Cats are known for being independent creatures who don’t always follow our rules! They also love food and are often rather stubborn, eating whatever they want if you let them.
If you are a fan of pancakes and want to share this tasty treat with your feline friend, then read on, as we are going to be looking at whether pancakes are suitable food for cats to eat!
Let’s get started.
What Are Pancakes?
Pancake recipes can vary from person to person, but the basic ingredients of flour, eggs, milk or water, sugar, oil, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract will usually be found in most recipes. The batter is mixed together and poured into a hot pan, where it cooks until golden brown.
These delicious treats have been around since ancient times and were originally made by hand using stone-ground wheat flour. As technology advanced, people began making them more easily, and now there are many different ways that you can make them.
Can Cats Eat Pancakes?
The answer to this question depends entirely upon what type of pancake recipe you use. There are two main types: sweet and savory.
Sweet pancakes are generally made with an egg-based mixture that contains some form of carbohydrate (sugar) and protein (egg).
Savory pancakes can contain bacon or sausage, as well as other meats such as chicken or beef. It all depends on personal preferences. Some people add cheese or vegetables to their pancakes too.
Sweet Pancakes
Sweet pancakes are typically made with a simple combination of eggs, flour, milk or water, and sugar. This means that they are very high in carbohydrates, so if your cat has diabetes or any other condition related to blood glucose levels, these pancakes could pose problems.
However, if you choose a low-carb, low-sugar sweet pancake recipe, then your cat should be fine.
Savory Pancakes
Savory pancakes are typically made with meat, poultry, fish, seafood, or vegetarian alternatives like beans, tofu, or tempeh. They are lower in carbs than sweet pancakes, and therefore could be better suited to cats with diabetes.
These pancakes can be higher in fat content, though, so they are not recommended for those with heart disease or obesity.
Can Pancakes Be Safe For Cats?
If you decide to give your cat pancakes, then you need to ensure that they do not have any allergies to eggs, dairy products, nuts, shellfish, gluten, soybeans, or yeast. You should also check that your cat does not have any medical conditions that would prevent them from eating pancakes.
If you feed your cat a healthy, balanced diet, then they should be able to enjoy pancakes as an occasional treat! It is best to avoid any sugary toppings though- such as pancakes with syrup or chocolate – as too much sugar can lead to health issues in cats- such as elevated blood pressure or weight gain – much like it can for humans. Avoid any artificial sweeteners or preservatives, too, as these can upset the stomach.
Here is a list of pancake toppings that you definitely should not let your cat eat!
Chocolate
Peanut Butter
Maple Syrup
Jelly
Honey
Jam
Marshmallow Fluff
Caramel
Sugar
Cinnamon
There are healthier options that are possible when it comes to pancake toppings that your cat can eat. Let’s take a look at some:
Blueberries
Strawberries
Bananas
Apples
Cantaloupes
Pears
Watermelon
Raspberries
Cranberries
Avocado
Whilst these are healthier alternatives, you still shouldn’t let your cat indulge in too much human food, as this could risk various health and digestive issues.
Can Cats Be Allergic To Pancakes?
Cats can sometimes develop food allergies, just like we do. If your cat develops a reaction to certain foods, then you will know about it by observing changes in their behavior.
Your vet might recommend changing the diet of your cat to one that is free of the allergens that they are sensitive to. When it comes to treating your cats to pancakes, keep an eye out for any allergic reactions, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Treating Your Cat To Pancakes
Pancakes can be a great occasional treat for cats. For starters, they are high in protein, which is always a positive. Pancakes can also be low in fat and are chock-full of carbohydrates, which provide energy for your pet. So if you are thinking about giving your cat some pancakes, here are some tips to remember:
Make sure that your cat has plenty of fresh water available. This is especially important as pancakes can sometimes be dry, especially when plain, which is the best way to give them to your cat.
Consider only giving your cat one piece of a pancake at a time, rather than their own portion of pancake. In moderation, it can make for a great treat, but too much of it can lead to digestive problems.
Remember that there are some ingredients that are off-limits for cats. These include raw meats, bones, fish, and other things that contain gelatin (just in case you were considering putting any of these on your pancake!!)
Keep an eye on your cat after they finish their meal. If they seem lethargic or sickly, then call your vet right away.
Consider mixing in some pieces of pancakes up with their regular food- be it dry food or wet food- if you are reluctant to give it to them straight.
You may want to try making your own homemade pancake mix instead of buying the store-bought kind so that you know exactly how much sugar is going into the mix.
Take control of your pancake ingredients! Do not feed your cat anything of those sugary toppings that we mentioned above with their pancake.
Only give your cat pancakes as a treat from time to time. If they start eating them every day, then this could become a concern.
Final Thoughts
Pancakes are fine to give your cat as a treat as long as you keep it as plain as possible. Even if your kitty begs you for some pancakes with maple syrup, you will have to disappoint them!
Regular pancakes are going to be the best option to avoid your cat getting sick or putting on an excess amount of weight. As long as you are sensible about it- and don’t give in to the begging from your feline friend- pancakes can be a delicious snack for both you and your cat.
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.
