Five Human Foods That are Safe for Cats

Want to give your cat a special treat that’s outside the norm of her normal kitty treats? Try these five human-food suggestions from a Larimer County vet. Remember to keep the portion sizes very small!

It’s okay to slip your cat a small scrap of deli ham or turkey every once in a while. They’ll love it, and it can serve as a good special-occasion treat for a job well-done. Don’t make it into a habit, though—if meat is overly fatty or your cat eats too much, it could upset the stomach.

Small portions of cooked fish can also make a good occasional treat. Try canned tuna or salmon. Remember, though, that too much fish can put more magnesium, acids, and mercury in your cat’s body than she should have. Consult your vet to find out about other fish your cat may enjoy occasionally.

Just about every cat is lactose-intolerant and shouldn’t have a lot of dairy, but the occasional nip of cheese shouldn’t do any harm. Don’t give in if your cat begs for more, though, as dairy products will cause an upset stomach and diarrhea if overdone.

Small amounts of cooked eggs can work well as a small treat—try giving your kitty a tiny bite of scrambled eggs or small chunk of a hard-boiled egg. To make it healthier, skip the butter and only use a minimal amount of cooking spray.

While some cats probably won’t be very interested in chowing down on a chunk of melon, many cats do enjoy small bites of cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon. Make sure you’ve removed the seeds from the chunks you’re giving your cat to be safe.

Remember—keep these portions small! It won’t do your cat any good if you overfeed human treats. Ask your Larimer County veterinarian for more advice and ask about other potential treats.