Catios and Nutrition
Cats are known for their discerning taste in food, but did you know that some foods can be harmful to their health? Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for maintaining your cat’s health, and with a catio, you can give them access to fresh greens and other healthy foods to supplement their diet. In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between catios and nutrition, and what cats can and cannot eat.
How Can a Catio Improve Your Cat's Nutrition?
One of the benefits of a catio is that it allows your cat to have access to fresh greens and other healthy foods. Cat-friendly plants like catnip and cat grass can provide additional nutrients, aid digestion, and help reduce hairballs. In addition, by providing an opportunity for your cat to hunt and catch bugs, you can supplement their diet with a natural source of protein.
What Can Cats Eat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. A balanced and healthy diet for your cat should include high-quality protein sources like meat, poultry, or fish. Wet food is a great option because it has a higher moisture content, which can help prevent urinary tract problems and promote kidney health.
In addition to meat, cats can also eat some fruits and vegetables. Carrots, peas, and green beans are all safe options, as are small amounts of cooked sweet potato or pumpkin. Some cats also enjoy eating small amounts of plain yogurt, but it’s important to check with your veterinarian to ensure that your cat doesn’t have a dairy intolerance.
What Should Cats Avoid Eating?
We answered common nutrition FAQ's asked by cat owners:
No, it is not recommended to feed cats walnuts as they can be difficult for cats to digest and may cause gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, the outer shell of the walnut can be a choking hazard for cats. It’s best to stick to feeding cats foods that are specifically formulated for their nutritional needs
No, it is not recommended to feed pecans to cats as they can be toxic and cause digestive issues.
In small amounts, plain, unsalted sunflower seeds are not toxic to cats and can be fed as an occasional treat. However, sunflower seeds are high in fat and calories, so they should only be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new food to your cat’s diet.
Yes, cats can eat honeydew in small amounts. Honeydew is a safe fruit for cats and can provide them with some beneficial vitamins and nutrients. However, as with any new food, it’s important to introduce it gradually and in moderation to avoid digestive issues. Additionally, be sure to remove the seeds and rind, as they can be difficult for cats to digest.
While soy milk is not toxic to cats, it is not recommended to feed it to them. Cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet high in animal protein. Soy milk, which is a plant-based milk, does not provide the same essential nutrients that cats need for optimal health, such as taurine and vitamin A. Feeding soy milk to your cat as a regular part of their diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems over time. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate and balanced diet for your cat.
Yes, cats can eat sesame seeds in small amounts. Sesame seeds are not toxic to cats and can provide some beneficial nutrients like protein and healthy fats. However, they are also high in calories and fat, so they should only be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new food to your cat’s diet.
No, it is not recommended to feed chestnuts to cats. Chestnuts are not toxic to cats, but they are difficult to digest and can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, they are high in carbohydrates and low in protein, which is not suitable for a cat’s diet, as they require a high-protein diet to maintain their health. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding chestnuts to cats.
Oat milk is not toxic to cats, but it is not recommended to feed it to them as a regular part of their diet. Cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet high in animal protein. Oat milk, which is a plant-based milk, does not provide the essential nutrients that cats need for optimal health, such as taurine and vitamin A. Feeding oat milk to your cat as a regular part of their diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems over time. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate and balanced diet for your cat.
Yes, cats can eat cauliflower in small amounts. Cauliflower is not toxic to cats and can provide some beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and fiber. However, cauliflower is not a necessary part of a cat’s diet and should only be given as an occasional treat. Additionally, it’s important to cook the cauliflower before feeding it to your cat to aid in digestion. As with any new food, it’s always best to introduce it gradually and in moderation to avoid digestive issues.
Yes, cats can eat dill in small amounts. Dill is not toxic to cats and is safe for them to eat. In fact, some cats may enjoy the taste of dill, which can provide some beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, iron, and calcium. However, dill is not a necessary part of a cat’s diet and should only be given as an occasional treat. As with any new food, it’s always best to introduce it gradually and in moderation to avoid digestive issues.
