What human food can cats eat? Many cat owners wonder the same thing. So, in this article, we will list all cat-safe human foods and those that could be dangerous.
Keep on scrolling to find out when it’s okay and when you should worry if your cat jumped on the dinner table and treated itself.
What Vegetables Can Cats Eat?
Veggies are essential for the well-being of humans — they are high in fiber and abundant in vitamins and minerals. At the same time, they are low in calories, making them the perfect snack.
With that in mind, it’s probably not a surprise that some of these nutrient-dense vegetables are also good for your cat’s health.
And if you are a dog person, then also check out our list of dog-safe foods, which also includes vegetables.
Can Cats Eat Carrots?
Yes, but it’s not advisable to feed your cat raw carrots. Although raw carrots are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they can be a choking hazard. So, make sure to cook the veggie and cut it up into smaller pieces.
Can Cats Eat Corn?
Without a doubt. In fact, your pet might already be eating it! As you probably know, cornmeal and corn is a popular filler ingredient in various pet foods at the store.
That being said:
Can cats eat popcorn?
Yes, since popcorn is made from regular corn, they can. However, if you’re planning to share your popcorn with your cat, make sure it’s unsalted and without any extra spices or other additives.
Can cats eat tomatoes?
Although tomatoes are unlikely to be lethal to cats, they are toxic and may cause various unpleasant symptoms. Additionally, the leaves and stems are even more poisonous. All in all, it’s best avoided.
Can cats eat potatoes?
Yes, they can. Baked, mashed, or just boiled without salt and oil — potatoes make a great treat now and then. Just make sure to cook them first.
Can cats eat sweet potatoes?
Like regular potatoes, yes, cats can eat them. However, make sure to prepare them beforehand. Also, skip the unnecessary butter, salt, or other additives.
Can cats eat onions?
No, don’t feed your cat onions. Whether the onions are cooked, raw, dehydrated, or powdered — they can cause anemia in cats.
Can cats eat broccoli?
Yes! Broccoli is rich in carotenoids and vitamin C, making it a superb antioxidant source for cats. However, make sure to blanch, boil, or steam the veggie before giving it to your cat.
Can cats eat spinach?
While spinach is rich in vitamins, it should not be fed to cats with urinary or kidney issues. Of course, as part of a well-balanced diet, you can give your pet spinach occasionally.
Can cats eat pumpkin?
Most cats love to eat pumpkins — either on its own or mixed with wet cat food. However, when shopping for pumpkins, always get one that is 100% pure and natural.
You don’t want to make the mistake of buying sugar-rich pumpkin pie filling since it may harm the pet’s health.
Can cats eat mushrooms?
While most mushrooms you can get at the store are safe for cats, you should never feed your pet wild mushrooms. Needless to say, wild mushrooms may be poisonous and potentially lethal.
This also means that if you like to take your cat for regular walks in nature, you should pay attention to mushrooms growing on trees just in case your cat sees some and tries to take a bite.
Can cats eat lettuce?
Yes, cats can eat lettuce. However, most cats don’t like the flavor, so it’s doubtful that your cat will want to try lettuce.
Can cats eat peas?
Yes, but just like potatoes, you must make sure that the peas are cooked beforehand.
Peas are abundant in vitamins C, K, and B1. Moreover, they are full of minerals like iron, potassium, manganese, and copper. Also, if your cat suffers from constipation, then the fiber-rich peas can help.
Can cats eat cucumbers?
Yes, cats can eat cucumbers. Contrary to what popular YouTube videos show, they aren’t afraid of cucumbers as much as they are startled by the shape, reminding them of a snake. Moreover, cucumbers are rich in nutrients and have a high water content, helping with hydration.
Can cats eat olives?
Yes, olives are safe, but in small quantities and not too often. Too many olives too often may lead to diarrhea.
Can cats eat beans?
Plain, cooked beans are safe for cats. However, they are not as beneficial to pets as they are to humans. Also, to avoid an upset stomach, make sure not to overfeed your pet with this vegetable.
Can cats eat celery?
Like beans, experts recommend feeding your cat celery only in moderation. Too much celery may lead to an upset stomach due to the high fiber content.
What Fruit Can Cats Eat?
Cats can eat a variety of juicy fruits when cut into tiny, digestible bits. On a hot summer day, cooled fruits can be one of the best treats for cats. You will find the most common safe fruits below.
Can cats eat bananas?
Bananas are safe for cats. However, according to experts, bananas shouldn’t be a regular part of a cat’s diet — this is mainly due to the high sugar content of bananas. This means that bananas may lead to weight gain and diabetes in cats if consumed too often.
Can cats eat avocados?
Avocado flesh is safe for cat consumption. However, cat owners need to know that avocados contain persin, a potentially toxic compound. So, only feed your cat a small amount of avocado.
Can cats eat lemon?
No, under no circumstances should a cat eat lemon — or any citrus fruit for that matter. Namely, all citrus fruits, including oranges, limes, and grapefruit, are toxic to felines.
Can cats eat oranges?
