that’s the case for your cat, it’s easy to mix pumpkin puree right into your cat’s food (wet or dry). Most cats have no problem eating pumpkin once it’s been mixed into their food.

Whip up some pumpkin cat treats

If you like to cook, search the internet for one of the many recipes for pumpkin cat treats. To entice picky cats, look for treat recipes that incorporate meat in addition to pumpkin.

Pumpkin and Cats: Other Tips and Advice

Pumpkin for cats is not a miracle food, but it can help kitties suffering from mild diarrhea or constipation, assist with hairball control, and help cats on restricted-calorie diets to feel more full after meals. Remember always to use plain pumpkin (not canned pumpkin pie filling) with no added sugar, spices, or salt. Even small amounts of salt can be dangerous for cats, especially those with heart or kidney disease. 

Before adding any food or supplement—including pumpkin—to your cat’s diet, always talk to your veterinarian for advice. Swiniarski reminds us that some cats should not eat pumpkin. 

“Cats that experience any symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea after eating pumpkin should not be fed any more pumpkin,” she says. “If a cat is on a prescription diet, pumpkin will replace the important nutritive balance and is not advised. Any cat who does not have a robust appetite should not eat pumpkin either, as they require highly nutritive, balanced sources for what little they will eat.”

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But can cats eat honey? And if so, what sort of limitations should you put on honey consumption for your kitty companion?

Can Cats Have Honey?

“Yes, cats can eat honey,” says Dr. Emily Swiniarski, chief medical officer of PAWS Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. “However, they shouldn’t eat honey as a major part of their diet. It could be considered a treat.” 

Dr. Swiniarski explains that treats should only comprise about 10 percent of a cat’s diet, and because of honey’s high sugar content, she doesn’t recommend offering it often, if at all. “You want to give your cats treats with a higher nutritive value,” she says.

It’s also worth noting that studies have shown that cats do not have the capacity to taste sweetness, which means that honey is not likely to be a very enticing treat for kitties. 

Can Kittens Eat Honey?

Dr. Swiniarski notes that kittens can also have a bit of honey now and then if they show interest, but it should be restricted to an extremely small amount. “Kittens grow extremely rapidly and need good nutrition to support that growth,” she adds. “Honey doesn’t offer that nutrition.”

What About Raw Honey?

Raw honey is not recommended for cats or kittens. “Raw honey is not pasteurized, so there is a risk that it might have harmful yeast or bacteria in it,” Dr. Swiniarski says. “Cats, like humans, can get infections or food poisoning from eating unpasteurized honey.” 

Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is ok for cats to eat, but cats can get more benefits from this type of honey if it’s used in other ways. “Manuka honey has fantastic antibacterial properties and has been shown to kill and prevent the growth of bacteria,” Dr. Swiniarski explains. “There’s not a strong medical basis for feeding a cat Manuka honey, but it is frequently used in medicine to help heal large wounds and even in some orthopedic and bone surgeries.”

Manuka honey has been used to preserve bone allografts and studies have shown that wounds treated with a wound gel containing honey have exceptional outcomes. Dr. Swiniarski adds that topical Manuka honey can also reduce edema in cats, which is swelling caused by excess fluid.

Is Honey Good for Cats?

In humans, honey does offer some health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties and contains essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and potassium. It’s also a natural way to relieve a sore throat. But what about in cats? 

“There hasn’t been much, if any, research into how many nutrients that cats are able to absorb from honey,” Dr. Swiniarski says. “So yes, it’s possible that cats can get some nutrition from honey, but no one has really studied that, so it’s an unknown area.”

She adds, “Since we don’t know if honey is actually offering health benefits to cats, I wouldn’t recommend that owners put it in their cat’s mouth or in her food or treats if the cat didn’t express interest.”

When Is Honey Bad for Cats?

While honey won’t hurt most cats, there are some felines out there who should not be eating honey. “As mentioned before, honey contains essential minerals. Cats with chronic illnesses should not be fed honey as it could upset the balance of minerals in their system,” Dr. Swiniarski explains. “For example, cats with chronic kidney disease could have elevated phosphorus levels. Phosphorus is in honey, and it would be dangerous to give that cat even more phosphorus.”

Also, cats who have diabetes should not be fed honey as it can cause their sugar levels to spike. “There is one exception, though,” Dr. Swiniarski says. “Honey can be an emergency remedy for a cat or kitten that has passed out from low blood sugar. You can rub it on their gums and they will absorb the sugar,” she describes. 

That said, you should always consult with your vet before administering any sort of emergency treatment.

Honey and Cats: Helpful Feeding Tips

While most cats can eat a small amount of honey without any health issues, it’s not something that should be in the regular treat rotation. There are a lot of options for cat treats that offer much more from a nutrition standpoint than this sweet goo. 

However, if you’re enjoying a yogurt or some other snack with some honey, and Fluffy sneaks a bite, don’t fret. A little bit won’t hurt!

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If you’re a fan of this tropical treat, you may be wondering if cats can have bananas, too. The answer may surprise you!

Can Cats Eat Bananas?

Short answer: Yes! “Cats can eat bananas safely and they are digestible,” says Dr. Emily Swiniarski, medical director for Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, Illinois. “While cats are obligate carnivores—meaning they must eat meat—their digestive systems can handle some carbohydrates and fiber.”

However, just because cats can eat bananas doesn’t mean it should be a staple of their diets. Bananas are best served as an occasional treat. 

“Treats, including bananas, should not constitute any more than 10 percent of a cat’s diet,” Dr. Swiniarski explains. She adds that if you’re serving your cat bananas, that would mean you’re feeding no more than 1-to-2 tablespoons per day, and that’s only if you’re not giving Fluffy any other treats.

So, now that we’ve established that bananas themselves are safe to eat, what about banana-based snacks?

Can Cats Eat Banana Bread?

Dr. Swiniarski doesn’t recommend feeding banana bread to cats. “Food items made with bananas can have added sugars, fats, or potentially toxic ingredients like chocolate,” she says. “Before feeding a cat anything made with bananas, pet parents should know what the ingredients are and feed very, very little,” she notes.

Can Cats Eat Banana Peels?

Unlike banana fruit, banana peels are not good for cats to eat. “The peels hold very little nutrition and are extremely fibrous,” says Dr. Swiniarski. “Besides being tough to chew, they will be tough to digest and cats’ tummies may become upset.”

Can Cats Eat Banana Chips?

Depending on how they’re prepared, cats may be able to eat banana chips. If the chips are simply dehydrated bananas with no added sugar, spices, or salt, they should be fine for cats to eat. If there are added ingredients—especially salt and sugar—pet parents should pass.

Can Kittens Eat Bananas?

Kittens can eat bananas. But it’s important to keep in mind that kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats, so their banana intake should be limited. “Because kittens need high levels of protein and fat in their diet, [pet parents should] keep bananas to a minimum and ensure your kitten is eating a high-quality diet approved for kittens or all life stages,” Dr. Swiniarski recommends.

Are Bananas Good for Cats?

While cats can eat bananas, they aren’t necessarily good for cats. Most cats also don’t have a drive to eat sweet things like humans or dogs, and may not enjoy the taste of bananas. As stated above, cats are obligate carnivores and must eat meat to survive. In terms of nutrition, cats require a high-protein, moderate fat, minimal carbohydrate diet that mimics the prey they would eat in the wild. There are certain vitamins and minerals that cats need in a healthy diet, but those are typically covered if you’re feeding your cat a high-quality commercial cat food, ideally one that meets AAFCO standards.  

Are Bananas Bad for Cats?

While bananas are healthy for humans, they are high in carbohydrates and naturally occurring sugar, which are not a major part of a balanced feline diet [3]. They’re also high in potassium, which isn’t necessarily bad for a healthy cat, but it could be a problem for cats with underlying health conditions.

“Any cat with healthy kidneys will have no problem getting rid of extra potassium,” Dr. Swiniarski explains, “And some kitties with kidney problems actually need more potassium. But if a cat has kidney disease, and their potassium is too high, feeding your cat bananas would not be a great choice.”

Bananas and Cats: The Verdict

Bananas are safe to give a healthy cat in small quantities, no more than 1-to-2 tablespoons per day if you’re not giving your cats any other treats. Think of bananas as a “sometimes treat” for your cat, like a cookie or a candy bar might be for a human. 

The one caveat is that if your cat has existing health issues, the potassium in bananas may be dangerous, so be sure that your cat has a clean bill of health before sharing your snack. 

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For humans, spinach is touted as a superfood and is known to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and triglycerides-lowering properties [1].  

Since spinach is so beneficial to humans you may be wondering: can cats eat spinach? This article will let you know if you should be feeding your cat spinach, how you should prepare spinach for cats, the health benefits and possible risks of feeding cats spinach. 

Can Cats Eat Spinach? 

In general, cats can eat spinach. Spinach is non-toxic to cats and can be enjoyed by most felines without any issues. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their diet must contain animal products in order to provide all of their essential nutrients. However, you can supplement your cat’s diet with certain fruits and vegetables. In fact, just as fruits and vegetables are beneficial to human diets, they can be beneficial when added to your cat’s diet in small quantities. 

At this time, there are no known studies that have specifically researched feeding spinach to cats but one study in geriatric cats did show that diets supplemented with added fruits and vegetables increased the cats’ lean body mass and improved their kidney function [2]. 

Can Cats Eat Cooked Spinach? 

Cats can eat small amounts of cooked spinach. The biggest concern that veterinarians have with feeding cats spinach is that spinach is high in oxalates, compounds that, when consumed in high amounts, may increase the risk of kidney or bladder stones. Based on studies, cooking spinach has been shown to decrease the amount of oxalates present, thereby decreasing the potential risk of feeding spinach [3]. 

When cooking spinach for cats, it is best to steam or gently saute this vegetable without adding oils, salt or spices. Boiling is not generally recommended because it decreases many of the beneficial nutrients in spinach. 

