Can cats eat pork?

Updated 21/09/2023

From bacon for breakfast, to deli slices for lunch and cured cuts perfect with cheese, pork is one of the most highly consumed meats in the world. Packed with protein, B vitamins, zinc and other nutrients, it can be a healthy option for us humans if eaten in moderation, and in certain forms. But can cats eat pork, or is pork poisonous to cats? Let’s find out.

Can cats eat pork?

Let’s settle this - is pork safe for cats or is pork poisonous to cats? Pork certainly isn’t poisonous to cats - it’s a safe meat option that’s high in protein and other nutrients that’ll benefit your feline friend. You might be wondering why you’ve rarely seen pork as an ingredient in cat food off the shelf, then. Well despite the fact that it’s packed with protein and other nutritional goodies, pork can be seriously high in fat (depending on the cut) and often high in sodium (salt) - both of which are bad news for our feline friends (take a look below for more on this! Additionally, raw pork should never be fed to cats, due to the risk of infections and parasites and bones should also never be given, as they can be a risk for choking and obstruction.

Is pork good for cats?

Pork isn’t the best option for cats - there are other meats out there (like chicken) that have less salt and fat and a higher proportion of lean protein, making it a much healthier option for your feline friend. If your cat consumes foods with too much fat, they can easily gain weight that could lead to obesity and artery blockages. Too much salt in their diet could cause stress to your cat’s kidney, liver and heart or even cause sodium poisoning.

Health benefits of eating pork

Despite its high fat and sodium content, there are some health benefits to pork. Before we get into its pros, note that there’s nothing stopping you (or your cat) from getting those nutritional benefits from other meats and foods that don’t have as many drawbacks. Now, onto pork’s nutritional value…

• Protein. As it’s a meat, pork is naturally high in protein - something that’s vital for your kitty’s diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, so getting their fair share of animal protein in everyday is vital for their health. But for a healthy kitty, you shouldn’t be feeding them pork as their main source of protein - it’s got far too much fat and salt for this to be a healthy option.
• Micronutrients. Pork provides a variety of B vitamins plus potassium, phosphorus, niacin and zinc. 

Feeding your cat pork

You might notice your kitty eyeing up your plate if you’re eating pork - our feline friends just seem to know when we’ve got something delicious and nutritious on the go! Just be sure not to feed your cat pork straight off your plate if it’s been cooked in oils, seasonings or sauces. Why? Well cats are intolerant to a whole host of foods us humans enjoy, such as garlic or onions, so anything safe to feed your kitty must be shared with them completely plain, and of course, cooked all the way through.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community. 

Other foods that are safe for cats

Any responsible pet parent should be up to date on what cats can and can’t eat - here are a few foods that are safe for cats.

• Some beans
• Shrimp
• Rice
• Oatmeal