Author: Rebecca Geiger

Cats can have cheese, but how much of this yummy food can they eat? And are there benefits? “Cats are often drawn to cheese, and it can be an acceptable low-carb snack,” says Dr. Bayazit. “It’s high in calcium and protein, and cats really love protein. Keep servings to a little sprinkle atop the main course; or, offer the tiniest of bites, she notes. The benefits of feeding cats cheese include: Cheese is a low carb treat, which is a good thing, because your furry friend has no requirement for carbohydrates in their diet. Cheese is high in calcium and protein. The protein helps entice your cat. Just a bite of cheese helps the medicine go down. It’s a useful way to hide pills and to make them more palatable. If your cat’s health is good, a teeny cube of cheese (about the size of a die) makes for a fine, fun snack. Just remember: No matter how much they enjoy it, only 10 percent or less of your purr baby’s daily diet should come from treats. Talk to your vet about your kitty’s daily calorie needs, and try this handy calorie calculator from the Pet Nutrition Alliance. Lastly, what’s not to like? Many cats are super fond of the taste. “Cheese has a high fat content and plenty of protein, both of which cats naturally relish,” says Dr. Bayazit. Bottom line: Cheese is typically safe for cats and provides a few advantages, too.,Jump to section Benefits of Feeding Cats Cheese Downsides of Feeding Cats Cheese How to Feed Cheese to Cats Cat-Friendly Recipe with Cheese Top Cat Treats with Cheese FAQs About Cats Eating Cheese

Jump to section FAQs About Cats and Blueberries Benefits of Feeding Cats Blueberries Downsides of Feeding Cats Blueberries How to Feed Blueberries to Cats

For one thing, there’s no nutritional value. “It has lots of empty calories,” says Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado. Cats are obligate carnivores (meat eaters who think of rodents al fresco as fine dining), and peanut butter is “just not part of their natural diet,” Dr. Wooten says. “Plus, I don’t like it for fat cats or for those who are sick in any way. It can just add to their problems.” In the end, cats with any health issues should avoid peanut butter, Dr. Wooten says. “Those with diabetes, kidney problems, or with any kind of chronic gastrointestinal trouble, such as inflammatory bowel disease, need to stay far, far away.” These fur babies can get diarrhea, upset stomach or gas, she says. The risks of feeding cats peanut butter include the following: It can cause gut issues: “[Peanut butter is] often high in fat and sugar,” says Dr. Wooten, “and these ingredients can cause issues with their gut, which is not designed to handle foods, like peanuts.” Many brands are also high in salt, “another ingredient that can mess with their digestive system,” Dr. Wooten says, adding that too much sodium can “exacerbate heart or kidney issues.” It can lead to weight gain: Peanut butter can have added sugars, making it high in calories. And due to the food’s caloric density, weight gain is a risk, especially for indoor pets or overweight cats. It’s a choking hazard: Due to its thick, sometimes chunky consistency, peanut butter is a choking hazard for felines. Ever eat a spoonful of peanut butter and have it stick to your teeth? Your cat’s throat and mouth are small, so even a tiny amount can get stuck. It can contain additives, like xylitol: Sugar-free peanut butter varieties often contain additives such as xylitol, a sugar substitute. Although it’s up for debate if cats develop hypoglycemia or liver failure (like dogs do) from eating xylitol, it’s better to be safe than sorry and keep them away from products containing xylitol, according to Dr. Wooten and Dr. Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care in New York City.,Jump to section Why is Peanut Butter Bad for Cats? When Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter? FAQs About Cats and Peanut Butter