Can Cats Eat Raw Spinach? 

Raw spinach is also okay to feed cats in moderation. Feeding raw spinach to cats will ensure that the spinach retains the highest amounts of many vitamins. However, raw spinach does contain high amounts of oxalates and should not be fed to cats with a history of urinary tract stones or abnormal urinary symptoms. 

Is Spinach Good For Cats? 

Spinach is chock full of beneficial vitamins, minerals and other health-producing compounds. It is rich in vitamins A, B6 and K, fiber, magnesium, manganese, potassium, folic acid, iron and calcium [4]. These nutrients are essential for different cellular functions throughout our own bodies and our cats’ bodies. 

Listed are benefits of some of the nutrients found in spinach [5]: 

• Vitamin A: Crucial for vision, growth and immune function. 
• Vitamins B6: Important for red blood cell function, immune response and nervous system function. 
• Vitamin K: Allows for normal blood clotting. 
• Manganese: Supports the nervous system and bone development. 
• Fiber: The fiber in spinach can help to promote your cat’s healthy digestion and fiber-enhanced diets are often recommended for pets that need to lose weight. 
• Iron: Supports oxygen transportation throughout the body. 
• Calcium: Crucial for healthy bones and teeth, muscle contractions and nerve impulse conduction. 

Spinach is not a very common ingredient in commercial cat foods but can be found in certain varieties of Hill’s, Purina, and Fancy Feast brands of wet or canned cat foods. 

Is Spinach Bad for Cats? 

Spinach is not bad for cats and it can be a healthy treat or addition to your cat’s diet. However, as with most things, moderation is key. Any treats or foods that you feed your cat in addition to her regular cat food should make up no more than 10 percent of her daily calorie intake. Feeding a higher proportion will unbalance the diet and can lead to nutritional deficiencies and excesses. 

Most cats need to eat around 200 calories per day, which means that no more than 20 of their daily calories should come from extra foods. The good news is that spinach is very low in calories, with one raw spinach leaf containing only about 2 calories [6]. For this reason, it would be hard to give a cat too much spinach. 

For cats with a history of kidney stones, bladder stones, or any history of abnormal urinary symptoms, it is generally recommended to avoid feeding spinach, as this may increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones. However, one small study showed that feeding cats a diet containing high amounts of oxalates did not increase their urinary excretion of these compounds [7]. It instead showed that feeding high levels of low quality proteins increased urinary oxalate levels. 

In general it is best to discuss whether or not you should feed your cat spinach, or any non-standard foods, with your veterinarian. 

Spinach for Cats: The Verdict

In summary, spinach is a super healthy and nutritious vegetable. When fed in small quantities to a healthy adult cat, spinach can be beneficial to your cat’s health and may serve as a nutritionally dense low-calorie treat. 

Avoid feeding spinach to cats with urinary issues or cats with other medical concerns without first speaking to your veterinarian.

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In this article, you’ll learn what causes cats to throw up food, the difference between throwing up and regurgitation, how to interpret vomit and most importantly how to recognize when vomiting food is a sign of a serious medical issue.

Why Do Cats Throw Up Food?

Vomiting isn’t a specific disease or diagnosis, it is a non-specific symptom caused by many things and may be a common occurrence in feline-friendly households. Occasional vomiting (once a month or less) is usually not a sign of concern, especially if the material brought up includes hair. However vomiting more often indicates something is awry, and some sort of investigation and intervention is warranted. 

Cat Vomiting vs. Regurgitation

If your cat is bringing up food, it may not be vomiting, which is why it is important to know the difference between vomiting and regurgitation. 

Vomiting can happen at any time and is an active, strenuous activity often preceded by retching. Cats feel nauseous, may drool or vocalize and often won’t want to eat. 

Regurgitation is due to problems with the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Regurgitation is a passive process, the cat burps and undigested food comes out. Regurgitation usually happens soon after eating, and the cat may regurgitate and then try to eat again. There is no nausea.

Why Do Cats Throw Up Undigested Food? 

Is your cat throwing up food but acting normal? The most common cause for cats to regularly vomit undigested food is gorging. When cats gorge, they overextend their stomach, which triggers the cat to vomit. 

Eating grass can also cause vomiting. While we don’t know exactly why cats eat grass, we do know that the shape and texture of grass may irritate their gag reflex and cause vomiting.

If your cat is vomiting due to gorging or eating grass, it is not a medical emergency. However, there are other reasons why a cat keeps throwing up after eating that do require veterinary attention, which can include:

Intestinal obstruction: things that can get stuck or lacerate the gut, including small toys, bones, large hairballs, hair ties, ribbon or tinsel, can all cause vomiting. 

Allergies or adverse food reactions: cats can have allergies to ingredients in their food that can cause chronic vomiting. The most common allergens are poultry, beef, pork, eggs, soy, turkey and lamb. Cats with food allergies usually have diarrhea and itchy skin as well. Adverse food reactions are a problem with the food, such as food poisoning, reactions to food additives, lactose intolerance (adult cats can’t digest milk), or eating people food that doesn’t agree with the cat.

Gut inflammation: cats can vomit and have diarrhea due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chronic untreated IBD has been associated with a specific intestinal cancer called lymphosarcoma. Bacterial overgrowth in the gut can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. 

Intestinal parasites or viruses: parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms, are a common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Cats with worms can also have a potbellied appearance. Cats with panleukopenia, feline leukemia or other viruses can also vomit. 

Problems elsewhere: Diseases that cause nausea, such as chronic kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, neurological disease, hyperthyroidism, inner ear problems, and diabetes can all cause vomiting. 

Poisoning: chewing on lilies or other toxic house or yard plants or accidental ingestion of antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides, or human prescription drugs can all cause vomiting. Some cats can also vomit in response to medications prescribed to them.

Stress: moving, visitors, changes in routine and adding new pets to the household can all cause stress in cats, which can cause vomiting. 

Age-related disorders: Many age-related illnesses in cats can lead to GI upset. Chronic vomiting in senior cats can point to worrisome issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal lymphoma (a type of cancer), liver disease, hyperthyroidism, or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, chronic vomiting can lead to more rapid dehydration and weight loss in older cats, which can exacerbate underlying health conditions. Therefore, cats of any age (and especially those of advanced years) should receive regular physical exams by your veterinarian as well as routine bloodwork and urinalysis to rule out any emerging disorders that could affect your cat’s health and quality of life.

Cat Vomiting Food: When to Worry 

If your cat vomits often, consult with a veterinarian at your earliest convenience. Vomiting is never normal, but there are some specific symptoms associated with vomiting that indicate a potential emergency that requires veterinary intervention as soon as possible: 

• Acute vomiting (your cat experiences sudden vomiting).
• An uptick in chronic vomiting (your cat occasionally vomits, but has started vomiting more frequently).
• Decrease in appetite
• Weight loss
• Acting tired or weak
• Straining to urinate or defecate in the litterbox, or inappropriate elimination elsewhere in the house
• Increased aggression (could indicate pain)
• Hiding more
• Drooling
• Fever 
• Diarrhea
• Yellowed skin or whites of eyes (jaundice, can indicate liver disease)
• Fresh red blood in vomit or material that looks like coffee grounds (digested blood, evidence of gastric ulcers or severe stomach irritation)
• Vomiting in conjunction with medication administration
• Worms in your cat’s stool in addition to vomiting
• Your cat has already been diagnosed with a disease like diabetes or kidney disease.
• You see evidence that your cat consumed something dangerous, such as chewed up hair ties, ribbon, tinsel, poisonous plants or other poisonous substances.
• Your cat is very young or very old.

Treatment Options for Cats Throwing up Food 

Your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination, discuss your cat’s symptoms with you and will likely recommend some tests. These tests can include bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal exams for parasites and imaging studies, such as abdominal ultrasound or abdominal radiographs (X-rays). 

It is a good idea to bring a sample of the vomit, a stool sample and anything else out of the ordinary you think your cat may have consumed to the appointment. In addition, know the brand and type of food you feed your cat and how much and how fast your cat eats.

Treatment will depend on the cause of vomiting and may include:

• Medication to reduce nausea
• Deworming for parasites
• Treatment for diseases outside the stomach that can cause nausea
• Detoxification of poisonous substances
• Surgery to remove an obstruction
• Diet changes for food allergies or hairballs 
• Medication such as steroids to reduce inflammation in the gut

In many cases of mild, acute vomiting, nausea medication and a bland diet for a couple of days are all that is needed to heal the cat.

Pet parents often wonder if there are any home remedies for cat vomiting. Unless your cat is vomiting due to gorging food, there are no home remedies for cat vomiting. Do not ever give a cat human medication for vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian and never let a cat go more than a day or two without eating.

How to Prevent Cats Throwing Up Food

If you are concerned about your cat developing a problem with vomiting, follow these steps to reduce the likelihood of that happening:

Slow your cat’s eating by using a food puzzle. If your cat gorges on their food, consider a puzzle feeder or an automatic feeder that feeds pre-measured amounts at different times of the day. Alternatively, you can feed your cat several smaller meals throughout the day or spread the food out on a flat surface.

Switch your cat’s food. Consider changing your cat’s diet to a food formulated for sensitive stomachs. If your cat vomits food and hair, brush your cat more often to remove hair and consider switching to a hairball food.

Minimize stress in your cat’s environment. Stress can cause vomiting, so keep your cat calm at home by providing enough litter boxes, water bowls and food and offer plenty of scratching and climbing opportunities.

Bring your cat in for regular veterinary care. Have your cat checked out yearly by your veterinarian, and speak with them more often if you have concerns about your cat’s habits.

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You might not be the only one in your household who enjoys scrambled, hard-boiled or poached eggs – your cat might want a few bites as well. While you may be inclined to give your cat a few bites of egg, you might also be wondering if it’s safe to feed your cat eggs.  