Yes, cats can eat lamb as it is a good source of protein and essential nutrients. In fact, some commercial cat foods contain lamb as an ingredient. However, it’s important to feed cats lamb that is cooked and without added seasonings or ingredients, as some spices or herbs commonly used in human cooking can be toxic to cats. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate and balanced diet for your cat.
No, cats should not eat donuts. Donuts are not a suitable food for cats as they are high in sugar, fat, and calories, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. Additionally, donuts contain ingredients that are not a part of a cat’s natural diet, such as wheat flour, which can cause digestive issues. Feeding donuts to your cat as a regular part of their diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems over time. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding donuts or any other human junk food to cats.
Yes, cats can eat papaya in small amounts. Papaya is not toxic to cats and can provide some beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and fiber. Additionally, papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which can aid in digestion. However, papaya is not a necessary part of a cat’s diet and should only be given as an occasional treat. As with any new food, it’s always best to introduce it gradually and in moderation to avoid digestive issues. Also, be sure to remove the seeds and skin before feeding it to your cat, as they can be difficult to digest.
It’s not recommended to feed chicken noodle soup to cats, as it often contains ingredients that are not a part of a cat’s natural diet and may be harmful to them. Chicken noodle soup may contain high levels of sodium and seasonings, such as garlic and onions, which are toxic to cats and can cause digestive issues, anemia, and other health problems. Additionally, the noodles in the soup are made of wheat flour, which is not a necessary component of a cat’s diet and can cause digestive issues in some cats. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding chicken noodle soup or any other human food to cats, and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian.
It is not recommended to feed hotdogs to cats. Hotdogs are not a suitable food for cats as they are high in salt, fat, and preservatives, which can lead to health problems such as obesity, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, hotdogs are typically made of processed meats and may contain other ingredients that are not a part of a cat’s natural diet, such as onions and garlic, which can be toxic to cats. Feeding hotdogs to your cat as a regular part of their diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems over time. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding hotdogs or any other human junk food to cats.
Yes, cats can have tofu in moderation, as it is not toxic to them. However, it’s important to note that cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require a diet high in animal protein to meet their nutritional needs. Tofu is a plant-based food and is not a natural part of a cat’s diet. It is not a good source of the essential nutrients that cats require, such as taurine and vitamin A. Therefore, while small amounts of tofu are not harmful to cats, it should not be a regular part of their diet. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate and balanced diet for your cat.
No, cats should not drink Gatorade. Gatorade is a sports drink designed for humans and is not a suitable beverage for cats. It contains high levels of sugar, salt, and other ingredients that are not a part of a cat’s natural diet and can cause digestive issues, dehydration, and other health problems. Additionally, cats have different nutritional requirements and metabolic processes than humans, so they may not be able to process the ingredients in Gatorade properly. Therefore, it’s best to stick to fresh, clean water for cats to drink.
It’s not recommended to feed tortilla chips to cats, as they are not a part of a cat’s natural diet and may contain ingredients that can be harmful to them. Tortilla chips are often high in salt and fat, which can lead to health problems such as dehydration, obesity, and gastrointestinal issues in cats. Additionally, the chips may contain spices, such as garlic and onion, that are toxic to cats and can cause digestive issues, anemia, and other health problems. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding tortilla chips or any other human junk food to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian.
It is not recommended to feed pretzels to cats, as they are not a part of a cat’s natural diet and may contain ingredients that can be harmful to them. Pretzels are often high in salt and carbohydrates, which can lead to health problems such as dehydration, obesity, and gastrointestinal issues in cats. Additionally, the pretzels may contain spices, such as garlic and onion, that are toxic to cats and can cause digestive issues, anemia, and other health problems. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding pretzels or any other human junk food to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian.
Cats can eat small amounts of peppers, but it is not a necessary part of their diet. Peppers are not toxic to cats, but they may cause digestive upset or discomfort in some cats. In particular, spicy peppers may cause mouth and gastrointestinal irritation in cats. Additionally, peppers are not a natural part of a cat’s diet, and they do not provide essential nutrients that cats need. Therefore, while small amounts of peppers are not harmful to cats, it’s not necessary to include them in a cat’s diet, and it’s best to stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian.
