Feeding & Nutrition

Spinach is widely regarded as a "superfood" for humans. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals, and we tend to enjoy this leafy green vegetable in a great deal of different dishes – from salads to curries. Because spinach is so good for people, you may be wondering if cats can eat spinach too, and if they can see the same benefits that we do? Keep reading and find out all you need to know about cats and spinach.Can Cats Eat Spinach? Yes, cats can eat spinach! In fact, there are even commercial cat food diets that include spinach as one of their ingredients. However, although spinach is safe for cats to eat, there’s no need to supplement their diet with this food, as a high-quality cat food should contain everything they need to meet their nutritional requirements.Is Spinach Good for Cats? As mentioned previously, cats don’t need spinach in their diet, as a good quality cat food will normally contain all the nutrients they need. With that being said, even a small amount of spinach contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, K, B6, B2 and E and it’s a great source of magnesium, folate, calcium and potassium too.However, there are some occasions where spinach is not so good for cats, for example, if they have kidney or urinary problems. This is because spinach contains calcium oxalate which may cause cats to develop harmful crystals in their urinary tract and cause further issues. Because of this, it’s important to only feed a small amount of spinach to your cat as a treat, and always speak to your vet first. Good quality feline diets containing spinach should also only contain amounts of this ingredient that are safe for your cat.How to Feed Spinach to Cats Spinach for your cat to have as a small snack is relatively easy. We recommend just steaming it and not adding any salt, spices or seasoning, as these aren’t good for your feline. Offer your cat a small amount of cooked, plain spinach to see if they like it, but don’t be surprised if they don’t! Many cats aren’t so crazy about vegetables or fruits, and would rather snack on some tasty, cat-specific treats or a nice piece of lean meat instead.If your cat does want to eat the spinach you offer them, only ever feed them a small amount of this food on the odd occasion as a treat. When feeding your cat treats, always remember to follow the rule of 10%, making sure that treats don’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake, with the other 90% coming from a complete and balanced cat food.Now you know the answer to, Can cats eat spinach? Remember that cats don’t need this leafy green vegetable in their diet, so it doesn’t need to be a permanent fixture, and you should never substitute it for their main cat food.For more expert tips on cat feeding, explore our other what can cats eat articles.

Spread on some toast and paired with poached eggs and some chili flakes, avocado can be one of the most delicious breakfast foods and has gained world-wide popularity as an ingredient. But while it’s great for humans, is its consumption by animals okay and can cats eat avocado? It’s a fruit full of nutrients and vitamins that are very useful for people, but might not be as great for cats, it seems. In this article, we’re going to dive right in and go through some of the reasons why avocados are not the most beneficial food for felines. Can Cats Eat Avocado? Even though avocado has many benefits in a human diet, they contain a toxin called Persin that can be harmful to animals, cats and dogs alike. Persin is mostly found in the skin, leaves, and pit of the avocado and when consumed in large quantities, can cause health issues in cats. For humans, avocado oil is considered a “good fat” but if eaten by a cat, it can affect their GI tract and cause inflammation in their pancreas. Avocado can also trigger allergies in some cats, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing or eating. If avocado is consumed by your cat in small amounts, there’s nothing to worry about. However, it’s recommended that you stick to cat food when deciding upon a diet for your cat because commercial cat foods will provide your pet with all the nutrients and vitamins they need. How Much Avocado Can a Cat Eat? It’s normal for your cat to want to show interest in trying out some of the foods you’re eating and in the case of avocado, you can give them a bite. A tiny one. In fact, your cat will probably enjoy avocado because of its smooth texture and rich flavor so expect your feline friend to be begging for more as soon as they try it. It’s important not to cave in though, no matter how tempted you might be to give them another bite. A tablespoon, or 15 grams, is enough. Benefits of Avocado for Your Cat Although commercial cat food has the best combination of vitamins and nutrients for keeping your cat in great health, avocado also has a few benefits. Check them out below: It’s low in cholesterol and sodiumIt contains protein – 18 amino acids are found in avocado all of which can help boost your cat’s immunityAvocado has healthy fats – these are known to have anti-inflammatory propertiesIt has antioxidants which can prevent the growth of cancerous cells and lead to improved eyesightFiber – avocado contributes to healthy bowl movementsAvocados contain potassium which can help to reduce blood pressure How to Feed Avocado to Your Cat Avocado is one of the easiest and fastest fruits to prepare. If you want your cat to try it, there are a few simple steps you can follow to make sure they do it in a safe way. Carefully peel the avocado skin, remove its pit, and cut it into very small piecesFeed it directly to your cat or place it on top of their regular foodOnly offer your cat avocado in very small amounts and once in a whileMake sure your cat doesn’t have access to the trash or other places where they can find avocado skin, pits, or leaves because consuming these might be harmful to them In conclusion, Can cats eat avocado? Yes, they can, as long as it’s not very often and not in large quantities. Even though it should be safe for them to try it out once in a while, it would be best to contact a vet before doing so as they’d be able to offer you better guidance while also considering your cat’s health history. For more expert tips on cat feeding, explore our other what can cats eat articles.

