American Shorthair cats make wonderful pets. They are known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful. Like any other pet, American Shorthairs need a balanced diet to stay healthy and active. In this article, we will discuss what human foods American Shorthair cats can eat.
What is an American Shorthair’s Diet?
Before discussing human foods that an American Shorthair can eat, it is essential to understand what constitutes their dietary needs. As obligate carnivores, these feline friends require a high protein diet. Therefore, meat should constitute the primary ingredient in their meals.
Commercial cat food brands have specifically designed products that cater to your American Shorthair’s nutritional requirements. These products contain all the necessary nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, required for healthy growth and maintenance.
However, sometimes, you might want to share some of your food with your furry friend. In such cases, it is crucial to check if the food is safe for them to consume.
Human Foods American Shorthair Can Eat
1. Cooked Meat
Cooked meat like chicken, beef, and turkey is an excellent source of protein for your American Shorthair. However, make sure to remove all bones and skin as they can cause choking hazards and digestive problems. Also, ensure that the meat is fully cooked to avoid any bacterial infections.
2. Fish
Fish, especially salmon and tuna, is another great source of protein for your American Shorthair. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and fur. However, do not feed them raw fish as it may contain harmful parasites or bacteria. Moreover, you should limit the amount of fish you give your cat, as it can lead to mercury poisoning.
3. Vegetables
Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can cook them and mix them with your cat’s food. However, avoid feeding them onions, garlic, or other alliums as they can damage your American Shorthair’s red blood cells.
4. Fruits
Fruits like bananas, apples, and blueberries are safe for American Shorthairs to consume in small amounts. They contain vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy immune system. However, avoid feeding them grapes, raisins, or citrus fruits as they can cause digestive problems.
5. Dairy Products
Dairy products like cheese and milk are not harmful to cats, but they do not provide any nutritional benefits either. Moreover, most adult American Shorthairs are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive issues if they consume large amounts of dairy products.
6. Cooked Eggs
Cooked eggs provide an excellent source of protein for your American Shorthair. Scrambled or boiled eggs are a great treat for your furry friend. However, it would be best to avoid raw eggs, as they may contain salmonella.
Human Foods American Shorthairs Should Avoid
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats even in small amounts. Consumption of chocolate can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in severe cases. Therefore, you should keep chocolate away from your American Shorthair.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol can cause severe health problems in cats, including liver damage, respiratory failure, and even death. Therefore, never give alcohol to your American Shorthair, intentionally or unintentionally.
3. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage your American Shorthair’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Therefore, avoid feeding your cat any dishes containing onions and garlic.
4. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in American Shorthairs. Therefore, it is best to keep them away from your cat’s diet.
5. Caffeine
Caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors in American Shorthairs. Therefore, avoid feeding your cat food or beverages containing caffeine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, American Shorthairs require a high protein diet to stay healthy and active. Commercial cat food brands offer products specifically designed to cater to their nutritional requirements. However, if you want to share human food with your feline friend, make sure it is safe for them to consume.
Cooked meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and eggs are some of the human foods that your American Shorthair can eat in moderation. On the other hand, chocolate, alcohol, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and caffeine are harmful to cats and should be avoided at all costs.
As a responsible pet owner, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet for your American Shorthair. If you have any doubts regarding your cat’s dietary needs or health, consult a veterinarian.
