What Can Cats Eat? What is and isn't Safe for Your Cat

Home-made cat food

Cats can eat some "human" foods, but it’s important to understand that a diet wholly based on home-cooked foods can end up being deficient in vital nutrients, amino acids and vitamins. Including a commercial dry food alongside home-made wet food, or just giving them occasional treats of home-made food, is probably the best option.

Try to feed your cat meat you'd buy for yourself, as human-grade meat is required to meet the highest processing standards. Things you can give them include:

• Skinless chicken – roasted or poached. If poached, they can also have the broth.

• Lean beef, including mince. Strips of raw beef are good for them to chew to help keep plaque from building up on their teeth.

• Liver – lamb, beef, chicken and other poultry.

• Cooked eggs.

• Just occasionally. If using tinned fish, get human grade sardines, tuna or salmon in springwater.

Occasional small quantities of natural yoghurt, grated hard cheese, or soft cheese like ricotta and cottage cheese are fine, but not milk, as cats are usually lactose intolerant. Some cats may enjoy occasional fresh vegetables. In fact, mashed pumpkin may help ease constipation. But bear in mind that these should only be very occasional. The same goes for grains and cereals.

Foods your cat should NOT have

Cats are naturally inquisitive, and some are renowned thieves, so you might find your cat helping itself to the odd illicit treat. Most of the time, that will probably not cause the cat any harm. However, there are some human foods that can be dangerous for cats, and should never be given. If they do steal them, especially in a large quantity, a vet visit may be necessary.

• Raisins/sultanas

• Grapes

• Chocolate

• Onions and garlic

• Coffee or caffeinated fizzy drinks

• Bread dough

• Avocado

• Nuts

• Fruit stones – for example, mango seeds or apricot pips

• Fruit seeds

• Corncobs

• Tomatoes

• Mushrooms