We all want the best for our cats, and providing them with a nutritious diet is the first step in making that a reality. As obligate carnivores, cats must consume animal protein in the form of meat at every meal. Eggs, however,… Do cats have the ability to digest eggs?
You may be surprised to learn that this is a hotly debated issue in the field of feline medicine. We’re going to bust it open, too!
It can’t be argued that eggs aren’t a superfood. Eggs have been called “the most nutrient-dense food on the planet,” and this claim is supported by numerous scientific studies.
The ideal combination of protein, fat, omega-3 fatty acids, taurine, vitamins, iron, and zinc. There is an equally impressive body of research demonstrating the health benefits of eating eggs. Are eggs as healthy for cats as they are for humans?
Just like us, our cats can reap many health benefits from consuming these foods. Eggs have been shown to improve joint health, eye health, cognitive function, and heart health in laboratory animals.
What exactly is the source of the debate?
The avidin in raw egg whites is thought to bind biotin and lead to a biotin deficiency in cats, according to professionals in the field of feline health. But a cat would have to eat a lot of egg whites to become deficient, and no such case has ever been reported.
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
The answer is yes. As with humans, cats can benefit greatly from eating eggs due to the abundance of protein, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins they contain.
If your feline friends are anything like ours, they prefer a “human” meal to regular cat food any day. You can always catch them skulking under the table after dinner, hoping to find some discarded treats.
Cats have excellent senses of smell and taste, and while they may be off the mark when it comes to human food, they are spot-on when it comes to eggs. Your cat will love eggs as much as you do, and they are a nutritious addition to any diet. The egg shell is edible and provides nutritional value for cats just like the rest of the egg.
Eggs provide a complete protein, are easily accessible, and have a high bioavailability. Eggs are a cheap, nutritious, and easily digestible option for cat food because they provide the same benefits that dog owners enjoy.
Is there a special way to feed cats eggs? In a fancy restaurant, on toast, with silverware. Read on to find out how to make eggs suitable for your fluffy cat.
How To Feed Eggs To Your Cat
Always cook the eggs before giving them to your cat. Eggs should be boiled or fried without any additions, such as oil, butter, salt, etc.
Scrambled eggs are a great choice because they are easy for your cat to digest and can provide a quick source of protein, both of which are essential for cats to maintain lean muscle and energy levels. But again, simplicity is key.
Are Eggs Good For Cats?
Eggs are not only a healthy and safe option for your cat’s diet, but they also provide a number of other benefits. Eggs are great for your cat’s skin and coat because they contain linoleic acid, vitamins B2 and B12, and water-soluble vitamin A, in addition to the protein they provide.
How Many Eggs Can A Cat Eat?
Most experts agree that a daily egg serving of one is the maximum that should be given to a cat. In the same way that commercial cat food provides essential vitamins and minerals, you shouldn’t rely on eggs as your cat’s sole source of protein. You should consider them more of a reward.
The best way to find out how many eggs are safe for your cat to eat is to talk to your vet. How many eggs your cat can eat safely will depend on a number of factors, such as:
- Age
- Size
- Breed
- Degree of exertion
- Health problems already present
Can Cats Eat Eggs Raw?
The debate over whether or not to feed a pet raw or cooked eggs is the most heated. Raw eggs: safe for cats?
Raw eggs are often avoided for the same reason that raw meat is avoided: fear of salmonella and similar foodborne illnesses. I know what it’s like to be afraid after getting salmonella poisoning from a sunny-side-up egg that was tainted. However, the pH of a cat’s digestive tract is much more alkaline than a human’s.
The digestive system of a cat can quickly flush and eliminate large numbers of bacteria. Pathogenic salmonella strains will be recognized and prevented from growing by a balanced microbiome. No cats, including ours, have ever gotten sick from eating raw eggs, and I haven’t heard of any cases where this has happened.
A species-appropriate, raw food diet is what we provide for our six feline friends. Raw, whole eggs (shells and all) are a common ingredient in many of these dishes. We’ve been feeding our cats eggs multiple times a day for five years now, and not a single one of them has gotten sick.