Like lemons, owners should never feed their cats oranges. Instead, consume the oranges yourself —they are high in dietary fiber and vitamin C, making them an ideal addition to any human’s diet.
Can cats eat watermelon?
Small pieces of honeydew, cantaloupe, or watermelon (without the seeds) are safe for cats. In fact, melons contain plenty of vitamin C and vitamin A, which will boost your pet’s health. However, due to the sugar content, make sure to give your cat watermelon in moderation.
Can cats eat grapes?
Grapes, and raisins for that matter, are harmful to cats and dogs. If you feed your pet grapes, it may develop kidney problems in the long run. So, keep them far away from your pet.
Can cats eat apples?
Apples are nutritious and a great occasional treat for your cat. However, make sure to discard the apple seeds, leaves, and stems, as these contain cyanide — a poisonous compound.
Can cats eat applesauce?
Yes, your cat may enjoy some applesauce. Mix it into cat food or feed it to your pet by itself — your feline friend will love it. Just keep in mind that it’s usually sweeter than whole apples, so don’t offer it more than 1–2 times per week.
Can cats eat pineapple?
Yes, your cat can consume pineapples, but like other sugar-rich fruits, only once in a while. Also, make sure that the pineapple is fresh and not straight out of a can.
Canned pineapple is filled with preservatives and harmful syrups that may lead to obesity.
Can cats eat mango?
Since cats cannot enjoy sweet foods due to the lack of taste receptors for sweetness, they will likely find it unappealing. However, mangos are safe for cats.
Can cats eat cherries?
Cherries are a nutritional powerhouse for humans. But the seeds, stems, and leaves of cherries are toxic to cats. So, the safest bet is to keep this fruit away from your cat.
Can cats eat peaches?
The pits, leaves, and stems of peaches are toxic to cats (and dogs), but the fruit’s flesh is safe. However, due to the high sugar content, we recommend feeding your cat peaches only in moderation.
Can Cats Eat Berries?
Berries are a high-nutrient, low-calorie food. Not only do they contain many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but they are also incredibly delicious! But, can you feed them to cats? Find out below.
Can cats eat strawberries?
Strawberries are high in manganese and vitamin C, and they have a good amount of potassium and folate.
In short, yes, cats can also reap some of the many health benefits of this mildly sweet berry. Just make sure to cut it into tiny bits to avoid potential choking.
Can cats eat blueberries?
Bone strength, blood pressure control, heart health, and cancer prevention are all health benefits of blueberries. But are they just as healthy for cats? Even though they are not as beneficial as for humans, cats may benefit from the antioxidants in blueberries.
Can cats have raspberries?
In a nutshell, cats can eat berries, including cranberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Raspberries are high in fiber, flavonoids, antioxidants and rich in vitamins E, K, A, and C.
Can Cats Eat Meat?
Meat consumption has several health benefits, including improved metabolism and decreased appetite. Furthermore, studies found that eating a high-protein meat-based diet promotes fullness and boosts metabolic rate. Also, meat can strengthen bones and improve the absorption of iron.
In the section below, we list the most common meat sources and whether they are good for your feline friend.
Can cats eat chicken?
Chicken breast is a perfect source of high-quality, lean protein for your pet. Moreover, it is low-fat and low-sodium. Chicken is also high in nutrients like phosphorus, vitamin B6, and selenium, making it good for the immune system.
Make sure to feed your cat plain cooked chicken without any seasoning and oils. According to expert recommendations, the best way to prepare chicken for cats is to cook it and throw away the fat trimmings.
Can cats eat raw chicken?
Raw chicken is safe for cats to eat, but some argue that it is better cooked due to potential parasites that you could find in raw meat. If you want to try it, make sure the meat you offer is fresh and free of salmonella.
Can cats eat turkey?
Like chicken, turkey is an excellent lean protein source with many health benefits. Not only will it make your cat stronger, but it will also improve its energy levels and preserve its vision.
Can cats eat pork?
In essence, pork is safe for cat consumption. However, make sure that the bones are entirely removed and that the meat is well-cooked.
The next question is, can cats eat ham? Since ham is typically high in salt, experts recommend sticking with salt-free cooked pork.
Can cats eat beef?
Yes, beef is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. If you can, always choose grass-fed beef instead of regular beef for higher omega-3 content.
But can cats eat beef jerky? In short, yes, but only if the beef jerky is natural and free of sodium and any additives.
Can Cats Eat Fish and Seafood?
Cat’s love fish, that’s no secret. However, experts claim that fish is not a proper daily meal. Namely, fish is rich in fatty acids, and overconsumption may lead to vitamin E deficiency.
Can cats eat shrimp?
Yes, cats can eat shrimp, even raw. However, experts don’t recommend feeding cats raw shrimp.
They may contain fungicides, antibiotics, and other harmful chemicals, which would disintegrate during cooking.
Can cats eat tuna?
In a nutshell, cats can eat tuna, sardines, and salmon. All types of fish benefit cat health because of the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B and D.
Of course, as mentioned, fish should not be a significant part of their diet.
Can Cats Eat Nuts?