A lot of us will slip our cat a tasty morsel of what we’re eating, but have you ever stopped to think “what human foods can cats eat?” Find out what’s safe for your feline to chow down on with this guide. A lot of people think that begging at the dinner table is behaviour that only dogs exhibit, but it’s actually very common for your feline to put on the kitty cat eyes too! If you’re tucking into a tasty tuna sandwich or enjoying bowl of ice cream, it’s highly likely your cat will be expecting you to slip a tasty morsel their way too. But it’s important to remember that just because a food is OK for us to eat, doesn’t automatically make it OK for them too. We’ve put together this guide to tell you what human food cats can eat so you know what foods you can share, and what you shouldn’t! What can cats eat? Generally, your cat should get everything they need from a 100% complete and balanced cat food. There’s no need to add extra ingredients to your pets’ diet, but there are certain human foods you can give them as an occasional treat. Here are a few human foods your cat can eat: Meats Cooked, lean meats such as beef, chicken, turkey, liver and lamb are all ok for your cat to eat. However, it’s important that you take great care when serving to make sure the meat’s cooked through – never give cats raw meat – and remove all skin and bones before feeding your cat. Fish Cats are widely known for their love of fish and most types are actually fine for your cat to eat! They contain omega-3 fatty acids which is good for their overall health and may also be beneficial for cats with arthritis and kidney disease. As with meats, make sure the fish is properly cooked and all the bones are removed, and never give your cat raw fish. Whole grains Whole grains such as oats, corn, brown rice and even couscous all contain lots of protein and are all human foods your cat can eat.

Cats are known for being proud and particular pets, and that doesn’t stop when it comes to what they eat! Like us, each cat will have their own favourite food and flavours, so fussy-eating cats might turn their nose up at something that doesn’t tantalise their taste buds. If you find that your feline is being especially fussy, or that your cat is not eating at all, there are certain things you can try to get them gobbling up their dinner. However, if your cat is off their food for more than a day this can lead to serious complications including hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). Contact a vet for advice if the following tips don’t improve your cat’s appetite. Why is your fussy cat not eating? Cats can be very fussy eaters, and this can be exacerbated by some of the factors listed below. Anorexia can also be a symptom of illness or disease, so you should seek veterinary advice if your cat has not eaten for more than 24-48 hours.

