Roughly a billion cats are living snuggly in homes throughout the world. All of these cats are carnivores. Carnivores specifically eat meat, but what types of meats can cats eat? Only cooked, non-fried, unseasoned meat is acceptable for your cat. The list of possible meats your cat can and cannot eat is long, and our list is inconclusive. Check with your vet before offering new foods. Any wild meats could contain bacteria and toxins that can kill or make your cat very ill, so stay cautious.
Are All Meats and Seafood Safe for Cats to Eat?
Not all meats and seafood are safe for cats. Some provide essential nutrients, while others can cause harm. Here’s an exhaustive list to help you choose the best options for your cat.
Ham
Overall, ham is filled with stuff your cat shouldn’t have, but there can be times when specific types of cooked ham can be safe in extra small amounts. Many hams have been cured in salt or sugar. They can have other flavor-boosting additives like maple syrup or honey. Purina states that ham can cause high blood pressure and red cell damage if flavored with garlic or onions, which can damage their red blood cells, leading to anemia. Too much salt in your cat’s diet can cause it to seize or develop pancreatitis. Pork is also high in fat, which can lead to obesity in your cat. If the ham is low sodium, contains no harmful ingredients like onions or garlic, and is oven-baked plain, a small piece is okay occasionally.
Turkey
Turkey is one of the most frequently used meats in cat food. However, this does not mean all types of cooked turkey are safe. For example, fried turkey is not a good choice for sharing, but plain, unseasoned turkey roasted in the oven is safe to offer in small quantities as long as you do not include any skin. The turkey’s skin is the most harmful part for cats and dogs. Do not share turkey with gravy since it almost always contains onion, pepper, and garlic. You do not want to find yourself hunting for an open emergency vet on any of the holidays.
Shrimp
Feeding these small crustaceans to your cat can boost their omega and B vitamins, but it needs to be prepared correctly to ensure its safety. It is also low in calories and protein, which your cat needs in its cat food. Many high-end cat foods contain shrimp pieces. It is safe to offer your cat a small amount of unseasoned, plain, cooked shrimp. Be sure to remove the shell and tail since cats can choke on them.
Sardines
Cats can’t resist the smell of fish, even if they smell sardines. Sardines are safe to feed your cat in small quantities as long as they are plain. The tiny fish are the lowest in mercury compared with all other fish. They also offer a nutritional boost since they are packed with taurine, omega vitamins, protein, vitamin D, and calcium. Sardines typically come canned in oil, water, or brine. Oil will upset your cat’s stomach, and brine is salt, so opt for the sardines stored in water. As always, ensure the fish is cooked before offering it to your cat.
Salmon
Though it is the fattiest fish, it is also one of the healthiest choices a person can make. Salmon is packed with omegas, protein, and healthy fats. If you’ve ever cooked salmon at your house, your cat was probably extra close by, begging for a taste. Cats cannot resist the smell of fish, which is why many community cat trappers bait their traps with extra stinky tuna. Even the MacGyver-like feral cat will drop their guard when they get a whiff of the delicious smell. If you want to share salmon as a weekly dinner option or save it for daily snacks, both are fine to do. It can be a special birthday dinner for your fur-child. Make sure the salmon is plain; no butter, salt, spices, lemon, butter, or oil. Though it may be tempting, do not feed raw salmon to your cat. You wouldn’t eat it unless it were sushi-grade, and they shouldn’t either.
Sushi/Sashimi
Unfortunately, you can’t share your sushi with a kitty. It isn’t that the fish is bad for cats, but it does have to do with the potential for gastrointestinal upset in your cat. Sushi can have parasites, bacteria, and mercury, and it even has an enzyme, Thiaminase, that can break down thiamine, causing a sick little cat. Some of the side effects include seizures, dilated pupils, wobbly gait, and circling. If you notice your cat acting strangely, get it to the emergency vet. Seizures can be severe.
Beef
It’s unlikely your cat will order cheeseburgers anytime soon, but if so, the beef might be safe. What constitutes safe beef is how it’s cooked. The meat must be plain without butter, spices, or sauces added. Beef has plenty of vitamins and minerals that will benefit your cat. It tends to be greasy and high in fat, so offering only small amounts is best. Never feed the fat off steak to your cat, and make sure to mince the pieces small enough that they can easily chew and swallow it without choking.
Venison
Yes, cats can have well-done venison without any other ingredients. This means no salt, spices, butter, or oils. Most meat rubs contain garlic, salt, and onion and can hurt your cat. Cats are prone to dehydration, which can worsen with additional salt. Never feed raw venison to a cat because it may have parasites or bacteria that can harm them. The potential for your cat to pick up E. coli, listeria, or salmonella is a genuine concern regarding uncooked and undercooked meat. You might notice some high-end cat foods contain venison. It is packed with lean protein and plenty of vitamins to keep your little fluff ball happy and healthy.
After all, Aren’t Cats Food Connoisseurs?
Cats are delightful creatures, and it is only natural that we wish to share our enjoyment with them. Unfortunately, some meat and seafood can and likely will harm your cat. You can make it kitty-safe by paying attention to how the meat is cooked by making meat-based cat treats. All meat should be cooked well, as should any seafood. Again, do not feed them any raw meat or seafood, and always check with your vet before deciding to share new foods with your pet. Cats are majestic hunters outdoors, or so they think, but it isn’t safe for them to consume wildlife. Help your cat make good and healthy choices.
