10 Foods That Are Safe (and Unsafe) for Your Feline Friend to Eat

As a cat owner, it's only natural to want to share your favorite foods with your furry friend. However, not all human foods are safe for cats to eat. In fact, some can be downright dangerous for their health. To help you make informed decisions about what to feed your feline friend, we've compiled a list of 10 foods that are safe (and unsafe) for cats to eat.

Safe Foods for Cats

1. Salmon: Cooked, boneless, and skinless salmon is a great source of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids for cats.
2. Chicken: Cooked, boneless, and skinless chicken is also a good source of protein for cats.
3. Turkey: Like chicken, cooked, boneless, and skinless turkey is a great source of protein for cats.
4. Eggs: Cooked eggs are a good source of protein for cats and can also help settle upset stomachs.
5. Cheese: While cats are lactose intolerant and should not consume too much dairy, a small amount of plain cheese can be a tasty treat.
6. Carrots: Cooked carrots are a safe and healthy treat option for cats.
7. Bananas: In small amounts, bananas are safe for cats and contain potassium and other beneficial nutrients.
8. Green beans: Cooked green beans can be a healthy snack for cats and help with digestion.
9. Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries can be a tasty and healthy treat for cats as they contain antioxidants and vitamins.
10. Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin is a healthy treat option for cats and can help with digestion and hairballs.

Unsafe Foods for Cats

1. Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be toxic to cats and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases.
2. Caffeine: Caffeine can be fatal to cats and cause similar symptoms as chocolate poisoning.
3. Grapes and raisins: These can cause kidney failure in cats.
4. Onions and garlic: These contain compounds that can damage a cat's red blood cells and lead to anemia.
5. Avocado: Avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats.
6. Alcohol: Even a small amount of alcohol can be toxic to cats and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and coordination problems.
7. Candy and gum: Many of these contain xylitol, which can cause insulin release in cats and lead to hypoglycemia and liver failure.
8. Milk and dairy: While small amounts of plain cheese can be safe for cats, dairy products can cause digestive problems and upset stomachs in many felines.
9. Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or tears in a cat's digestive system.
10. Raw meat and fish: Raw meat and fish can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause illness in cats.

By keeping these safe and unsafe foods in mind, you can help ensure that your feline friend stays happy and healthy.