5 Human Foods Cats Can Eat (Page 2)

5. Vegetables

While humans are omnivores, meaning we can survive on meat and vegetables, a cat is classified as an obligate carnivore, meaning it needs meat to survive (or at least thrive). So, it’s true that cats, unlike humans, don’t derive much nutrition from vegetables. But Dr. Colleran assures us that carbohydrates aren’t inherently bad for cats. Rather, cats are just able to derive more energy from protein and use it more efficiently. Some cats enjoy chomping on plants every once in a while to get roughage or fiber.

If you’ve noticed that your cat has this craving, keep houseplants away from it, because they may be toxic. Instead, serve up small portions of veggies to your cat. Some recommended vegetables include baked carrots, steamed asparagus or broccoli, green beans, winter squash, or chopped greens. Dr. Colleran advises cat owners to wash veggies thoroughly and avoid anything that might be indigestible, like uncooked carrots.

Along these same lines, some cats chew on and eat grass in order to throw something up, like a hair ball that’s caught in their throat. Some cat owners without lawns will bring in some grass if their cat gets that craving.

Vegan Like Me: If you’d like to make your entire household vegetarian or vegan, including your cat, talk to your vet first. There is some controversy over whether vegetarian or vegan diets are enough for cats, but most vets agree that meat offers the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Related: Can Cats Be Vegan?

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Read more: Cats, Everyday Pet Care, Pet Health, Pets, pet nutrition, slideshow

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Valentina R.

4:37AM PDT on Aug 31, 2012

Is this article a joke? You entitle it "5 foods cats can eat", then list meat and fish... ? Are you retarded or what? Isn't it obvious that cats (carnivores) can eat meat and fish...? I am confused.

"If you’d like to make your entire household vegetarian or vegan, including your cat, talk to your vet first. There is some controversy over whether vegetarian or vegan diets are enough for cats, but most vets agree that meat offers the necessary vitamins and minerals."

Some controversy over a vegan/vegetarian diet for cats...? Most vets agree that cats are carnivores...? This is the ultimate proof of your idiocy.

August 31
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Carla S.

8:07PM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

My cat's vet (who is the Grand Rapids', MI, zoo vet and who has taught at Michigan State University Veterinary Hospital) diagnosed my cat, Gracie, years ago with kidney disease. She has lived with it for about 7 1/2 years with the correct prescription food and the correct meds. She has had additional issues that have affected her litter box. As a result, my vet has had me give her some Dannon yogurt daily (she's okay with vanilla and coconut). It has helped significantly and makes me wish that we had tried it sooner. She is now 18 and her muscles are atrophying with age, and her vet wants her to eat protein. Fortunately for Gracie, as she needs to add protein to her diet, and ice cream is something that she loves and has protein and the canned Hills Prescription a/d which I use to hide her meds in nightly after I grind them up (high smelling and tasting cat and dog food) are things she will eat. As far as food goes, Gracie falls into the category of the finicky cat. Other foods that are proteins that she could eat include chicken, steak, seafood, etc. Unfortunately, she never ate them and will not eat them.

July 30
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Joe R.

2:25PM PST on Feb 14, 2012

Thanks for the list.

February 14
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Melinda K.

4:33PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

some of this is over the top and plain incorrect! Cooked chicken neck bones are never alright, no cooked bones of any description ever - DANGEROUS AND INACCURATE!!

you arent spoiling your cat with 'human food', natural food is very right for their bodies, they did not evolve to this point in time on boxed and canned food. There is nothing wrong with feeding your cat manufactured food, but keep in mind your vet has ties to the corporate companies that make manufactured pet food and makes profit from it by selling it. Your cat and dog evolved from natural raw meats, and plant matter. Dont think you are spoiling them by giving a natural diet or human food. What is human food anyway?

January 29
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Suzanne L.

8:36PM PST on Jan 23, 2012

Our cats get little tidbits of cooked chicken or beef if they show an interest. I've had several cats over the years who love avocado, altho' I'd only allow them a tiny bit. Every cat I've had seems to have different taste preferences. Mostly, they get good quality catfood.