If your cat is fussy about water, it might be time to find a new water bowl. There are lots of different options out there, so with a little research, you’ll be able to find the ideal bowl for your pet. Cats are by nature quite tolerant to thirst. If their water isn’t quite right – for example, it’s too warm or they don’t like their bowl – they might well choose to go without drinking. Equally, many cats will ignore their water bowl and drink from puddles instead, often for reasons you can’t work out. That’s why choosing the right bowl for your cat is so important. You can read more about how much water your cat needs to drink here. If you are concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough, contact your vet for advice. Choosing the right cat water bowl Before you choose the perfect bowl for your cat’s water, think about what they might like. Your cat’s personality, as well their eating and drinking preferences, will all be considerations. If they have a tendency to knock things over, for example, a heavier drinking bowl is probably more sensible. On the other hand, if they dislike their whiskers touching things – as many cats do – a wider bowl will be more comfortable for them. Sometimes, you may have to try a couple of different cat water bowl before you find one that they love, but luckily, most are inexpensive. Considerations include: Depth Shallow dishes will need topping up more often than deeper bowls, but your cat may have a preference themselves. Material Cat bowls can be made of many different materials. They all have their pros and cons, which you can read about in more detail below. Standing or running? Most owners leave a normal bowl of water for their cat, but reluctant drinkers maybe tempted by a specially-designed cat water fountain. You can read more about fountains below. Types of cat bowl Traditional cat water bowl Quite simply, this is a plain bowl designed for cats to drink from. It’s probably the type of water bowl you’re most used to seeing. They are very affordable, easy to get hold of, and don’t require any fuss. Many cats will happily drink from a bowl of standing water. However, as cats can also be fussy about their water source, there are many felines who may turn their nose up at the bowl of standing water altogether, especially if there’s a dripping tap nearby that they can drink from instead. To make their water appealing, you need to make sure you change it regularly – all cats prefer fresh, cool water – and make sure it doesn’t run dry. Bowl with water dispenser An alternative to the standard water bowl is one with a water dispenser that keeps the water topped up. These bowls are usually made of plastic, and some with an upright water bottle attached. As your cat drinks, the water bottle will slowly drain, keeping the water at the same level. This isn’t the same as providing running water, but it means you won’t have to top the water up so often. This is a good option if you are out of the house all day. Cat water fountain This type of water fountain is great for cats who are reluctant to drink standing water. If your cat tends to drink from the tap or other places they shouldn’t, it might be because they prefer fresh, running water. A cat water fountain maybe the solution. These are usually driven by very small electric motors. Fill the bowl with water, and a small fountain in the middle will keep the water circulating. Your cat can then either drink from the bowl, or the water as it falls. Many cat water fountains also include filters, which can help remove dust and hair, keeping it as fresh as possible. At the top end of the market, a cat water fountain may also cool the water – perfect for summer months.

While the debate is still raging on whether we should feed our feline friends raw chicken or not, we’ve put together a quick guide looking at the benefits and the risks of feeding your cat raw meat. Raw diet for cats is a controversial topic. With benefits and drawbacks on both sides of the argument, there is no wonder specialists are yet to find the definitive answer to the question of whether should cats eat raw chicken or indeed any other raw meat. Here is what you need to know about the pros and cons of this type of diet. Can cats eat raw chicken? Yes, cats can eat raw chicken. Supporters of raw diets for cats usually mention that such meal options allow the cat to consume the food felines are biologically prepared to digest. After all, no one is cooking the rodent a wild cat just caught for dinner. Some people claim that the main draw of feeding raw meat to your cat is that it mimics the meal cats are evolutionarily designed to thrive on. However, there are important differences between wild cats like lions and tigers, and domesticated cat breeds. Perhaps the more important question to answer is ‘should cats eat raw chicken or any other type of raw meat’. For this, we need to look at what the safety risks are for both our pets and ourselves. What are the risks of a raw diet for cats? Although it doesn’t hurt to feed your cat raw meat, there are safety risks to consider as well. Parasites and bacteria Both cats and humans can get sick as a result of contamination from the parasites and bacteria living in raw meat. However, cats have a much shorter digestive tract and higher levels of acidity in their stomach than humans, making it less likely for pathogens or parasites to spend enough time in the cat’s system to make them sick. Decrease the risk of contamination by buying fresh raw meat, disinfecting all the surfaces that have come in contact with the raw meat and thoroughly washing your hands or wearing gloves when handling it.