Yes, cats can eat bell peppers in small amounts, and they are not toxic to cats. However, it’s important to note that bell peppers are not a natural part of a cat’s diet and do not provide essential nutrients that cats need. Therefore, while small amounts of bell peppers are not harmful to cats, it’s not necessary to include them in a cat’s diet, and it’s best to stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. Additionally, it’s a good idea to remove the stem and seeds from the bell pepper before feeding it to your cat to reduce the risk of choking or digestive upset.
It is not recommended to feed sausage to cats, as it is not a part of their natural diet and may contain ingredients that can be harmful to them. Sausage is often high in fat, salt, and spices, which can lead to health problems such as obesity, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues in cats. Additionally, some sausages may contain ingredients that are toxic to cats, such as garlic and onion, which can cause digestive issues, anemia, and other health problems. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding sausage or any other human processed meats to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian.
No, cats should not be fed hot sauce. Hot sauce is not a part of a cat’s natural diet and may contain ingredients that can be harmful to them. Most hot sauces are made with spicy peppers, which can cause mouth and gastrointestinal irritation in cats. Additionally, hot sauces often contain other ingredients such as salt, sugar, and vinegar, which can also be harmful to cats in large quantities. Furthermore, cats have a different tolerance for spicy foods than humans, and they may not be able to handle the heat of hot sauce, causing digestive upset and discomfort. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding hot sauce to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian.
It is not recommended to feed mac and cheese to cats, as it is not a part of their natural diet and may contain ingredients that can be harmful to them. Mac and cheese is often high in fat, salt, and carbohydrates, which can lead to health problems such as obesity, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues in cats. Additionally, mac and cheese may contain dairy products, which can be difficult for some cats to digest and can lead to digestive upset. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding mac and cheese or any other human junk food to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian.
Plain cooked spaghetti is not toxic to cats, and in small amounts, it can be included as a treat in their diet. However, it is important to remember that spaghetti is not a necessary part of a cat’s diet and should not replace a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. Additionally, spaghetti and other human foods should be fed to cats in moderation, as feeding them too much can lead to digestive upset and other health problems. Moreover, spaghetti dishes with sauces or seasonings can contain ingredients that are harmful to cats, such as garlic or onion, so it is important to avoid feeding spaghetti dishes that contain such ingredients to cats.
Dried cranberries are not toxic to cats, and in small amounts, they can be included as a treat in their diet. However, they are not a natural part of a cat’s diet and do not provide essential nutrients that cats need. Therefore, while small amounts of dried cranberries are not harmful to cats, it’s not necessary to include them in a cat’s diet, and it’s best to stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. Additionally, some dried cranberries may contain added sugar, which can be harmful to cats in large amounts, so it is important to feed them in moderation.
Small amounts of ginger are not toxic to cats, and it can provide some potential health benefits, such as reducing nausea and inflammation. However, it is not a necessary part of a cat’s diet and should not replace a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. Moreover, ginger may not be suitable for all cats, and it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before feeding any new food or supplement to your cat. Additionally, feeding large amounts of ginger to cats can lead to digestive upset and other health issues, so it is important to feed ginger in moderation and only after consulting with a veterinarian.
While plain tuna is not toxic to cats and can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet in moderation, it is not recommended to feed cats mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is typically high in fat and contains ingredients that are not well-suited for cats, such as vinegar and onion powder, which can be harmful to them. Feeding mayonnaise to cats regularly can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding cats mayonnaise with tuna and stick to plain, cooked, and unseasoned tuna as an occasional treat, in moderation. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the tuna is free of bones and canned in water or brine, rather than oil or other sauces that may contain additional ingredients that are harmful to cats.
