Safe Treats For Cats

Is your cat a finicky furball who turns her cute little nose up at the treats you offer her? Or is your kitty more of a food lover, who will steal your pizza the moment your back is turned? Just like people, cats all have their own likes and dislikes, especially when it comes to food. There’s nothing wrong with giving Fluffy a treat, but it is important to stick to safe, suitable foods. An Ellicott City, MD vet lists some good options below.

Meat

Plain, cooked, boneless beef, steak, hamburger, and most other types of meat are fine for kitties. Shredded deli meat is another good bet. There are a few caveats here, however. Organ meats, such as liver and kidney, should only be given on very rare occasions and in tiny amounts. You’ll also want to limit fatty meats, such as sausage and bacon. Or, better yet, just offer your feline buddy something more suitable.

Fish

Tuna is usually given top billing as Fluffy’s favorite seafood treat, but kitties can have almost any type of plain, cooked, boneless fish. Some good options are mackerel, cod, haddock, flounder, trout, salmon, and halibut. Shrimp are also fine, as are crabmeat, scallops, and lobster.

Poultry

Cooked chicken, turkey, duck, quail, and other types of poultry are all safe. As with meat and fish, remove the skin, bones, and fat first. Also, avoid giving your pet chicken that is spicy and/or fried.

Broth

Sodium-free beef, chicken, or fish broth is a great snack! In summer, give Fluffy chilled broth from the fridge, or drop an ice cube into it.

Fruits and Veggies

Technically, Fluffy isn’t supposed to have a sweet tooth: she really can’t taste sweetness. However, some kitties apparently didn’t get that memo, as there are some furballs out there that love cake and doughnuts. Keep those baked goods away from your feline pal! Many sweets are made with xylitol, which is toxic to cats.

Tips

Never give Fluffy garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; chocolate; nuts; caffeine; mushrooms; or pitted fruits. Grapes, currants, and raisins are also unsafe, as are raw dough, meat, and yeast; dairy products (aside from a little cooked egg); and meat on the bone. Ask your vet for more information on safe and unsafe foods. Please reach out to us, your local Ellicott City, MD vet clinic, anytime. We are here to help!