The four-legged siblings in the household might share a lot of things, including their love for play, cuddles and sleep, but one of the things they don’t have in common is food. Find out if dog food is bad for cats and how to keep their paws out of each other’s meals. Whether your cat is always curious about what’s in the dog food bowl or it’s dinner o’clock and you’ve just realised the cat food pantry is empty, you’ve probably asked yourself can cats eat dog food? If you’ve got a cat and a dog living together under the same roof, here is what you need to know about letting your cat try the dog’s food. Can cats eat dog food? Yes, but only as a short-term, last-resort solution. A stolen snack from the dog’s bowl isn’t a cause for worry. But cats eating dog food on a consistent basis can be detrimental to their health and well-being. It’s important to make sure there are both dog food and cat food supplies in the household where these four-legged companions live together. Why is dog food bad for cats in the long term? Even though at times it may seem they’re related, cats and dogs come from distinct parts of the animal kingdom and have different dietary requirements. Cats are obligate carnivores which means their diets consist mostly of meat protein, while dogs are considered omnivores and therefore can enjoy a much larger variety in their menu, including meat, grains and vegetables. Even though a cat will dabble in grains and vegetables too, dog food isn’t the best way to get them as it won’t provide enough protein to match a cat’s nutritional needs.

Cats seem to have an extra sense when it comes to cheese. Whether it’s in the owner’s hand, on the dinner table or the kitchen countertop, they’ll waste no time trying to get their paws on the delicious cube of dairy. But should cats eat cheese? Have you noticed your cat paying you more attention than usual whenever the cheese is out of the fridge? The unmistakable stare is your feline’s way of pleading for a seat at the table and a slice of that yummy block of dairy you’ve got in your hand. But can cats have cheese as part of their usual diet? Or is cheese actually bad for cats? Keep reading to find out what to do if your furry friend keeps asking you for their fair share of cheesy treats. Can cats eat cheese? Given our pop culture’s penchant for images of cats lapping up milk, there’s no wonder one of the most enduring feline myths is a cat’s love of dairy. But it turns out milk is not a good idea for cats as most of them are actually lactose intolerant. So, can cats have cheese? Not if your cat is lactose intolerant or suffers from milk allergy. And even if this is not the case for your pet, cheese should generally be avoided and only fed to them in moderation. Why is cheese bad for cats? Most cats can’t digest dairy products which means having milk, cream or cheese could quickly lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation or vomiting.

It may surprise you, but there are a lot of cats out there that love the taste of bread! But, can cats eat bread or is it bad for them? Find out all you need to know in this guide. This may sound unusual, but a lot of cats actually love the taste of bread. All around the internet there are tales of bread bandits, of cats sneaking slices off countertops or racing their owners for the toaster when they hear it pop. It’s a phenomenon that’s baffled cat owners all over the globe and no one really knows why they find bread so delicious either! If you’ve got a bread aficionado on your hands, you’ll probably be asking ‘can cats eat bread?’ and more importantly, ‘is bread bad for cats?’ Find out the answers to your questions about cats and bread in this article! Can cats eat bread? Yes, cats can eat bread, but it’s not recommended. Cats don’t actually need carbohydrates and bread is mostly carbs, which is considered to be empty calories for cats with no nutritional value for them.

We know at least one other member of the animal kingdom that won’t say no to a banana feast. Monkeys do enjoy their bananas, but what do cats think of this sweet yellow fruit? Keep reading to find out if cats can eat bananas and whether owners should offer them as a treat to their feline companions. Can cats eat bananas? Although bananas are not toxic for cats, it is not recommended to include them in your pet’s daily diet. Bananas are high in sugar which can lead to diabetes and weight problems. So, even though cats can have bananas, it’s better to offer them in moderation or even avoid them altogether if your pet has certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Ask your vet for advice before offering that first banana bite to your cat.

