Healthy Human Foods For Cats - What Foods To Give And What To Avoid!

Cats are distinct creatures and have different food or diet requirements. A cat’s dietary requirements vary from that of humans, the basic difference being that a cat is a carnivore (meat-eaters) and humans are omnivores (plant and meat-eaters). A nutritious diet must be maintained to keep a cat happy and healthy. Stock up on some healthy human foods for your cats and turn meal hour into bonding time with your cat. 

What and how much should we feed them?

The quantity of food cats should eat depends on their age, size and activity level, however, the average amount to be consumed is 200 calories. It is suggested to feed them only during specific meal hours and not so much in between. A few treats occasionally are always an exception. 
There is a high requirement of proteins in their diet as compared to carbohydrates and roughage (fibers). Cats are able to digest a certain amount of fat, and including fat in their diet may even prove beneficial to them.

Proteins:

Lean meat is a great source of protein for your cat. Some other rich sources of proteins are:

• fish
• cooked eggs
• liver
• lamb
• beef
• chicken
• turkey
• duck

Be sure to remove any excess amount of fat from the meat before serving it to your cat. 

Fibers and carbohydrates:

Fibers and carbohydrates include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Fruits and veggies can make for good snacks, and can even help with digestive issues in cats. A small vegetable or cereal addition to their diet occasionally is a smart choice. Some sources of fibers and carbohydrates that cats can snack on are:

• pumpkins
• peas
• cucumber
• cooked carrots, broccoli, green beans, asparagus, and squash 
• oatmeal (with water)
• maize
• brown rice

Excessive amounts should not be fed to cats, as it may do more harm than good.

Vitamins:

A healthy and important source of nutrients that can be incorporated in a cat's diet is vitamins. Vitamin A and D are the two most important vitamins that should be included in a cat's diet. These are some of the vitamins that can be fed to cats:

• avocados
• blueberries
• apples
• spinach

Human Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Cat:

When it comes to your cat, you want to make sure your cat always has the best kind of food. There are, however, a few exceptions. Genetically, felines lack the taste buds that can detect sugary foods, and many sweet treats are dangerously toxic to them.

Theobromine, a bitter-tasting chocolate stimulant contained in chocolates, can cause muscle tremors, seizures, and several serious heart problems for your cats. Caffeine, another stimulant, has a similar effect. Raw dough can cause pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal issues in cats. Onions and garlic, raw meat, raw eggs and bones, milk and dairy products, grapes and raisins, dog food and alcohol are toxic foods that should be avoided and should not be fed to your cats.

Any new food should be introduced gradually to your cat's diet. Keep a check on them and see if there is any difference in their digestion. A visit to the vet to chart out a diet plan for the cat is a good idea.