Nuts, whether you think of almonds, walnuts, or pecans, are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, as well as healthy fats. But can they safely be consumed by cats? Let’s find out.
Can cats eat peanuts?
Peanuts, including natural peanut butter, are not poisonous to cats, but they should be tested first and given in moderation. The thing is, some cats may be allergic to nuts, and if they are, the reactions vary from itchy skin to anaphylaxis.
If you want to feed your cat peanuts, make sure they are unsalted, raw, and unshelled.
So, can cats eat peanut butter? Technically, yes. But, due to its sticky texture, high-calorie content, and the amount of fat and sugar it has, it’s best avoided.
Can cats eat almonds?
Contrary to common misconceptions, almonds are safe for cats. However, they may cause slight digestive problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea, because cats thrive on low-fat diets.
Since dairy can cause digestive issues, too, can cats have almond milk? The answer is yes, you can give your cat all-natural almond milk. As usual, make sure it is sugar-free and additive-free.
Can Cats Eat Sugar?
Sugar is unsuitable for a cat’s health — we all know this. However, it isn’t toxic to felines if given in small quantities.
For instance, some low-sugar fruits, such as apples, are fine in moderation. However, bananas should not be given often because they contain much more sugar.
But what about other sugar sources? For example, can cats eat honey? Although not particularly toxic, honey can cause serious digestive issues with cats — this includes diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.
Can Cats Eat Salt?
By no means should you feed your cat salt. As a matter of fact, salt is poisonous to not only cats but also dogs.
So, if you want to give your pet a treat, always choose something low in sodium.
Can Cats Drink Milk?
According to Jan Dempsey, Purina Senior Nutritionist, drinking cow’s milk alone will not provide all of the necessary nutrients needed to maintain a cat’s health.
Moreover, though they might like the taste of it, they can’t digest it properly, and it may lead to stomach issues.
Can cats eat cheese?
Since cheese is typically made from dairy milk, it is not a natural part of your pet’s diet. So, cheese can quickly lead to diarrhea and other uncomfortable symptoms in cats.
Can cats eat ice cream?
As with cheese and other dairy-based products, owners should not give ice cream to cats. It is unhealthy not only because of the dairy but also because of the high sugar content.
Can cats eat Greek yogurt?
Although high in protein, Greek yogurt is a dairy product, and thus, it is not fit for cats. So, you can consume it freely for a nutrient-dense breakfast, but don’t give it to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Sweets and Snacks?
Below, you’ll find some of the most common human foods that you may feel tempted to share with your pet. But what can cats eat out of those choices? Let’s find out together.
Can cats have chocolate?
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and the same is true for cats. Theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats, are found in chocolate.
Can cats eat crackers?
Although they may be safe for cat consumption, crackers are typically high in sodium. So, keep them away from your cat.
Can cats eat cake?
If you were thinking of giving your cat a lick of a sugar-rich cake full of whipped cream, think again. It’s no secret that cake is not a good choice for cats. However, there might be some exceptions, like an all-natural carrot cake.
Can cats eat pizza?
No, don’t feed your cat pizza. The apparent reason for this is that pizza is full of unnecessary, potentially dangerous ingredients for cats, such as onions, seasonings, cheese, and refined flour.
A Quick Summary of Foods Cats Can’t Eat
In 2020, according to interesting cat statistics, owners spent an average of $58 on cat treats and $228 on cat food. Fortunately, you can easily cut some of these costs by preparing cat food at home from all-natural ingredients.
However, some foods that are safe for humans are dangerous to cats, so knowing the answer to the question — what human food can cats eat? — is really important. To recap, these are some of the top foods with no place in a cat’s diet.
- Tomatoes
- Onions and garlic
- Different spices
- Salt
- Sugar
- Wild mushrooms
- Bananas
- Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, and grapefruits)
- Grapes and raisins
- Cherries
- Sodium-rich ham and beef jerky
- Raw fish
- Dairy
- Refined bread
- Chocolate
- Pizza
Remember, this is not the entire list of foods safe and unsafe for cats.
What Can Cats Eat — Safety Comes First
By now, you must know what foods are potentially dangerous to cats. So, if you were feeding your pet grapes or chocolate (and there were no health symptoms), now is the time to act smarter and stop.
In case you want a quick recap of the answers to the question — what human food can cats eat? — here are some bullet points:
- Carrots
- Corn (including salt and additive-free popcorn)
- Sweet potatoes and white potatoes
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Natural pumpkin
- Avocados
- Watermelon
- Apples
- Berries
- Chicken, turkey, pork, and beef
- Fish
- Nuts (salt-free)
When in doubt, always choose foods created explicitly for felines. This way, your cat will be safe and well-nourished.
Summary
So, what human food can cats eat?
Owners who have their pet’s best interest in mind will always choose all-natural, sugar-free, and sodium-free products. Better yet, we recommend choosing trusted cat-only food products from reliable, top-quality brands.
Hopefully, this article on foods cats can eat helped you make the best decision for your feline best friend. At the end of the day, cats have always had a special place in human lives — so why shouldn’t we take good care of them?
