Can Cats Eat Eggs? What are The Benefits and Precautions?

You are no doubt familiar with the scene in Rocky where during Rocky's training montage he gulps down some raw eggs. While eggs are a good source of muscle building protein, realistically, Mickey should've said “Ya wanna die of salmonella? Make an omelet ya bum!”

Humans shouldn't eat raw eggs. But can cats eat eggs?

Can cats eat eggs?

The short answer is yes. Cats in the wild will even raid birds' nests for eggs. Cats are obligate carnivores that can only live on animal protein. Since the egg is entirely animal protein, this is a safe thing for them to eat. People who professionally raise show cats will even give their prize pussycat eggs every once in a while to keep the coat nice and shiny.

Some cat foods even have a bit of egg added both as binder and protein boost. If your cat has never had eggs before, try just a little at first to make sure they're not allergic. Only let them have the shells (rich in calcium) after grinding them into powder that they can't choke on.

Are eggs good for cats?

Eggs are not only high in protein and carbohydrate free, but packed with B vitamins, plus the vitamins A, D, E and K. Also included are thiamine, iron, riboflavin, zinc and selenium. The egg is very high in biotic, which makes strong claws, thick fur and clear eyes. They contain ten of the essential amino acids your cat needs.

Click Here To Find Out If Your Kitty Can Eat Chicken Bones.

The egg is also mostly water, so if Kitty doesn't hydrate herself as often as she should, a bit of egg might make up for it. If you've taken in a half starved stray or are trying to nurse a sickly cat that isn't eating well, a little egg may be what they need to put a little spring in their step.

How Often Should Cat Eat Eggs?

On the downside, eggs are high in fat and cholesterol. Excessive protein can be turned into fat. Eggs should be in moderation so you don't have a fat little kitty with heart problems. Egg whites contain avidin that can make it hard for Kitty to absorb all those B vitamins.

Cats with kidney problems or trying to watch their weight probably shouldn't eat them at all. They should never be eaten every day. When you do feed your cat an egg, she might not even want the whole thing. Just make it a once in a while treat.

Did you know that champion racehorses also consume eggs? This gives them powerful legs and a shiny coat. Racehorse trainers will feed their horse one egg a day for five days then skip three so they can absorb those B vitamins.

Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs?

Absolutely not. Not only do raw eggs carry salmonella and E. coli bacteria, but cooking the egg white burns away much of the avidin. As the white is the part with the most nutritional value, you really want to make sure that part of the egg is safe to eat.

Many raw diet recipies call for uncooked egg yolk. If you do this at all, do it rarely. While a wild cat might have no problem with a nest of raw eggs, your domesticated house pet is a very different animal.

Let's say Kitty found an egg you- that is, the Easter Bunny hid for your kids to find. As long as it's hard boiled and not an egg from last year, Kitty can have it. Just peel off the shell for her. Maybe don't grind this shell into powder as the dye might not be good for Kitty.

Click Here To Find Out If Your Kitty Can Eat Cheese

How To Feed The Right Way

Frying the egg [without ham 🙂 ] is fine if you do not use butter or heavy oils. Salt and pepper and other condiments will not be necessary. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so either skip this or use non-dairy milk if you like to put that in scrambled eggs.

Keep in mind that cats can be fussy eaters. They might not want to try an egg by itself. Mixing the egg with food you know your cat likes will get her to try it out. If you like eating boiled eggs, you can try offering your fuzzy friend a piece if she seems curious.

Conclusion

Eggs can be included as part of a cat's diet. While they are healthy, they should be kept in moderation and served thoroughly cooked. The egg should ideally be mixed in with Kitty's regular food, but a bit of boiled egg can be a treat if your cat likes it.

Whether you're fattening up a stray or just helping Fluffy's coat stay fluffy an occasional egg might be just what your healthy cat needs!