Is plain rice good for cats? While plain rice is safe for cats, it doesn’t provide any nutritional benefits, says Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH, and owner of New York City-based veterinary practice Animal Acupuncture. That’s because… Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they benefit from high protein diets. Felines have very limited carbohydrate needs. That’s true for most cats, so plain rice—being a carbohydrate—doesn’t have much of a health payoff for kitties. Cats can have difficulty processing and digesting carbs, like rice. Plus, eating too many carbohydrates can predispose purr babies to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Can cats eat brown rice? Is brown rice better for cats? Sure, cats can eat brown rice. And while brown rice is technically slightly better for cats (over white rice), “neither have much nourishment for them,” Dr. Barrack says. Brown rice has slightly more nutrients than fortified white rice, but because cats can only have a small taste or two of rice, the nutritional pros and cons of each aren’t going to make huge differences for our feline friends, she adds. Can cats eat plain white rice? Yes, cats can eat plain white rice. If they handle it well, it won’t hurt them to have a tiny taste now and again. If you decide to serve some grainy goodness to your cat: Keep servings small. Just offer a teaspoon of rice. Dole out rice as an infrequent treat. It’s not an essential part of your pur-ry friend’s diet, so no need to overdo it. Is white rice toxic to cats? White rice is not toxic to cats. However, “many cats do have difficulty processing and digesting carbohydrates such as white rice,” says Dr. Barrack. Carbs can also make our cool cats prone to weight gain and diseases, like diabetes, she adds. Why is it bad for cats to eat white rice? While not technically “bad” for them, white rice isn’t particularly helpful for cats because they’re obligate carnivores. This means they benefit from a meat-based diet, and as Dr. Barrack points out, “the majority of felines don’t have much need for carbohydrates.” How much rice can a cat eat? How much rice a cat can eat depends on their overall daily calorie intake. Here’s how to figure out the appropriate amount of rice: Total treats should be no more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Let’s say your kitty takes in 200 calories a day. Treats should then make up no more than 20 calories of their daily food allotment. Because a teaspoon of rice has only about 5 calories, that’s 2.5 percent of their overall calories—well within snacking range. Talk to your vet about your kitty’s needs, and try this handy calorie calculator from the Pet Nutrition Alliance. Observe your pet. If your feline is healthy, likes rice and has no ill effects from indulging, it won’t harm adult cats to have some rice in their wet cat food or as a separate little tidbit. Don’t use rice as a meal replacement. Rice isn’t a requisite part of cat diets; and while the periodic bite or two is appropriate, it doesn’t provide the needed sustenance for tip-top feline health. How often can a cat eat rice? How often a cat can eat rice depends on your cat’s overall health and tolerance for this food. For fit felines with a hankering for rice—as long as they digest it well and have no underlying health issues—a bite of plain boiled or steamed rice once in a while is reasonable. “Keep in mind that cat treats should not account for a significant amount of their daily calorie intake,” says Dr. Barrack. Rice should only be an infrequent refreshment, since indulging in too many carbohydrates can cause long-term health issues, as well as diarrhea, bloating and gas.,Jump to section FAQs About Cats and Rice Benefits of Feeding Cats Rice Downsides of Feeding Cats Rice How to Feed Rice to Cats

Bananas are a popular snack for humans, but what about our feline friends? Can cats eat bananas too? The answer is yes, in small amounts. That said, most cats probably won’t be all that interested in them.  We spoke with Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care in New York City, who shares insights on the pros and cons of feeding bananas to cats, plus expert-backed tips for safely offering this fruit to your cat.   Before introducing any new food into your cat’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

In moderation, strawberries make a “fun, perfectly acceptable treat” for cats, says small animal vet, Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ based in Silverthorne, Colorado, adding, “as long as they like them and they don’t cause problems. Here’s a look at the health benefits of strawberries: Strawberries are a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (vitamin C, folate, manganese, potassium and polyphenols). Strawberries have less sugar than many other fruits, making them a better snack, says Dr. Wooten. For comparison, strawberries have 7 grams of sugar per cup, while mangoes have 23 grams of sugar per cup and watermelon has about 10 grams of sugar per cup. Strawberries are hydrating, with a 91 percent water content. They should never, however, replace water.,Jump to section Benefits of Strawberries for Cats Downsides of Strawberries for Cats How to Feed Strawberries to Cats Cat-Friendly Recipe with Strawberries FAQs About Cats and Strawberries

