Yes, cats can eat eggs. Fully cooked eggs are a great nutritional treat for cats. Eggs are packed with nutrients, like amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein, and they’re also highly digestible.
Scrambled, boiled, however you choose to prepare them is fine. Be sure there is no salt or seasonings and that you’ve removed the shell. Of course, given the mercurial nature of cats, a better question might be, “will my cat eat eggs?” Only your cat can answer that one.
Are Eggs Good for Cats?
Yes. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet consists primarily of meat protein. Egg whites contain an abundance of protein, while the yolk is a great source for healthy fats. Eggs contain a lot more benefits than proteins, however.
Other beneficial nutrients of eggs for your cat include:
Amino Acids: Eggs come packed with a wide variety of amino acids, most notably taurine. Taurine plays a critical role in boosting vision, digestion, heart function, immunity, healthy pregnancy and fetal development for cats.
Healthy Fats: Cats require healthy fats in their diet and eggs are a great source. Giving your cat a small amount of egg will provide her with monosaturated fat for heart health, polyunsaturated fat like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, for brain, nervous system and heart health.
Vitamins: Eggs contain a surprising number of vitamins, including Vitamins A, B12, D, E, Biotin, Riboflavin and Thiamine. Each of these vitamins benefits cat health in its own way. A few of the health benefits these vitamins deliver to cats include, providing energy, antioxidants for immune support and more.
Minerals: Iron, selenium and zinc are all found within eggs. These three promote hemoglobin production, immune health and collagen synthesis, respectively.
Is an Egg a Good Meal for a Cat?
No, an egg is not a proper meal for a cat. Surprisingly, eggs are not nutritionally complete and lack all the nutrients cats need to thrive. That said, eggs are a common ingredient in many cat foods because they’re part of a complete and balanced food.
How Much Egg Should I Feed a Cat?
Not a lot. Eggs are nutritionally inadequate to be a complete meal for a cat. Feeding a cat some egg should be considered the same as giving them a treat.
“A moderately active ten-pound cat needs an average of two hundred and fifty calories per day,” explains Purina Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS. “Eggs should be considered as treats and, therefore, be no more than ten percent of your cat’s daily calories. A large egg contains about seventy calories and, therefore, your cat should receive only a small amount of egg.”
Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs?
No. Raw eggs are not suitable for cats. When eggs are not cooked or are undercooked, they can harbor bacteria like Salmonella. Also, raw egg whites can be bad for cats. “Chickens deposit avidin, a biotin-binding protein, in egg whites,” says Carbo-Johnson. “This protein prevents absorption of biotin (also known as vitamin B7), which can cause a vitamin deficiency. Cooking eggs for your cat would prevent those results.”
Maybe. As any cat owner can tell you, each cat has their own specific likes and dislikes. Cats are known for being both picky and adventurous in what they eat. Having an unpredictable nature means most cats like variety in what they eat. To know for certain, see how your cat reacts to a small portion of cooked egg.
If your cat likes eggs, try introducing them to pet nutrition that includes eggs as a featured ingredient.
Can Kittens Eat Eggs?
Yes, kittens can have eggs. But considering how few calories kittens need each day, it’s not the best option. Instead, ensure you’re giving kittens the nutrition they need with kitten food and treats made especially for their life stage.
Find out more about what you can and can’t feed your cat. Visit our Pet Expertise page to get some valuable insights from our pet experts.
Navigate Your Pet’s Dietary Needs With myPurina
While you can treat your feline friend to an egg in moderation, it’s far from a complete, balanced meal. Not sure what’s the best food to put into your cat’s bowl? Let myPurina help you figure it out.
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Eggs are nutritionally inadequate to be a complete meal for a cat. Feeding a cat some egg should be considered the same as giving them a treat. “A moderately active ten-pound cat needs an average of two hundred and fifty calories per day,” explains Purina
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Eggs should never be the sole source of protein for your cat, much like cat food contains other much-needed nutrients for a healthy, balanced diet. Think of them more like a treat. To determine exactly how many eggs you can feed your cat, it's best to consult with your local veterinarian.
Just like people, some cats may be allergic to eggs, so feed a very small amount the first time and keep an eye out for common signs of a food allergy such as digestive upset or itching. Egg allergies aren't common in people or cats, but it's always better to be on the safe side when trying a new food.
Remember, always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your cat's diet. Scrambled Eggs: Prepare a delicious plate of scrambled eggs for your cat by lightly whisking an egg in a non-stick pan. Avoid using additional ingredients such as salt or butter.
The best way to feed eggs to your cat is by boiling, poaching, scrambling, or frying (with no butter or seasoning). Since cats are finicky eaters, the first time you offer cooked egg to your cat, put it into their normal food in small pieces.
In general, it's best not to feed too much egg to your cat, as this may make them eat less of their complete and balanced diet that contains the beneficial nutrients they need. It's therefore always best to offer eggs in moderation, as an occasional treat.
Can cats eat egg yolk. Eggs can be a very nutritious snack for your feline. But the high fat content in the yolk can mean that they can add too many calories into your cat's diet, leading to weight gain. In addition, excess fat in your cat's diet can lead to some gastrointestinal upsets too.
Can cats eat cheese? According to experts, yes — but only in moderation. If you give your cat cheese at all, just give them a small piece once in a while, about the size of a dice. For example, you might opt to limit your kitty's cheese intake to times when you need to hide a pill for them.
Although many cats love the taste of this salty and sweet spread, cat parents should avoid giving their feline friends peanut butter. It provides no nutritional value and, more importantly, certain ingredients, like fat and added artificial sweeteners, can be harmful or even toxic to cats.
Yes, cats can eat rice in small amounts. It's non-toxic, so it won't harm them to have a bit in their food, but you shouldn't give too much as it's not an essential part of their diet.
Dietary fiber from pumpkin also helps hairballs move through the digestive tract more efficiently. Pumpkin is a low-calorie food, making it a good supplement or treat for overweight cats (plus, the fiber will help them feel full) Pumpkin is rich in moisture, which helps your cat stay hydrated.
Technically yes, it probably won't do your kitty any harm to nab a cheeky nibble of bacon, but they shouldn't make a habit of it. Bacon is seriously high in salt and fat (and therefore calories), so taking in lots of the stuff will be bad news for your feline friend.
The high-calorie count in egg yolk means that it should only be fed as an occasional treat, considering the additional energy it provides. Similarly, egg whites are an excellent protein source for your cats' diet and provide some variety.
Eggs should never be the primary food source for cats. It's essential to know how much egg is appropriate for a cat. While a single egg is a relatively low-calorie, high-protein snack for a human, the high fat content of eggs can cause your cat to gain weight if the correct portions are not adhered to.
coli can lead to gastrointestinal problems, dehydration, pain, lethargy, and potential organ damage in felines. Moreover, raw eggs contain avidin, a protein that inhibits the absorption of biotin (vitamin B7). Biotin is a vital nutrient that contributes to healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being in cats.
Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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