Few foods evoke such strong emotions as bacon. Perhaps you were tempted to toss a few bacon bits on your salad, and to appease your cat, you throw him a piece. As much as you desire to offer him some as a treat, ask yourself can cats eat bacon?
Is it possible for cats to consume bacon? The answer is yes. Bacon is okay for cats to consume; but, it should only be offered as a special treat on occasion. A tiny slice of fried bacon will not damage your cat and is acceptable as a treat on occasion.
Can Bacon Kill A Cat?
Giving your cat a tiny slice of fried bacon every now and then is unlikely to damage him. In nature, cats eat meat in all forms, and it should be expected for them to feel attracted to bacon’s odor and taste, but it is not suggested for use as a daily treat for them.
Bacon should not be eaten daily basis by your cat. Especially considering that it is not even recommended for daily consumption by humans. Bacon is a delicacy, not a must-have in any diet.
Bacon is too salty for your cat to eat. High salt consumption can cause a variety of health issues in your cat. The list could be high blood pressure, weight growth, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. Because your cat gets all the salt it needs from cat food, there’s no need to add salt to your cat’s diet through bacon. Bacon is a high-fat and fatty meal as well. All varieties of bacon, including turkey bacon, can be high in oil and salt. It is because of this that they are dangerous for your cat.
Cats should also avoid raw pig products. You need to prepare all food before serving it to your cat to prevent infections. Cooking the bacon before serving it to your cat kills any hazardous germs. This also makes it simpler to chew and swallow, lowering the danger of choking.
What Can Happen If Your Cat Eats Bacon?
If your cat consumes an excessive amount of fatty bacon, he or she is likely to get an upset stomach. Your kitty pet may experience severe diarrhea and vomit all over the place. If your cat manages to get a mouthful or two of bacon, they are less likely to become significantly unwell.
Your cat can also consume a slice of raw bacon without difficulty. They do this because raw flesh is part of their diet in the wild. Your cat should not be consuming any bacon. Regardless matter whether it is cooked or not, not even a tiny bit here and there.
The Good And The Bad About Bacon
Many individuals recommend against offering any form of pork to pets. Is it okay to share your bacon with your cat? Yes, you may feed your cat bacon, but only complete cooked meat in bite-size pieces and in moderation.
The fact is that pig products are a common ingredient in many pet diets. The bacon is often even promoted on the label as “Chicken with Bacon” or “Pork and Veg.” Most of the time, the bacon component will be hidden underneath such names.
Those who refuse to consume pork may also not want their cat to consume pork. Many cat owners may be put off by a label suggesting that a cat treat contains bacon. If feeding bacon to your cat causes any problems, make sure to read and comprehend the cat food labels.
Another reason to be wary of pork and its derivatives is the well-known fact that undercooked pork meat is a carrier for parasites. If you don’t cure these parasites, the early vomiting and diarrhea will be the least of your troubles. These should not be an issue if we follow basic cleanliness and good cooking.
Why Are Cats Only Allowed To Eat Bacon In Moderation?
Is it true that cats can eat bacon? Yes, technically. Bacon intake in excess may put your cats at risk for ailments caused by consuming too much. Many cats aren’t as energetic as dogs (or other domesticated animals). They’re kept indoors and spend more time resting than playing.
It is your responsibility to establish a diet for your feline to overcome their inability to move around. Given their sleep cycle of 16 to 20 hours daily, they don’t have the time they need to burn off the fat from the bacon.
Do Cats Like Bacon Grease?
Bacon is something that everyone enjoys, and your cat is no exception. When you cook bacon, there’s usually a lot of oil left in the frying pan, which your cat may get by flipping it over. However, you should not feed your cat bacon grease for a number of reasons.
The fat in the bacon grease is difficult for your cat to metabolize, which is maybe the most crucial reason. The metabolism of a cat is not meant to handle this much fat and oil. Bacon consumption may cause your cat to have an upset stomach, to lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Another reason your cat does not need to eat the bacon fat added to his food is that cats do not need extra calories. Obesity is fairly common among cats, especially indoor cats. They have a habit of eating until the stomach is full. They can eat almost everything their owners put in front of them, including bacon grease.
Is It True That Bacon Grease Is Unhealthy For Your Cat?
Bacon oil is extremely harmful to your cat’s health. Fat and grease in large quantities were never intended to be a component of their diet. When cats get a hold of bacon fat or bacon grease, it may cause an upset stomach. There’s a strong probability you’ll discover diarrhea and vomit all over the place.
If your cat becomes sick enough to vomit after ingesting bacon grease, you may see it happen within 24 to 48 hours.
The Danger About It
The pancreas is a key organ that generates insulin and glucagon hormones. This is the organ that regulates blood sugar, as well as digestive enzymes. This is the one who aids in food digestion in your cat. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. This can happen if you feed your cat too many high-fat foods, such as bacon.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weight loss are symptoms of pancreatitis. You can also pay attention to poor appetite, low body temperature, dehydration. If your cat has increased thirst and urination, he possibly has an infection.
The symptoms of pancreatitis are often mild and not always well diagnosed. You can consult a veterinarian if your cat exhibits indications of pancreatitis.
Animals become thirsty after consuming salty meals. They can drink all their water, and if you are not around to offer them more, or if you forget, they may get dehydrated. Avoiding salty meals and keeping lots of fresh water on hand can keep your cat hydrated.
In Large Amounts, Sodium Is Harmful.
Although tiny amounts of sodium are beneficial to your cat’s health, this does not mean that it is a good idea to feed your cat little slices of bacon in their dry food. Excess salt, like fat, is detrimental to your cat’s health in the long run.
As we mentioned before, bacon is cured with salt. Ingesting too much salt is as unhealthy as eating processed meat. A tiny slice of cooked bacon is estimated to have more than 135 mg of salt. That is around ten times the recommended daily salt consumption for a cat.
Your kittens’ health is negatively affected by excessive amounts of fat and sodium. Diets high in fat can cause your cat’s digestive problems. Not to mention it can lead to more significant health problems.
The Healthier Choice
We found out that well-cooked bacon, in pickling-size portions occasionally served to cats, worked for them as tasty treats. You can feed raw bacon to your pet if you discuss it with your veterinarian. Only a small amount of bacon is needed due to the meat’s high salt and fat content.
We have learned that too much fat or salt usually results in obstructions of the cats’ arteries, obesity, and high blood pressure. Your feline friends should stick to their food.
Conclusion
So, can cats eat bacon? Yes, they can and will. But it is better to keep it as an occasional snack, and it is better not to develop a habit. Try to cut all the rest of the grease because this can get critical. A few thin strips of unsalted ham may be a healthier option for you and your cat.
Shawn Manaher is a serial entrepreneur but when he isn’t working, he loves dogs. He’s owned different pets over the years, and always gives a part of his heart to each pet.