Is watermelon good for cats? As a daily treat, watermelon is not especially good for cats for the following reasons: Cats don’t need carbohydrates and might not process them well, says Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, based in Silverthorne, Colorado. If they eat too much watermelon, the carbs combined with the sugar can cause gastrointestinal issues such as upset stomach, or diarrhea. Cats with health problems (like diabetes) could have unfavorable results, “including issues with their blood sugar,” says Dr. Wooten. But wait! All is not lost for your furry feline friend. In some circumstances, watermelon may be just what the doctor ordered, says Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, owner of New York City-based veterinary practice Animal Acupuncture. Under direction from your vet, here’s when watermelon just might be considered a healthy treat: To promote urination and clear heat and inflammation. To help maintain hydration: Watermelon has lots of electrolytes and a high water content, so it can aid in hydration on a hot day (it should never replace water however). Do cats enjoy watermelon? Do cats have a sweet tooth? Some cats enjoy watermelon, but no, cats don’t have a sweet tooth. “To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure whether or not they really like it,” says Dr. Wooten. “They don’t enjoy sweet tastes much,” adds Dr. Barrack. The fact is, felines are programmed genetically not to taste sweets (which could be a good thing since that leaves more of the good stuff for you). If you have a cat who loves watermelon, it probably isn’t the taste they’re drawn to but instead the refreshing moisture (and perhaps the mushy quality as well), says Dr. Wooten. Can cats eat watermelon seeds? Cats should not eat watermelon seeds because… Watermelon seeds can be a choking hazard. Watermelon seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to cats, says Dr. Barrack, adding that they should always be removed from the flesh before you serve it. A few pale, soft seeds (which may be found in seedless varieties) are typically fine, but pet parents may want to play it safe and remove them whenever offering a watermelon treat. What is the best watermelon variety for cats? Paws down, the best variety for cats is seedless watermelon. The occasional thin, pale seed from this variety shouldn’t cause harm. What fruits are toxic to cats? The following fruits are considered unsafe for cats and could lead to negative reactions: Citrus fruits (such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, limes and the like) Cherries Grapes Raisins Avocados Will watermelon give a cat a stomachache? Watermelon can certainly give some cats a stomachache. (Sorry, furry ones!) Here’s why: Fruit isn’t a natural part of the feline diet. Because the rind is difficult for them to chew, it can be hard on cats’ digestive systems and may also cause choking. Cats with health issues can be prone to tummy discomfort. Can watermelon cause diarrhea in cats? Yes, watermelon can cause diarrhea in cats. Here’s when: If it’s ingested in large quantities. If it doesn’t agree with them: Since they’re obligate carnivores, some cats may have trouble processing the carbohydrates and sugars in watermelon. If your pet has health issues, like diabetes, even a small amount of watermelon can make them ill.,Jump to section FAQs About Cats and Watermelon Benefits of Feeding Cats Watermelon Downsides of Feeding Cats Watermelon How to Feed Watermelon to Cats

How much bread can a cat eat? Cats can eat a small, bite-sized, plain piece of bread—a 1/4-inch square—every once in a while, says Dr. Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care in NYC. Why such a small piece? Treats should account for no more than five to 10 percent of a cat’s daily caloric intake, and serving too much bread could mess with your cat’s nutritional balance. How often can a cat eat bread? Cats can eat bread a couple times a week; however, be mindful of the carbs in bread. Cats don’t need carbohydrates, and they get all the nutrients they need from a meat-based diet. If they fill up on a food such as bread, it can upset their overall nutritional balance. Is bread bad for cats? What happens if a cat eats bread? Bread can be bad for cats who overindulge. Because bread has no nutritional value for felines, weight gain could be a real problem, Dr. Bayazit says. And for cats with health issues—like obesity, diabetes, heart or kidney disease—the results from eating bread could exacerbate their conditions. Other troubles to look out for would be: Gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, or vomiting: If bread just doesn’t agree with your cat’s stomach, digestive system signs such as these can show up. A full tummy: If a cat overdoes it on bread, they’ll be too full to eat their regular balanced cat food, which is needed to meet their daily nutritional requirements. Can cats eat gluten-free bread? Cats can eat gluten-free bread. Providing they’re in good health and don’t have an allergy to gluten (which is actually rare), gluten-free bread can make for a safe, acceptable treat. The same feeding guidelines apply: Cats can nibble on a small, bite-sized piece of plain gluten-free baked bread once or twice a week. And when we say “plain,” we mean it: no toppings and no spices or flavorings of any kind). Felines with health conditions should stay away: Kitties with diabetes, kidney or heart disease should not be given any bread. What is something similar to bread that cats can eat? “Try a soft tidbit made specifically for cats,” Dr. Bayazit says. Why is my cat obsessed with eating bread? Cats may be obsessed with eating bread due to the carb factor, Dr. Bayazit says.,Jump to section FAQs About Cats and Bread Benefits of Feeding Cats Bread Downsides of Feeding Cats Bread How to Feed Bread to Cats

No, cats can’t have grapes.   Grapes have been linked to kidney issues in pets, and while the exact cause isn’t fully understood, experts believe tartaric acid or its salts may be to blame. Most of the data comes from dogs, but vets recommend keeping grapes—and raisins—away from cats to avoid any potential risk. ,Grapes are a popular snack for humans, but can cats eat grapes safely? While they might seem harmless, grapes are one of several foods that can pose serious health risks to cats, even in small amounts.  To help you understand the risks, we spoke to a veterinarian expert who explains why cats shouldn’t eat grapes and what could happen if they do.    Before introducing any new food into your cat’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.