Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve run out of cat food? It’s a common problem, whether you forgot to buy it or your cat’s favorite brand is out of stock. Knowing what’s safe to feed your feline friend in such moments is crucial. This guide provides alternatives to cat food, ensuring your cat receives essential nutrients until you can restock their regular meals.
Considerations Before Serving an Emergency Meal
While offering temporary substitutes is fine, remember that these options aren’t nutritionally complete and shouldn’t replace your cat’s balanced diet in the long run. These emergency meals are meant to bridge the gap until you can resume their normal feeding routine.
Before preparing any substitute meal, ensure that the ingredients are low in salt and fat. High salt or fat content can lead to excessive thirst and digestive issues in cats.
Always consider your cat’s dietary needs, allergies, and intolerances. Avoid any foods known to be toxic to cats.
Important: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning meat is essential for their survival. They require taurine, an essential amino acid found in commercial cat food. Keep this in mind when preparing an emergency meal.
What Can Cats Eat When You Run Out of Cat Food? Safe and Nutritious Alternatives
You might be surprised by the variety of cat-safe foods you already have. Here are some options (plain, unseasoned, and additive-free) for an emergency meal:
- Cooked, boneless, skinless, unsalted meat (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb): Provides essential protein.
- Cooked, boneless white fish (cod): A good source of lean protein.
- Tinned tuna (in water, free from bones, oils, and seasonings): Another protein source, but use sparingly due to potential mercury levels.
- Roasted, grilled, or poached salmon (without oils, seasonings, or flavorings): Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, but avoid bones.
- Cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled – cut into tiny pieces): A good source of protein and amino acids.
- Boiled, unseasoned white rice: Can help with digestion as a binding agent.
- Boiled, unseasoned brown rice: Higher in fiber than white rice.
- Cooked butternut squash: A source of vitamins and fiber.
- Cooked, skinless, unseasoned sweet potato: Provides vitamins and fiber.
- Additive-free, cooked, tinned, or pureed pumpkin: Can help with digestive issues.
- Asparagus: Provides vitamins.
- Steamed broccoli (in very small amounts): Offers vitamins and fiber, but can cause gas.
- Carrots: A source of vitamins and fiber.
- Frozen or fresh, cooked garden peas (without additives): Offers vitamins and fiber.
- Spinach: A good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Strawberries: A treat in moderation, providing vitamins.
- Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants, offer as a treat.
- Watermelon (without seeds): Hydrating and provides vitamins, offer without seeds.
- Apples (peeled with core and seeds removed): A source of vitamins and fiber, ensure core and seeds are removed.
Crucially, always include a meat or fish source in your cat’s emergency meal to fulfill their protein requirements.
Can Cats Eat Dog Food?
Cats should not be regularly fed dog food. While a small amount won’t cause immediate harm, dog food lacks the specific nutrients cats need, especially taurine. If you’ve run out of cat food, prioritize the options listed above rather than resorting to dog food.
Foods to Avoid When Preparing a Cat’s Emergency Meal
Some foods are dangerous for cats. Avoid these when preparing a quick meal to protect your cat from potential harm:
- Raw meat, fish, or eggs: Can contain harmful bacteria.
- Raw or cooked bones: Can cause choking or internal damage.
- Skin (e.g., turkey or chicken skin): High in fat and can cause digestive issues.
- Bacon: High in salt and fat.
- Dairy products: Most cats are lactose intolerant.
- Nuts (e.g., macadamia, almonds, walnuts): Can be toxic to cats.
- Grapes and dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants): Toxic to cats.
- Alliums (onions, garlic, chives, leeks): Toxic to cats.
- Corn on the cob: The cob can cause intestinal blockages.
- Tinned peas: Often contain added salt and sugar.
- Avocado: Contains persin, which can be toxic to cats in large quantities.
- Cakes, pies, pastries, sweets, and chocolate: High in sugar, fat, and potentially toxic ingredients.
- Alcohol and caffeine (coffee and tea): Toxic to cats.
- Salt, sugar, and nutmeg: Can be harmful in large quantities.
- Xylitol (an artificial sweetener): Highly toxic to cats.
Remember: Cats should always have access to fresh, clean water, not milk.
Be mindful of portion sizes. While some human foods are safe for cats, always return to their regular cat food as soon as possible.
If you have concerns about your cat’s dietary needs, consult a veterinarian.
