As obligate carnivores, cats can’t survive without regularly eating meat. The protein requirements of cats are completely met by commercial cat food.
Therefore, there is no need to provide them with supplemental food, such as pork. But if you’re looking to switch things up and think pork might be a good option for a cat treat, this is the article for you.
Before feeding your cat any pork, make sure you have done your research. Find out why it’s important for cats to eat pork and what precautions you should take.
Can Cats Eat Pork?
The meat content of commercial cat foods is typically quite high. However, pork is typically not included in such recommendations.
However, cats can digest pork, though they should do so with more caution and less frequency than with other meats.
You should be aware that treating your cat too frequently with pork can lead to health issues, so you should avoid doing so.
Benefits of Feeding Pork to Your Cat
The negative effects of giving your cat pork have been the primary focus of this discussion so far. However, when given in moderation, this meat treat is not only safe for cats but also beneficial to their health.
High Protein Content
Protein is especially important for cats because they are obligate carnivores. It plays a role in every system in their bodies.
Protein makes up the bulk of pork’s composition, as it does of all meats. The protein and fat content per gram of other meats are higher than those of pork, so those should be used more frequently.
Loaded with B Vitamins
Vitamins B6 and B12 are particularly abundant in pork. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is essential for cats. Their nervous systems, immune systems, and digestive systems can’t function properly without it.
We have a solution that will keep you and your cat happy, even though it’s not always safe to feed them table scraps.
Dangers of Pork for Your Cat
Pork is a fatty and salty meat option. Both of these nutrients, when consumed in excess, can be harmful to your cat.
In particular, consuming fat on a regular basis can lead to clogged arteries in addition to contributing to weight gain and obesity. Too much sodium, meanwhile, makes your cat thirstier and puts extra strain on its kidneys, liver, and heart.
In addition, excessive sodium consumption can result in sodium poisoning, which requires prompt medical attention.
Precautions to Take When Feeding Pork to Your Cat
You should take some safety measures before feeding your cat a piece of raw pork. If you omit them, the treat will be much less healthy for your cat, and it could even be harmful.
Remove All Bones
While dogs may enjoy the occasional bone, cats should never be given any kind of bone because of the risk of suffocation. So, before feeding your cat any pork, make sure you pick out and discard any bones.
Cook Thoroughly
Meat intended for your cat must be thoroughly cooked before being given to it. This is true of pork in particular.
There may be parasites in pork, but they should all die off once the meat is cooked. The parasites in the ham will infect your cat if you don’t cook it long enough.
Feed in Moderation
It may seem counterintuitive to limit the amount of pork your cat consumes, given that cats require a lot of protein and consume a diet consisting primarily of meat sources. Why is pork exempt from the same regulation when chicken and turkey are not?
What Pork to Feed Your Cat
You should know which cuts of pork are best if you’ve decided to treat your cat to some pork. The quality of the pork you feed your cat will vary depending on the cut you choose.
Select pork that is relatively low in fat and avoid the fatty cuts whenever possible.
Go for the lean meats, like:
- Pork Loin Chops
- Venison Roast
- Tenderloin of Pork
Avoid fatty meats like:
- Bacon
- Belly pork
- Shoulder chops of pork
How to Safely Feed Pork to your Cat
Although pork is perfectly safe for consumption, you should take special care when feeding it to your kitten. The three most important factors in providing your cat with pork are as follows:
Don’t leave any bones behind; they’re always dangerous. They pose serious health risks, including choking and intestinal blockage, and should be avoided at all costs. When feeding your cat pork, take special care to remove any and all bones. The pork should be diced into small pieces for maximum safety.
In-depth preparation: Meat should be cooked thoroughly to kill any parasites that might otherwise cause illness or poisoning. Never feed your cat raw or undercooked meat, period.
Moderation in feeding is advised due to the aforementioned issues with pork. Treats and human food shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake, so keep that in mind.
Healthier Alternatives to Pork
We’ve discussed some options that are better for your cat’s health. These alternatives have a higher protein content, less fat, less sodium, and possibly even beneficial nutrients not found in pork.
Fish
Fish is a great source of protein and typically has much less sodium than pork products.
Better yet, you can catch fish fresh from the water and eat it without worrying about any additives. Additionally, fish is rich in omega fatty acids, which have many advantages for your cat.
- Results in reducing inflammation
- decreases hair loss
- Boosts development of the undercoat
- protects against autoimmune disease
- decreases the size of some tumors
- Helpful for some cases of epilepsy
Chicken
Chicken is a great source of protein, is inexpensive, and has a pleasant flavor. This is why it serves as the primary protein source in many commercial cat foods.
Directly feeding it to your cat, however, can still be a tasty treat. Just make sure it’s thoroughly cooked and doesn’t have any seasonings or skin.
Conclusion
The protein in pork, like that in any other kind of meat, can be good for your cat. However, pork is fattier than other meats, so it’s not the healthiest treat for your cat.
However, if cooked properly, it might make a tasty treat, and a little bit won’t hurt. Do not season with salt and serve on rare occasions.