Can cats eat eggs? Eggs can be prepared in so many ways, from frying to poaching. Plus, you can get creative and toss in a few ingredients to spruce up your simple egg dish. Since they are quite easy to cook, you may think that they can be added to your cat’s diet too. Are eggs good for cats, or are they better off without them?
Are eggs healthy for cats?
Cats are true carnivores, and their bodies need high amounts of protein. They require more proteins than dogs, who are omnivores. Eggs are good for cats since they are an excellent source of protein.
Eggs are also full of healthy fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Essential amino acids are found in eggs, which keep cats’ bodies lean yet muscular.
Eggs contain vitamins and minerals, like B6, B12, D, iron, copper, and zinc that give cats extra nutrient boost.
Are cooked eggs okay for cats’ diet?
Yes, cooked eggs are fine for our feline friends to consume. But pet parents also need to be warned about introducing new human foods to their cats. Here are some concerns that you should know when it comes to feeding your cat eggs:
Eggs can cause allergies.
The overall percentage of food allergies affecting pets, including cats and dogs, is quite low. However, pet owners should also note that eggs are among the most common food allergens in cats.
With this in mind, you need to serve only small amounts of cooked eggs to your cat, especially if it’s her first time eating it.
Then, wait and see for any allergic reactions. Sometimes it would take around twenty-four hours for the symptoms to show. These symptoms commonly include digestive upset, irritated skin, itchiness, skin infection, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
If your cat manifests these signs, stop giving her eggs and take her to the vet for treatment.
Eggs are high in calories.
One whole egg contains approximately 90 calories, and a cat only needs around 150 to 200 calories a day. This means cooked eggs should be served in smaller amounts to avoid exceeding your cat’s daily calorie needs.
Overfeeding her with eggs can take a toll on her body, making her more at risk of rapid weight gain and obesity.
Eggs are high in fat, protein, and cholesterol.
High cholesterol and fat content are some of the biggest drawbacks of eggs. Allowing your cat to consume too much egg can lead to clogging of fats and cholesterol in her arteries. Over time, it can result in the development of heart diseases.
Protein in eggs, on the other hand, is essential for cats. However, in excessive amounts, it can be harmful to their health. Experts observed that a high protein diet might result in renal problems in felines.
Can cats eat scrambled eggs?
Scrambled eggs can be given as an occasional cat treat. However, there are a few things that you should not add when cooking scrambled eggs.
Do not add salt, spices, and seasonings since these can irritate your cat’s digestive system and cause stomach upset.
Avoid adding excessive amounts of oil and butter as they cause digestive problems and put your cat in danger of obesity and pancreatitis.
You may want to feed your cat scrambled eggs made up of egg whites only. They have lower amounts of fat and cholesterol than egg yolks, which reduces your cat’s risk of gaining weight and developing heart diseases.
Can cats eat boiled eggs?
Yes, cats can have boiled eggs. Boiled eggs are tasty cat treats but add them sparingly to your cat’s meals to prevent messing up his nutritional needs.
Can cats eat raw eggs?
Countless pet owners are hopping on the raw diets trend. Whilst raw feeding has several purported benefits; it also presents a handful of risks:
Raw eggs can be contaminated with bacteria.
Undercooked and raw eggs are hosts to many harmful bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can wreck a cat’s digestive system and lead to food poisoning.
Kittens, elderly cats, and immunocompromised felines are more at risk of contracting these diseases than healthy cats.
Vets warn pet owners that salmonella and E. coli can be transmitted to humans as well. It can be through simply handling the food bowl contaminated with bacteria.
Be sure to clean your cooking area, your cat’s food bowls, and your hands after feeding your cat raw eggs to eliminate any bad bacteria.
The most common signs of food poisoning are vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and lethargy. Seek veterinary care immediately if your cat shows these symptoms after eating raw eggs.
If you plan to give your cat raw eggs, choose the ones that come from organic and free-range chickens.
Raw eggs contain avidin.
Raw egg whites possess a protein called avidin. This protein keeps your cat’s body from properly absorbing biotin, which is a vitamin that is essential for maintaining your cat’s skin healthy and coat shiny.
Avidin does not only interfere with biotin absorption, but it also disrupts the chemical processes of amino acids, energy, fats, and glucose.
You may want to stick with cooked eggs. Research shows that cooking eggs can remove avidin’s binding power, making it safer for cats to eat.
Other Questions Cat Owners Have on Feeding Eggs to Cats
Can cats eat eggs and cheese together?
No, they are both bad for cats. Eggs are high in fat and cholesterol, and so is cheese.
Cheese is a dairy product. Most cats are lactose-intolerant, and eating cheese will likely lead them to suffer from digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Some cheese types also contain added ingredients like garlic and onion, which are not safe for your feline friend. Cheese also contains large amounts of sodium, which can cause kidney problems in cats.
Can cats eat eggshells?
Yes. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, making them a good supplement to your cat’s diet. Avoid feeding raw eggshells, though, as it may contain salmonella or E. coli.
Safely feed eggshells to your cat by boiling them first. Then, grind the shells into powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. Ensure that there are no large bits left to avoid the risk of your cat choking on it.
Crushed eggshells are not enticing to eat if served by themselves. So, sprinkle the shells over her cat food instead. One crushed eggshell contains 800 mg of calcium, which can be spread out in two meals.
