Can Cats Eat Oatmeal?
A few questions worry may cat owners. Can I give my cat oatmeal? What amount of oatmeal can it consume? If oatmeal provides all these benefits to humans, can cats, also experience the same benefits? How frequently should my cat eat oatmeal? Which is the best form of oatmeal for cats? Below are some of the answers to these questions:
Should I Feed My Cat Oatmeal?
It is indeed true that you can feed your cat oatmeal but only in small quantities. Cats have a different nutritional requirement from humans and can be prone to stomach sensitivities What could be beneficial to humans is not that healthy for cats? They also have a different digestive mechanism as compared to humans.
What Portion Sizes Should I Give My Cat?
A cat diet consists of proteins. Oatmeal actually has a lot of carbohydrates and very little protein. It, therefore, does not provide the necessary nutrition requirement. It can, however, be used as a secondary meal alternative for the cat. Ideally, it should be used to give the cats treats.
Porridge Oats for Cats
Add a little salt. Cats have a low tolerance for salt levels. However, go easy on the salt levels to avoid poisoning your cat. Salt poisoning is a serious issue that should be avoided by any cost, says Cynthia Garcia from Crazy Pet Guy. If you notice signs of vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite or lethargy make sure to immediately take your cat to the veterinarian.
Add a little salt. Cats have a low tolerance for salt levels. However, go easy on the salt levels to avoid poisoning your cat.
Nutritional Benefits Oatmeal to Cats
Oatmeal has a wide variety of advantages:
- It is a source of iron. This is a good fit for the function of enzymes. Iron is required to make blood. Without iron, your cat is likely to suffer from anemia.
- It contains calcium and vitamin b6. Calcium is required for the formation of bones, especially in kittens. It also helps in ensuring that the nerves and muscles are coordinated and are working properly. Vitamin b6 is required by the body to break down proteins into amino acids.
- Oatmeal also contains manganese and a lot of fiber. Fiber helps in clearing digestive issues. This helps to keep the cholesterol levels low. They are low in gluten, and it helps in calming the digestive tract and regulating bowel movement.
- Oatmeal helps to stabilize the Hormones of your cat. When a cat is expectant, there is a fluctuation in the Hormones resulting in began change. Oatmeal helps to soften things out.
- Without forgetting, oatmeal has high diuretic properties. It is also considered anti-inflammatory and an antitumor, making it the best homemade cat food.
Side Effects of Oatmeal
Oatmeal is not purely good. Oatmeal may contain chocolate or rains. These two ingredients are very poisonous to cats and could result in death.
The daily calorie consumption for cats is up to 300 calories. A single oatmeal dessert contains about 100 calories. This means that a lot of care should be taken and limit the number of calories consumed. If you occasionally give your cat treats and raw food, reduce the amount even more as it is likely to cause a weight gain, which results in health issues. Organic raw cat food could be harmful to your cat.
Other Alternatives
There are several other types of food that cats can eat such as:
- Cooked beef
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Cooked spinach, among others
So, can cats eat oatmeal? Yes, they can. However, ensure that the oatmeal is prepared in a certain way. The portion of the oatmeal also matters a lot. This could result in a healthy cat or health complications for the cat. Follow these steps, and your cat will be very healthy. The easy way out is entering pet shows and games which can help you get free cat food supply to ease the burden of feeding your furry pet (now you know how to get free cat food and have fun while at it). It’s always better to make homemade cat food for the sake of your cat’s health.
Have you ever feed your cat oatmeal? Share your recipe with us!
For more great pet-related info check out The Pets Tutor
For more top cat Reviews go to MyCatsTopReviews.com
Thank you, Rachel Burns, for your content
About the writer: Rachel Burns is an animal lover and journalist based in Dallas. Writing about animals is the job of her dreams. When she’s not writing or spending time with her beloved dog, Charles, she enjoys road cycling. Connect with Rachel on Facebook.
A year or two ago, there were some stray cats that often visited my back porch, so I made some oatmeal that was slightly out of date and put it out for them, and my favorite kitten, a gray tabby, ate it, but some of the other cats didn’t even seem interested. I put little pieces of meat in it one time. I had to keep chasing (o)possums away, though. I don’t hate possums, and I think I’ve read that Native Americans kept them as pets, but I only wanted to feed the cats. A possum tried to approach me when I was walking one night, so maybe they’re friendly creatures, but I digress. My cat, or the cat that lives with me, eats like a pig, so I was shocked by the 300 calories part. He might need to go on a diet.
I have a 6 month old Persian kitten which I got when he was 2 months. This is how I make my breakfast. Boil water, add oatmeal and mix 3 whole eggs. Stir until fully cooked. Add some honey and one scoop of frozen berries. One day I’m eating my breakfast and cats being curious I let him smell the oatmeal on my spoon. He starts eating it. Ever since he goes crazy when I make breakfast and I have to spoon fed him as he will not eat it if I put it in his bowl.
We had about 28 ferals on the farm during the cold winters we would fix a big pot of oatmeal every morning for them .. I think we would get the oatmeal from the feed store in 50 pound bags.. We had open corn cribs so the cats would keep the mouse and rat population in check
Our 3 cats LOVE oatmeal. We sometimes prepare a big bowl for them and just let them go. The cat of my best friend is the opposite; she doesn’t like it at all! So it’s really hit or miss, it seems, and you have to try it and see what happens 😀
Ellie <3
Not me not my cat love oatmeal 😀 but if your cat wants and likes it why not, as it’s mentioned here give it as a treat. Some pet owners do not think and add in oatmeal cows milk.Can kitten drink cow’s milk?/a>No, it is not a good idea, they are lactose intolerant most of the time. Especially newborn kittens should receive mother’s milk and also a protein-based diet. Please always speak with your vet if not sure.