What do cats like to eat? 15 foods to make kitty happy

As a fellow pet parent or keen pet sitter, you’ll likely know that cats are obligate carnivores - their main food source should always be meat. And boy, do our feline friends love chicken, fish and all that’s in between. 

But alongside their daily kibble, what do cats like to eat as an occasional treat? Which snacks really make kitty tick? Stick with us to explore a range of foods that’ll keep your feline purring - meat and more.

Cooked meat

If you’re asking yourself - what do cats like to eat, and what is a cat’s favorite food - well you’re in the right place. Our feline friends are crazy about meat - cats are obligate carnivores, so they need foods rich in amino acids to keep them healthy.

Be sure to only serve your feline cooked meat - the illnesses found in raw meat like salmonella and e. coli just aren’t worth the risk. And if you’re cooking for your feline, be sure to prepare meat without added fat, seasonings or spices.

Cooked fish

When it comes to food and cats, it’s no secret that they’re potty about fish. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish is bursting with nutrients that’ll benefit your feline’s health - that’s healthy skin, coat, joints and more.

As long as it’s prepared in a feline-friendly way (i.e. no additional fats, flavorings or spices), then small chunks of tuna and shrimp will be a real treat for your moggie.

Eggs

If you’re pondering - what do cats like to eat besides meat as a source of protein, well eggs are likely to be well-received by your protein-mad feline. Eggs (boiled or scrambled) are a fab treat for cats, as long as they’re served fully cooked, and naturally, avoid raw eggs altogether.

Cheese

A small chunk of plain cheese (such as cheddar) will be enthusiastically chowed down on by your feline. But always serve with caution - cheese should never be part of your cat's daily snacking. Why? Well many adult cats are lactose intolerant, so anything with too much of the stuff could cause an upset stomach.

Oatmeal

You might not know this, but oatmeal is a human food that our feline friends can give a try. As a whole other texture to their daily kibble, small amounts of plain oatmeal make for a comforting treat.

Asparagus

And what do cats like to eat besides cat food? Are there any vegetables that could be coming your kitty’s way any time soon? Well give asparagus a try - packed with antioxidants and assisting with digestion, a small chunk every now and then might be your feline’s cup of tea.

Cucumber

Cucumber is a good treat for cats who are served dry food on the regular - of all the vegetables cats can eat, cucumber has to be one of the most refreshing. Naturally, there is a chance your feline will turn her nose up at the stuff, but give a few small chunks a try as a treat.

Berries

If you’re wondering what a cat will eat on the fruit front, you could give berries a try. Wash thoroughly and cut into small pieces - their sweetness might just measure up to your feline’s refined palate.

Broccoli

If you’re wondering - what do cats like to eat that’s often on your dinner plate - give broccoli a go to make kitty feel involved. There’s a high chance he’ll hate the stuff, but a small chunk (served plain) may find its way into his favorite food list.

Carrots

If you’re after food for the cat in your life that they might be somewhat entertained by, give carrots a try. With an alphabet of vitamins, they sure are a healthy snack when served up occasionally, and are a great addition to homemade cat food.

Peas

Peas might just appear on your cat’s favorite food list - to change things up between bowl after bowl of cat food. A few garden peas every now and then might be fun for your feline to try, plus they provide a healthy dose of vitamins A, B, C and K.

Pumpkin

Who knew - pumpkin is adored by some cats as an occasional treat, and can even help to solve constipation problems (but always consult your vet first when it comes to gastrointestinal issues in your feline).

Celery

Cats don’t naturally reach for foods with such a bitter taste, but you never know, your feline in particular might love the nutty taste of celery. Plus, it’s a great source of vitamins and fiber. 

Ginger

While feeding your cat ginger should never be something you do on the regular, it can help to settle an upset stomach, and your feline’s refined palate might enjoy the taste.

Bananas

A small portion in moderation (according to Hill’s Pet Nutrition) is safe for cats when it comes to bananas - love them or hate them, your feline might enjoy their sweet, mellow taste.

The bottom line

Our feline friends can enjoy a complete and balanced diet (and a very happy life) on cat food only. The vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables safe for cats aren’t likely to have a huge effect on your feline’s health - they simply won’t be eating enough of the stuff. With that said though, like the loving pet parent you are, you might want to treat your feline every now and then, so always check any treat’s safety for cats before serving.

What can cats eat?

While keeping kitty happy is clearly your top priority as a pet parent, keeping her safe comes first. So, before sharing what you think might be a treat, check out what cats can eat.