As Thanksgiving approaches, our hearts fill with gratitude, and our stomachs rumble at the thought of a delicious feast. But wait a minute – what about our feline friends? Can they partake in the Thanksgiving joy? In this blog post, we’re talking about which Thanksgiving foods cats can eat and which ones you should keep far away from those curious whiskers.
Thanksgiving Foods Cats Can Eat
Turkey
Let’s start with the star of the show – the turkey! Good news, kitty fans! Cats can nibble on some plain, cooked turkey. Just make sure it’s plain, boneless, and doesn’t have any seasonings or sauces. Turkey is an excellent source of protein, and your furry buddy will thank you with a contented purr.
Read more: Why do cats purr? (Video)
Canned Pumpkin
Moving on to a Thanksgiving classic – the pumpkin. Canned pumpkin, minus the sugar and spices, can be a delightful addition to your cat’s menu. This tasty treat is also packed with fiber, which can help with those hairballs. A win-win, right?
Potatoes
Potatoes are next on our list. Plain, cooked potatoes are generally safe for your kitty. But hold off on the butter, sour cream, or any toppings. Keep it simple, and your cat might fall in love with this starchy treat.
Cranberries
Cranberries, with their tangy flavor, are another Thanksgiving staple. The good news is that plain, fresh cranberries are safe for cats in small amounts. However, the challenge lies in convincing your cat to enjoy these little red wonders.
Corn
Who doesn’t love corn on the cob? Well, our feline friends might find it a little challenging to eat it. But don’t worry, if your kitty is craving corn, you can still treat them to cooked kernels, which are totally safe for them. Just remember to serve them without any seasonings and remove the cob.
Cooked Peas, Carrots, and Green Beans
Cooked veggies like peas, carrots, and green beans are usually safe for cats. These can be a healthy addition to their diet. Just ensure they’re plain and cooked – no fancy sauces or seasonings.
Peeled Apples and Blueberries
Did you know cats can enjoy small amounts of peeled apples and blueberries? Just remember, moderation is key!
Read more: What Human Foods Cats Can Eat
Thanksgiving Foods Cats Can’t Eat
Now, let’s chat about some of the Thanksgiving foods that aren’t safe for our furry friends.
Turkey Bones
While plain, cooked turkey is a thumbs-up for the cats, the bones are a big no-no. They can cause serious harm to your cat’s digestive system. So, keep those bones off their menu.
Stuffing
Stuffing is a Thanksgiving favorite, but not all ingredients are cat-friendly. Herbs, onions, and garlic, commonly found in stuffing, can be harmful to cats.
Garlic and Onions
Speaking of onions and garlic, let’s emphasize their no-go status. These aromatic additions to our human meals contain compounds that can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Keep them away from your cat’s plate.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins, often found in desserts, are a big no for our feline friends. Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure in cats. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite. It’s best to keep these fruits away from your cat.
Cranberry sauce
As we talked about earlier, cats can eat fresh cranberries in small amounts. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cranberry sauce is not the best choice for them. The added sugars in the sauce can upset their stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Final Thoughts
With a little knowledge and some thoughtful preparation, your cat can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal that’s as safe as it is delicious. So, this holiday season, let’s raise our glasses (and catnip toys) to a Thanksgiving that’s truly cat-approved!
🦃🐾 Happy Thanksgiving, fellow cat enthusiasts! May your feasts be tasty and your cats content!