Can cats eat cereal? Cereals are a popular food source that people consume in their breakfasts worldwide. Cereal grains are full of energy that keeps your appetite in check throughout the day. But human foods also attract the furry fellow, making you think, can cats eat cereal?
Usually, cats consume animal-based foods such as meat to acquire the necessary nutrients. Proteins are the primary nutrients that fulfill their energy requirements and help them build a muscular body. Cereals also provide proteins but are plant-based food items, so are cereals safe for your cat?
Can cats eat cereal? Yes, they can eat cereals without any hesitation as cereals are fully packed with significant nutrients helpful for your cat’s growth. But cereals must not be refined as they will be devoid of certain nutrients. In this article, we shall try to demonstrate the benefits of feeding cereals to your feline buddy.
Health benefits of feeding cereal?
Can cats eat cereal? What are the health benefits? As a pet owner, you must be vigilant about your cat’s dietary needs. Human foods generally do not provide the same benefit to your furry friend as they do to humans themselves.
But cereals contain certain nutrients that may be helpful for your cat too. Also, nobody will discourage you from feeding your cat cereals, assuming their health benefits, but it is better to practice moderate feeding.
Fiber is an essential dietary component in cereals that helps your cat’s digestion mechanism. Fiber is responsible for maintaining the growth of beneficial bacteria inside your cat’s gut that assist in the digestive mechanism.
It creates a friendly environment inside the digestive system and maintains the metabolism and absorption of nutrients. Also, it plays a vital role in facilitating smooth bowel movements and preventing constipation. Furthermore, it may reduce the risk of harmful diseases such as heart ailment and controls blood sugar level.
Cereals possess several antioxidants essential in reducing inflammation as they eliminate free radicals from your kitty’s body. Free radicals can cause cell dysfunction and disturb your cat’s immune system.
They can also lead to serious health complications by causing arthritis and cancer. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants protect your furry friend by eradicating these free radicals.
Also, cereals help in boosting your cat’s energy level by provisioning beneficial nutrients. The minerals and vitamins such as vitamin E and zinc in cereal grains keep your feline friend healthy and energetic.
Vitamin E improves the reproductive performance of your kitty, while zinc plays a key role in controlling your cat’s metabolism and mental 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 Catnip?
Risks of feeding cereals to your cat?
It is evident from the above discussion that cereals do not contain any toxic compound that can harm your kitty. But cats are meat eaters, so their digestive system can consider cereals a foreign item. Also, refined cereals become overloaded with nutrients such as fiber and sugar, and they will cause health issues in your cat.
Overfeeding cereals can lead to gastrointestinal distress resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It can make your cat lethargic, and there is a sudden weight loss. Also, high fiber is difficult to handle for your cat’s digestive system, and it fails to function normally.
Moreover, refined cereals have increased carbohydrates due to extra ingredients. A high sugar level can cause obesity in your kitty leading to various health-related issues such as an increase in cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
How many cereals can you feed your cat?
The frequency of feeding cereals to your furry companion depends on your cat’s daily diet plan and its likeness to cereals. If your kitty is happily consuming its daily meat-based diet, then there is no need to introduce cereals to your furry friend. But if your cat shows interest in cereals, you can practice occasional feeding of cereals.
A bowl of cereal grains once a week is enough for your kitty but make sure your cat is not allergic to grains. If such a situation arises, immediately stop feeding cereals to your cat and continue its regular diet.
Are cereals bad for cats to eat?
Cereals are a plant-based diet, but they do not possess any toxic compounds or nutrients for your cat. However, if cereal grains are high in sugar, they can adversely affect your feline friend.
Are cereals safe for cats?
Can cats eat cereal? Yes, providing cereals to your cat is safe as they deliver essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, to your feline buddy. But it is better to avoid feeding a plant-based diet to your cat.
Conclusion – Can cats eat cereal?
So, can cats eat cereal? They contain nutrients vital for your furry friend’s growth but can cause problems if you overfeed them to your kitty.