While they’re not quite as likely to gate crash the Easter egg stash and gobble the lot like a dog might, cats can sometimes get a taste for chocolate. Most owners know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but do you know if cats can eat chocolate? Can cats eat chocolate? No, cats should not eat chocolate. Even though they’re less likely to try and steal it away from under your nose, chocolate is still bad for cats, just as it is for dogs. While a chocolate bar may not appeal to them, any kind of milk-based chocolate drink can certainly be a risk around any feline! Why is chocolate bad for cats? If you're wondering why cats and chocolate don't mix, it's because chocolate and cocoa contain an ingredient called theobromine, which is naturally metabolised in the human body, but not in cats or dogs. This leads to a toxic build-up of the substance, which can lead to some very serious symptoms, particularly liver failure. Your cat doesn’t have to eat a great deal of chocolate to suffer problems as a result, so try to keep it out of reach, and out of sight, of all your pets. It’s impossible to calculate exactly how much chocolate it takes to make a cat ill, as every animal’s metabolism is different, but there are some factors that you can take into account. This includes your pet’s size and weight, and the kind of chocolate they have eaten. Dark, bitter, chocolate has a far higher theobromine content than milk or white chocolate. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats If you suspect your cat has eaten chocolate, watch out for any of the following symptoms:

Cats should only really drink one thing to stay hydrated - water. Despite popular belief, milk is not good for cats and it’s best to steer clear of dairy. Find out why milk is bad for cats and more with our guide. Can cats drink milk? The image of a cat happily lapping up milk is such a common one that many people don’t even question it. But it may surprise you to learn that sipping at cows’ milk is actually detrimental to their health, no matter how much they make like the taste of it. Ideally, cats should only be given water to drink. However, it’s important for your cat to stay properly hydrated, especially if they have other health problems such as kidney disease. Some individuals are really not keen on the taste of water, but there are a few tricks you can try to encourage increased water intake. Read on for our tips. Can cats drink milk?Is milk bad for cats? Yes – most cats are lactose intolerant, and consuming dairy products can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting. There are some specially designed cat milk options available, which are more suitable and contain reduced lactose. However, these should only be fed in moderation. Kittens will drink their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life, or a specially designed ‘kitten formula milk’ if necessary. However, they will be fully weaned by around 8-9 weeks of age. Kittens have an enzyme in their stomachs that allows them to break down lactose from their mother’s milk, but adult cats don’t have this enzyme and lose the ability to digest milk sugars. Instead, the lactose in the milk may cause an upset stomach when it begins to ferment. Why do cats like milk?Cats love the taste of milk because it is high in fat. They will often choose to drink it even if it results in an upset stomach. If your cat is fed high-quality, balanced diet they do not need the extra fat from drinking milk, no matter how much they like it. If your cat has drunk some milk, watch them for any signs of vomiting or diarrhoea and contact your vet if you are concerned. What do kittens drink?Young kittens will drink their mother’s milk until they are weaned. There should also be free access to fresh water for their mother and kittens will start to lap this too. From around 4 weeks of age, they will start to explore solid food and drink more water alongside their mother’s milk. Can cats drink milk if they’re orphaned?If you are hand-rearing an orphan kitten, or they can’t drink their mother’s milk for any other reason, you should feed them special ‘kitten formula milk’. You shouldn’t use normal milk from another species as it will not contain the right balance of nutrients for their development. The first milk that a mother produces is called colostrum. This is high in antibodies and helps to pass on some immunity to her kittens. If a kitten is unable to drink colostrum from their mother you should get advice from your vet. When should you start giving kittens water? Kittens will generally begin to wean around three to four weeks of age, at which point it’s time to start giving them a little solid food. At the same time, you should provide them with fresh, clean drinking water in a shallow bowl. What do cats drink? Adult cats only need to drink water as part of a healthy, balanced diet. How much they drink depends on several factors, including their age, size, and whether they eat wet or dry food. You can find out more about how much your cat needs to drink with our guide. If your cat has an underlying health problem such as chronic kidney disease, it is particularly important that they stay hydrated. If your cat will not drink fresh water, then you can try boiling some plain chicken breast or white fish and give your cat the cooking liquid to tempt them. This should not contain any salt or oil. You can also ask your vet whether oral rehydration fluids would be suitable. These are often meaty flavoured and can be more popular than plain water. Another option may be a pet drinking-fountain as some cats prefer these to water bowls. If you decide to give your feline friend ‘cat milk’ from the pet shop as a treat, ensure they are still enjoying a balanced and healthy diet and that their treat is part of their daily food allowance.The most important thing to remember is that fresh, clean water should be available to your cat and weaning (or weaned) kitten at all times.