- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
We know from cartoons (and real life!) that cats love stalking their bird prey…but what about eating eggs?
They’re a great source of protein for humans and cats are carnivores who need protein, but that doesn’t mean all protein is equal.
Our feline friends have different digestive systems than us, and although some human foods may be non-toxic or even beneficial to a cat’s diet, other foods can cause serious issues immediately or have long-term effects. Eggs are energy-inducing for humans, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe for other animals.
Here’s what you need to know about whether cats can eat eggs.
Health Benefits of Eggs
The egg is chock-full of amazing benefits. From being an excellent source of protein to being filled with good fatty acids and vitamins, this inexpensive staple is great for cooking a million things. The egg is essentially the “glue” that holds many recipes together.
Along with vitamin B12, D, and B6, this vitamin-rich food also has minerals essential for a complete diet such as iron, copper, and zinc. Frankly, there isn’t much an egg can’t do!
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
With all of these amazing benefits, we want to share the wealth with our cats! Is it safe to serve your cats an egg?
The short answer is: Yes, but they should be scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, or cooked eggs in one way or another.
Cats receive the same health benefits as humans do with eggs, as long as it’s cooked thoroughly. Scrambled eggs are easily digestible, and provide easy access to protein cats need for lean muscles and energy.
Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, California and Holistic Veterinary Care explains, “Cats are carnivores so animal protein is critical to their good health. Cat foods should be predominantly made up of animal products.”
However…
Like humans, dogs and cats can have egg allergies. Consider giving your cat eggs for a couple of days and see if there are signs of food allergies. This can come up in the form of irritated skin or ear infections. Check with your veterinarian for food allergies if you see signs of changed behavior.
Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs?
Don’t ever serve your cat raw or undercooked eggs. Raw or undercooked eggs could be contaminated with a wide variety of pathogenic organisms that can make your cat ill, such as E. coli or salmonella. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends taking your cat to the emergency vet immediately if they’ve eaten raw or undercooked eggs or other raw animal source proteins.
When you’re cooking, sometimes you may leave residue in your kitchen area. Clean up your space thoroughly so your cat can’t get into your dirty cooking dishes and eat an uncooked source. Here are other ways to avoid sources of pathogenic organisms:
- Avoid animal carcasses such as birds or eggs that have fallen from nests.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before feeding your cat in case you were interacting with other food items that haven’t been properly cooked beforehand.
- Dispose of uneaten (human or cat!) food daily.
Can Cats Eat Egg Yolks?
Egg yolks provide the bulk of the nutrients of the egg! Like the rest of the egg, the egg yolk can be enjoyed as long as it is cooked thoroughly. Raw egg yolk can result in food-borne illness.
And yes, cats can eat egg whites as well.
Can Cats Eat Eggshells?
According to PetMD, there is some evidence to suggest that eggshells could provide health benefits to cats, namely in the form of calcium. However, to avoid the potential of salmonella poisoning, make sure the shells are boiled first, and then crush them into small pieces (a coffee grinder works great) before sprinkling in your cat’s food.
Other Healthy Snack Ideas
If you’re looking for some healthy snacks for your cat beyond regular canned or dry food, there are a variety of options. However, you may find your cat disinterested at times as they like to stick to a routine. “There’s no reason cats can’t be given human food as long as it’s nutritionally appropriate,” Dr. Richter says. “That said, cats tend to be very specific about what they will eat and they like consistency. Most aren’t enthusiastic about changes in their diet.”
These treats are not toxic to cats, according to the ASPCA:
- Meat (cooked turkey, beef, chicken and some lean deli meats work best, according to PetMD)
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Oats
- Carrots
- Green bell peppers
- Spinach
- Peas (Often found in many prepackaged foods for cats and dogs as a vitamin-filled addition)
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli
However, remember that your cat is still a carnivore, and they’ll miss out on vital nutrients if they fill up on vegetables instead of properly formulated cat food. “The large majority of what cats eat should be a balanced diet,” Dr. Richter says. “In general, treats are not balanced and should not make up a significant portion of their daily intake.”
Featured Image: Flickr@QuinnDombrowski