Can Cats Eat Eggs?

The short answer is: yes, cats can eat eggs. 

“Eggs are a very high-quality source of nutrients. Cats can eat them, and they are used as a protein source in some commercial cat foods,” says Dr. Cailin Heinz, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.

That said, while cats can eat eggs, there is much more to consider before making eggs a staple in your cat’s diet.

Can Cats Eat Cooked Eggs? 

Cooked eggs should be the only type of egg your cat eats. The yolk should not be runny, and the whites should be completely solid. It doesn’t matter if the eggs are scrambled, fried, hard-boiled or poached, they just need to be cooked. 

And if you sneak your cat a bite of cooked eggs from your plate, be sure that those eggs have not been seasoned with onions or garlic, both of which are unsafe for cats to eat. A little bit of salt or pepper should be fine, but don’t overdo it.

You should also avoid feeding your cat eggs that have been cooked in a lot of butter or oil, as they can cause weight gain.

Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs?

While you sometimes hear about bodybuilders or other athletes eating raw eggs, eating an egg without cooking it is generally not recommended, especially if you’re feeding your cat eggs. For an egg to be consumed safely, it needs to be cooked. 

“Eggs should always be cooked—for both human and pet consumption—because of the risk of salmonella,” Heinz says. Salmonella is a bacterium sometimes found in raw eggs that can cause food poisoning. If you’re interested in feeding your cat a commercial raw diet with eggs, some studies have shown that freeze-drying eggs and other protein sources can kill a percentage of bacteria.

Heinz also cautions pet parents against feeding their cats raw eggs because raw eggs can cause a biotin deficiency. Biotin is essential for digestion and helps break down fats, carbohydrates and other nutrients. Raw eggs contain a substance that decreases biotin absorption, but this substance is inactivated by properly cooking the eggs.  

Can Cats Eat Eggshells?

Eggshells are made of calcium carbonate, a common supplement used as a calcium source. “Calcium carbonate is very commonly used in animal food for all types of animals. So, in theory, yes, your cat can eat eggshells,” Heinz says.

However, Heinz says that giving your cat eggshells as a source of calcium isn’t necessarily the best or easiest way for a cat to get the nutrients it needs. She adds that there’s no reason to feed your cat eggshells if you’re feeding a commercial diet, as those diets will already be nutritionally balanced and include all of the calcium your cat requires. 

And if you’re looking to serve your cat a home-cooked diet, you should work with a veterinary nutritionist to make sure you’re adding the proper nutrients in the right amounts for your cat’s health.

“If you’re making a home-cooked diet for your pet and wanted to use eggshells as a source of calcium, you could, but that would require a lot of calculations to ensure you’re giving them the right amount,” Heinz says. 

Can Cats Eat Egg Yolks?

Yes, cats can eat egg yolks, the most nutrient-dense part of the egg. 

“Egg whites only contain protein,” Heinz says. “It’s a good quality protein, but it doesn’t bring any other nutrients with it. The yolk, however, brings fat, protein and a lot of other nutrients. A whole egg is more nutritionally complete than just the egg white.” 

She also says that egg yolks are higher in calories than just egg whites, which should be considered when incorporating eggs into a cat’s diet. “An average egg is 70 to 80 calories. The white accounts for just 17 of those calories. The rest is the yolk,” she says.

How to Feed Cats Eggs

Eggs can be given as an occasional treat for cats on a commercial diet. For example, if you make yourself a plate of eggs for breakfast, feel free to drop a few morsels into your cat’s dish as well.

However, there is a big difference between sharing a couple of bites of your eggs and cooking eggs specifically for your cat. 

“If you’re going to feed your cat a whole scrambled egg or you’re going to make them a homemade diet, you’re going to need a lot more than just eggs to meet their nutritional needs,” Heinz says. “If you feed your cat a homemade diet that uses egg as the main protein, you might need more than one egg, but you also need to add extra vitamins and minerals to make sure the meal is nutritionally balanced.” 

Heinz adds that if you’re feeding your cat high-quality commercial cat food, there’s no need to add eggs, at least from a nutritional standpoint. “The nutrients in the egg aren’t going to bring anything new,” she says.

Precautions When Feeding Cats Eggs

The most important thing you can do when feeding your cat eggs is to make sure they are fully cooked. Salmonella can be very dangerous, and you don’t want your cat to have to suffer through a bout of food poisoning. 

If you choose to feed your cat eggs, be careful not to overdo it. Heinz says that a typical cat should only eat about 250 calories per day, and a single egg has 70 to 80 calories. “Depending on the size of the cat and the size of the egg, a single egg could constitute anywhere from a third to a half of your cat’s suggested calorie intake,” she says. 

Additionally, if you’re transitioning from commercial cat food to home-cooked meals, Heinz strongly encourages partnering with a veterinary nutritionist. A nutritionist can formulate a balanced diet for your cat, while also creating a transition plan that will minimize the risk of diarrhea (which can accompany an abrupt diet change). 

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If your cat is itchy and has diarrhea or other unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, a dietary problem could be to blame. Let’s explore whether certain foods can cause allergies in cats and if so, how you can help provide relief for your pet.

Can Cats Have Allergies to Food?

Yes, cats can be allergic to ingredients in their food. However, these food allergies are actually rare in cats. They are much more likely to have allergies to things in their environment, such as mold and grasses. When cats do have food allergies, they are typically directed at a specific protein source. Chicken is the most common food allergen in cats, but they can also be allergic to beef, turkey, egg, soy, or milk, as well as less common meat sources such as venison or duck. 

Cats are very unlikely to be allergic to grains or gluten. In fact, although cats are carnivores, grain-free or gluten-free foods are no more healthy for them than foods with grains and gluten. Most cat foods contain carbohydrates, such as wheat, corn, or potato, because they are an important source of vitamins and minerals. The total amount of carbohydrates in the food is a much more useful metric of healthfulness than whether it is grain-free. This is because foods higher in total carbohydrate content are associated with weight gain in cats.

What Causes Cat Food Allergies?

We don’t really know why food allergies exist. But we do know what happens in the body when a cat has allergies. Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a protein from a food as a cause for alarm instead of a benign source of nutrition. This causes the cat’s body to mount an immune response, attacking the “invader.” Immune responses cause inflammation, and it is this inflammation that we see as allergy symptoms, such as itching (inflammation of the skin) and diarrhea (inflammation of the intestines).

Cat food allergies usually emerge in young cats but they can develop at any time in a cat’s life. Allergies may also get worse over time. Neither sex nor breed are specific risk factors, although there is early evidence that Siamese cats and their cross-breeds may have increased risk (1). About 25 percent of cats who have a food allergy also have an environmental or flea allergy (2).

Cat Food Allergy Symptoms

Unfortunately, cat food allergy symptoms are common to many other conditions and can vary widely between cats.

When humans have allergies to something in the environment, such as grass or pollen, they may cough and sneeze. While cats with environmental allergies can have respiratory signs, they frequently will lick their feet and bellies. Cats with environmental allergies may also develop ear infections. Some veterinarians also believe that feline acne is also associated with allergies. Feline acne occurs on the chin and has various appearances, from black dirt to zits to swelling of the whole chin area. 

To make things complicated, cat food allergies can also cause excessive licking and ear infections just like environmental allergies. But typically, food allergic cats will also have gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. Unfortunately, there is no specific set of cat food allergy symptoms. The gastrointestinal signs of cat food allergies are common to many other ailments in cats, including most types of gastrointestinal disease (parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, etc.), pancreatitis, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and others. Although many people think it is normal for cats to vomit occasionally, in fact this could be the first sign that your cat has an allergy or other problem. Therefore, if you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your cat examined by a veterinarian. 

Signs of food allergies in cats can include:

• Licking feet, face, or abdomen
• Vomiting
• Loose stool or diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Ear infection
• Excessive gas
• Miliary dermatitis (crusty bumps all over the cat’s body)
• Breathing problems (rare)

Diagnosing Cat Food Allergies

The best way to diagnose a food allergy in a cat is through an elimination diet trial. The idea is that if you can completely exclude the source of allergen from your pet’s environment, then the symptoms should resolve. 

Importantly, since the signs of food allergy are common to other diseases in cats, your veterinarian is likely to start with testing for and treating other more common causes of your cat’s symptoms. These include various causes of gastrointestinal inflammation, flea allergy, and environmental allergy. Once these causes of your cat’s symptoms are excluded, then it is time to start a diet trial. While any veterinarian can conduct a food trial, veterinary dermatologists are specialists who focus on skin and allergies and are often the best resources for diagnosing and treating allergic disease.

Although it sounds simple, an elimination diet trial is difficult to do properly. First, your veterinarian will select a novel protein or hydrolyzed food. Hydrolyzed means that the protein source in the food has been broken down into short chains of amino acids. (Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins can be thousands of amino acids long.) These short chains are not recognized by the body as containing an allergen. For some cats, a novel protein diet is also an appropriate choice for an elimination diet. Novel proteins are those your cat has never been exposed to, such as venison, rabbit, or kangaroo. However, some foods may cross-react, such as chicken and turkey or beef and bison, and therefore diets with similar proteins may not be appropriate as novel diets.

Selection of the food is the easy part. The hard part is remembering to not give your cat any treats, snacks, medications, or supplements that contain anything edible other than the elimination diet. This means other cats in the house will need to be fed separately or else everyone needs to be on the same elimination diet. If you accidentally allow your cat to eat anything other than the prescribed diet, you have to start the whole trial timeline over again.  

Diet trials last from 4-12 weeks. Every 2-4 weeks, your cat will be evaluated by your veterinarian and you will discuss how she is doing. It is important for you to keep a record of her symptoms at home. The reason that diet trials have a broad timeline is that some cats respond to their elimination diet quickly, while for others it takes more time. An elimination diet trial is not considered over until your cat improves OR at least 12 weeks have passed without improvement. If a cat responds, gastrointestinal signs will usually improve before skin signs. This is because cells turn over more quickly in the GI tract than they do in the skin.

