Like humans, pets have a favorite food, one that they always wish to have for lunch. It is not an unknown fact that in the case of dogs, their go-to dish is chicken or, for rabbits, is carrots. But what about if your pet is a cat? Maybe you’ve been feeding it only with commercial food. Have you wondered what your cat would like to eat or what its favorite food is? Do not search any further; here is the answer!
From all of the yummy food pets can eat, cats, in particular, like to eat fish. Fish is their favorite and preferred food choice. Tuna and meat are also at the top of the list, but every cat owner must be aware that cats should only be given cooked food, never raw.
Don’t panic, thinking you should be going to the fish market daily because that would be a little too expensive to sustain. Fish is not the only thing a cat enjoys eating. In this article, we will cover in detail some of the most exquisite dishes you can treat your fur baby with that are affordable and nutritious. Being a pet owner means that you are willing to do the most to keep your pet healthy and happy. Even though it can’t communicate with humans, your cat will show how pleased he is with his lunch if you follow our recommendation.
Top Five Foods To Feed To Your Cat
Based on what people watch in tv shows, commercials, or movies, most of them portray that cats only enjoy milk, but let me tell you; they enjoy a variety of foods. The following are the five most desirable cat foods:
Fish
Fish is the number one option when it comes to cats’ preferred dish. We can find that most commercial foods sold in pet shops will contain either cooked pieces of fish or fish oil. Fish is not only a great treat to give to your cat, but also, it is beneficial for their health. It has omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain their heart and sight healthy. Additionally, it will help prevent kidney disease. Please keep in mind that fish needs to be cooked or canned, never raw. So think twice before you share your sushi with your fur baby.
Meat
Just like dogs, cats are meat lovers. Because they are carnivores, meat is a great option to feed your pet. Meat is an excellent source for gathering the necessary proteins that your cat needs to control their blood pressure, get a healthy reproductive system, build muscle and obtain appropriate nutrients. Cooked turkey, beef, or chicken is your best bet. Be careful when cooking meat for your cat. Salty, cold, or high sodium meat can be toxic and make your cat sick.
Whole grain
Unrefined or whole grains are a significant human food that you can feed your feline with. Mashed or cooked grains are more manageable for your cat to digest, and they’ll provide your pet with a total amount of vitamins, fiber, and iron. We can also find that whole grain is one of the most common ingredients in commercial food.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a top-rated meal for cats. It is very rich in fiber, a great source of energy, and B vitamins. They are excellent for treating skin problems if you apply them topically to the affected area. Due to oatmeal’s creamy consistency, it is easy for your pet to eat, and it supports brain health. If your cat has a weight problem, this will help them have a balanced diet. Note that oatmeal must be introduced to your pet in small quantities to avoid rejection.
Cheese
Just as much as cats love milk, they also really like cheese. Cheddar and Gouda are the most recommended cheese types to treat your feline with. Due to their high level of calcium and protein, cheese should not be given to your cat frequently or in large amounts. Before feeding lactose to your cat, you can take it to the vet to ensure he is not lactose intolerant if you don’t want it to upset his stomach.
Other Types Of Food Cats Like
Not every cat is the same; therefore, not every food listed below would be savory for yours, but here are some food cats like:
- Cooked eggs
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
- Pumpkin
- Yogurt
- Icecream
- Bread
What Foods Not To Feed Your Cat
Now that you know yummy dishes you can give your cat for lunch or dinner, you also need to know what foods your cat should never be given.
Chocolate
Chocolate can be extremely dangerous for cats. Theobromine is the toxic agent found in every kind of chocolate and cacao-based treat, and it is very dangerous to cats. Giving chocolate to your pet can cause diarrhea, vomiting, increased body temperature, seizures, an abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to death. You should never give your pet chocolate; despite how delicious it is for you, it can be lethal for them.
Raw fish, eggs, or meat
Do not give your pet something you would not eat yourself! Just because cats love hunting or because of the fact that they are carnivores, you might assume it is okay for them to eat raw food, but it is not. Eating raw eggs or meat can lead to numerous types of poisoning, including salmonella and E.coli that can be fatal. Also, raw foods can cause digestive problems and skin diseases in your pet. If you feed your cat with fish, eggs, or any type of meat, make sure you wash them well and cook them properly.
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Garlic, Onions, and Chives
The problem with foods in the allium family is that they can give cats anemia. Their blood cells can get highly damaged, leading to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and feeling weak. Any significant amount of garlic, onion, or chive can be toxic to your cat and lead to extreme consequences. Therefore, if you ever see that your cat has these symptoms, including orange or red urine, pale gums, or reduced appetite, please rush to the nearest vet for a check-up and treatment.
Alcohol
If you plan on having a party with friends or family, be careful if your cat is around. The effects of alcohol on human brains and livers are identical to those on cats, but the effects are more potent on them. Some symptoms of alcohol poisoning in cats are diarrhea, tremors, vomiting, disorientation, coma, and even death. The higher the amount ingested, the worse the signs and complications will be presented.
Other Foods You Should Not Feed To Your Cat
Below you will find a list of some other foods that are not recommended to feed your cat:
- Grapes and raisins
- Caffeine
- Fat trimmings and bones
- Raw Dough
- Dog food
- Yeast
- Liver
- Too many treats
Conclusion
Owning a pet is like having a baby. There are a lot of things to take into consideration for their happiness and their health. We try to keep them happy, and one of the best ways to do that is by feeding them delicious food. Remember, cooked fish and meat are cats’ favorite go-to food. If you do not like cooking or having your fridge full of meat and fish due to its strong smell, pet shops provide you with various canned foods and treats to feed your cat that contain their favorite ingredients. Buying commercial food frequently can be a little expensive and unsustainable in the long run if you think about it, but having your pet happy is worth it!
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.
