Anyone who has a cat as a pet would understand how smart these creatures are. Cats love to eat what humans eat. Though all foods prepared at home are not suitable for them, there are certain foods that you can give to your plate as a treat. However, these foods should not be provided in a higher quantity. Besides human foods, you can also feed them foods that are exclusively made for them. In this blog, we have enlisted 15 homemade foods for cats, including home and packaged foods that are perfect for your furry friend.
Essential Nutrients for Cats:
1. Animal Protein
Protein is one of the essential nutrients that should be added to a cat’s diet. It has amino acids that help in producing antibodies, tissues, and enzymes. Animal protein also fosters balanced development and growth amongst cats.
2. Fats
Fat is amongst the important nutrients that must be included in every cat’s diet as it helps in the breakdown of the vitamins. Fats provide much-needed energy to the cats that would make them active all day.
3. Vitamins
Vitamins are also essential for kitty. The nutrient regulates metabolic rate, promotes growth, and improves the functioning of body parts. It also improves both strength and eyesight of your little kitty.
4. Minerals
Minerals support numerous body functions that include nerve impulse transmission and maintaining acid-base balance. The nutrient also helps in enzyme formation.
List of Best Human Food for Cats: Safe and Healthy
Human foods are believed to be healthy and most nutritious for felines as they have all the nutrients that they need. Since they are prepared at home, undoubtedly the food would be safe for your little kitty. Here we have listed some of the best home foods for cats that are easily prepared at home.
1. Cooked Eggs
Cooked eggs are no less than a superfood for cats. Eggs are packed with protein and are easy to digest as well. Besides, they are a rich source of amino acids that keeps help in the growth. The only thing that you must take care of is to avoid raw eggs as they could lead to health problems like food poisoning. Also, the protein present in the egg may interfere with biotin absorption. Cats need Biotin for a shiny coat and healthy skin. Scrambled and hard-boiled eggs are one of the best human food for cats as they do not have much protein.
2. Steamed Vegetables
Another option for home-cooked food for cats is fresh veggies. As everyone knows Fresh vegetables are a great source of vitamins and fibers that promotes healthy digestion amongst cats. Also, it has water that the cat needs. Though vegetables like cucumber, cantaloupe, broccoli, green beans, etc. are extremely nutritious for the kitty like humans, they also don’t like veggies. So you would find a hard time making your feline eat vegetables. You can consider baked or steamed vegetables. Or prepare a burger consisting of all the vegetables. In a case like to eat fresh vegetables, make sure you wash them. Avoid garlic and onions as they would not add any nutrient value.
3. Boiled Fish or Cooked Salmon
Fish is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids and protein that improve your cat’s eyesight and help prevent kidney diseases and arthritis. You can give your pussy boiled fish or cooked salmon. Avoid giving her raw fish as it would not be suitable for her health. Also, avoid giving her Sushi as it is also consumed raw. For additional nutrients, you can add fish oil supplements to her diet Fish oils have their benefits such as it keeps the cat’s skin moisturized and preventing dryness. Undoubtedly, boiled fish is one of the best options in human food for cats.
4. Cooked Whole Grains
Next in the best homemade food for cats is cooked whole grains. Whole grains like oats are loaded with protein and fiber, and it is one of the iron-rich foods for cats. It takes good care of their overall health. Other whole grains that you can feed to your indoor cat are cornmeal, barley, brown rice, and millet couscous. Make sure the grains are well cooked, as it would be easy for her to digest.
5. Boiled Chicken
It is no surprise that cats are carnivorous; hence a slice of chicken would be the ideal cat food at home. Chicken is a good source of lean protein. Boiled chicken makes for an excellent treat for cats. You can combine it with boiled rice to keep stomach-related problems at bay. The protein available in the chicken maintains your kitty’s heart health and reproductive system. Make sure that the chicken does not have bones or too many spices. It should be nicely cooked.
6. Bananas
Next on the list of best foods for cats is bananas. Like vegetables, feline does not like fruits. However, banana is counted amongst the superfoods for cars, all thanks to the number of nutrients the fruit has. Banana is an excellent source of soluble fiber and potassium. Also, they are perfect snacks for cats. Though they are healthy, the entire diet should not have bananas only as they have high sugar content.
7. Turkey
Turkey is one of the best sources of lean protein; thus, it is here on the list of human food for cats. Cooked turkey breast is a cat-safe snack. Unseasoned, plain, skinless, and boneless turkey is safe for cats. Avoid giving her raw turkey as it might not be good for her health. If your cat is too turkey, she might have a stomach upset in the beginning, but that’s ok. Give your cat a variety of foods in moderation so that she receives proper nutrition.
