What can my cat eat?

Debunking Myths about your cat’s nutrition

There are tons of myths and wrong assumptions surrounding cat nutrition. Contrary to what some may think, cats can’t eat any type of food out there. If your cat followed Garfield’s diet of lasagna everyday, this will lead to severe stomach issues and most likely, poisoning. 

So what are other myths we’ve falsely believed about what our cats can eat? We’re here to find out in this month’s article! 

Myth # 1: Cats should drink milk 

False! While cats would gladly lick your bowl of milk, most of them are actually lactose intolerant. Their bodies can’t digest milk, leading to likely stomach pain and vomiting. The healthier and safer option for your cats is ensuring that they have access to clean water at all times. 

Myth # 2: Cats can eat dog food 

False! Cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements and their food is tailored to those animal-specific needs. For instance, cats need higher protein content and taurine, an essential nutrient for cats’ heart and vision health. While cats can occasionally have a small amount of dog food, long-term feeding can lead to deficiencies and health problems. 

Myth # 3: Cats can be vegetarian 

False! Speaking of needing more protein, cats actually need significantly more meat than dogs. Considered “obligate carnivores,” cats need meat to get essential nutrients in their diet. 

Myth # 4: Cats need a fish-heavy diet 

False! Fish is fine for your cat in moderation, but consuming too much fish can lead to side effects. Too much fish can cause Vitamin E deficiency, low calcium levels, and even urinary tract problems. 

Myth # 5: Cats are perfectly fine with eating human food 

False! While your cat may love to snack on scraps from your dinner table, you should still be careful about what they’re eating. Some regular ingredients in our food (onion, garlic, chocolate) are toxic for your cat to consume. 

Do you have more questions about your cat’s diet and nutrition? You can ask them during our weekly SPC Vet Chats! 

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