What I can feed my cat was the first question I googled when I brought her home. I had no clue beyond the usual kibble. I even tried giving her some of my dinner, sometimes she loved it, other times it upset her stomach. After lots of trial and error, vet advice, and research, I realized feeding a cat safely means more than just giving it what you eat. It’s about understanding nutrition, safety, and life stage.
1. What Commercial Cat Food to Choose
I rely on high-quality wet and dry cat food as the base of her diet. Wet food helps with hydration while dry food is convenient and offers dental benefits. But the real win? These foods are nutritionally balanced, including essential amino acids like taurine, something all cats need but can’t produce enough of themselves
Taurine is vital for heart and eye health. A lack of it can lead to serious conditions like cardiomyopathy or blindness . So I always check the label for “AAFCO Balanced” or similar assurance.
2. What Human Food Can I Feed My Cat
- Plain cooked chicken or turkey: No seasonings or sauces great protein and loved by my cat.
- Cooked fish (salmon or tuna): Just a treat, not a staple it might upset her stomach.
- Boiled eggs: Occasional snack and good protein without additives.
- A few veggies (peas, carrots): She snubs them, but they’re not harmful.
- Small fruit bits (banana, blueberries): She tends to ignore them, but safe in moderation.
According to PetMD’s human foods guide, these are safe in small amounts .
Still wondering what can I feed my cat from your own plate? Keep it plain, unseasoned, and only offer small amounts.
3. Dangerous Foods for Cats
I learned the hard way that some foods are off-limits:
- Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins: Highly toxic—onion/garlic can cause anemia by damaging red blood cells .
- Cooked bones: They splinter and can cause internal injuries.
- Processed meats: Too salty, too fatty, and unhealthy.
- Caffeine and alcohol: Just don’t risk it.
- Cow’s milk: Many adult cats are lactose intolerant—mine got diarrhea the first time I offered it.
For a full list, check the ASPCA’s guide
4. Milk and Dairy: Safe for Cats or Not?
I once gave my cat a little milk—big mistake. She had tummy issues, just like many adult cats due to low lactase. If you want to treat your cat, a tiny amount of plain yogurt might be okay, but always watch for digestive signs.
5. What I Can Feed My Cat Based on Age and Health
I feed twice a day—morning and evening—measuring precisely to maintain a healthy weight. ASPCA recommends this approach too .
If your cat is a kitten, senior, or has a health issue, its diet needs to adapt. For example:
- Kittens: Higher protein and calorie needs—around 30% protein for growth
- Seniors or overweight cats: Lower-calorie, senior-formulated diets exist; a vet can advise.
- Health issues (e.g., kidney disease, obesity): May need prescription diets from your vet.
Here’s how to take care of a stray or young kitten if you’ve just rescued one.
6. Water + Portion Tips
Fresh, clean water always available—and I wash the bowl daily. When I introduce new food, I mix a small portion with the old one over days. If she shows discomfort, I stop it immediately.
Final Thoughts on What I Can Feed My Cat
So, what I can feed my cat boils down to:
- Use balanced commercial food with taurine.
- Occasional plain meats or eggs for treats.
- Strictly avoid toxic foods (chocolate, onions, grapes, etc.).
- Adjust portion and type to life stage or health condition.
- Stay observant—every cat is unique.
I’m not a vet—just a cat owner who’s learned through experience and research. But if you’re asking, “what can I feed my cat?” this guide should give you a solid start.
Feeding is just one part of cat care. Here’s a simple daily cat care routine that helped me stay consistent with everything from grooming to playtime.
I learned all of this through trial and error—there’s a lot I wish I’d known from the start. here is everything I wish I knew earlier about taking care of a cat at home.
