Sitting down with a bowl of oatmeal is a great way to start your day. It’s not just delicious but an excellent breakfast option that is nutritious and filling! But can cats eat oatmeal? To make it simple, yes you can offer your furry pet oatmeal but in moderation.
Do you know that cat food has oatmeal? Yes, they are great for their stomach and coat. If you wish to treat them a bit, then you can offer them but never overdo it. Oatmeal is rich in fiber and great for digestion. Also, oatmeal has healthy things your cat needs like minerals, etc. But as they are carnivores and they need some sort of protein, calcium, and fat, so never stop giving them wet food if you offer them just oatmeal.
How much oatmeal to offer?
You can give them about a quarter cup. This amount has;
- Calories – 70 grams
- Carbs – 12 grams
- Protein – 3 grams
- Fat – 1.5 grams.
Remember to give them oatmeal occasionally but never make it a daily thing. This way, you are letting your pet know that it is just a treat and not a food that they get daily.
How to serve them?
While offering them, never add sugar or milk to your oatmeal. You might be tempted to offer them like how humans eat, but not for pets. As humans they can’t tolerate sugar or milk. Just add some cooked oatmeal to the bowl and make sure it is not too hot when you give them. It is okay if there is some water left while serving, but it should be cooled to room temperature.
Always offer them the plain, unflavored oatmeal that is made from whole grains. Look at the ingredients, it shouldn’t be with additives and sugars. Never buy the ones that have artificial sweeteners like Xylitol.
Other human foods to offer your cat
Oatmeal is not just for humans; you can offer them to cats as well. Cats love to eat fish, so you can give them specific types of fresh fish like Salmon, panfish, cod, and mackerel. Meat such as beef and chicken are also a great choice. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and never add spices for taste while feeding them. It should be natural. You can offer them other human foods like;
- Spinach
- Cooked eggs
- Rice
- Bananas
- Melon
- Berries
- Carrots
- Foods not to offer your cat
Now that you know, can cats eat oatmeal and other human foods that can be offered? There are specific foods that should not be given. The first food not to offer them is tuna. Your pets can go crazy while opening the can of tuna, but it’s not a cat–friendly food. Canned tuna might have a lot of mercury content which can lead to poisoning in cats. If you have offered them accidently and see mercury poisoning, then look for the following symptoms;
- Memory loss
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion
- Lack of coordination
So, it is best not to offer them as it is dangerous for their health. consult a vet if you see any above-mentioned allergic symptoms. Other human foods that must not be shared with cats include;
- Shallots
- Grapes
- Onions
- Chocolate
- Leeks
- Garlic
- Raisins
When to call a veterinarian?
Cats can’t keep their tails up – they are always mischievous! If they happen to get in trouble by consuming something toxic from the kitchen, don’t panic. Keep up the wits and check how much they have consumed. Then call your vet and seek professional advice.
Depending on the quantity, the doctor might tell you to watch for any symptoms that might aggravate. Or you might be asked to bring your pet to the doctor’s office immediately.
To avoid these issues, it is better to keep the toxic foods unreachable for them. Close them tightly in a cupboard so that they can’t sneak in
Conclusion
Can cats eat oatmeal? You now know the answer! It’s time to share it with your pet-friendly. As mentioned, a little oatmeal will not harm them. But never give them the recommended dosage.
FAQs
Q1. Can I offer oatmeal to cats?
Yes, but in moderation. Just add water and ground them finely
Q2. How much oatmeal to offer?
Offer them once in a while in a small bowl. They also need the right amount of fat as their bodies use protein and fat as primary energy sources.
Q3. Can cats eat yogurt?
Yes, you can offer them plain, unflavored, and unsweetened yogurt
Q4. Can cats have cheese?
Yes, you can offer them soft cheese in moderation
Q5. Can I offer bread for cats?
No, don’t offer them regularly but once in a while as a treat is fine.