According to recent research, “alternative tests of blood, serum, saliva and hair have been found to be unsatisfactory” in the diagnosis of food allergy in cats (3).

How to Treat Cat Food Allergies

The best treatment for cat food allergies is to eliminate the allergen from your cat’s environment completely. This means that none of the ingredients in your cat’s food can come from the source of your animal’s allergy. These are usually called “limited ingredient” or “novel protein” diets. 

But more than just looking at primary ingredients, an allergen-free diet means there should be no risk of contamination with the allergen. It is similar to how some human foods that don’t contain peanuts are made in facilities that also process peanuts, so are not safe for those with peanut allergies. Human food is required to state any possible allergen contamination on the box, but there is no such requirement for cat food. In fact, very few pet food companies can guarantee no contamination. It is expensive to completely shut down machinery and deep clean it between making different foods, and most food companies are not designing food to be truly therapeutic. The few companies that do make this guarantee for their limited-ingredient diets include Royal Canin, Hill’s, and Purina. These guaranteed diets are usually the prescription diets, so they can specifically be labeled as a therapy or treatment for your cat’s disease (allergies). If you want to use a different brand of food for your cat’s allergen-free food, talk to your veterinarian.

In addition to allergen-free food, all treats, dental chews, medications, and toys should be allergen-free. It is okay for you to eat the food your cat is allergic to, as long as you don’t give her table scraps or let her lick the dishes.

Medication is unlikely to be required for food allergies in cats as long as your cat is maintained on an allergen-free diet. However, if a flare-up of symptoms happens, then your veterinarian may prescribe a short course of medication to get her feeling better faster.

Food allergy is just one of the many causes of your cat’s itchy skin or GI discomfort, and in fact one of the less common ones. Therefore, it is important to have your cat seen by your veterinarian before you change her diet or try to do an elimination diet on your own. 

The post Cat Food Allergies: Common Causes and Treatments appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Chocolate is a known toxin to cats and other pets, but is it possible for cats to have chocolate in super small quantities? 

Can Cats Eat Chocolate?

Yes, cats can eat very small amounts of chocolate without experiencing harmful side effects. However, that doesn’t mean they should. Chocolate is generally bad for cats. Once a cat eats more than just a small amount of chocolate, serious side effects can occur, and cats can die from eating chocolate.

Chocolate is poisonous to cats because it contains a compound called theobromine (which acts as a diuretic and heart stimulator) and caffeine. Each kind of chocolate has varying amounts of these compounds. The darker the chocolate, the higher the amount of theobromine and caffeine. Since most chocolate has much higher amounts of theobromine than caffeine, veterinarians usually calculate how poisonous the chocolate will be to cats based on levels of theobromine. 

Nutritionally, chocolate has no value to cats and should not be a regular part of any cat’s diet.

Can Cats Eat Chocolate Ice Cream?

In small quantities, a few quick licks of chocolate ice cream should not cause harmful side effects. And in theory, a cat would probably be more curious about your ice cream than a piece of chocolate since cats are typically drawn to dairy products over sweets.

Chocolate ice cream often contains several kinds of chocolate. For example, recipes may include unsweetened cocoa powder as well as semisweet chocolate. If a cat eats more than two or three tablespoons of chocolate ice cream, they are likely to experience side effects from the chocolate.

Compared to eating a piece of chocolate, chocolate ice cream is much less toxic to cats since the chocolate is diluted with the other ingredients such as cream and eggs. 

That said, some cats are lactose intolerant or sensitive to milk products, so even a small amount of ice cream may cause stomach upset regardless of the chocolate flavoring.

Can Cats Eat White Chocolate?

Yes, cats can eat white chocolate. White chocolate contains very low amounts of harmful theobromine and caffeine. As far as chocolate toxicity goes, you could feed your cat pounds of white chocolate before seeing side effects. But as expected, white chocolate contains high levels of sugar that are very unhealthy for your cat. And feeding anyone lots of white chocolate will cause an upset stomach.

While your cat is much less likely to eat so much white chocolate that he experiences serious side effects, a diet high in sugar is likely to lead to obesity and possibly other health issues, like diabetes mellitus. 

It’s important to avoid sugary foods in your cat’s diet, but know that a tiny bite of white chocolate won’t hurt them.

Cats and Chocolate: Understanding the Risks

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats begin about 6 to 12 hours after they eat chocolate. Mild signs may include increased thirst, bloating so the belly appears more rounded, vomiting, diarrhea and restlessness.

If your cat ate enough chocolate to cause more serious symptoms, these symptoms will be initially mild then progress or worsen. Serious symptoms of chocolate toxicity in cats can include:

• Hyperactive behavior
• Difficulty walking
• Tremors that cause twitching or uncontrollable shaking
• Seizures
• High blood pressure
• Elevated heart and breathing rate
• Elevated temperature
• Coma which can lead to death

Cats that weigh approximately 8 pounds will have chocolate poisoning symptoms after eating the following amounts of different types of chocolate:

• 1.25 ounces of milk chocolate (example: ¾ of a regular-sized Hershey’s bar)
• 0.5 ounces of chocolate chips (1 tablespoon)
• 0.2 ounces of unsweetened baker’s chocolate (1 teaspoon)
• 0.1 ounces of dry cocoa powder (1/2 teaspoon)

These amounts are an approximation, and every cat is unique. If your cat eats twice the amount of any chocolate listed above, they will likely experience severe side effects. Baked goods can also lead to symptoms of chocolate toxicity, and it can be challenging to know how much chocolate is in each baked good.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Chocolate

If your cat eats chocolate and it is more than a single bite of a baked good or a couple licks of ice cream, you should either call a veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately. They will help determine if the amount of chocolate requires monitoring at home or emergency treatment. 

Be sure to do your best to quantify how much chocolate and the exact kind of chocolate your cat ate. Look at the recipe or the container if it was a baked good. Call as soon as possible, as a veterinarian can help your cat vomit up the harmful chocolate but only up to three hours after the chocolate was eaten.

Unfortunately, there is no safe way to get a cat to vomit at home or treat chocolate toxicity’s harmful symptoms. While many dog parents have probably heard of hydrogen peroxide as a way to get dogs to vomit, this is not an option for cats.

If your cat is showing symptoms of chocolate toxicity of any kind, you should bring him to an emergency clinic right away. Symptoms can continue to worsen, and he will need care as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Chocolate

Many of us enjoy baking, or at least eating freshly baked goods that someone else made, so it is common to wonder how to keep your cat from eating chocolate. Be sure to cover all baked goods or sweets left on counters with something a cat cannot get through (cats can easily remove plastic wrap or tin foil). And thoroughly rinse off and clean up dishes used to make baked goods.

Some cats are excellent at opening cupboards or even certain doors. Child-proofing mechanisms to keep cupboards and doors shut are useful in preventing cats from breaking into cabinets, too. 

And if your kids are having a tasty treat that could be harmful to your cat, let your child know not to share. As most kids accidentally “share” with pets by dropping food, it might be best to distract your cat or even put them in a different room temporarily while your child finishes that tasty treat.

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While it’s true that cats tend to require less water than dogs on a per pound basis and may also better tolerate mild cases of dehydration, it’s unsafe to assume they can exist under the same conditions as their ancestors.

Though they are both part of the same family tree, the lifestyle and diet of ancestral wildcats is very different from today’s domestic cats. Wildcats obtain most of their water from the prey that they eat and maintain high levels of activity. Meanwhile, many domestic cats eat kibble containing little moisture and are often quite sedentary. This may make domestic cats more prone to dehydration, which can lead to or exacerbate certain health conditions. 

But how much water do cats actually need and how long can a cat go without water? Continue reading to find out everything you need to know to keep your cat safe and well-hydrated. 

Why Cats Need Water

All life on earth needs water to survive, and cats are no exception. Roughly 60 percent of your cat’s body is made up of water (1), which sustains many of your cat’s basic bodily functions. Without it, cats would be unable to swallow and digest food. Water is also the main component of blood which is necessary to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. And water plays a key role in producing urine, which helps to rid the body of waste products. 

How much water do cats need? An average-sized healthy adult cat needs about 7 to 8 ounces of water per day. However, how much water your cat actually needs to drink each day can vary depending on the moisture content of their diet. Dry food contains only about 10 percent water, so if you’re feeding your cat a kibble-only diet, you’d want to make sure your pet is drinking plenty of water. Wet or canned food contains 75 percent water, so it would be normal for cats eating this type of diet to drink a bit less. 

Certain health complications could affect how much water your cat requires, as well. For example, cats with kidney disease cannot produce concentrated urine. That means they lose more water when they pee, so they have to drink a lot more water than a healthy cat in order to stay hydrated. Cats with diabetes and urinary disorders should also drink more water. 

How Long Can a Cat Go Without Water? 

Cats should always have plenty of fresh water available to them. However, since feline renal systems are quite efficient when it comes to producing concentrated urine, cats may be able to tolerate short periods without water better than other animals, provided they are healthy. So if you forget to refill your cat’s empty water bowl for a few hours, this will likely not cause an issue. But it’s not a good idea to make it a habit.

Generally speaking, if your cat eats only kibble and you haven’t observed them drinking water for 24 hours, you may not need to worry if your cat is otherwise acting normal. But if your kibble-eating cat hasn’t had any water for 24 hours or more and they’re acting abnormal (poor appetite, yowling, abnormal elimination habits, mentally inappropriate), that’s cause for concern and merits an immediate trip to the veterinary clinic.

If your cat is on a wet food-only diet and they are still eating normally, don’t panic if you don’t see them drinking water for a day or two. Remember that wet food is made up of mostly water, which makes it easier for cats to stay hydrated. Now, if you noticed that same cat wasn’t eating or drinking for a full day, that would be concerning. If such a pattern continued for three or more days, severe and potentially life-threatening dehydration could result. 

