Does your kitty like treats? Fluffy is known for being a bit fussy, but she’s also quite enthusiastic about food. Treats can be great for bonding, and just pampering your feline pal a bit. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. A local Denver, CO vet goes over some of the do’s and don’ts of giving your cat snacks in this article.
Amount
The biggest thing about treats is not overdoing it. Cats are very good at meowpulating us, so your feline friend may already have you trained to hand over snacks on demand. As a rule of thumb, keep treats to about 5—or at most 10—percent of your kitty’s daily caloric intake. Any more, and Fluffy may not be hungry for her actual food. You’ll also be running the risk of allowing her to become obese. Even giving her just 10 calories too much each day can cause her to gain a pound a year. That’s a lot for a cat!
Suitable Snacks
Be sure to stick with safe foods. Fish, as you can probably guess, is one of Fluffy’s favorite snacks. Kitties can have most kinds, including cod, mackerel, tuna, and salmon. Your furry friend can also have most types of meat and poultry, with a few caveats. Make sure you remove the skin, bones, and fat. You can also offer small amounts of safe fruits and veggies, such as bananas, spinach, or blueberries. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Homemade Treats
If you like cooking, you can take a shot at making your feline buddy’s snacks. Here’s one that may be popular with your furball. Mix some canned tuna with fat-free yogurt and a little parsley. Divide into small portions, and then cook at 350 F for about 15 minutes. Add more time for crunchier treats. Done!
Unsafe Foods
Never give your cat garlic or onions, grapes or raisins, avocado, chocolate, meat on the bone, caffeine, or raw dough or yeast. Anything with a lot of salt, sugar, or fat is also unsafe. It’s worth pointing out that while official studies have determined that kitties don’t taste sweetness, Fluffy never apparently got that memo, as she does have a taste for things like donuts and cake. Don’t indulge that sweet tooth!
Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your local animal clinic in Denver, CO, anytime.