It is not recommended to feed croissants to cats. Croissants are baked goods that are high in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, which can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems in cats. Additionally, croissants may contain ingredients that are harmful to cats, such as chocolate or raisins, which can be toxic to them. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding croissants or any other human junk food to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. If you want to provide your cat with a treat, it’s best to choose a healthy and cat-friendly snack, such as a small piece of plain cooked meat or a small amount of cooked vegetables, after consulting with a veterinarian.
Radishes are not toxic to cats and can be included as a small part of their diet, in moderation. However, they are not a necessary part of a cat’s diet, and cats do not derive any significant nutritional benefits from eating radishes. Moreover, some cats may not like the taste or texture of radishes, and others may experience digestive upset if they consume them in large quantities. Therefore, while small amounts of radishes are not harmful to cats, it’s not necessary to include them in their diet, and it’s best to stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian.
No, it is not recommended to feed cats caramel. Caramel is a sweet and sugary substance that contains a high amount of sugar, which is not well-suited for cats’ digestive system. Additionally, caramel may contain ingredients that are harmful to cats, such as chocolate, which can be toxic to them. Feeding cats caramel or any other sugary and high-fat human junk food regularly can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding caramel to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. If you want to provide your cat with a treat, it’s best to choose a healthy and cat-friendly snack, such as a small piece of plain cooked meat or a small amount of cooked vegetables, after consulting with a veterinarian.
No, it is not recommended to feed cats limes or any other citrus fruits. Citrus fruits like limes, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are highly acidic and can cause digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, in cats. Additionally, the oils and compounds found in citrus fruits can be toxic to cats, which can lead to various health problems. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding limes or any other citrus fruits to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your cat has consumed lime or any other citrus fruit, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian immediately.
It is not recommended to feed matcha or any other caffeine-containing products to cats. Cats are more sensitive to caffeine than humans, and even a small amount of caffeine can be harmful to them. Caffeine can cause restlessness, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, and other health problems in cats, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding matcha or any other caffeinated products to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your cat has consumed matcha or any other caffeine-containing products, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian immediately.
It is not recommended to feed cats syrup or any other sugary and high-fat human foods. Syrup is a sweet and sugary substance that contains a high amount of sugar and calories, which are not well-suited for cats’ digestive system. Feeding cats syrup or any other sugary and high-fat human foods regularly can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems. Additionally, some types of syrup, such as pancake syrup, may contain artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which can be toxic to cats. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding syrup or any other sugary and high-fat human foods to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. If you want to provide your cat with a treat, it’s best to choose a healthy and cat-friendly snack, such as a small piece of plain cooked meat or a small amount of cooked vegetables, after consulting with a veterinarian.
It is not recommended to feed cats jello or any other sugary and high-fat human foods. Jello is a sweet and sugary dessert that contains a high amount of sugar and calories, which are not well-suited for cats’ digestive system. Feeding cats jello or any other sugary and high-fat human foods regularly can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems. Additionally, some types of jello may contain artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which can be toxic to cats. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding jello or any other sugary and high-fat human foods to cats and stick to a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. If you want to provide your cat with a treat, it’s best to choose a healthy and cat-friendly snack, such as a small piece of plain cooked meat or a small amount of cooked vegetables, after consulting with a veterinarian.
Cabbage is not toxic to cats, and in small amounts, it can be a safe and healthy addition to their diet. However, cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. While cabbage is low in calories and has some nutritional benefits, it is also high in fiber, which can be difficult for cats to digest. Feeding your cat too much cabbage or other vegetables can cause digestive upset and diarrhea. Additionally, some cats may be allergic to cabbage, which can cause skin irritation, itching, and other symptoms. Therefore, while small amounts of cabbage are unlikely to cause any harm to most cats, it is not a necessary or ideal part of their diet. If you want to provide your cat with a treat, it’s best to choose a healthy and cat-friendly snack, such as a small piece of plain cooked meat or a small amount of cooked vegetables, after consulting with a veterinarian.
