Can cats eat bones? Usually, we think that only dogs are fond of eating bones, but in reality, cats are also among the species that love to consume bones. But dogs have different dietary requirements in comparison to your feline friend. So, you would want to know, can cats eat bones?
Although cats are carnivores and require a lot of proteins to revitalize their bodies and perform daily activities, the bones contain calcium and proteins. They may also help clean your cat’s teeth, but you cannot assume they are free of bacterial load. So are bones safe for your cat?
Can cats eat bones? Yes, your cats may consume bones as they provide vital nutrients to your furry fellow. But they may contain bacteria that can hurt your cat by causing gastrointestinal issues. So, occasional feeding is recommended. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of feeding bones.
Health benefits of feeding bones?
Can cats eat bones? What are the health benefits of feeding bones? Your cat’s regular diet consists of proteins, which it acquires by consuming an animal-based diet. Besides eating meat, cats consume some other food items to obtain healthy nutrients but only moderately.
Bones are also part of the meat your furry buddy consumes, but they can be given separately by adding some portion to your cat’s regular diet. It may prove to be a healthy diet for your feline friend.
Raw bones are more beneficial for your cat as they do not break into pieces like cooked bones. They assist your cat in increasing its nutrient intake and improving the health of its gums and teeth. Moreover, the continuous chewing of bones inside the oral cavity removes dirt from your cat’s teeth.
Another major nutrient that bones deliver is iron, which is present in the bone marrow and necessary for red blood cells’ health. Red blood cells are essential for transporting oxygen through the blood to carry out cellular reactions.
Bones also contain calcium, a crucial mineral that strengthens your cat’s bones, shaping up their solid body stature. Also, bones promote your furry friend’s magnesium intake, which helps stabilize digestion.
It also controls your cat’s heartbeat and sleeps cycle, providing mental peace. As we know that magnesium deficiency can cause constipation in your kitty, bones are good for your cat’s digestive health.
Food for Cats: Did You Know?
Felines are not actually picky eaters as one might think. Therefore, we have looked at several different foods and tell you if it’s safe for your cat to eat or not. Like this one: Can Cats Eat Sour Cream?
Risks of feeding bones to your cat?
Can cats eat bones? The risks of feeding bones to your cat discourage some pet owners, who discontinue providing bones to their cats. It is a fact that bone consumption carries certain risks, and it must be given to your cats with extreme care.
Bacterial contamination of bones can pose a severe threat to your cat’s health, and these bacteria can be transferred to humans through your cat’s feces and saliva. Commonly, salmonella and campylobacter are the two bacteria that produce unwanted health concerns.
Secondly, feeding cooked bones to your furry fellow may block intestinal passage because they are soft, while raw bones are hard and do not split into small pieces. Cooked bones may pierce your cat’s internal organs halting the internal body functions. Also, bones contain a choking hazard as they may get stuck in your cat’s airway or oral cavity resulting in difficulty breathing and suffocation.
How many bones can your cat eat?
If your cat loves eating bones, slowly introduce a small quantity of raw bone into its routine diet and monitor its behavior. A calm reaction suggests that feeding a small number of bones to your furry fellow is safe.
Therefore, you can provide bones once a week by adding them to your furry friend’s daily diet. Make sure that the bones you are offering contain less bacterial contamination. Also, if you see adverse effects in your cat, immediately stop feeding bones.
Are bones bad for cats to eat?
The bones do not contain toxic compounds that make your cat unwell, but they can cause choking in your cat by blocking the air passage. Also, the gastrointestinal tract can suffer from tears and blockages disrupting digestion.
Are bones safe for cats to eat?
Can cats eat bones? Bones are safe for your cats only if you feed them in a limited quantity. They provide proteins and beneficial minerals to your furry friend that may aid in its growth. The bones keep your cat healthy and active as they continue chewing them.
Conclusion – Can cats eat bones?
So, can cats eat bones? Yes, your cat can consume bones as they help sustain its growth by delivering crucial nutrients, but overfeeding can harm your cat.
