Our cats are more like family to us than mere pets. We love them, and they make us as happy as human children make their parents. No matter what people say, they’re undoubtedly the best! But all this said, caring for a cat is a big responsibility. You can feed your feline friend from your plate, but be cautious because some human foods are unhealthy for cats. Below, we’ve listed seven safe options to consider.

Fish
This is an easy one. You might know how much Garfield loves tuna, and your little kitty will be no different. Salmon, crab, tuna, and herring are fish you can eat and share with your pet. Fish have healthy omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient for keeping cats healthy. Omega-3s are all the more important if your kitten is growing. But always ensure fish is well-cooked and not excessively seasoned. Uncooked fish has pathogens that affect you and can also be dangerous to cats.

Oatmeal
A lesser-discussed human food that’s cat-safe is oatmeal. This pasty food, a rich source of energy and vitamin B, could be a good breakfast option for you and your pet cat. But though oatmeal is ideal to start the day, not all felines like it. So, try a little, perhaps with milk, since cats like milk. If you’re looking to make your kitten try new foods, it’s a good idea to introduce them with something they already like. Doing so may make them want to try it out of curiosity.

Eggs and chicken
Whether the chicken came first or the egg, your cat probably doesn’t care. Eggs and chicken are both human foods your pet may choose over other moist foods. Your little feline might prefer the egg yolk to the whites, which is good because the yolk contains more nutrients and protein and is tasty. Chicken is a staple ingredient in many brands selling wet cat foods, probably because of a cat’s obligate carnivorous nature. When cooked thoroughly, chicken is also an ideal source of lean protein.

Cheese
A popular dairy product your tabby might be interested in is cheese. Like most veterinarians, your kitten probably figured out that cheese has high amounts of protein and calcium. Most kinds of cheese smell good to your pet, so don’t be surprised if they show up when grilling a cheese sandwich. It’s best to feed them hard cheeses like gouda or Swiss rather than soft cheeses like feta or ricotta. You can also bake cheese into treats for your kitty as a healthy alternative to packaged options.

Berries
Berries are good sources of fiber, vitamins like A and C, and antioxidants, all of which support good health and reduce the marks of aging on the body. Strawberries and blueberries are particularly rich in antioxidants and low in sugar. They’re fun treats for feeding your feline baby after playing with them. Your kitten may take time to learn the new taste, so be patient. Berries are an excellent food to share as you snack on them yourself.

Spinach
A surprising human food that’s safe for your pet cat is spinach. Take a lesson from Popeye and consider this leafy green veggie, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and calcium. Spinach is good for health, so several commercial cat food brands like Purina and Hill’s include them in their recipes. With the ability to promote immunity, strengthen bones, and improve heart health, there’s little reason why you cannot share spinach with your entitled, cute pet cat. However, be cautious if your cat has a kidney condition, as spinach could be dangerous in such cases.

Fruits
Many fruits that usually appear on your grocery list are cat-safe. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium. Apples (without the skin, stem, and seeds) are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C. Watermelons and cantaloupe are watery fruits that shower your pet with nutrients and antioxidants.

Feeding tips to follow
Adding human food into your pet cat’s bowl can seem exciting. You may have found one more thing to share with your furry soulmate. However, there are a few critical things to consider when feeding your cat human foods:

Pay attention to your kitten’s interests
Some cats may not be interested in human foods, so don’t force them. If your pet shows interest in a new food, ease the transition by pairing it with treats they already like. This means giving your cat combinations of foods, like mixing salmon and spinach.

Don’t overdo it
Human food cannot be your kitten’s meal but only a snack. If you share almost every meal with them, you might put their health at risk. Speak to a vet about how many snacks are allowed and which human foods are safe for your kitty.

Dog food is a big no-no
Rather obviously, your furry pet isn’t a canine. Dog food contains several different ingredients and combinations unsuitable for cats.

Not all human foods are cat-safe
The allium in onions, chives, and garlic can cause circulatory problems in your cat by impeding oxygen delivery to vital organs. Over time, even minor ingestions of these vegetables can leave your cat anemic and weak, with elevated heart rate, and can even lead to death. A few other harmful foods for felines include grapes, raisins, caffeine, and chocolate.

Your pet cat is a little being under your care. Don’t let your desire to be close to them or pamper them compromise their safety. Take a few minutes to check if the food on your plate is safe to share. If not, it’s best to go online and purchase cat foods meant explicitly for them. Many cat food brands like Tiki Cat, Purina, Hill’s, and Smalls sell ready-to-eat wet cat foods to maintain your pet’s health. Wet cat foods have higher moisture levels and use fresh ingredients. Speak to a vet to learn about available options and which human foods are safe for your cat.