Can cats eat oatmeal? This might be something you’ve thought about if your cat tried to sneak a taste while you were fixing yourself a bowl of oatmeal to start your day. If humans can eat oatmeal, can cats safely eat it too?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat oatmeal. Serving oatmeal to your cat can provide a number of positive health benefits, and oats are often used in certain commercial cat food formulas. Just make sure that you keep an eye on the amount of oatmeal you are serving to your cat and the way you cook it.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your resident feline, including oatmeal. Here’s what you need to know about oatmeal and cats.
How Is Oatmeal Good For Cats?
When served correctly, oatmeal can be a good source of protein and vitamins for your cat. Oatmeal is high in many B vitamins, along with iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
Oatmeal also contains a good amount of fiber, which can help kitties that might be suffering from digestion issues. In some cases, oatmeal can also help lower a feline’s cholesterol.
How Can I Safely Give Oatmeal To My Cat?
First of all, it’s worth noting that cats are obligate carnivores, so the majority of their nutrition needs to be provided by meat protein. So think of oatmeal as a smart-but-small addition to your cat’s regular mealtime routine, rather than a cornerstone of their diet.
When it comes to serving oatmeal to your cat, make sure that you cook it in water as opposed to milk. Secondly, avoid adding any salt when you cook the oatmeal, and definitely do not add any extra toppings such as sugar or syrup when you’re serving it to your cat.
Let the oatmeal cool to room temperature before your cat eats it. Also, start out offering up a very small amount of oatmeal to your feline, such as a teaspoon to begin with. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you’re unsure about a safe amount of oatmeal to serve to your cat.
Finally, stick to serving natural plain oats to your cat. Avoid commercial oatmeal brands, especially instant oatmeal, that might contain additional salt, spices, or artificial sweeteners.
Does your cat ever enjoy snacking on oatmeal? Do you ever give them a taste as a treat? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
