Can Cats Eat Meat?
Before we begin looking into the matter at hand, let’s talk about whether or not it is okay for them to eat meat to begin with.
We often associate fish as the cat’s favorite food and although they do in fact seem to love it, it is mostly because of the strong smell that fish holds.
Fish should not be part of your cat’s daily diet, but instead it can be used as a treat. This is because fish contains such high levels of fatty acids and it can cause your cat to develop vitamin E deficiency, along with some other health problems. (1.)
Just like their ancestors cats love and adore meat, and unlike dogs, these animals are true carnivores and meat should always be a large part of their daily diet.
The right diet benefits their heart, vision and reproductive system and they sure do need high quality protein rich foods to thrive and be at their best.
Meat like chicken, turkey and beef are great options for your cat, but never feed your cat meat or even fish that is still raw as there might be bacteria that can leave your cat with food poisoning.
And this goes for all cat breeds, as all cats are obligate carnivores.
Therefore the answer to “can cats eat meat?” is a firm yes. Your cat should eat plenty of meat.
Never raw meat though, and make sure all bones and such is removed, as well with fish!
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Can Cats Eat Processed Meat?
Now that we have talked about whether or not your cat can eat meat, let’s discuss if it is okay for them to eat processed meat.
Processed meat is not as natural as unprocessed meat is, this is due to the modifications that have been made to it to improve it’s taste and more.
Due to this, processed meat such as salami, pepperoni, ham and bacon aren’t really things your cat should be eating a lot of, but feeding them small amounts every now and then should be okay.
Just like with fish, use this more as a special treat and not as a part of their main diet.
This is because processed meat contains a lot of fat that can cause your cat liver problems or digestive problems even as well. (2.)
Therefore the answer to this question is a yes, but only in small amounts every now and then.
It should not be a part of their main diet, and you should not give it to your kitty if he is struggling with his weight a bit.
Can Cats Eat Salami?
So now that you know whether or not your cat can eat processed meat, let us focus specifically on Salami…
That is what you came here for after all, right?
Cats can eat salami in small amounts but it is not recommended for them as a regular part of their diet.
Although research confirms that it is perfectly safe for your cat to eat small amounts of salami, some cat owners say different.
This is due to their cat/s having a bad reaction such as vomiting or digestive problems to it, therefore it really depends on how your cat reacts to it on it’s own.
But as long as you are not feeding your cat too much salami, they will not experience any further problems than just an upset tummy.
If you truly want to try to see how your cat reacts to salami and this type of food, it is safe to do so with a small amount, but perhaps it would be better to give them some salami that is made of beef as it is better for them.
Beef is better for them, unlike pork that needs to be perfectly cooked for it to be safe for your cat to consume.
Therefore if your cat wants to eat some salami and try it out, feel free to give them a little bit, but if it is their first time remember to keep a close eye on them just in case they react badly to the meat.
Do make sure the Salami doesn’t have some strange added ingredients to it though, to be on the safe side.
Why Do Cats Want to Eat Human Food?
Your little beloved kitty may have a full bowl of food already, yet they want to try some of yours.
Have you ever wondered why this is?
There may be a very good reason actually why your cat seems to be so determined to get a piece of that tasty salami from you.
Cats are naturally curious and bright animals, and sometimes that intense curiosity will drive them to want to eat something that they see you holding.
This is because these animals explore with their five senses and of course that includes taste.
But be careful if you are going to give your cat some of your food as this can lead them to lose interest in their own food ultimately and want only yours instead.
That is not really something any of us would want…
It has also been confirmed that some cats who experience high levels of stress can go a little “crazy” when it comes to food in particular.
This can cause them to beg and cry for it, vets have named this type of behavior as “psychogenic abnormal feeding behavior”. (3.)
If you believe that your feline friend is having this type of behavior it may be due to them not receiving the proper amount of nutrients and therefore desperate for more.
Perhaps they are maybe not spending enough time with you and just want some attention instead, but taking your cat to a professional just in case the reason for their behavior is due to a medical condition is always a good idea.
Better not take any chances when it comes to your cat’s health after all.
But, if you do notice that your cat is begging for food and then losing interest as soon as they get it, this may be a sign that your cat has gum disease or allergies.
In this case, you should also take them to the vet to check on them and for the best required treatment.
The most common reason your cat wants to eat the food that you have such as salami is most likely due to pure curiosity, but if you feel that their behavior is strange or abnormal, make a quick trip to the vet just to be safe.
What Human Foods Are Okay For Cats to Eat?
Although processed meat may not be the perfect thing for your cat to eat, there are other types of human foods that your cat can try, such as:
If your adorable cat wants to try something new rather than his boring cat food, try feeding them some of these foods:
Some fruits that are very safe for your cat include:
- Apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries and seedless watermelon.
- Salmon, although fish shouldn’t be a part of your cat’s main diet, salmon is very beneficial for them as it’s a very good source of protein.
- Eggs, giving your cat raw eggs is a huge no. Don’t do that. But cooked eggs are also a good source of protein and B vitamins. (4.)
- Spinach as it is full of minerals and vitamins.
- Peas because they are rather high in vitamin C and A.
What Human Foods Should Your Cat Avoid?
Letting your cat try a little bit of your own food may seem harmless and fun, and most of the time it is. But what are the foods you should never let your cat eat?
There are a few foods you should never, ever give to your house tiger.
Your cat will sometimes ask you for some of your food and it may feel almost impossible to say no to that cute little face.
Giving your cat a tiny bit of your food will most of the time cause no harm, but always remember to avoid these ones.
These are:
- Chocolate. This is because chocolate is highly toxic and incredibly dangerous for your cat and it can even cause liver failure. If your cat eats chocolate they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate and breathing and even seizures.
- Cheese. Although it may not cause as much harm as some other foods, cheese is high in fat and can cause your cat obesity.
- Raw eggs, fish and meat. This is because it may contain bacteria that can give your cat unwanted food poisoning.
- Grapes and raisins as they can cause kidney failure.
- Garlic and onions. This can lead to digestive problems and it may destroy your cat’s red blood cells so stay away.
Why Do Cats Eat Non-Food Items Sometimes?
Not only do cats want to eat some of your salami, but sometimes they also find non-food items and things just as tasty. Why is this?
It is quite common within cats to have the urge to eat non-food items such as fabrics, elastics, cardboard, paper and even plastic at times.
This type of urge is called “pica syndrome” and it is more common with some breeds such as the Siamese, Burmese and Tonkinese. (5.)
If your cat tends to have the peculiar urge to eat non-food items, this may be more commonly due to simple curiosity, but it can also be related to your cat’s dietary needs not being met fully.
This means your cat may be hungry or have a mineral or vitamin deficiency, or even a lack of fiber.
To resolve this issue you can simply make sure any items your cat likes to chew on and eat are out of reach from them.
You can also buy them some nice chew toys specifically made and intended for cats, with their needs in mind.
You could also try playing more with your cat to keep them distracted or talk to a professional who can give you more helpful tips on how to stop your cat from having these urges.
Final Words…
So, can cats have salami?
Yes!
However, make sure you only give it to them in small amounts every now and then, and if they have a bad reaction to it then just avoid it from that point on.
Perhaps instead also focus on some of the other healthier options that I mentioned above.
Does your cat love trying out your food? Let us know in the comments below!
