Can Cats Eat Human Food? A Guide to Safe and Unsafe Foods

If your cat has ever stared at your dinner with those big, hopeful eyes, you’ve probably wondered: Can cats eat human food?

The short answer is yes, some human foods can be safe for cats to enjoy as an occasional treat. However, cats have different nutritional needs than people, and some foods that are perfectly harmless to us can be dangerous for them.

When sharing human food with your cat, the key is knowing which foods are safe, keeping portions small, and avoiding ingredients that can be harmful. Here’s what cat parents should know before sharing a bite from their plate.

Can Cats Eat Human Food?

Cats can eat certain human foods, but human food should not replace a complete and balanced cat diet.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they have specific nutritional requirements that are best met through appropriately formulated cat food. Human foods can occasionally be offered as treats, but they don't provide everything a cat needs for their everyday diet.

A good rule of thumb is to keep treats, including human food, to a small portion of your cat's overall daily calories. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine recommends that treats make up no more than about 10 to 15% of a cat's daily caloric intake. If you do share food with your cat, keep it plain and avoid ingredients like salt, sauces, seasonings, onions, and garlic.

Human Foods Cats Can Eat

Not every food on your plate is off-limits. Some simple, unseasoned foods can make an occasional treat for cats.

Cooked Chicken

Plain, cooked chicken can be an appropriate occasional treat for cats. If you want to share chicken with your cat, make sure it is fully cooked and doesn't contain seasonings, sauces, onions, garlic, or other potentially harmful ingredients. Remove the skin and any bones before offering it, and keep the portion small.

Cooked Turkey

Plain cooked turkey can also be offered as an occasional treat. This can be especially tempting around holidays, when your cat may be interested in what's happening around the dinner table. A small piece of plain, cooked turkey is very different from a serving of seasoned turkey covered in gravy, butter, or other ingredients. Keep the portion small and avoid giving your cat turkey bones or heavily seasoned meat.

Cooked Eggs

Cats can eat cooked eggs in moderation. If you want to give your cat a bite of egg, serve it plain and fully cooked. Avoid eggs prepared with butter, salt, spices, sauces, or other ingredients. Raw eggs aren't recommended because raw animal products can carry harmful bacteria.

Plain Fish

Cats can eat some types of cooked fish, but fish should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a replacement for nutritionally complete cat food. If you're sharing fish with your cat, choose plain, fully cooked fish without added salt, oil, sauces, or seasonings, and remove any bones.

It's also worth remembering that fish prepared for people isn't necessarily the same as a complete and balanced cat food. Cornell specifically cautions against making canned fish products intended for humans a regular part of a cat's diet.

Pumpkin

Plain pumpkin can be safe for cats in small amounts. If you offer pumpkin, choose plain pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling, which can contain added sugar, spices, and other ingredients. As with any human food, introduce it in a small amount and stop if your cat develops digestive upset.

Carrots

Plain, cooked carrots can be offered to some cats as an occasional treat. Cut them into small, manageable pieces and don't add butter, salt, seasoning, or other ingredients. Not every cat will be interested in vegetables, and that's perfectly normal. Cats don't need vegetables to have a complete diet.

Green Beans

Plain, cooked green beans can also be an occasional treat. Avoid green beans prepared with butter, salt, sauces, onions, or garlic. If your cat isn't interested, there's no need to convince them. Plenty of cats would rather stick to their usual food.

Blueberries

Some cats can safely enjoy a small amount of blueberries. Wash them thoroughly and consider cutting or mashing them for easier eating. Because blueberries aren't a necessary part of a cat's diet, they're best thought of as an occasional treat rather than a regular addition to meals.

Bananas

Cats can eat small amounts of banana as an occasional treat. However, bananas are relatively high in carbohydrates and sugar compared with what cats naturally need, so a small bite is plenty. And don't be surprised if your cat completely ignores it. Cats don't have the same taste preferences we do!

Human Foods Cats Should Avoid

Some human foods can be dangerous for cats and should never be intentionally given to them.

1. Chocolate

   
   

2. Onions, Garlic, and Chives

   
   

3. Grapes and Raisins

   
   

4. Alcohol

   
   

5. Caffeine

   
   

6. Xylitol

   
   

7. Raw Meat and Raw Eggs

Can Cats Eat Dairy?

This is one of the most common questions cat parents have, thanks in part to the classic image of a cat happily drinking a bowl of milk.

In reality, many cats don't tolerate dairy particularly well. Cats generally have limited ability to digest lactose, and milk or other dairy products can cause digestive upset. So while your cat might seem interested in your ice cream or cheese, it's generally better to choose a cat-appropriate treat instead.

How Much Human Food Can Cats Eat?

Even when a food is considered safe, portion size matters. Human food should be an occasional treat rather than a significant part of your cat's daily diet. Treats generally shouldn't make up more than about 10 to 15% of a cat's daily calories.

A small bite is usually more appropriate than giving your cat a whole serving. Keep in mind that cats are much smaller than humans, so what looks like a tiny portion to you can represent a much larger share of your cat's daily calorie intake.

If you’re giving your cat a small serving of safe human food, a collapsible silicone travel bowl with a lid can be a handy way to serve their treat while keeping the rest contained for later.

If your cat has a health condition, food allergy, or special dietary needs, talk with your veterinarian before introducing new treats. 

The Bottom Line

Sharing a little food with your cat can be a fun way to give them an occasional treat, but not everything on your plate belongs in their bowl.

When choosing a human-food treat, stick with simple, plain, cooked ingredients and keep portions small. Avoid foods that are toxic to cats, and always consider the ingredients in prepared foods before sharing them.

And if you're ever unsure whether something is safe, it's better to ask your veterinarian before giving it to your cat. After all, those begging eyes may be hard to resist, but keeping your cat safe is the best treat of all.