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Is it ok to feed my cat table scraps?
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This is the dog's food? So?
Question: Is it ok to give my cat table scraps?
Answer: It depends on what it is. Some foods are ok in small quantities as a treat, such as cooked fish, poultry and meats that have no added fats or spices. Be aware though that some human foods can cause stomach upsets or are downright toxic to cats. Keep in mind that cats are absolute carnivores and not omnivores like humans, meaning they should eat a diet comprised primarily of meat. Their entire body structure is geared for the hunt, kill and consumption of animal prey.
A cat that is routinely fed foods from his owner's table will not only come to snub his own food but will probably not get the proper nutrition he requires to stay healthy. It is also not desirable to have your cat begging for scraps every time you are in the kitchen preparing a meal or having him stare at you as you sit at the table trying to enjoy your dinner. Imagine having your family and friends over for a holiday meal and your cat jumps on someone's lap or even on the table to try and get at the food. If you would like to give your cat a small treat now and then, I would suggest reserving some bits of raw meat or poultry for him as you prepare the food. Then feed it to him in his own feeding area.
Question: I am a vegetarian, can I give my cat vegetarian foods?
Answer: As stated above, cats are carnivores, they need meat to survive and be healthy. A cat's digestive system is different than that of humans and other omnivores. Forcing a cat to eat a diet not based on meat proteins will inevitably lead to health problems and eventually even death.
Question: Can I feed my cat tuna?
Answer: Canned tuna intended for human consumption is lacking some of the nutrients found in canned cat food. Commercial tuna flavor cat food uses more parts of the tuna than the selective tuna meant for humans. Feeding a cat primarily on tuna made for human consumption will deprive your cat of essential nutrients such as Vitamin E and could lead to deficiency diseases.
Question: So, what should my cat eat?
Answer: Cats require a high level of protein and fat. An adult cat should consume at least 26 percent of his food in dry protein and 10 percent in fat. Unlike humans, cats can handle large amounts of fat without harm, it is actually healthy for them (unless they are obese). If you decide to feed your cat mostly dry food you will need to provide plenty of fresh water. Even if you feed your cat exclusively canned cat food, you will still need to give him lots of water; the moisture content in the food is not enough for the cat to stay hydrated. Milk is considered food, not a drink. While it is ok to give cows milk to a kitten, adult cats don't need milk, it may actually cause digestive problems for them. The lactose in milk may give your adult cat gas cramps, diarrhea or cause vomiting.
Question: How do I choose the best food for my cat?
Answer: There are many commercial foods on the market, both moist and dry. What you want to look for is a well-balanced, high-quality food made by a reputable manufacturer. It should be appropriate for your cat's age, activity level and condition. A good way to judge is by reading the label. If meat is the first ingredient listed it is usually a good indication that the food is high in the required protein. The more other ingredients are listed the less protein the food contains. Special diet foods for cats with urinary problems or diabetes and foods specially formulated for less active, overweight or geriatric cats are readily available at many stores or from veterinarians. If you are unsure, you may want to ask your vet for advise.
- Complete Guide To Cat Care by Wendy Christensen and the staff of the US Humane Society
www.amazon.com/Humane-Society-United-States-Complete/dp/0312326084/ref=sr_1_1 - You & Your Cat, A Complete Guide To The Health, Care & Behavior Of Cats by David Taylor
www.amazon.com/You-Your-Cat-David-Taylor/dp/0394729846/ref=sr_1_1
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