Vet note: Cats are obligate carnivores. New foods should be introduced in pea-sized amounts. If your cat has pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetes, or food allergies, get your veterinarian’s guidance first.
Cats can enjoy a few simple, unseasoned “people foods” as toppers or occasional treats. Keep portions tiny, avoid spices (especially onion/garlic), and prioritize hydration.
1) Plain Cooked Chicken or Turkey (No Skin/Seasoning)
Why it’s good: Lean animal protein—right in a cat’s wheelhouse.
How to serve: Boiled/poached/baked, unseasoned. Finely shred for easy chewing.
Portion idea: 1/2–1 tsp for most adult cats as a meal topper.
2) Cooked Salmon or Sardines (Water-Packed, Boneless)
Why it’s good: Omega-3s for skin/coat; high-value flavor.
How to serve: Bake/poach and flake. Rinse canned fish if salty; remove bones/skin.
Portion idea: 1/2–1 tsp, 1–2x per week. Not daily.
3) Eggs (Fully Cooked)
Why it’s good: Complete protein and biotin.
How to serve: Scrambled or hard-boiled—no oil, salt, or butter.
Portion idea: 1/2–1 tsp, 1–2x per week. Avoid raw egg/whites.
4) Pumpkin Purée (100% Pumpkin)
Why it’s good: Gentle fiber that may help with stool quality and hairballs.
How to serve: Mix into wet food; ensure it’s plain pumpkin (not pie filling).
Portion idea: 1/4–1/2 tsp once daily as needed.
5) Unsalted Bone Broth or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
Why it’s good: Encourages hydration and adds aroma to meals.
How to serve: Room temp or slightly warm over food. Must be onion/garlic-free.
Portion idea: 1–2 tsp over a meal; can freeze into ice cubes.
6) Plain Yogurt or Kefir (Lactose-Free Preferred)
Why it’s good: Calcium; some cats tolerate small amounts well.
How to serve: Offer a lick; avoid added sugar/sweeteners (especially xylitol).
Portion idea: 1/4–1/2 tsp occasionally. Skip if it causes soft stools.
7) Blueberries
Why it’s good: Antioxidants; many cats enjoy batting them around first.
How to serve: Fresh or thawed; halve small berries for tiny mouths.
Portion idea: 1–2 small berries as a treat.
8) Cucumber or Zucchini
Why it’s good: Hydrating, low-cal crunch.
How to serve: Thinly peeled, tiny dice; serve plain.
Portion idea: 1/4–1/2 tsp of tiny pieces.
9) Green Beans or Peas (Cooked, Plain)
Why it’s good: Small fiber boost for cats prone to constipation or hairballs.
How to serve: Steam and mash into wet food.
Portion idea: 1/4–1/2 tsp.
10) Tuna in Water (Occasional Only)
Why it’s good: High-value flavor for picky eaters.
How to serve: Choose light tuna in water; drain and flake. Use to spark appetite, not as a staple.
Portion idea: 1/2–1 tsp, once weekly max (mercury & thiamine balance concerns).
How to Serve Human Foods Safely (Cats)
- Start with a pea-sized bite and observe for 24 hours.
- Only add one new item at a time.
- Keep toppers/treats to <=10% of daily calories (most indoor cats need 180–250 kcal/day).
- Always serve PLAIN—no salt, oil, butter, onions/garlic, chives, or spice blends.
- Prioritize moisture: pair toppers with wet food or broth to boost hydration.
Quick ‘Do Not Feed’ List for Cats
- Onions, garlic, chives, leeks (raw/cooked/powdered)
- Chocolate/cocoa, caffeine (coffee/tea/energy drinks)
- Alcohol; unbaked yeast dough
- Xylitol (in sugar-free yogurt, syrups, gum, some peanut butters)
- Grapes/raisins (avoid entirely)
- Cooked bones (splintering) and very fatty trimmings (pancreatitis risk)
- Dairy if it causes GI upset (many cats are lactose-intolerant)
Sources & Notes
- International Cat Care—feline nutrition & safe treats
- Merck Veterinary Manual—feline nutrition basics & toxicology
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control—people foods toxic to cats