As cat lovers, it’s only natural that we want to share our food with them. And while cats are notorious for being picky eaters, they prefer meat over other foods. That’s great news because it means your feline friend will likely enjoy a small portion of your meal if it has the right balance of nutrients (and if you are not vegan.)
The trick is knowing which foods you can safely share with them and which you should keep to yourself. Thankfully, there are some healthy options that both you and your cat can enjoy together. When the cat is sitting next to you and impatiently waiting to see if you share your food with them, below you will find out if it is safe to feed them what you eat.
Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that promote a healthy coat and skin in cats. It is also a great source of protein, iron, and vitamin B-12, essential for cognitive function in cats and humans. Be careful, though, because salmon can be high in sodium, which can be unhealthy for cats. If your cat has a sodium sensitivity, salmon may not be the best option. Otherwise, it is an excellent choice for both you and your cat.
Try to give the cat an absolute minimum if you prefer to consume salmon in a can or in various spicy sauces. This is because the sauces in which the salmon is marinated often contain a lot of salt, and the sauces contain, in addition to salt, spices that can be harmful to pets. Either wash the salmon with water to eliminate all the sauce, or choose a 100% salmon fillet without salt and other preservatives.
Tuna
Tuna is another great option for sharing a meal with your cat. It is a good source of protein, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. And, like salmon, it can be high in sodium, so it may not be a good choice for every cat. Otherwise, it is a great healthy food to share with your cat.
Just be careful not to give your cat too much tuna, as it may contain too much mercury. Also, as with salmon or other fish, always choose fish fillets over canned fish.
Eggs
Eggs are a rich source of protein, vitamins A, B, and E, and minerals like selenium and zinc. They’re also a good source of choline, which is important for cognitive function in both cats and humans. Just be careful not to feed your cat the yolks since they are high in cholesterol. If you’d like to share an egg with your cat, boil it and remove the yolk before feeding it to your cat.
Always make sure the eggs are fully cooked. Raw eggs are toxic not only to humans but also to cats! Raw eggs can carry salmonella, so it’s best to avoid giving your cat raw eggs. And if, for example, you are making a cake and preparing a mixture of raw eggs, keep an eye on your kitchen counter so that the cat does not lick the bowls of raw eggs.
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Beans
Beans contain protein, B vitamins, and a decent amount of iron. They’re also a good source of fiber, which can help your cat feel full after eating a small portion. However, some cats do not like the taste of beans, so it’s best to offer a small amount and gauge your cat’s reaction. Start by adding a small number of cooked beans to your cat’s regular food and gradually increasing the amount over time. If they don’t like them, enjoy your portion of beans with your cat by your side.
Lentils and legumes
Beans aren’t the only legumes that make good food for cats. Lentils and other legumes like peas are also nutrient-rich and make a tasty addition to a cat’s diet. They can be safely shared with them if they sit by your side, asking you to give them a piece of your food. Just be careful not to give your cat too many legumes, as they are high in fiber and can cause digestive problems in cats.
Peas are sweet and soft, so they are easy to chew. Some cats really like them, while others wouldn’t even lick them. Every cat is different, so if your cat doesn’t like peas, that’s fine too.
Závěrem
Cats are carnivores, which means they need more protein in their diet than dogs. They also have different nutritional needs from people, so you mustn’t give your cat too many of your leftovers. However, there are healthy foods that you can share with your cat that provide similar nutrients found in meat. Salmon, tuna, eggs, beans, lentils, and legumes are great options to mix with other foods to prevent your cat from getting bored of the same old meal or to establish closeness with them by sharing the same food.
