Cats can occasionally eat scrambled eggs as a treat. They are quite healthy, as they have a lot of vitamins and minerals that are good for cats. For instance, they’re an excellent source of protein, omega fatty acids, and biotin.
However, eggs are high in fat, and they are not nutritionally complete. Too many eggs can lead to malnutrition and other issues.
Furthermore, be sure not to feed your cat eggs with seasonings. Many seasonings are toxic to cats. For instance, cats can get salt toxicity when they consume too much salt. While cats do need salt, giving salted eggs to cats may be more salt than they need.
Eggs should also be given in small amounts at a time. If your cat eats too many eggs, it may cause stomach upset or constipation.
Benefits of Eggs for Cats
Eggs do provide several benefits for cats. Many people choose to give their cat a small amount of eggs for these reasons:
Protein
Eggs are very high in protein. They contain a lot of amino acids, which all cats need. They’re particularly high in taurine, which is necessary for cats’ vision, digestion, and heart function.
Fat
Eggs are also full of omega fatty acids. These are very healthy for cats, as they improve brain health and are required for overall optimal health.
Vitamins & Minerals
Eggs are high in a variety of different vitamins and minerals. For instance, they include vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin, iron, zinc, and others. Therefore, eggs can provide great health benefits.
Of course, most cats get plenty of these from their complete, commercial cat food.
Downsides of Eggs for Cats
There are also several downsides to feeding your cat eggs.
High in Fat
Eggs are high in fat. Therefore, your cat shouldn’t consume very much as they can easily gain weight from consuming too many eggs. Obesity is linked with many different health problems, so it’s vital that you limit how much your cat consumes.
Allergies
Some cats are allergic to eggs—just like some humans are allergic to eggs. Eggs are a possible allergen among cats and dogs, so you should monitor your cat for any adverse reactions after feeding them eggs.
You should only give a small amount of egg at first, building your way up to larger amounts.
Allergy symptoms are often skin-based for cats. If they’re allergic to eggs, they may become itchy, especially on their feet. Some cats end up with ear infections, for instance. Other cats get gastrointestinal issues.
Illnesses
Eggs can carry salmonella or E. coli bacteria if they are raw or undercooked, which can infect both cats and humans and cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or even death.
Raw eggs also contain a protein called avidin, which interferes with the absorption of biotin, a vitamin that cats need for healthy skin and coat.
However, cooking eggs destroys the avidin and harmful bacteria.
How to Prepare Scrambled Eggs for Cats
Preparing eggs for cats isn’t challenging. Crack the egg just like you normally would. You can give your cat the whole egg or just the egg white, depending on what your goals are. Whisk the egg to scramble it, as this makes it easier to eat for your feline.
Use as little oil or butter as possible. Don’t add any salt or seasonings, as many of these are not suitable for cats.
You can also boil eggs for cats, though not all cats will like the texture of hardboiled eggs. Make sure the eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill any harmful bacteria. Let the egg cool before serving.
Even when prepared correctly, some cats can’t handle eggs. Therefore, be cautious not to feed your feline too many eggs at once, especially in the beginning. A small portion of an egg is plenty for most cats.
Do Cats Like Eggs?
Most cats do like eggs. They’re very protein-rich and high in fat, which most cats find very yummy. Many felines love fat-rich foods as fat equals flavor in many cases.
The large majority of cats will eat plenty of eggs if given the choice, so they have to be monitored carefully. Be sure not to provide them with too many eggs, as most cats will absolutely eat more than they should. A little egg should be seen as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
Can Cats Eat Egg Shells?
Cats can eat eggshells, but it isn’t necessarily recommended. Eggshells can be a good source of protein and calcium. However, eggshells can cause damage to your cat’s mouth and esophagus, as they are sharp. Grinding up the eggshells can help eliminate some of the risks, but it doesn’t eliminate bacteria and similar problems.
It’s also best not to give eggshells to your feline due to the illness risk. However, you can sanitize and grind them up if you really want to give your cat eggshells. If you just want to give your cat eggs, removing the eggshell is the best option.
Conclusion
Cats can eat a small amount of properly cooked eggs. They shouldn’t include any added seasonings, and you should use as little oil as possible when cooking. Raw eggs are not okay for cats, as there is a chance of illness.
Eggs are very high in protein and natural fats, which helps your cat in numerous ways. They’re also pretty nutrient-dense.
However, eggs are also relatively high in calories. Being overweight can cause all sorts of problems for your feline, so it’s highly recommended that you carefully monitor the number of eggs your cat eats.
