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There is nothing quite like the warmth of a cat on your lap on a chilly day, or the comfort of a purring fur ball when you feel sick or blue. Cats are special creatures and if you treat them well, they will treat you well right back.
Cat Treats For The Sweet Cat
Giving your sweet cat a special treat is common among cat owners. If you’ve ever rattled a plastic cat-treat bag or shaken a container of them, you know that they can be a powerful tool for getting them to come running when you need them. While we don’t recommend that you rattle the bag when you have a vet appointment, it can be a great device for recapturing an indoor kitty who has snuck outside. Giving your cat a treat makes them happy and it makes you feel like you’re showing them the love.
Sharing Your Food
Sometimes people share their own food with their cat. We’ve all heard the stories of the cats who have a special place set for them at the dining room table! Cats will often hang around at mealtimes, unless strictly forbidden or set off in another room. Though most do not beg like dogs do, some have been known to reach up their paws and quickly nab a piece of meat from the platter. Some of the food that we eat is actually okay for our cats, but not all. If you want to share with your furry friend, you must know the difference between the two on all levels.
The Good People Foods
Meat
Though we often think that cats are sleepy, stretchy creatures who love to lounge, the truth is, cats are born with a desire to catch their meal fast and devour it fresh; talk about natural cat food!. Of course, giving your cat access to the fresh catch isn’t exactly convenient, but yet you don’t want to keep them away from what they crave. Cooked beef and poultry are excellent choices, just be sure to remove the fat and skin before you pass it over.
Fish
It’s no secret that cats love fish! And the omega-3 fatty acids are perfect for keeping their eyes sharp and their coats shiny. In fact, if your kitty suffers from dry skin, fish oils can help prevent this problem. Salmon and cod are two good varieties, but be sure that it is cooked before consumption. You can also add just the fish oils to their food to produce the same benefit.
Eggs & Cheese
Cooked eggs are a natural cat food that provides plenty of protein and B vitamins for your cat. They also contain trace amounts of taurine, excellent for your cat’s eye health. Hard cheese, such as Swiss, Gouda, or cheddar, is a fantastic treat for your cat. They are high in calcium and protein and can be baked into snacks. Go easy on the amount if your cat has tummy troubles (and skip the milk).
Fruits & Veggies
Not all cats will partake in such healthy offerings, but fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins, fiber, and water. Some of the healthiest and safest fruits and veggies to try with your cat include cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, peas, blueberries, pumpkin, bananas, spinach, and apples (without the skin).
Whole Grains
Cats do well with various grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, and wheat berries. Many cats enjoy the taste of corn so try offering a whole grain polenta to your kitty. Whole grain bread and toast are also good offerings.
The Bad People Foods
There are some foods that can make your cat very ill if ingested, so while you like to share with your furry friend, be sure to avoid some of the foods that can cause harm.
Canned Tuna
You might think that tuna would be a natural cat food for your pet, but not so. While the occasional taste of tuna probably won’t hurt your cat, too much can be harmful. Tuna contains high levels of mercury; and that’s not good for anyone. Plus, a steady tuna diet lacks the proper nutrition to keep your cat growing strong.
Onions, Garlic & Chives
Those pungent little herbs and veggies can do wonders for flavoring our meals and they can be good for the human heart, but not for cats. Onions and even onion powder can break down a cat’s red blood cells and cause them to develop anemia. Garlic and chives can cause stomach upset.
Grapes & Raisins
Though many fruits are good for your cat, grapes are not one of them. Both can cause kidney failure in cats for reasons that scientists are still trying to figure out. Even a small amount of either can make a cat violently ill, so keep them far out of kitty’s reach.
Caffeine & Alcohol
From beer to wine (including foods made with alcohol), none of it is good for a cat. Alcohol has the same negative effect on a cat’s liver and brain as it does on humans, with far less intake. Just 2 teaspoons of whiskey can but a 5-pound cat into a coma. Caffeine in any form can poison a cat to the point of death. It can cause tremors, heart palpitations, and rapid breathing.
Chocolate, Candy & Gum
These are treats for people, but not for cats. The artificial sweetener Xylitol can cause fatal liver failure and cause blood sugar to drop. Chocolate contains bromine, which can cause heart failure and seizures in your cat, so keep it to yourself for safety.
Feeding your cat a good, wholesome, natural cat food that was developed for her needs is always the best bet to ensure good health. But sharing a treat on occasion is okay as long as you remember the difference between the good and the bad.
