Can Cats Eat Cereal? addresses that very question.
In a word, “yes.” Cats are naturally carnivorous, so vets do not recommend feeding them grains.
Cereals are mostly made up of grain carbohydrates rather than protein from animals. This means that cats’ digestive systems are unable to properly break down cereals. Cats are safe to eat cereals even though they will get no nutritional value from doing so.
Cats can occasionally be given breakfast cereal. If you want to know which breakfast cereals are ideal for your cat, read on!
Can Cats Eat Cereal?
Because cats are carnivores, vets do not recommend feeding them cereal. However, cereals are safe for cats and won’t make them sick or kill them.
Your pet will thrive on a meat-based diet. Cereal grains are used in some commercial cat foods to boost the nutritional value. These are meant to accompany the meat rather than take its place. Grain is a cheap way to increase the volume, so many brands include it in cat food.
Some felines have sensitivity to grains and need a special diet that excludes them. To find out if your cat would benefit from a more natural diet in order to avoid digestive issues, you can consult with your vet. Cereal is not acceptable to these felines.
A healthy cat without any grain or gluten sensitivities should be fine eating the cereal. A little bit of cereal here and there won’t hurt your cat. There’s no justification for substituting cereal for your cat’s regular food.
While there is no danger in eating cereal, most varieties have far too much sugar for human consumption. Too much sugar in a cat’s diet can cause problems like:
- teeth damage
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Elevated glucose levels
Most cats are naturally inquisitive, so they will watch as you pour out your cereal from the box. They might even try it for the sake of curiosity. If your cats are always trying to eat your cereal, they must not be getting enough meat. But you can rest easy knowing that even a few nibbles won’t make your cat sick.
Health benefits of cereal
Cereal is a popular breakfast food, but many people eat it at other times of the day as well. You can always find a brand and flavor that works for you because there are so many available.
Cereals provide a healthy dose of nutrients thanks to the grains they contain. Vitamins and minerals are critical for the health of your cat’s diet.
A cat’s digestive system can benefit from fiber, which aids in proper functioning and helps prevent issues like diarrhea and constipation.
Do cats need grains from cereal?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies can only process a meat-only diet. Grain is present in some commercial cat foods because it is used to fortify the meat-based ingredients with vitamins and minerals. The grains in your cereal won’t do your cat any favors, though.
If your cat has a history of digestive problems due to grain sensitivities, like diarrhea or constipation, you should avoid feeding them any amount of cereal.
Is cereal safe for cats?
Unless your cat is gluten or grain intolerant, the cereal you feed them will not harm them. While it’s generally safe for cats to consume small amounts of cereal, you shouldn’t replace your cat’s regular, meat-based diet with cereal.
You should consult your vet if you’ve been feeding your cat cereal on a regular basis, or any other food that it normally wouldn’t eat.
Even though cats can digest cereal without any adverse effects, that doesn’t mean you should feed it to them.
Sugar is another common ingredient in cereals. Cats do not require this in their diets, and consuming it regularly can lead to gastrointestinal problems, high blood sugar, and tooth decay.
What if my cat likes cereal?
Some felines will gladly sample any new food item. Your cat probably thinks you’re opening a box of kibble whenever you open a packet of cereal, even if it acts like it’s just curious.
An inquisitive cat may seem interested as you pour your cereal, but it’s not because it wants to eat it; it’s just curious. Keep in mind that feeding your cat cereal has no nutritional value.
What to Do if Your Cat Ate Too Much Cereal
Cereals are generally not good for cats because they contain fiber, fructose, carbohydrates, refined sugars, and more. Cereals are indigestible because they lack the necessary digestive enzymes.
Chocolate-flavored cereals may cause additional complications.
- Hyperactivity
- Diarrhea
- Urinating often
- Panic attacks
- Vomiting
Cereal is fine in moderation, but too much can harm your cat. Look for signs of GI distress like diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation if you’ve been giving your kitten sugary cereals. Visit the vet and have them checked for diabetes and tooth decay.
Stop giving your cat cereal right away. In order to repair their digestive system, you should put them on a diet high in meat and low in carbohydrates.
What cereal can cats eat?
Cornflakes are a great cereal option for feline friends. These are high in sugar and salt, but the corn and barley in them can ease constipation. The cereal’s fortified iron helps maintain healthy haemoglobin levels, warding off the possibility of anemia. Vitamin E also has beneficial effects on a cat’s skin and fur.
The high sugar and sweetener content of cereals like Lucky Charms and Rice Krispies has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes and obesity in felines. Cereals with lower sugar content are preferable, so keep an eye out for those.
You shouldn’t feed your cat sugary, grainy, or salty cereals despite their “healthy” reputations; this includes brands like Special K. Avoid giving your cat the high-sugar kinds, and only give them a small amount.
Can cats eat dry cereal?
Dry cereal is not appropriate for a cat’s diet. It’s edible, but the crunchy texture could be dangerous for your cat. Dry cereal is irritating to a cat’s throat and can get stuck there. Our cat might get sick from eating these things.
Can cats eat cereal and milk?
Cereal should be served wet if you insist on feeding it to your cat. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, despite popular belief that they enjoy milk. Giving them dairy can cause stomach upset and vomiting.
Although it may not sound appetizing, feeding your cat cereal that has been moistened with water is a better option. That way, you won’t have to worry about lactose intolerance or choking on the grains.
A kitten can survive on its mother’s milk alone. Kittens have trouble swallowing and digesting grains, so don’t feed them with this milk. They are still lacking the digestive enzymes necessary to eat anything other than meat.
Can I give my cat oatmeal?
One of the most secure cereals for felines is plain oatmeal. Some of the nutrients found in oats include manganese, folic acid, Vitamin B, and zinc, and the protein content is above average. Oats prepared in water can be a healthy addition to your cat’s diet.
Keep your thyroid healthy with manganese’s help. Your cat’s energy, homeostasis, and skeletal health can all benefit from a diet rich in folic acid and B vitamins. Last but not least, zinc is useful for a cat’s coat and skin.
That doesn’t mean you should feed your cat oatmeal in the morning. If you want a healthy breakfast option, though, sugar-free plain oats are one of your best bets.
Wrapping it up
While it’s true that feeding your cat cereal won’t poison them, it doesn’t mean they should. Cereal is not good for your cat because it is loaded with grains, processed sugars, and carbohydrates. Your cat is an obligate carnivore, meaning its digestive system evolved to process a meat-based, high-protein diet.
Some felines may enjoy the crunch of cereal, or even just a tiny taste of whatever it is you’re eating, because of the different textures they provide. Keep in mind that adult cats have trouble digesting lactose, so refrain from giving your cat your bowl of milk with a few pieces of cereal in it.
A few pieces of cereal eaten by your cat probably won’t harm it in the long run, but it also won’t provide any nutritional benefit. Never second-guess yourself about the quality of the cat food you’re giving your pet by ensuring that it’s the best you can find. It’s better to leave your cereal in the bowl and pour kibble for your cat instead.