Thanksgiving is coming up quick: the autumn holiday is only about a week or so away. Your feline friend will no doubt supervise your preparations closely. Fluffy may also try to lend a helping paw! For instance, your pet may thoughtfully knock small objects off your table or graciously add extra fur to your furniture to spark extra cleaning. She may also politely request that you share some of that delicious meal. Just be careful with what you offer. A local vet lists some suitable options in this article from Armitage Animal Clinic, your Newmarket, ON animal clinic.
Meat
Kitties are carnivores, so their diets should be based on meat, fish, and poultry. Fluffy can have most types of meat, including steak, beef, hamburger, sirloin, and ribs. There are a few caveats, however. Only offer cooked, plain, boneless meat. You’ll want to limit organ meat, such as kidney and liver. Also, avoid highly processed meats, as well as anything that’s high in fat or salt, such as bacon and sausage.
Fish
Fish is definitely one of Fluffy’s favorite foods. Pretty much any type of plain, cooked, boneless fish or seafood is fine. The list of options includes cod, haddock, flounder, salmon, and tilapia, as well as shellfish like lobster, shrimp, or crab. Plain, deboned canned tuna or salmon is also fine.
Poultry
Fluffy may be more than happy to sample that delicious turkey. Cooked, unseasoned boneless meat is fine. Other types of poultry, such as duck, quail, or chicken, are safe as well. Just don’t give your kitty any bones, fat, or gravy.
Fruits/Veggies
While meat, fish, and poultry should make up the bulk of Fluffy’s menu, she can have small amounts of safe produce. Some good options include peas; spinach; cooked squash, sweet potato, or pumpkin; and/or small amounts of safe fruits, like blueberries or bananas. Don’t let your furry buddy have anything with seeds, pips, or thick skin.
Unsafe Options
It’s also important to know what your kitty shouldn’t eat. That list includes garlic, onion, scallions, and chives; grapes and raisins; avocados; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; meat on the bone; raw dough or yeast; and anything that contains xylitol, which is sometimes labeled as birch sugar. Dairy products are also on the no-no list. Despite common misconceptions, many cats are lactose-intolerant. Ask your vet for more information on safe and unsafe foods.
Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at Armitage Animal Clinic, your Newmarket, ON animal clinic. Please feel free to contact us anytime.