If your cat has advanced kidney disease, diabetes, or is on a diuretic for the management of congestive heart failure, dehydration can develop much faster and can become potentially severe within a day. Cats with these conditions should have constant access to water. Cats that are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea can also become dehydrated rapidly. 

Signs of Dehydration in Cats

It is important for pet parents to become familiar with the signs of dehydration in cats, especially if their cat has a chronic illness like kidney failure. The following are signs of dehydration: 

• Dry or sticky gums
• Thick, stringy saliva
• Sunken eyes 
• Skin becomes less elastic 
• Lethargy 
• Rapid heart rate 

If any of the above symptoms occur in your cat, consult with your veterinarian immediately. 

How to Get Cats to Drink More Water

Healthy cats will typically self-regulate their water consumption and drink as much as their body needs. However, cats that are chronically under-hydrated may be more prone to chronic kidney disease, obesity, idiopathic cystitis (abnormal urinary symptoms), or bladder stones. For this reason, pet parents may want to consider ways to increase their cats’ hydration at home. 

Feeding cats all or mostly wet food can help your pet stay better hydrated than cats that are fed kibble-only diets. Kibble-eating cats are likely to drink more water, but studies indicate that the amount of water they consume may still fall short of the hydration contained in wet food-only diets (1). 

But switching to wet food isn’t always a surefire solution to dehydration issues. Some cats may turn up their noses at a wet-food diet, especially if they were fed kibble their whole lives. In addition, some pet parents may consider wet food too expensive or inconvenient. 

Another way to increase hydration for kibble-eating cats is to add water into their kibble. But determining how much your cat will tolerate is a delicate balance. For best results, always start by adding a small amount of water to your cat’s kibble to see how they react to it. If they still chow down, add a little more water to the kibble every time you feed them, as long as your cat continues to eat their food. 

Some cats consider running water more appealing than a static water bowl, so you may be able to up your cat’s water intake with a cat drinking fountain or a dripping faucet. However, this is largely an individual preference so pet parents should experiment with different options to see what their cat likes most (2). 

The location and type of water bowl you use may also play a part in how much your cat drinks. In a survey commissioned by the pet food company Royal Canin, results indicated that, on average, cats preferred drinking bowls with smaller diameters and liked to drink from bowls that were located in a room away from their food bowls (2). 

Cat parents can also try adding small amounts of tuna water or chicken broth to their cat’s water to make it more aromatic and enticing.

Ensuring your cat stays properly hydrated is critical to maintaining their overall health and wellness. But even if your pet requires some coaxing to meet their daily water requirements, these simple steps can help you get your cat to drink more water and stay hydrated. Just remember, if you are worried that your cat is not drinking enough water or is not adequately hydrated, make sure you speak with your veterinarian and take your cat in for an exam immediately if signs of dehydration are present.

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Is it OK for Cats to Eat Celery?

Yes, cats can eat celery! However, celery cannot replace a well-balanced diet. Pet parents should consider celery an additional treat rather than a significant part of a cat’s routine diet. As obligate carnivores, meat-based diets for cats are a must. Without meat and a whole host of vitamins and minerals in the correct proportions, cats can become seriously ill. 

But as long as you serve up celery in the correct proportion to a nutritionally balanced diet, it’s fine to share this veggie with your cat.

Celery grows in marshlands all over the world in the form of a long narrow stalk that tapers into leaves. From this comes a narrow stem that flowers and produces seeds. These small, fragrant celery seeds are used as a cooking spice as well as a component of Eastern medicine. People tend to eat the stalk, leaves, and seeds—essentially the entire plant, minus the roots.

Is Celery Good for Cats?

Celery in moderation is good for cats. For one, it contains compounds called apigenin and luteolin—antioxidants that lower inflammation (1) and are used frequently in Eastern medicine. The compounds in celery have been suggested as a possible treatment for cancer, based on how they interact with cells (2, 3).

Celery seeds and extracts are natural diuretics—a substance that helps flush salt and chloride from the body in the form of urine. Excessive amounts of celery could potentially lead to dehydration in cats, albeit a very mild case. This diuretic property is often used in a beneficial way, however. In rats, celery extracts reduced high blood pressure (4).

Celery has also been shown to decrease cholesterol and triglycerides in rats (5). In vitro studies have shown that celery extract can regrow nerve cells (6). Celery is also high in fiber, which helps regulate the production of feces and promotes regularity. Higher fiber intake helps cats feel full.

Many cats demonstrate a preference for certain textures or shapes that are fun to chew on. In fact, some cats become obsessed with chewing on things like wooden furniture! Celery is an excellent enrichment tool. Its crunchy, wood-like texture makes it a fun chew toy of sorts for cats. You could even hang it from the ceiling on a string to provide your favorite feline with a moving target to practice pouncing upon. 

Celery is not common in commercially sold cat food diets or treats. It is primarily composed of water and, secondarily, fiber, which makes it a difficult ingredient to incorporate. You may find it as an ingredient in recipes for homemade cat food posted online. However, always check with your veterinarian before whipping up any homemade cat food recipe. Unless the recipe has been thoroughly vetted by a veterinary nutritionist or prescribed by your veterinarian, there’s no way to confirm that it is nutritionally complete and balanced. 

Is Celery Bad for Cats?

In some cases, celery can be harmful to your cat. If your cat ingests a large quantity of celery stalks or leaves, they could suffer an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. While having high fiber content is beneficial, it can also be difficult to digest.

Celery may also be cross-reactive with certain allergens. If your cat is allergic to things in the environment such as mugwort or other grasses, they may also be allergic to celery.

Celery and Cats: Feeding Tips

On average, only 10 percent of your cat’s daily diet (at most) should come from sources outside of their nutritionally-balanced cat food. With that in mind, about 1 tablespoon of celery per day would be considered a suitable serving.

When you are serving up celery as a special treat, you can leave it as a whole chunk or dice it up, depending on your cat’s preference. If you are offering celery as an enriching play option, leave it as a whole stalk for your cat to grab and chew.

Celery juice is not harmful to cats in small quantities. There are no specific guidelines about how much celery juice is too much for cats to drink, but pet parents should not offer more than about a tablespoon per day. As a natural diuretic, celery juice can trigger your cat to lose extra fluids. But as long as your cat has plenty of fresh water available at all times, they should be fine.

Celery seeds are sometimes used therapeutically in Eastern medicine. Before giving your cat any herbal supplement, you should consult your veterinarian. Some herbal supplements contain high doses of compounds that may be harmful to your cat, depending on their medical history and conditions.

As long as you follow these guidelines, you should be able to share the crunchy, yummy benefits of celery safely with your cat. 

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But can cats eat strawberries? Even better question—SHOULD cats eat strawberries? Read on about the nutrition and related research around strawberries for cats.

Can Cats Eat Strawberries?

The short answer is that cats can eat strawberries! However, strawberries cannot replace a well-balanced diet and should be considered an additional treat more than a part of a cat’s routine diet. Without meat and a whole host of vitamins and minerals in the correct proportions, cats can become very ill. As obligate carnivores, meat-based diets for cats are a must.

On average, a cat should only eat approximately 10 percent of their total diet as other food besides their well-balanced cat food. For example, eating strawberries as 10 percent of a cat’s diet would add up to approximately 1 tablespoon of strawberry per day.

Are Strawberries Good for Cats?

There is no evidence to show that cats specifically benefit from strawberries. However, multiple studies show benefits to a variety of other species, especially humans. Research shows that strawberries:

• Have many vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols known to reverse damage to cells due to aging and other factors [1].

• Are associated with decreased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) [1].

• Help maintain a steady blood glucose (sugar) level [1].

• Animals fed strawberries (2 percent of their diet) demonstrated better motor skills and increased cognition, or mental ability for logic [2].

• May protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and neurologic disease (disease of the brain and/or nerves) [3].

Are Strawberries Bad for Cats?

Strawberries are not poisonous to cats. Allergies to strawberries are suspected but not proven in dogs as well as cats. Cats that are allergic to birch and alder pollen can be allergic to strawberries, so cats with a history of allergies should be monitored for increased itching after feeding strawberries.

Strawberries do contain a lot of sugar, and they should never be fed as more than 10 percent of the diet. High sugar content can lead to obesity, which is linked to diabetes and many other health issues in cats.

In addition, strawberries are one of the most contaminated crops with pesticides [4]. There are no reports of poisonings of animals having reactions to strawberries due to pesticides. However, limiting the amount of strawberries that are fed to your cat is wise due to the high likelihood of contamination.

Do Cats Like Strawberries?

Individual cats will vary on whether or not they appreciate the taste of strawberries. Most humans enjoy strawberries for their sweetness, but cats cannot taste sweet things—they lack the sweet taste receptor all together [5]! The tartness and texture may be appealing to some cats, and not to others.

Pet parents can feed strawberries daily to their cats if they show no symptoms of an upset stomach and 90 percent of what they are eating is a well-balanced food made for cats. Any increase in weight in your cat should be taken seriously and treats that are lower in sugar should be considered. 

Can Cats Eat Strawberry Leaves?

Yes! Strawberries and their leaves are not poisonous to cats. However, eating the stems and leaves may cause gastrointestinal (stomach) upset such as vomiting, so it’s a good idea to monitor your cat for signs of upset if they consume strawberry leaves.

Can Cats Eat Strawberry Yogurt?

Yogurt can be fed to cats, but stomach upset is a relatively common consequence. Dairy products—such as milk, cheese, and yogurt—may cause stomach upset including vomiting and diarrhea since cats do not have much enzyme to break down lactose.

Plain unflavored yogurt would be preferable over flavored, strawberry yogurt since the sugar content should be lower in plain yogurt. Cats do not need any extra sugar in their diet. 

