Can cats eat Ham? This is one of the most common questions that owners ask. Many people love to eat ham, and it’s pretty delicious! So, if you are also among those people who love to eat ham, then you might be wondering whether your cat can eat ham too! Well, let’s find out!
Is Ham Safe for Cats To Eat?
The simple answer is No. Ham is not a safe food for cats, and your feline friend should not be allowed to eat ham at all. One of the reasons why ham should not be given to cats is because it contains a high level of purines.
Purines are naturally occurring chemicals that the body uses to create energy. However, too many purines in the body can lead to certain medical conditions such as gout, kidney stones, and other urinary tract problems.
Why is Ham Bad for Cats?
Apart from purine, ham contains a large quantity of salt and is often cured, which means that it contains a lot of preservatives. A cat will find this type of food very tasty because it contains a very high amount of sodium, but this can cause electrolyte imbalance, resulting in kidney damage. Ham is also full of grease and saturated fat, which can cause obesity, digestive issues, and heart problems.
Ham is primarily fat and unprocessed meat, making it very difficult for a cat’s digestive system to process. Feeding ham to a cat can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or an upset stomach which can be dangerous to the feline’s health.
Cats are strict carnivores. Unlike humans, cats still have several essential amino acids that can only be found in meat protein. A cat’s body cannot synthesize these amino acids on its own, and if they do not get the right number of proteins from meat, then their bodies suffer as a result.
It is essential that a cat eats high-quality protein and low carb. Lean meat is the best choice for the feline species. Ham is not lean meat.
Ham Alternatives For Cats
There are numerous types of food that you can feed your cat instead of ham. You can give them fish and meat that is properly cooked, and you should always check the label to make sure that there are no harmful ingredients added to the meat.
It is essential that the cut of meat you feed your cat is lean and contains no visible fat. Fatty meats are not suitable for feline’s health because they lack the required enzymes to digest them.
It is also essential that the meat is not processed because that will only make the cat feel full without providing it with all of its essential nutrients. Processed meat also causes illness and other problems in the cat’s digestive system.
Remember, cats are not scavengers, so you cannot feed them food scraps. Always check the label to ensure that there are no salts or harmful additives included in the meat. Juicy cuts are also a great choice.
Lean chicken or turkey can be fed to the feline species, but you need to be cooked appropriately.
What to Do if your Cat Eats Ham?
If your pet has eaten ham, it should be monitored to check if they have any problems digesting the food. If the cat displays any of the following symptoms, take them to a vet immediately: diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, loss of balance. Take the following first-aid measures until you get to the vet’s office:
- Remove any traces of ham from your cat’s mouth by washing it with lukewarm water.
- Give your cat smaller portions of food and water.
- Give them (an over-the-counter) anti-diarrheal. If there are no products that you can buy at a store, take the cat to a vet.
Do you Know?
We’ve done our research for lots of foods and have vetted them if they are safe for your pets. Why not check out this article: Can Cats Eat Grapes?
How Do I Store Ham to Prevent my Cat from Eating it?
If you want to give your cat some of the non-ham type foods mentioned above, you should never leave them where your cat can get access to them.
All meat should be stored in an airtight container to ensure that no pets can access it. Like all other meats, the ham should be stored in the fridge, or you should be able to store it in a secure place so that your pet cannot reach it.
Finally, do you think that cats’ nutritional needs are too restrictive? Do you sometimes feed your cat ham to give them a break from their usual food? You shouldn’t do that because it can put their health at risk.
