Ham is a holiday food and a popular meat for quick sandwiches, but what about sharing it with your kitty? Can cats eat ham, or should they avoid this meat? ? Although ham is a source of protein, you may not want to feed your kitten the treat.
Here’s what you need to know to safely feed your cat ham.
Is ham bad for cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are completely dependent on the nutrients found in meat products for their nutrition. Ham is a lean protein source and an ideal way to replenish these nutrients.
However, not all hams are created equal. While home-cooked ham is very good for your cat, processed ham food from a deli is very unlikely to be nutritious for your cat. They often contain many additives, such as sodium and flavorings, that can have a negative effect on your pet partner. Garlic and onions are toxic to cats.
While home-cooked ham is very good for your cat, processed ham food from a deli is very unlikely to be nutritious for your cat.
Therefore, if you want to share ham with your kitten, it is best to buy uncooked ham and cook it yourself without adding seasonings or spices. That way you know it’s safe and nutritious for you and your pet.
And as always, check with your veterinarian beforehand to make sure your cat is healthy enough to snack on ham.
Is it okay for kittens to eat ham?
Kittens are in a slightly different category than adult cats when it comes to eating ham. Although they are still considered to be obligate carnivores and rely on animal protein-based foods for nutrition, their nutritional needs are much more delicate and ensure that all nutrients are provided in the correct proportions. It can be difficult to be sure.
For example, muscle meat (such as ham) is rich in phosphorus but lacking in calcium. Despite being highly nutritious, low in fat, and rich in protein, eating too much muscle meat can actually affect the calcium balance in your kitten’s body and affect the growth of strong, healthy bones. may give.
A kitten will not be hurt if it takes a bite of a ham that has fallen on the floor. However, ham should not be given as a regular snack until the kitten becomes an adult. In addition, kittens have delicate digestive tracts, which can cause concerns such as: They are more prone to vomiting and diarrhea than adult cats.
how to feed ham to a cat
If your kitten likes ham and you want to add a small amount of ham to its diet, it is best to buy prosciutto and cook it yourself. This isn’t the most convenient, but it’s by far the safest for cats, given the abundance of pre-cooked, packaged deli ham.
When cooking ham, do not add seasoning until you have set aside some of the ham. fully cooked meat For your kitten. Raw meat can transmit a variety of diseases, especially bacteria such as: Be sure to thoroughly cook the meat you feed your kitten, as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria are present.
How much ham is suitable for cats?
Served ham should be 1-inch cubes and should be served no more than two or three times a week. Cut this portion into smaller bites, as your cat may swallow this tasty treat and choke.
Ham given to cats should be considered a snack, not a staple food. Not all cats should be given ham as a treat, so consult your veterinarian before you start giving your kitten ham as a treat. For example, cats on a salt-restricted diet ( Some cats (such as cats with kidney disease or heart disease) may not be able to safely eat even small amounts of ham.
Many cats prefer to eat ham plain, but it can also be used as a topping for food. Another option is to hide the treats inside the box so that your cat gets some exercise during the process of eating the special treat. food puzzle Or you can eat it in small portions in bowls around the house. This will make her more active while “looking” for treats.
Served ham should be 1-inch cubes and should be served no more than two or three times a week.
It’s fun to share ham with your cat, but keep the portions small compared to the amount of commercial cat food your cat would eat. It’s easy to give your cat too many treats, which can lead to nutritional imbalances and illness. Remember: Even low-sodium ham still contains salt. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure in cats, just like in humans.
Is it okay for cats to eat ham bones?
No, don’t give your cat a ham bone. In fact, all bones are off-limits to cats.
Bones pose many dangers. The most serious situation is when your kitten breaks part of a bone. This can become stuck in the intestinal tract (can become stuck in the intestinal tract). blockage) or even perforate the stomach or intestines. Cats’ teeth are also smaller and more fragile than dogs’, so they can break if they try to chew on bones.
Therefore, although your cat’s tongue is designed to remove meat from bones, always keep bones away from your kitten.
Other foods to feed your cat
There are several other protein sources that are appealing to cats that you might want to try. If properly prepared, cats can consume:
Remember: All cat meat must be thoroughly cooked, with bones and skin removed. Use only small amounts and never add seasonings or fragrances, as they can be harmful to your cat.
Featured image: Getty/Natalia Pogodina