One possible difference between strawberry yogurt and plain yogurt may be the content of xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener in place of sugar. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control has had no reports of cat toxicity to artificial sweeteners before, but pet parents should still be cautious as xylitol is very toxic to dogs. Toxicity is typically similar between dogs and cats.

Can Cats Eat Strawberry Ice Cream?

Ice cream is a dairy product, and due to the lack of an enzyme to break down lactose, cats may have gastrointestinal upset after eating strawberry ice cream. Ice cream in general contains a high amount of fat and sugar. Food high in fat can result in stomach upset as well as obesity, pancreatitis, and diabetes if fed in high amounts.

Strawberry ice cream is not toxic to cats, but it is likely to upset the cat’s stomach and should only be fed on occasion, if ever. Pet parents should avoid any product that contains xylitol.

Cats and Strawberries: The Verdict

Strawberries are a generally safe treat to give to your cat. Cats should not be eating more than approximately 1 tablespoon of strawberries (or any other food!) per day if pet parents choose to feed their cats with this fruit. 

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Nutrition is key for kittens in preventing serious health consequences and promoting healthy growth. Read this article to understand what kind of food your kitten should eat, how much, and how often.

What Do Kittens Eat? 

Kittens require higher levels of nutrients than adult cats do simply because they are growing. 

Some of these nutritional needs include:

• Energy (calories)
• Protein
• Fat
• Minerals (such as calcium and phosphorus)

Newborn kittens (3 weeks old and under) get adequate nutrition from their mother’s milk or from commercial kitten formula. It is very important that kittens only drink their mother’s milk or a commercial formula made for cats because each species has very different milk properties, and kittens require specific nutrient balances. Certain amino acids such as taurine that cats require are not found in dog milk or goat milk, for instance. Without taurine cats develop severe heart disease and blindness.

After kittens turn 3-4 weeks old, canned and dry commercial diets will provide complete nutrition for kittens. The food should either state it is formulated for kittens or for all life-stages. If a food is formulated for all life-stages, this means that the higher nutrients kittens would require are included in the food.

Kittens should not be fed adult cat food as it will not contain sufficient fat, protein, or minerals for healthy growth. However, if a kitten eats some adult food for a day or two until you can get to the store, it’s no problem!

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has developed minimum standards for what nutrition foods must contain for dogs and cats. Look for a small AAFCO statement on the bag or cans of food. If there isn’t one, another brand of food should be chosen.

How Long Do Kittens Nurse? 

Kittens eat liquid-only diets until they are approximately 3-4 weeks of age. At that time, kittens slowly begin eating more solid foods. 

If you have a mother cat and kittens, simply leave out plenty of canned cat food so that kittens and the mother cat can eat as they please. The kittens will watch their mother eat and will try it on their own. A pate-style canned food is much easier for kittens than chunky foods. Mother cats naturally wean their own kittens by decreasing the amount of time the kittens are allowed to nurse.

If you have a very young kitten without a mother, at 3-4 weeks of age begin offering a shallow dish of kitten formula with a very small amount of canned pate food mixed in. Bring the kitten to the dish and entice them to eat by using a small spoon placed near their mouth. Most kittens at this age will begin chewing or suckling on the contents of the spoon. Slowly bring the spoon down into the bowl so the kitten tries some of the mixture. This stage is very messy!

Once the kitten begins eating out of the dish reliably, bottle feeding is no longer necessary. This occurs when they eat out of a dish without chewing the sides of the dish and without sucking on the food. 

Offer a new dish of formula and canned food at least twice daily, if not 3 to 4 times per day, out of a clean dish. Every couple days, increase the amount of canned food mixed into the formula for about 2 weeks. Kittens should be fully off formula (or their mother’s milk) by 6 to 9 weeks of age.

When Can Kittens Eat Wet Food?  

Kittens can eat wet kitten food as early as 3 weeks of age. Since kittens are not usually fully weaned until 6 to 9 weeks of age, there is ideally a gradual change from formula or their mother’s milk to a solid-food diet.

However, some kittens younger than 6 weeks old—as young as 3 weeks old—are already onto solid foods. If a kitten refuses to eat from a bottle, and is 3 weeks of age or older, set out a plate of canned food and see what happens! The kitten may very well chow down.

When Can Kittens Eat Dry Food? 

Kittens can be offered dry food whenever they have fully transitioned to canned food—approximately 6 weeks of age and older. Your kitten will choose whether they prefer mostly canned food or mostly dry food. The important thing is to provide as much canned and dry food as your kitten wishes to eat!

What Human Food Can Kittens Eat? 

Cats are obligate carnivores, so really your cat can eat plain, well-cooked meat of any kind. Raw or undercooked meat is not good for your cat, as bacteria and parasites can cause serious health concerns in your cat including diarrhea and vomiting.

Cats should only eat up to 10 percent of their daily food requirements as food other than their main balanced diet. 

If you choose to feed human food to your cat, it would equate to approximately 1 tablespoon in total per day. As long as the human food is safe for your cat and all treats including human food are kept to a total of 1 tablespoon per day, your kitten can enjoy some human food!

Examples of safe human foods for kittens include:

• Meat, plain and well-cooked
• Eggs, cooked
• Vegetables (other than onion, garlic or chives), fresh and plain
• Fruit (other than citrus fruit or grapes), fresh and plain – including strawberries!
• Starches, plain and cooked such as rice, potato, bread or noodles
• Popcorn, cooked without salt or butter

Can Kittens Eat Tuna?

Kittens can have small amounts of tuna each day. In total, kittens should be fed no more than 1 tablespoon per day of foods other than their main diet. If tuna is fed in this amount or less, your kitten should not experience any ill effects. 

Tuna itself is not a particularly beneficial part of a cat’s diet.

Kittens that are fed larger amounts of tuna have developed serious health issues, including:

• Nutritional deficiency, particularly a lack of calcium.
• Thiamine deficiency, since tuna contains enzymes that break down thiamine which cats need to survive.
• Pansteatitis, a painful and potentially lethal inflammation of the fat throughout the body.
• Lower urinary tract disease, inflammation of the bladder leading to discomfort.
• Abnormal bleeding, due to tuna decreasing effective vitamin K.

Homemade Kitten Food 

Feeding your young feline homemade kitten food is very challenging and not recommended by veterinary nutritionists. This is particularly true in kittens, as growing animals have even higher nutritional demands.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive. This does not mean that cats only need meat, however, and without proper supplements added to a mixture of proteins and carbohydrates your cat will not do well. Kittens are particularly susceptible to nutritional deficiency, meaning they are not receiving adequate nutrition even if the amount of food is adequate. 

An example of this is nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, a condition that occurs in kittens not fed balanced diets related to calcium and phosphorus levels. Their bones become paper-thin and break without any trauma, causing significant pain and discomfort. 

If you do decide to make a homemade diet for your kitten, you must speak with your veterinarian. The internet is full of people’s recipes, which are unfounded and could lead to serious health conditions in your kitten if not given under veterinary supervision.

What Not to Feed Your Kitten

There are many things that should not be fed to your kitten. These include the following:

Dairy Products

Dairy products, like milk, may cause stomach upset including vomiting and diarrhea since cats do not have much enzyme to break down lactose. 

Fatty Foods

Food high in fat can result in stomach upset as well as obesity, pancreatitis, and diabetes if fed in high amounts. 

Salty Foods

Salty foods can cause increased urination and drinking and may even cause toxicity if fed in high quantities including tremors and seizures. 

Undercooked Foods

Undercooked meat, eggs and bones may contain dangerous bacteria. Raw eggs actually decrease absorption of B vitamins causing skin and coat problems. Bones can splinter and become lodged in your kitten’s throat.

Other foods that should not be fed to your kitten include:

• Alcohol
• Chives
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Caffeine
• Citrus fruits or plants
• Coconut or coconut oil
• Garlic
• Grapes or raisins
• Nuts
• Onion
• Xylitol (found in gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste)
• Yeast dough

How Much Food Should a Kitten Eat? 

Young kittens primarily eating formula (4 weeks and under) should eat no more than their stomach can hold. Stomach capacity for food is determined based on body weight. This would equate to 20 ml of formula per pound.

Kittens under 4 months old require 90 calories per pound per day. But, the best rule of thumb for kittens between 2 and 6 months of age is to feed as much as they will eat of a balanced kitten diet. Some kittens will eat more than others, depending on their own individual metabolism.

Once your kitten reaches 6 months of age, their metabolism will begin to slow down. Most cats will require much less food and should be monitored closely for unnecessary weight gain. Each and every kitten is different, so amounts may vary considerably.

How Much Wet Food to Feed a Kitten

For kittens under 4 months old, one-half of a 5.5 oz can of cat food should be fed in total over a single day. 

For kittens over 4 months, most will eat approximately 1.5 to 2 cans of 5.5 oz canned food per day. 

How Much Dry Food to Feed a Kitten

For kittens under 4 months, approximately one-quarter cup of dry food would be fed in total over a single day. If offering canned food as well (which is strongly recommended), decrease the total amount of dry food by one to two tablespoons.

For kittens over 4 months, most will eat approximately one-half cup to three-quarters cup of dry food per day. Decrease by one-quarter cup if offering canned food, too.

How Often Should Kittens Eat?

Kittens eating formula should ideally eat 7 times per day if 1 week old, 6 times per day if 2 weeks old, 5 times per day if 3 weeks old and 4 times per day if 4 weeks old.

Kittens prefer to whenever they feel like it. However, meal feeding once your kitten is eating solid food can lead to healthier eating habits in the future. Feeding 2 to 4 meals per day is preferred.

When to Switch from Kitten Food to Cat Food 

Once a kitten reaches 10-12 months of age, they should be transitioned to an adult cat food diet. The lower protein and calorie content in adult cat food will help in preventing cat obesity. Portion control becomes very important as well, monitoring how much your cat is eating and listening to your veterinarian if your kitten has started gaining extra fat.

