Chicken eggs are served in numerous ways and are vital ingredients for pastry, bread, and cakes. Although humans love them, can cats eat eggs? The short answer is yes; your cat can eat eggs, which are nutritionally beneficial. However, there is more to the answer than that, so keep reading to find out everything you need to know about sharing eggs with that special feline in your life.
Are Eggs Good for Cats?
Here are some of the components of eggs that can benefit your cat:
How Much Egg Can You Feed Your Cat?
One tablespoon of egg whites occasionally served with your cat’s regular food can benefit your cat. You could add scrambled eggs to their breakfast in the morning, but ensure you keep them salt and seasoning-free. So, while eggs are a good addition to your cat’s diet, they should be eaten in moderation and cooked plain.
While eggs are packed with nutrients, they also have a high-fat content. The yolk of an egg contains protein but mainly fat, while the whites contain protein without fat.
Eggs are excellent protein sources, and since cats are obligate carnivores, eggs are a nutritious treat. However, eggs shouldn’t be the only source of protein your cat gets, but they can supplement the protein in its diet. We recommend contacting your vet first if you’re considering introducing eggs into your cat’s diet.
Why Can’t Cats Eat Raw Eggs?
Raw or over-easy eggs carry risks such as salmonella and can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Raw egg whites also contain avidin, which is a protein that disrupts the absorption of biotin. Biotin is a vitamin that maintains a healthy coat and skin.
If your cat ingests too much avidin, it could cause a biotin deficiency, affecting your cat’s overall health over time. It’s much safer to cook your eggs for this reason and to avoid passing harmful bacteria to your cat.
Can Your Cat Be Allergic to Eggs?
Eggs are a common food allergen for humans, and although egg allergies tend not to affect cats, it is possible. So, keep an eye out for common signs of egg allergies:
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet, and of course, avoid feeding your cat eggs in the future if it turns out they are the culprit.
Final Thoughts
Cats can enjoy eggs if you cook them, keep them plain with no salt or seasoning, and serve them in moderation. Eggs can benefit your cat, but it’s important to remember that if you include the yolk, they are also very high in fat. If you want to add eggs to your cat’s diet, we recommend running it past your vet first. To reduce the amount of fat in eggs served to your cat, remove the yolk, and only cook the egg whites.
Featured Image Credit: Bruno, Pixabay
