20 Cat Friendly Human Foods For Occasional Treats

Cats aren't necessarily affectionate like dogs, but that doesn't make you love these fur balls any less. In fact, cat parents are known to bribe their cats for a few moments of bonding and foods are often the best form of bribe.
Although there is a wide array of commercial cat treats available, beginners may use human foods to treat their cats. As not all human foods are safe for cats, there is always a risk of accidental food poisoning.
To avoid the misfortune, try these 20 human foods that are harmless to cats.
1. Cooked Chicken
Cats are used to bland meals, so avoid using any spices or condiments on the chicken. A thorough boiling should be enough to kill off any parasites present in the meat, then remove the bones and skin before serving.
While chicken can provide the necessary lean protein, it should not make up a large part of the cat's diet. Also, cats often choke on chicken, so make sure you cut them into thin slices.
2. Cooked Turkey
Sharing turkey with your pet can be harmful to cats - the seasoning normally added for human consumption is not safe for cats. In particular, strictly avoid the use of onions and garlic.
Much like the preparation of chicken, turkey should also be cooked in boiling water for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes. This extended boiling essentially neutralizes parasites that are responsible for spreading salmonella.
3. Cooked Salmon
In limited quantities, salmon consumption can be beneficial for cats. Feed these delicious treats once a week, freshly boiled, and you can even add a few vegetables in the mix.
Cats can eat salmon that is boiled for no less than 10 minutes; cut into a size that your cat easily swallow. Also, remove the skin, the source of detrimental omega-3 fatty acids, and bones to avoid splintering the digestive tract.
4. Cooked Tuna
Choose a tuna variety that’s low in mercury; with tuna fish mercury contamination is always a risk. But, you can minimize the risk- just make sure you purchase tuna with the label of “light meat” or “skipjack”.
As delicious as these fatty fish are, they should not cover more than 10% of the cat’s standard diet.
5. Boiled Or Baked Fish
Firstly, not all fish are safe for your cat. As the same in tuna, go for a species that contains no mercury, like a cod, salmon, or tilapia.
With fish, there is always the risk of choking on the bone or the bone getting stuck on a vital organ. Meanwhile, baking breaks down the rigid bones; the heat generated by the baking process softens the bones, making them easier to digest.
6. Cooked Eggs
Cats are not particularly fond of egg whites, but they love to munch on the yolk. Prepare a plain boiled egg without adding any salt or seasoning.
Felines may not be able to tell the difference between cooked and raw yolk. They may try to eat the raw yolk, resulting in salmonella poisoning. To avoid this, store the eggs safely, somewhere your pets can’t reach.
7. Plain Yoghurt
Cats are picky eaters - some enjoy the creamy texture and mildly sweet taste of yogurt, while others get repelled by it. Feed a tiny amount at first, not more than a few spoons. Slowly raise the portion if the cat acquires a taste.
Taste is not the only factor to consider while giving yogurt to cats; around 70-80% of all cats are estimated to be lactose intolerant. This condition develops when the digestive system is unable to produce the enzymes to digest lactose. Discontinue immediately if your cat exhibits any signs that indicate lactose intolerance.
8. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is a purr-fectly wonderful idea for a summer treat to feed your cat. A great substitute for higher-calorie treats, this delicious food is best served chilled.
Preparation is pretty standard; you can use any standard recipe for this purpose. Refrigerate for a few hours, especially in summer, as it can help cool down the cat's core temperature; thus, preventing heatstroke.
Besides cats, pumpkin puree for dogs is also a favorite for the canines.
9. Cooked Carrots
A fulfilling treat yet so low in calories, carrots can fed as a supplement to their diet. Cats, as carnivorous animals, don't need vegetables to survive. But, they don't enjoy munching on these veggies occasionally.
However, carrots for cats should not replace their meals as it can lead to nutrients deficiency.
10. Cooked Peas
Despite their need for animal-based protein, peas don't harm a cat as long as it is fed in limited amount. The feline ancestors were known to eat small amounts of plant matter in the wild.
The occasional consumption, not only helped in their appetite, but also with their bowel movement. Weekly feeding of peas can have similar effect in controlled doses, but overconsumption can have a detrimental effect on the cat's health.
11. Cooked Green Beans
Reward good behavior of your cat with a few pieces of green beans; the sweet flavor is highly beloved in the feline world. Raw green beans can affect digestion, therefore it's best to cook them before serving. c
Additionally, green beans, with its nutritionally-rich profile, can provide vitamins and minerals, specifically A, C, and K, as well as potassium and manganese.
12. Cooked Sweet Potatoes
In its essence, sweet potato is not toxic to cats; but they don't provide any vital nutrient either. As a cat's taste receptor for sweetness is not well-develop, they may not have the same appreciation for sweet potatoes as humans do.
Only feed the recommended amount, excessive use can seriously deteriorate the cat's health, even causing seizures in some cases.
13. Blueberries
Before giving blueberries to cats, there are a few things to consider. are safe for cats to eat in limited quantities. Wash the berries in clean water; remove any leaves or stems as they are basically useless.
Choking is a distant risk with blueberries; still, try to cut these berries into sizes fit for a cat's mouth. Alternatively, you can also mash them or mix them with other foods.
14. Watermelon
A hydrating fruit, watermelon's mostly water content is generally safe for a cat's consumption. Just remember to remove all the seeds as they can cause choking and even food poisoning, in some cases.
15. Cantaloupe
Cats, despite being notorious meat-eaters, can benefit from the occasional use of fruits like cantaloupe. Their curiosity often gets the best of them; the smell and texture of cantaloupes are naturally fascinating to cats.
Additionally, cats have taste receptors for sweet flavors, although they are not as developed as those for meat. A possibility also exists that cats may be drawn to cantaloupe due to its high water content.
16. Cooked Oatmeal
Unless your cat has difficulty digesting grains, oatmeal should be harmless in small amounts. it should not be a regular part of their diet. Plain oatmeal should do the trick, don't add any sugar or milk.
If the cat shows any adverse reaction to oatmeal, stop at once. In case there is no side effect, feeding it once a week should be enough.
17. Cooked Pasta
One mistake many pet owners make is giving freshly boiled pasta to their cats; the heat can seriously mess up their internal organs. After cooking without any salt or sauces, leave the dish to cool down before serving.
For cats at a high risk of allergies, pasta should be introduced to their meal only after the approval of a vet. Even then, the initial serving portion should be a few pieces before adding more later.
18. Cooked Rice
While cats will, possibly, not be a fan of this bland dish, it's necessary to fulfill their nutritional requirement. Like proteins, carbohydrates are also equally important to maintain their health.
Raw or semi-cooked rice is known to result in gastrointestinal issues; hence, only give properly cooked rice that the cat can digest without difficulty.
19. Cooked Beef
After your cat develops a taste for beef, no other food will live up to its expectations. That's a risk you should be willing to take for your cat, if not for yourself.
Serve the beef, minus the fatty cuts, and keep the consumption to a minimum if you don't want your cat to get obese. As the appropriate amount is based on size and appetite, start with a tiny piece or talk to a vet if you suspect allergies.
20. Cooked Pork
One of the few dishes that most omnivores and carnivores crave including cats, pork attracts with its heavenly taste. As appetizing as the meat is, it also contains a high amount of fat.
You can either boil or bake the pork, for no less than 10-15 minutes. Removing fat is an important part of the preparation. Add in a few veggies and you're good to go.
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