To transition your kitten to adult food, it will be easier to do the switch gradually over approximately one week. Each day mix in a little more of the adult food and a little less of the kitten food. Choosing the adult version of the same brand of food will help as the taste should be somewhat similar.

Kittens have specific nutritional needs. Using tips from this article will ensure your kitten remains healthy and eats the quality food they deserve. You can always call your veterinarian if you are concerned. As long as you choose a balanced commercial kitten diet and keep treats to a minimum, your kitten will live a long healthy life!

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But what exactly is taurine, and why is it such a big deal for cats?

We’re going to help you understand what you need to know about taurine so that you can keep your cat in optimal health.

What is Taurine?

Taurine is an amino acid, the building block of proteins. It is found only in animal-based proteins. 

For cats, taurine earns the additional classification of an essential amino acid. Essential amino acids must be obtained from the diet because they cannot be synthesized in the body. Cats cannot produce taurine, making it an essential amino acid for them.

It was first classified as an essential amino acid for cats in the 1980s. Since that time, all commercial cat foods have been supplemented with taurine.

Is Taurine Good for Cats?

Absolutely! Taurine plays a vital role in many body functions including:

• Vision
• Digestion
• Fetal development
• Healthy pregnancy
• Heart muscle function
• Immune system functioning

Common Sources of Taurine for Cats

Taurine is found only in animal-based proteins. Sources of taurine include chicken and beef. All regular commercial cat foods are supplemented with taurine. 

The amount of taurine in cat food varies between wet and dry foods. The processing required to manufacture canned cat food decreases the amount of taurine in the food. Therefore, the amount of taurine is higher in wet cat food than in dry food to account for what’s lost during heat processing.

Cats’ bodies metabolize taurine quickly, so cats need to have taurine in their diet every day. 

Taurine Deficiency in Cats

Given taurine’s many functions in a cat’s body, a taurine deficiency in cats has significant health consequences. 

First, though, let’s discuss why cats develop taurine deficiencies. 

Diet is the main reason. Cats that eat homemade diets without enough animal-based proteins are at high risk of a taurine deficiency. Also, cats that prefer dog food can become taurine-deficient because most commercially available dog food does not contain enough taurine.

Underlying illness is another reason for taurine deficiencies in cats.

Signs of taurine deficiency develop very slowly, taking anywhere from several months to several years to become apparent.

Now that you know why cats get taurine deficiencies, let’s explain what this deficiency can cause in a cat’s body:

Feline central retinal degeneration: Taurine helps maintain the health of the retina. With a taurine deficiency, the cells within the retina, called photoreceptors, start to degrade. This degradation is irreversible and leads to blindness.

Dilated cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) occurs when the heart muscles become large and flaccid, making the heart unable to pump blood adequately. A taurine deficiency weakens the heart muscles, leading to DCM. Left unmanaged, DCM eventually leads to congestive heart failure.

Signs of heart disease include weakness and reduced appetite.

Digestive problems: Taurine is found in bile salts, which are produced in the liver and help with a cat’s digestion. A taurine deficiency leads to digestive problems.

Pregnancy and fetal development complications: Taurine is necessary for a healthy pregnancy in cats. Mama cats with a taurine deficiency won’t be able to provide enough nutrition to their unborn kittens. After birth, kittens born to mothers with a taurine deficiency have poor and delayed growth and low birth weights. Also, taurine-deficient mama cats tend to have small litters. 

Diagnosing a Taurine Deficiency

Taurine deficiencies in cats are not always readily noticeable. If your cat has any of the health complications listed above, take your cat to your veterinarian for a diagnostic workup.

Diagnosing a taurine deficiency is a thorough process.

Your vet will ask you detailed questions about your cat’s history, especially their diet. Expect questions like these listed below:

• Do you feed your cat commercial cat food?
• Does your cat eat a homemade diet? If so, what’s in the diet?
• Does your cat eat dog food?
• What symptoms have you observed, and when did you first notice them?
• Is your cat bumping into furniture, as if they’re having trouble seeing?

The physical exam will be a comprehensive observation of all of your cat’s body systems, especially the heart and eyes. For the heart exam, your vet will listen closely to your cat’s heartbeat and rhythm. Additional heart testing, such as chest X-rays and an electrocardiogram, will provide more information about your cat’s heart function.

For the eye exam, your vet will look closely at your cat’s retina, located in the back of the eye. They will look for any signs of retinal damage.

Beyond the physical exam, your vet will take a few blood samples to perform routine blood work and test specifically for taurine levels.

If your cat has a taurine deficiency, your vet will prescribe taurine supplementation, which could be lifelong. 

Taurine Supplements for Cats

The only way to correct a taurine deficiency in cats is through supplementation. Taurine supplements come in various formulations. There’s powdered taurine, as well as taurine capsules, tablets, and gels.

Taurine supplements are available over the counter. However, they are not regulated by the FDA, and thus do not have the requirement to undergo rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness. 

If evaluating the products yourself seems daunting, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. For whichever product you select, your veterinarian can instruct you on how much to give your cat.

Here are a few more things to consider about supplementation for cats:

• Retinal damage from a taurine deficiency is irreversible. Supplementation may slow or stop the vision loss but cannot reverse it.

• Taurine deficiency-related heart damage is also irreversible. Supplementation may help to slow the heart muscle dysfunction.

• Other than retinal and heart damage, taurine supplementation may reverse the symptoms of deficiency if the deficiency is caught early enough.

The Importance of Taurine in Aging Cats

Sufficient dietary taurine from meat sources is as important to senior cats as it is to younger felines. Taurine helps optimize ocular, cardiac, and gastrointestinal health in cats of all ages and is especially important to geriatric cats who may be beginning to experience health issue with these body systems.

Taurine also assists with regulating blood sugar. Its antioxidant properties also theoretically help support your older cat from the effects of aging by assisting to preserve vision and overall multi-organ health, including that of the heart, liver, and kidneys, which may begin to decline in older cats. Taurine also helps support a healthy immune system, assisting your geriatric cat with warding off infections. Furthermore, taurine helps support a healthy coat and teeth and can help perk up your older cat’s energy level.

Consuming a well-balanced commercial cat food formulated for your cat’s life stage will provide sufficient taurine to enhance your aging kitty’s overall health.

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While peanut butter is arguably the number one food used to help with medication administration, treats, puzzle feeders, and toys like Kongs and LickMats in dogs, it is NOT regarded the same way for cats. So, can cats eat peanut butter?   

For many veterinarians, the question of whether peanut butter is a safe treat for cats is common and frequent. So, we’re here to set the record straight about whether cats can have peanut butter. 

Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

While pet parents will not find peanut butter on a list of poisonous foods for felines, it can be dangerous for cats to eat—even in small amounts. The thick, sticky texture of this food can increase the risk of choking. It can also cause weight gain, vomiting, diarrhea, and contain potentially toxic sugar substitutes like xylitol.   

Nutritionally speaking, peanut butter offers no benefit or value to cats. It can even be harmful because it is high in calories, trans fatty acids (harmful fats that can lead to the development of obesity and diabetes), and it can even be contaminated with aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are mold that, under the ground, contaminates peanuts and leads to cancer development.

If you do offer peanut butter occasionally to your cat, it’s best to give a few small licks under supervision, and follow up with fresh water. 

It’s also not recommended to encourage outdoor cats to develop a taste for peanut butter. This becomes dangerous for outdoor cats who may try to eat peanut butter that is actively wrapped around insect or rodent poisons or put into traps as bait.  

Do Cats Like Peanut Butter?

Overall, most cats do not have the same love affair with peanut butter as many dogs do. Cats are quite preferential when it comes to texture, temperature, shape, and size of their food. The texture of peanut butter—out of a jar, on a spoon, or on the tip of your finger—is not as popular with cats compared to tuna, sardines, salmon and even olives and marshmallows!  

However, some cats do enjoy the taste of peanut butter. For the few cats that do like it, I would encourage the use of peanut butter to be limited to medication administration. There are many other safer and healthier snacks and vehicles for medication delivery for cats! Please talk to your veterinarians about these safe alternatives.

Precautions When Giving Peanut Butter to Cats

Because of the numerous risks described above and the lack of nutritional value, I do not recommend giving cats peanut butter in any circumstance. However, there is one situation in which using peanut butter is accepted by some experts and that is as a delivery mechanism for administering medication if all other methods haven’t worked.

In these rare instances, there are a few important points to keep in mind.

Read the labels closely. Sugar-free peanut butters may include a sugar substitute called xylitol. Xylitol is severely toxic to dogs and cats when ingested, causing life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure. 

Watch for added sugar. While we want to stay away from sugar substitutes like xylitol, peanut butters that contain large quantities of sugar are also detrimental to cats. Just like in people, excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity, inflammatory changes in the body, the development of diabetes and, in some cases, cancer.    

Monitor the sodium in a product. Look on the label for the salt content in the peanut butter. High sodium levels are bad for all species but can significantly impact feline heart patients and high blood pressure patients in a negative way. Instead, look for unsalted peanut butter for the safest option.

Keep an eye out for allergic reactions. While cats are known to have food allergies of varying severities, peanut butter allergic reactions can quickly become life-threatening. If your cat is exhibiting any of the following signs of an allergic reaction, please make sure to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Severe itching
• Facial swelling
• Chronic ear infections
• Hair loss
• Weight loss

Can Cats Eat Peanuts?

Many pet parents assume that because peanuts are high in protein, they are a good choice for their carnivorous (protein-loving) cat. However, while peanuts are technically not toxic and generally safe in small amounts for cats, they aren’t recommended on a regular basis. 

This is due to the same nutritional reasons associated with peanut butter—peanuts are very high in fat and can lead to obesity.

