So you’ve probably had days where you’ve shared food off your plate with your cat. Or maybe you cook some of your purring partner’s meals to give them a wholesome diet that keeps them fighting fit. But, a common question among pet owners is: can cats eat eggs?
Well, unlike other posts we’ve done about cats and human food, eggs are a great dietary addition for cats, as long as it’s in moderation. Let’s take a closer look at some of the details:
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
So, can cats eat eggs? The short answer is yes, they can. In fact, eggs can be a very healthy addition to your kitty’s diet. Eggs are a form of superfood for cats. They’re packed with easy to digest protein. They also contain all essential amino acids which will help your cat maintain healthy and lean muscles.
The Dangers of Salmonella and Other Bacteria
When it comes to eggs for cats, salmonella is no yolk! As in humans, eggs can carry harmful bacteria that can make your little buddy really sick. One of these is salmonella, a bacterial disease that can cause serious illness and, if left untreated, can lead to death.
But, salmonella isn’t the only bug to look out for. E. Coli is another dangerous bacteria that can affect your cat if you don’t prepare the eggs in the correct way. Aside from limiting their intake to one egg a week, you should also make sure the eggs you feed your cat are:
- Within their sell-by date
- Smelling fresh
- Cooked through
Raw Eggs and Avidin
Another question is: can cats eat raw eggs? Well, unlike their cooked counterparts, you should NEVER (and we mean NEVER) feed your cat raw eggs. Raw eggs contain avidin, a protein that stops both humans and cats from absorbing biotin, an extremely important vitamin for skin and hair health. By cooking the eggs, you’re denaturing the avidin and boosting the biotin content.
A Balanced Diet Is Key to Your Kitty’s Health
So, can cats eat eggs? Yes. But, the key to your cat’s diet is balance and variety. Cat food bought from the supermarket or vet’s is designed to contain all of the vitamins, minerals, protein, carbs, and fat that your cat needs to stay healthy.
While it’s absolutely fine to give them the odd treat, there is really no reason to create a personalized diet plan of human food for your cat. In fact, if you don’t know your stuff, this can actually be detrimental to their health in the long run. Our advice is to stick to their regular food most of the time and occasionally treat them to human food that you know won’t negatively affect their health.
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