20 Human Foods That Are Safe for Cats 2022

Hey, cat people! Looking for some new foods to share with your feline friend? Many of you have been pondering, asking “what can cats eat besides cat food?” Well, the answer is here. Check out this list of 20 human foods that are safe for cats!

What Human Foods Can Cats Eat?

1. Chicken

There are a lot of answers to what can cats eat and one of them is chicken. Chicken is a great source of protein for cats and is generally safe for them to eat. Just make sure to remove any bones or skin before feeding it to your kitty, as it can be a choking hazard. Also, avoid spiced chicken or chicken that's been cooked with onions or garlic.

2. Salmon

Can cats eat salmon? Of course, cats can eat salmon. This is one of the protein-rich foods safe for cats. You can find salmon in commercial cat foods because it's often used as a natural source of omega-3 which can be beneficial for your cat's health. However, it's important to only feed cooked salmon to your cat, as raw fish can contain harmful bacteria. You should also remove also the bones from the fish. Failure to do so may lead to the salmon choking the cat.

3. Cheese

Cats love cheese! But not all types are created equal. Avoid giving your cat blue cheese, Camembert, feta, queso blanco, or panel, as these contain a compound called casein that can be difficult for them to digest. Stick to mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, or cream cheese instead.

Cheese is safe for cats to eat in small amounts and is a good source of protein and calcium. However, some cats may be lactose intolerant, so it's best to give them a small amount at first to see if they have any adverse reactions. Additionally, avoid giving your cat moldy cheese, as it can be poisonous.

4. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein for cats and can be cooked in a variety of ways to make them more palatable for picky eaters. Eggs contain high levels of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.

Just make sure not to feed your cat raw eggs, as they may contain harmful bacteria. Additionally, the egg whites contain a compound called avidin that can interfere with vitamin B absorption, so it's best to only feed your cat the egg yolks.

5. Yoghurt

Yogurt is packed with nutrients like calcium and protein, making it a great snack for cats. Cats can also benefit from the live and active cultures found in yogurt, which can also help with digestion. 

However, not all yogurts are safe for cats to eat. Avoid yogurts that contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, as they can be toxic to cats. Stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt instead. You should also ensure that your cat is not lactose intolerant.

6. Rice

Cooked rice is safe for cats to eat and is often used as a bland diet food when they're feeling sick. Rice contains nutrients such as thiamine, niacin, and magnesium. It's also a good source of energy. Just avoid feeding your cat raw rice, as uncooked grains can be difficult to digest.

7. Green beans

Green beans are a healthy vegetable for cats and are often used as a low-calorie treat. They're packed with nutrients like vitamins C and A, as well as fiber. However, green beans should not make up more than 10% of your cat's diet. Why? Because they contain oligosaccharides, which can cause gas and bloating in some cats.

8. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a healthy grain for cats and is often used as a bland diet food when they're feeling sick. Like rice, oatmeal’s primary ingredients include magnesium, thiamine and niacin. Furthermore, cats find raw oatmeal difficult to digest due to the strong nature of uncooked grains. 

9. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are good treats for cats and are a great low-calorie meal. They're packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as fiber. You can feed your cat sweet potatoes cooked or raw, but if you choose to cook them, make sure not to add any extra seasoning like salt, pepper, or sugar.

10. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a healthy vegetable for cats and is often used as a low-calorie treat. It's packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber. You can feed your cat pumpkin cooked or raw. But if you choose to cook it, make sure not to add any extra seasoning like salt, pepper, or sugar. Also avoid giving your cat pumpkin pie filling, which often contains harmful ingredients like sugar and nutmeg.

11. Broccoli

Broccoli is a healthy vegetable for cats and is often used as a low-calorie treat. It's packed with nutrients like vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.

However, broccoli should not make up more than 10% of your cat's diet. Why? Because it contains oligosaccharides and certain compounds called goitrogens.

These compounds can interfere with thyroid function and cause gas and bloating in some cats. So it's best to only feed your cat small amounts of this vegetable.

12. Carrots

Carrots are a healthy vegetable for cats and are often used as a low-calorie treat. They're packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. You can feed your cat carrots cooked or raw, but if you choose to cook them, make sure not to add any extra seasoning like salt, pepper, or sugar.

13. Strawberries

Strawberries are safe for cats to eat and offer some nutritional benefits. For example, they're a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K. Additionally, strawberries contain ellagitannins  which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. However, like other fruits, the seeds of strawberries contain cyanide  which can be poisonous to cats. So make sure to remove them before feeding your cat this fruit.

14. Tuna

Cooked tuna is another food cats love. Tuna is safe for cats to eat and is an excellent source of protein. It is also a great way to get them to eat healthily. Just make sure not to feed your cat raw tuna, as it may contain harmful bacteria. Additionally, avoid feeding your cat tuna canned in oil, as the oil can give them an upset stomach.

15. Watermelon

Watermelon is another example of what to feed cats. They are a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C. Additionally, watermelon contains 92% water which can help keep your cat hydrated. However, like apples and bananas, the seeds of watermelons contain cyanide which can be poisonous to cats. So make sure to remove them before feeding your cat this fruit.

16. Quinoa

Quinoa is a safe and healthy grain for cats. It's a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins B and E. However, some cats may find quinoa hard to digest, so it's best to cook it before feeding it to your feline friend.

17. Plums

Plums are safe for cats to eat in small amounts. They're a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. Additionally, plums contain compounds called furanocoumarins which can be toxic to cats in large amounts. So it's important to only feed your cat a few plums at a time.

18. Apricots

Apricots are safe for cats to eat and offer some nutritional benefits. For example, they're a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. Additionally, apricots contain ellagitannins  which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. However, like other fruits, the seeds of apricots contain cyanide  which can be poisonous to cats. So make sure to remove them before feeding your cat this fruit.

19.  Peanut Butter

Most cats love the taste of peanut butter, and it's perfectly safe for them to eat in small amounts. Just be sure to choose a natural peanut butter without any added sugars or salt.

20. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is safe for cats to eat in moderation. It's a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K. However, some cats may find cauliflower hard to digest, so it's best to cook it before feeding it to your feline friend.

What fruits can cats eat?

Besides the fruits mentioned above, cats can eat plums, grapes and pears. Are bananas good for cats? Absolutely. In moderate quantities, bananas are rich in vitamins and other nutrients that your cat needs. 

What do cats like to eat?

Asides from human foods for cats, the ideal meal should be an animal-based protein. Domestic cats typically eat a diet that's based on dry kibble or canned wet food, but some people also feed their cats raw meat or home-cooked meals.

What human food can kittens eat?

Kittens can eat cooked chicken or turkey when the skin and bones are removed. They can also eat scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and plain yogurt. 

Conclusion

These are just a few ideas to get you started – there are plenty of other safe and healthy foods that your feline friend can enjoy! Just be sure to avoid any foods that are high in fat, salt, or sugar, as well as anything that contains artificial flavorings or preservatives. And always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your cat’s diet.