 If you are going to offer peanuts to your feline friend on special occasions, there are a few things to remember. It’s very important to only use raw, unsalted, plain peanuts.  Offering cats the commercially produced versions will only introduce extra salt, spices, seasonings, and oil into your cat’s diet, which can cause significant gastrointestinal upset. Secondly, only offer peanuts that have been removed from the shell. The hard shell can become a choking hazard or put your cat at risk of intestinal obstruction.

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Not only are avocados tasty, but they bring along a wealth of nutritional value as well. They are high in dietary fiber, low in sugar, and rich in minerals like iron and potassium. They are sources of fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K, as well as a plethora of natural antioxidants. They have a high ratio of polyunsaturated (good) fat to saturated (bad) fat, and avocado flesh is even known for having some anti-cancer properties (1). Avocados are also cultivated as an oil crop, yielding rich, vibrant and flavourful oil. 

No matter whether it is the flesh or the oil being consumed, avocados can be healthy dietary choices—at least for people. We know, however, that not all foods good for people are also good for pets. So can cats eat avocados? 

Is Avocado Safe for Cats?

This is a surprisingly controversial question. Depending on where you look, there are numerous statements both supporting and refuting the feeding of avocado to pets. To make matters even more confusing, there is some truth to both sides of the argument. 

In the 1940s, the first reports of possible toxic effects of avocado plant leaves fed to farm animals were published (2). Birds appear to be particularly sensitive, and not just the leaves but even the fruit itself may be toxic to some bird species. A report of two dogs suspected to have avocado toxicity has also been published, with both dogs living on farms with avocado trees present where the dogs are thought to have consumed large quantities of the fruit (3). Though blanket statements warning of avocado toxicity often also include cats alongside dogs, case reports of cats suffering from avocado toxicity are lacking. 

In other animals, toxicity is most consistently related to the cardiopulmonary system, with signs including shortness of breath and cardiac dysfunction. In 1995, the toxin responsible was identified as persin. 

Persin is concentrated in the leaves and bark of the avocado tree, though it is also present in the seed and skin, from which small quantities may leach into the fruit. There are differences in the level of persin, and the level of toxicity, in different avocado varieties. Since avocado skins and seeds are known to contain persin, and contamination of the fruit is also possible, avocados are classified as mildly toxic to cats, according to Pet Poison Helpline.

If your cat enjoys avocado, feeding small pieces (no more than 15g) of ripe fruit is unlikely to be harmful. But that being said, no real serving of avocado to cats can be safely advised. Considering that avocado contains a known toxin, it is not recommended to intentionally feed avocado to cats. Just as there is a lack of data regarding toxic effects, there is similarly no data to demonstrate a safe intake level for cats. 

Is Avocado Oil Safe for Cats?

Avocado oil is also popular for the health benefits it may convey for people. The oil is predominantly derived from the avocado fruit, and would therefore likely be safe for feeding to cats. However, traces of oil from avocado seeds are found in commercial avocado oils. Considering that the seed is a more concentrated source of the toxin persin, this may pose more of a risk to cat health. 

Laboratory studies with rats have demonstrated harm when fed avocado oils containing fractions from avocado seed (4). It’s best to avoid feeding avocado oil to cats until safety has been demonstrated. 

Other oils including sunflower, safflower, and canola may be conservatively included in a cat’s diet as an alternative to avocado oil. 

Benefits of Avocado for Cats

There is no current evidence to demonstrate any benefits of feeding avocado to cats. 

However, one study from a prominent pet nutrition research institution looked at the use of avocado pulp in feline diets. In the experiment, avocado meal, derived from the pulp leftover after oil extraction, was fed to cats for three weeks. There were no adverse effects detected, and the research team concluded that avocado meal may be an acceptable ingredient for use in cat diets (5). 

It is possible that small amounts of avocado fed to cats or included in cat foods could convey similar beneficial properties as they do for humans, but veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists do not have enough information at this time to say whether avocado is beneficial for cats.     

Risks of Avocado for Cats

Just as there aren’t any known benefits to feeding avocado to cats, there also aren’t any documented risks of feeding avocado to cats. 

Though avocado fruit is known to contain small amounts of the toxin persin, there has been no evidence to demonstrate that this is as toxic to cats as it is to some other animals. The seed and skin have higher levels of persin, and these should be avoided. 

Though most avocado seeds are larger than could conceivably be swallowed by a cat, small seeds or fragments bitten off seeds could also pose a choking risk. 

Avocado is also high in fat and high in calories, so it shouldn’t be given to cats in large quantities and should never exceed more than 10 percent of a cat’s daily caloric intake. The risk of the fat itself for cats is relatively low, compared to dogs, and unlikely to contribute to pancreatitis in healthy cats. However, such fat-rich foods should be avoided for cats who are overweight.  

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Milk isn’t necessarily the best method of hydration for your feline friend, and some cats can’t drink it at all. 

So, can you give your cat milk? More importantly, should you? Let’s do a deeper dive.

Can You Give Milk to Cats?

Let’s cut right to the chase—you can give cats milk, but pet parents should take care and do so in moderation.

“You can give milk to some cats in small quantities,” says Dr. Sarah Wallace, a veterinarian based in the Washington, D.C.-area.“It should comprise less than 10 percent of your cat’s daily food intake. If you give them more than that 10 percent, then you may throw off their diet.” 

This advice is based on your cat getting all the nutrition they need from their food. Because more isn’t necessarily better. For instance, an excess intake of calcium from milk can cause a deficiency in phosphorus. So, you don’t want to let your cat drink milk often, and no more than 10 percent of their daily calories at any one time, to make sure their diet remains balanced.

Dr. Jon Rappaport, co-medical director of the Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Davie, Florida, concurs, adding that milk is not a nutritionally balanced food. “Providing a large portion of the cat’s caloric intake in the form of milk may dilute out essential nutrients,” he says.

Some cats digest milk better than others. Rappaport explains that giving milk to a cat who cannot digest it may have some adverse effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, gassy bowels, abdominal discomfort and cramping, and flatulence. 

Can Cats Digest Milk?

While many cats can handle a little bit of milk, that doesn’t mean it’s easily digested—or even digested at all.  

“Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they do not have the digestive enzyme—lactase—needed to digest the sugar in milk—lactose,” says Rappaport. “The sugar then remains in the digestive tract and can contribute to fermentation, which can cause problems.” 

Those problems, says Wallace, include pulling extra liquid into the digestive tract, which can cause diarrhea. 

“That happens in some cats more readily than others,” she notes. “In turn, diarrhea can cause dehydration and decreased absorption of vitamins and minerals.”

Kittens are better equipped to digest milk than adult cats, as they have more lactase in their systems. However, the enzyme disappears quickly as they get older. According to a 2019 study, most cats cease producing lactase entirely by the time they’re 12 months old (1). This means the vast majority of cats can only tolerate a very small amount of lactose before they get symptoms.

When Is Milk Okay for Cats?

If your cat can drink milk without adverse effects, it’s fine to give your feline some milk as a treat.  

“I’m generally a supporter of feeding our pets pet food and ourselves people food. I tend not to mix the two,” Rappaport notes. “With that said, feeding very small amounts of milk or milk alternatives to cats that have no adverse gastrointestinal effects is not expected to pose a great problem. Everything in moderation.” 

Beyond appealing to cats as a treat, milk can also have therapeutic benefits. “A low-fat milk can serve as a source of hydration for cats who have a hard time seeing water in their bowl and don’t drink that much to begin with,” adds Wallace. “I’ve also heard of doctors using it to entice cats with health issues to eat more.” Remember, though, that there are cat-safe milks out there without lactose, and these are likely better for your cat.

Some veterinarians might also recommend milk in small quantities for cats dealing with constipation. 

“The lactose in milk pulls water into the intestines and can help move things along,” says Wallace. “You don’t want to give them diarrhea, but if you can find the right balance, it can work really well and you don’t have to give the cat any medications.” 

However, it’s important to remember that there are lots of causes of constipation in cats. Before giving your cat milk at home, make sure to speak to your veterinarian to determine the root cause.  

What About Non-Dairy Milk for Cats?

There are many non-dairy milks out there for humans including oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, and soy milk. But are these non-dairy milk products safe for cats? 

According to Wallace and Rappaport, the answer is, mostly, yes. 

“These products don’t contain lactose, and therefore there is not a lactose intolerance issue,” Rappaport says. “However, they might have artificial sweeteners, added sugars, artificial flavor additives, and/or preservatives, which may not be beneficial to your pets.”

Wallace agrees that additives in non-dairy milk products are what pet parents should avoid and watch for on labels. “As long as you’re offering milks without a lot of additives, I think they should be ok,” she says. “However, I would caution that every cat is different, and while one cat may not be sensitive to almond milk, another could be. There is a lot of variation from individual to individual.”

Some of the milks, in particular those made from nuts, can be high in fats. Eating nuts has been known to cause pancreatitis in dogs—so it’s worth being cautious in cats.

Reasons Not to Give Your Cat Milk

Beyond the aforementioned adverse effects, there are a few reasons you should limit your cat’s milk intake. First, milk has a lot of fat, which Rappaport cautions can cause cats to gain weight.

“Products such as 2 percent and whole milk contain higher amounts of fat, which can lead to weight gain, and many of our feline friends are overweight to begin with,” he says. 

Milk also contains sugar. “Sugar is bad for cats’ health just like it’s bad for ours,” Wallace says. In fact, cats are very prone to diabetes when overweight or on a high-sugar diet, so it’s best to take care. 

Milk with sugar substitutes, like xylitol, can also produce adverse reactions in cats. “Although cats may not experience the same toxic effect to xylitol that dogs do, that doesn’t mean I would advocate giving xylitol or any product with added sugar to cats,” Wallace adds. 

Other possible side effects of regularly ingesting milk could include acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the digestive tract), colitis (inflammation of the colon), irritable bowel syndrome, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration.

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