The best and worst food for indoor cats

During the last decade, eating healthy has become imperative. Animals are just like humans; their digestive system has not changed in thousands of years.

One thing is sure - cats are carnivores and cannot live without meat. Their digestive system is adapted to digesting meat, whether an outdoor or indoor cat.

The food we choose for our cats significantly impacts their health. What is the best food for cats? Is the healthy food we prefer the most nutritious food for indoor cats? What about food that is dangerous to cats? We will try our best to answer all of these crucial questions in the text below.

Best food for cats

Wet vs. dry cat food

You have probably wondered whether wet food is better than dry cat food. No matter which one you choose, they are both fine choices, as far as the cat's food is complete and balanced.

Wet cat food 

Wet cat food offers many benefits, such as ingredients cats need and love; it is easier to chew and helps total water intake increase. 

Dry cat food 

With dry cat food, there is less risk of bacterial growth, and you may leave it out all day. Dry food is crunchy and helps reduce plaque on cats' teeth, but it is more difficult for older cats to chew.

Human food a cat can eat

Cooked meats such as chicken, liver, or beef are all fine choices for your cat. However, it is vital to take great care when serving to ensure the meat is cooked and remove all skin and bones before feeding your cat.

Cats and fruits

Eating fruit in a human diet has many benefits, but what fruit is good for cats? 

According to (1)PETMD and their great (2)team of vet experts, if you stick to safe fruits for your cat, you may feed your pet with these small treats, but some fruits can be hazardous to your feline friend.

✔️What kind of fruit can a cat eat?

Blueberries and cats

Blueberries can be a good treat for a cat as they are full of fiber and antioxidants necessary for your pet's good health.

Cats and strawberries

An excellent source of vitamin C, strawberries are the perfect choice for your cat. Only chop the strawberries into small pieces so the cat can swallow them right away.

Cats and apples

Apples are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Calcium from apples is essential for bone health. There is only one important note when giving a bite of an apple to a cat - remove the seeds.

❌ Food that is toxic to cats

Cats and grapes

Grapes are not recommended for cats. Since (3)grapes are toxic to dogs avoid giving them to your cat too.

Cats and cheese

How often do we see a grown cat drinking milk? The cat's love for milk and cheese is a myth. 

Most cats are 'lactose intolerant' since they don't have the enzyme (lactase) to digest the lactose sugar in milk. So (4)cats are lactose intolerant, but does that mean they cannot eat cheese? 

Raw meat and bones

According to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, eating raw meat may lead to (5)poisoning your cat with salmonella or E. coli. Some symptoms that can occur include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Bones are also dangerous to cats as your furry pet can injure the digestive tract or choke.

Cats and chocolate

As far as we know, chocolate is very harmful to dogs, but it can be poisonous to cats too. 

(6)Aston Veterinary Hospital

points out that theobromine, a chocolate substance, is also toxic to cats. An important rule to remember - darker chocolate contains more theobromine. 

Reference:

1. PETMD: https://www.petmd.com/cat/which-fruits-can-cats-eat

2. Team of vet experts: https://www.petmd.com/about

3. Grapes are toxic to dogs: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

4. Cats are lactose intolerant: https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol16no4/clinical-and-morphological-manifestations-of-disorders-of-the-gastrointestinal-tract-of-cats-with-regular-consumption-of-lactose/

5. Poisoning your cat: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

6. Aston Veterinary Hospital: https://www.astonvet.com/blog/2019/september/cats-and-chocolate/