No, cats should not eat ladybugs. Ladybugs are not toxic to cats, but they can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Ladybugs secrete a yellowish substance called reflex blood, which can cause a cat to drool, vomit, and experience digestive upset. Additionally, some ladybugs may carry parasites or diseases that can be harmful to cats. Therefore, it’s best to prevent your cat from eating ladybugs or any other insects, and to provide them with a balanced and nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your cat has ingested ladybugs or any other harmful substance, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Yes, cats can eat tilapia as it is not toxic to them. Tilapia is a type of freshwater fish that is a good source of protein and essential fatty acids, which are important for a cat’s health. However, it’s important to ensure that the tilapia is cooked and boneless, as bones can cause choking and gastrointestinal problems for cats. Additionally, fish should not be a staple in a cat’s diet, as they are obligate carnivores and require a diet that is primarily composed of meat. If you are considering feeding your cat tilapia or any other type of fish, it’s important to do so in moderation and as part of a balanced and nutritionally complete diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan for your cat.
No, it’s not recommended to feed pistachios to cats. While pistachios are not toxic to cats, they are high in fat and can be difficult for cats to digest. Consumption of pistachios can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, in cats. Additionally, pistachios can also present a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages in cats if they eat them whole or in large pieces. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding your cat pistachios and instead stick to a nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian to ensure that your cat’s dietary needs are being met.
Yes, cats can have cottage cheese as it is not toxic to them. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which can be beneficial for a cat’s health. However, it’s important to give cottage cheese to cats in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Some cats may also be lactose intolerant and may experience digestive upset or diarrhea after consuming dairy products, including cottage cheese. Therefore, it’s best to introduce cottage cheese gradually to your cat’s diet and monitor their response. If you have any concerns or questions about your cat’s diet, it’s recommended to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
It’s not recommended to give coconut milk to cats as it is high in fat and calories. While coconut milk is not toxic to cats, it can cause digestive upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, in cats who are lactose intolerant or have sensitive stomachs. Additionally, coconut milk does not provide any significant nutritional benefits for cats and can contribute to obesity if fed regularly in large amounts. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding coconut milk to cats and instead stick to a nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian to ensure that your cat’s dietary needs are being met.
It’s not recommended to feed blueberry muffins or any baked goods to cats, including the muffins that are specifically made for cats. Most baked goods, including blueberry muffins, contain high levels of sugar, salt, and other ingredients that are not suitable for a cat’s digestive system. Consumption of baked goods can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, in cats. Additionally, blueberries themselves are not toxic to cats, but they do not provide any significant nutritional benefits for cats either. Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding blueberry muffins or any other baked goods to cats and instead stick to a nutritionally complete cat food recommended by a veterinarian to ensure that your cat’s dietary needs are being met.
Yes, cats can eat black beans in small amounts as an occasional treat. Black beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients that can be beneficial for a cat’s health. However, it’s important to note that cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their diet should mainly consist of meat-based protein. Feeding too many black beans or other plant-based foods to cats can cause digestive upset, as cats are not able to digest plant-based proteins as efficiently as animal-based proteins. Therefore, it’s best to give black beans to cats in small amounts as an occasional treat and not as a regular part of their diet. If you have any concerns or questions about your cat’s diet, it’s recommended to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Yes, cats can eat salmon. Salmon is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for a cat’s health. However, it’s important to feed salmon to cats in moderation and only as a part of a balanced diet. Feeding too much salmon or feeding it too frequently can lead to health issues such as obesity, digestive upset, or even mercury poisoning if the salmon is contaminated. Additionally, it’s important to avoid feeding raw or undercooked salmon to cats, as it can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it’s best to cook salmon thoroughly and remove any bones before feeding it to your cat. If you have any concerns or questions about your cat’s diet, it’s recommended to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
In conclusion, a catio can provide a safe and healthy environment for your cat to enjoy a variety of foods and activities. By incorporating cat-friendly plants and providing opportunities for your cat to hunt and catch bugs, you can supplement their diet and promote their overall health and wellbeing. Remember to always provide a balanced and nutritious diet and avoid feeding your cat foods that could be harmful to their health. With a little planning and care, you can help your cat live a happy, healthy, and active life in their catio.