8. Apples
Like humans, apples are good for animals like dogs and cats, and thus apple is one of the best food for dogs and cats. Apples are loaded with fiber content, which is good for your cat’s tummy. Also, it is an ideal snack for your overweight cat or who has a lower metabolism. Besides these, apples also have other nutrients like Vitamin A and C that make tissues and bones healthy. While feeding apples to cats remove their upper layer and seeds as they have cyanide. Also, avoid any type of seasoning with apples.
9. Bread
Bread is a good source of fiber and protein. Thus it is the best human food for cats. However, one should feed a cat with bread in moderation. The entire diet should not contain bread. It should have other ingredients too so that your kitty gets wholesome nutrients. Also, ensure that you do not feed the dough of bread to the cat since it could be harmful to her health.
10. Blueberries
It is also one of the best home foods for cats because it is an excellent source of Vitamin A and C. Blueberries are also available in many cats’ foods. It’s up to you -whether you want to feed her fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries. The fruit also has a good number of antioxidants that add to the benefits of blueberries.
Healthy Home Food for Cats Available Online in India
While there is nothing healthier than homemade food for cats, there are an array of brands that offer nutritious foods for cats. These foods have blends of nutrients that your kitty must consume. Also, these are easy to feed
1. Whiskas Adult (+1 year) Dry Cat Food, Mackerel Flavour
This cat food has high-quality ingredients and nutrients for cats. It prevents obesity and is ideal for Persian cats, Siamese cats, and British Shorthair. The crunchy chunk contains a real flavor of chicken and fish. This is one of the best home food for Persian cats or for your one-year-old feline.
Price: Rs.840 for 3 KG
2. Purepet Adult(+1 year) Dry Cat Food, Sea Food
Purepet Adult is one of the best kitten food for cats in India available online with minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. It has probiotics that improve the digestive and immune systems of cats. Also, it has a combination of minerals that controls urinary PH. All the ingredients present in this cat food are safe and ideal for indoor cats.
Price: Rs.899 for 7 KG
3. Royal Canin Persian 30 Adult Cat Food
Enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Royal Canin Persian 30 Adult Cat Food helps in maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin. It is also good for a cat’s dental health. This is the best homemade food for Persian cats, which are 1-10 years old. You can give this a try if your cat belongs to the same breed. It should be given in the ideal quantity.
Price: Rs. 3,260 for 4 KG
4. Drools Adult Dry Cat Food, Ocean Fish
Drool is one of the well-known brands that offer an array of healthy pet foods. Drools Adult Dry Cat Food, Ocean Fish is one of the best homemade food for Persian cats as it has all the essential ingredients and nutrients that your feline would need throughout her life. It is good for the heart and cats’ skin as well.
Price: Rs. 699 for 1.2 KG
5. Sheba Cat Food – Fish with Dry Bonito Flake
Sheba Cat Food is a premium food that is exclusively curated for your feline. It is a high-quality meal with a nice texture. Also, it has pleasing consistency, which is ideal for adult cats. Sheba cat Food – Fish with Dry Bonito Flake has a sufficient number of calories. This food is suitable for British Shorthair, and Siamese cats. It is also one of the best homemade food for Persian cats.
Price: Rs. 480 for 100 gm (12 pouches)
Foods that should not be Given to Cats:
- Bread dough
- Garlic and onions
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Macadamia nuts
- Sugar-free gum or candy
- Tuna
- Dog food
- Dairy products
Conclusion
One of the most challenging tasks for all cat owners is to feed them right. The right meal can help your cat to grow well as it has all the required nutrients. Besides offering her the right nutrients, another challenge people face is how to make her eat. There is no defined rule for the same; all you have to do is a test and try what your cat likes and what she does not. Also, one must look for plenty of ways to feed her nutritious food. So, you can check out the above-mentioned best human food for cats which are healthy and homemade too.
FAQs
1. What are superfoods for cats?
Cranberries, lean meat, and fish are some of the superfoods that should be fed to cats.
2. What human food can I feed my cat?
Above is the list of human food for cats.
3. Is homemade food better for cats?
Yes, home food for cats is ideal because it has all the required nutrients and is prepared according to the need of a pet cat.
4. What do feed cats in India?
People feed different home foods for cats like eggs, steamed vegetables, boiled fish and chicken, and bananas.
5. What can be the best homemade food for Persian kitten?
Sheba Cat Food can be one of the best sources of Persian cat food at home.
