Having a cat is a tricky business. Don’t get us wrong; it’s fun too. But it can be tricky figuring out what your cat can and can’t eat. It’s not the same as a human. We can eat pretty much anything.
But sometimes, even the most innocuous food could prove to be incredibly harmful to your cat.
So you need to be extra careful and research as much as you can when it comes to your cat’s diet. Steak is one of those foods that divides people when it comes to cats. There are those people that say cats absolutely cannot eat it and those that argue they can.
So what is the truth?
Can Cats Eat Steak?
Steak is tough meat. It’s very lean, so it doesn’t have any negative fat in it. That means that it has no cholesterol or other fats that would make it bad for your cat. So if your cat eats steak, there shouldn’t be any problems with them getting sick from eating it.
However, this depends on whether the steak is cooked or not. If it isn’t cooked properly, then it will contain bacteria which can cause an upset stomach. This is especially true if your cat is prone to having diarrhea. Raw steak contains more bacteria than cooked beef.
And because it’s uncooked, it also contains parasites like worms and tapeworms. These parasites can cause serious health issues for your cat. For example, tapeworms can cause severe weight loss in cats.
However, some cats do have an intolerance to certain proteins. Just like some humans have random allergies. This makes them susceptible to developing allergies. If this happens, then your cat may develop diarrhea, vomiting, and/or hives. They will also lose weight.
If your cat does seem to be having these symptoms after eating steak, then it might actually be best to avoid it altogether. Your vet can help you figure out which protein your cat is allergic to.
If your cat does have a problem with its digestion, then it may be best to avoid steaks altogether. They’re just too hard for them to digest.
Is Steak Good For Cats?
We know that cats find steak absolutely delicious, but is it good for them? The answer here is the same as it would be for people: steak is delicious, but not so healthy. Excessive consumption for your cat can lead to things like weight gain, heart and liver problems, and just a general all-around decline in health.
But every once in a while, it makes a very tasty treat. Just remember not to go overboard. Too much steak can be dangerous to your cat.
What About Chicken?
Chicken is another controversial topic among pet owners. Some people love chicken, and others hate it. But the fact remains that it’s a safe choice for cats. Like steak, it’s low in fat and calories. However, unlike steak, it’s high in protein, which is essential for your cat’s growth.
The main issue with chicken is that it can become contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella is a bacteria that causes diarrhea in cats. It can also cause kidney failure and death. So if your cat starts showing signs of illness, then it’s probably best to keep them away from chicken.
Other Controversial Foods
There are many other foods that are controversial for pets. Things like chocolate, onions, garlic, and caffeine are just a few examples.
These foods can be toxic to your cat. They can even be fatal. So it’s important to read labels carefully before buying food for your cat.
You don’t want to end up feeding them something that could kill them.
Cats are carnivorous animals. This means that they eat meat. Meat is made up of muscle tissue, blood, organs, and bone. In order for your cat to get enough nutrition, they need to consume meat regularly.
This is why we recommend that you feed your cat at least twice per day. There are plenty of commercial diets available that contain meat. Or you can make your own homemade diet. Either way works well for most cats.
How Much Should I Feed My Cat?
One of the first questions that come up when you start thinking about feeding your cat is, “how much should I feed my cat?”
Well, there really isn’t any one right answer. You’ll notice that different veterinarians and breeders give different amounts. And there are many factors involved, like their age, sex, size, and activity level.
So what you should do is talk to your veterinarian or breeder. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what amount of food your cat needs.
However, it’s always better to overfeed than underfeed. So try to aim for 1 pound (0.5 kilograms) of dry food per week. That should provide your cat with everything they need.
And remember to check the label on the bag. Make sure that it contains no artificial ingredients. These can be harmful to your cat.
If you’re having trouble getting your cat to eat, then you may have to increase the amount of food that you give them.
Try adding some treats into the mix. Or maybe even add some wet food. Wet food has less fiber than dry food. So it might help your cat feel fuller.
And don’t forget to offer fresh water. Your cat will drink anywhere between 2 to 5 gallons (7.6 to 18 liters) each day. If you don’t provide fresh water, then your cat won’t be able to stay hydrated.
And remember, when it comes to steak, don’t overfeed your cat. A steak every two weeks, minimum, is probably best. Steak is a great treat once in a while, but it’s best not to have too much.
Final Thoughts
So it’s true cats can eat steak, but it must be cooked! Cooked steak also tastes a lot nicer than raw steak. Try to make sure the steak is medium-well at least to avoid raw meat. Raw meat can be fatal to your cat. And remember, feed them steak in small doses.
I’m Courtney Trent and I hope that I can answer some burning questions that you have about cats, as well as some questions that you’d never have thought to ask before.
I am aiming to shed new light on these amazing pets and hopefully change some people’s opinions on them. Also, let’s talk about wild cats - they’re just as awesome as domestic cats!
So, stay a while and learn more about domestic and wild cats from Windhaven Ocicats.