However, it’s important to only eat eggs from reliable sources. If you plan on eating raw eggs, you should only consume those that have been raised on pasture.
Can Cats Eat Egg Yolk
Your cat may enjoy a healthy snack of eggs. However, due to the high fat content in the yolk, they may contribute too many calories to your cat’s diet, resulting in excess weight. In addition, your cat’s digestive system may not react well to too much fat.
The yolk contains the majority of the egg’s fat content, so only a small amount should be given to your cat. There’s no harm in using some yolk, but moderation is key.
It’s best to avoid giving your overweight or ill cat any yolk at all if you can.
Can Cats Eat Egg Whites
The protein in an egg comes exclusively from the egg white, not the yolk. In a large egg, the protein content is highest in the yolk (about 2 to 3 grams), while the white contributes about 4 grams. Since the egg yolk contains most of the egg’s fat and calories, feeding your cat only the egg whites will result in a caloric deficit.
Can Cats Eat Scrambled Eggs
If you make sure to not add any salt or seasoning to the eggs, they can be healthy for your cat. The method of preparation is of paramount importance when making scrambled eggs. It’s easy to accidentally increase the calorie count of cooked eggs by adding too much fat.
Keep in mind that giving your cat an unhealthy amount of fat can lead to weight gain and digestive issues. Scrambling just the egg whites without any seasoning is one way to avoid adding too much fat.
Can Cats Eat Boiled Eggs
Cats benefit from eating either the entire boiled egg or just the whites. Since they can be prepared without the addition of fat, they are low in fat and calories.
When the egg is done boiling, mash it up without adding any seasoning and give it to your cat alongside his regular food or by itself.
The calories and fat content can be reduced by removing the egg yolk, and by paying close attention to the size of your serving.
Can Cats Eat Eggshells?
Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium that is easily digested by adult cats and senior cats in particular. After discovering that two of our cats had kidney disease, we switched them to a raw diet that substituted eggshell calcium for bone. This is easier on senior cats’ kidneys and helps reduce phosphorous levels. This diet, along with some supplements, slowed the progression of CKD in both of our feline friends.
Here’s a simple recipe for making eggshell powder, which can be used as a source of calcium as part of a home-prepared, fresh-food diet:
- Keep the shells once the eggs have been taken out.
- Eggshells need to be boiled for 10 minutes in a lot of water.
- To dry eggshells, take them out of water.
- Dry eggshell for 15 minutes at 200 degrees.
- Put the powdered eggshells through a blender.
About 400mg of calcium is found in half a teaspoon.
Avoid giving your growing kittens eggshells due to the risk of a calcium:phosphorus imbalance. It’s fine for mature cats and elderly cats.
Eggs are a fantastic, healthy, and tasty treat that can be added to your cat’s balanced diet, but you should still keep in mind that doing so will increase your cat’s calorie intake. Don’t forget to stock up on organic, pasture-raised eggs, and report back on how your feline friends react to them.
How To Cook Eggs For Cats
To recap, when preparing eggs as a treat for your cat, make sure they are cooked all the way through and don’t contain any salt or seasonings. Use only the egg whites if you’re watching your fat intake or calorie count.
Your cat will enjoy eggs cooked in any of three ways: scrambled, boiled, or poached (without vinegar). If you want to keep the calorie count of your eggs low, you should avoid any preparation method that calls for oil or butter.
A Nutrient-Rich Food Source
To eat an egg is to consume one of the most nutrient-dense whole foods you can eat. Feline picky eaters can benefit from the addition of eggs to their regular diet for a low price and as a treat on occasion. If they start really liking them, maybe they’ll stop bugging you about dinnertime!
Final thoughts on feeding eggs to your cat
Like humans, cats benefit from eating a wide variety of foods, and some may particularly enjoy the occasional eggy treat. Some people might even look down their noses at you in distaste.
There is no need to go to the trouble of feeding your cat eggs if you are already providing a high-quality diet that satisfies all of their dietary requirements. But if your cat is just plain nosy, feel free to try eggs with the safety precautions we’ve outlined here.