The first thing that you should always bear in mind when it comes to your cat’s nutrition, is that your cat should eat its own food. There is a significant difference between human and cat’s diet and nutritional needs in general.
Although your tinny tiger loves to snatch something from the table or even have a sip, you should know that some food can create a mess in your feline’s digestive system. The same goes for eggs. So, can cats eat eggs?
There is a number of different ways to prepare eggs. However, when it comes to eggs and animals there is a slight difference in their nutritional values when it comes to raw eggs and cooked one, for example.
Are Eggs OK For Cats To Eat?
Yes, cats can eat eggs. Eggs are actually an excellent source of protein for your feline bundle of joy. However, there is a trick! Eggs that you serve to your cat can never be raw ones, only cooked. Raw eggs, just like raw fish and raw meat can harm your kitty.
But, bear in mind that most of your cat’s food should be nutritionally complete cat food, while everything else is considered to be an extra.
As a small predator in a wild, cats have a tendency of attacking birds nests for eggs. They are obligate carnivores that can only live on animal protein. Eggs are entirely animal protein and it’s ok for cats to eat them. People who raise show cats will give their cats an egg as a treat once in a while to keep their coat shiny, smooth and nice.
There is some cat food that can contain a bit of egg added as a protein boost.
In addition, even shells are beneficial to your cat as they contain a huge amount of calcium. You can use them and grind into powder – it’s significantly safer for your cat to intake it like that.
Important: Only serve cooked eggs to your cat.
But, Are Eggs Good For Cats?
Simply said, yes. Eggs are high in protein and carbohydrate free, but they are also rich in:
- Vitamins A, B12, D, E, K
- Lysine and other essential proteins
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Amino acids
- Natural fat
- Thiamine
- Riboflavin
- Selenium
These vitamins are making an egg very high in biotic, which initiates strong claws, clear eyes and dense fur. In addition, they contain ten of the essential amino acids your cat needs.
The fact that often slips our mind is that – the egg is mostly water. Therefore, if your cat doesn’t hydrate herself as often as she should, a bit of egg might help. If you are having some issues with feeding a stray cat or you just brought in a new cat that refuses food, you can try giving your cat some eggs. Eggs are a great natural supplement.
How Much Eggs Can I Feed My Cat With?
Although cooked eggs are safe for your cat to eat, you shouldn’t overdo it. Therefore, don’t let your cat have a regular/daily intake of eggs. Nor should your cat eat an entire egg per serving. The best option is to serve eggs to your cat in small pieces in a period of several days.
You can mix it with a portion of regular food, especially if your cat is not used to eating eggs. Therefore, mixing eggs with everyday food is a good introduction to yellow and white food. Make sure that you track on your cat’s reactions on eggs, especially signs like diarrhea or vomiting.
Also, it is extremely easy to overfeed a cat. Especially since they don’t need many calories a day, just between 150-200. That’s in case your cat has around 10 pounds and is moderately active.
The best formula for cats and eggs intake would be: make it 10 percent of your cats daily calories.
Bear in mind that a cat can easily slip to obesity and you would be the one to blame for. Also, if your cat has any sort of heart or kidney related problems it would be tricky for your cat to absorb all those B vitamins from eggs.
Quick fact: One whole egg a day for a 10-pound cat is the same as 15 eggs a day for an average-sized adult
Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs?
No. Cats can’t eat raw eggs by any means. The first reason why this is a big no-no lies in the fact that raw eggs carry E. coli bacteria and salmonella. Secondly, cooking the egg will burn away much of the avidin. The ‘white’ part of the egg is most nutritional and you want to keep it safe to eat.
If you are asking yourself how a cat in the wilderness can eat raw eggs and survive, bear in mind that their lifestyle is entirely different than your domestic furry friend and for them, it’s fine to eat raw or nest eggs. Simply, a domestic animal is something entirely different.
Again, raw eggs come with the risk of Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, and these bacterias are commonly seen in contaminated poultry, eggs, and meat. Also, raw eggs contain a protein known as avidin. If your feline consumes too much avidin, it can lead to a biotin deficiency. If the eggs are cooked this risk is significantly lower.
Important: Cooked Easter eggs without shell are fine for your feline. Last year’s Easter eggs are not.
Also, kittens can eat eggs as will like adult cats. Therefore, follow the same rules as for an adult cat:
- Consider the total calories
- Make it occasional
- Give extremely small pieces of eggs
How To Serve Eggs To Your Cat
Eggs should be always cooked. A boiled egg is the best option for your cat. Make sure that you peel it and cut to extremely small pieces and never give it ‘clean,’ but mixed with regular food. Or you can give it separately in small traits as a side treat.
The great thing about eggs is that every part of it actually comes with a wholesome nutritional value. Moreover, you can use the shells as powder and spray kittens regular food. It will serve as a great boost of calcium. This is a great way to build up healthy bones and teeth for your furry friend.
You can also make scrambled or poached eggs. This egg style is good when your cat looks for something easily digestible and soft. You can fry the eggs (just the eggs, without any meat), just make sure that you don’t use any heave oils or butter. As well, salt and paper (or similar spices) are not necessary. Next, older cats are lactose intolerant so skip putting any kind of dairy products in scrambled eggs.
Regardless of your awesome eggs-for-cat recipes, it may happen that your cat just won’t eat eggs. It depends on your cat, actually. Therefore, the best way would be to introduce a small piece of eggs to your cat just to see your cat’s reaction. If your cat tends to like eggs try pet nutrition that includes eggs as a featured ingredient.
Allergies In Cats And Eggs
Cats are sensitive little beings that may react differently to any kind of food. Food allergies are often seen in cats world. Moreover, food allergies are the third most common allergy in cats ranking.
First two places are reserved for inhalant allergies and fleas. Of course, if your cat is allergic to eggs you will avoid them by any means. On the other hand, if you are not sure about eggs allergies, the first step should consult with a veterinarian before you start introducing any new food to your cat.
Your cat can show an allergic reaction around her face and ears. Extreme allergic reactions can result in diarrhea and vomiting. If you notice any of these symbols after introducing eggs (regardless the amount) contact your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Eggs are perfectly safe to treat to share with your cat. Opposite to peanut butter that your cat can intake but won’t get any nutritional benefits, eggs are rich in protein and can support your cat’s diet. There is a long list of ‘human’ food that cat shouldn’t be eating, but eggs are not on it.
However, it is good to know that eggs are additional food, not the main one, so make sure that your cat eats just a small amount of it. Eggs are great if your cat refuses food and doesn’t want to eat.
Moderation is the key when it comes to eggs and your cat. A cat should never eat an entire egg in one serving and you should always watch for any sign of stomach reaction, like diarrhea, vomiting or even rashes. In case you notice any of these signs make sure that your contact your vet and check if your cat is allergic to eggs.
If everything goes smoothly include eggs as a part of a cat’s diet, well cooked and in small bites.