What to Feed Your Cat on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses, a tapestry of traditions we eagerly share with family.  Who says that can’t include the whiskered members of our household?

While cats may not appreciate the sentiment of a toast or some fine stuffing, they’re certainly keen on partaking in the culinary celebration.

But there are a few things to cover before you set a place for your feline at the table.  Let’s ensure their holiday plate is just as delightful as it is safe. After all, a happy cat makes for an even happier holiday.

What to Feed Your Cat on Thanksgiving

Cats LOVE turkey

As the leaves turn and the air chills, Thanksgiving ushers in a season of warmth, gratitude, and sumptuous feasts. While we pile our plates high with holiday favorites, our feline friends needn’t be left out of the gastronomic celebrations. However, their Thanksgiving menu requires a bit more curation to ensure it’s both delightful and safe.

Turkey

The star of the show, turkey, is more than just a human favorite—it’s also a cat’s delight. Cats are obligate carnivores.  That is, they thrive on meat for their protein and nutrient needs. A morsel of plain, cooked turkey is a feline-approved indulgence. Stick to the lean, white meat, ensuring it’s free from the rich, fatty skin and dangerous bones. Remember, while a nibble of turkey can be a treat, moderation is key to maintaining your kitty’s health and waistline.

Mashed Potatoes

Who doesn’t love a spoonful of creamy mashed potatoes? If your recipe is plain and devoid of alliums—like garlic and onions—it may be ok.  But wait, this mash includes rich dairy products of butter and cheese.  Whoops, we have to draw the line here…let your cat indulge but only in a tiny taste. These additions can cause digestive issues, so keeping it simple is the way to go for your cat’s mini feast.

Cranberries (Not the Sauce)

Cranberries, in their pure form, are a healthy treat, packed with vitamin C and fiber. A dab of cranberry sauce can be a cat’s treat, as long as it’s not swimming in sugar or artificial sweeteners. Remember, what’s a dollop for you is way more than enough for your tiny carnivore.

Green Beans

Green beans can be a crunchy, healthy snack for your cat when served plain. They’re full of beneficial fiber and are low in calories, so they’re an ideal treat for your cat to crunch on. Just ensure they’re not prepared with any added fats or dangerous alliums.(garlic, onions)

Plain pumpkin is a treat for cats

Plain pumpkin is a treat for cats

Pumpkin (Definitely Not the Pie Kind)

Pumpkinisn’t just for lattes and pies; it’s also a good feline-friendly food when served correctly. Plain, cooked pumpkin is rich in fiber and can aid your cat’s digestion. However, steer clear of the pie filling or any pumpkin dish that’s been pre-spiced or sweetened.

Cooked Carrots and Peas

Carrots and peas can add a pop of color and a dose of nutrients to your cat’s Thanksgiving plate. These veggies should be cooked and served plain, making them easier for your cat to digest and enjoy. They’re not just tasty; they’re also packed with vitamins and fiber. But remember, no sugar, no butter!

As we consider the bounty of Thanksgiving and the joy of sharing it with our feline family members, it’s important to remember that these foods Can be safe in moderation.  You should not think of them as a replacement for your cat’s regular diet. Their nutritional needs are specific, and their daily feline-formulated food is designed carefully to meet those needs. With these guidelines, you can offer a Thanksgiving treat that’s both safe and special for your cuddly, beloved cat.

What Not to Feed Your Cat on Thanksgiving

When the aroma of Thanksgiving cooking fills the air, it’s tempting to let our cats sample the feast. But beware, pet parents! Some traditional treats can be more trick than treat for our feline friends. Let’s carve out the facts about which festive foods to keep off your kitty’s plate.  And we’ll explain why they’re not on the guest list.

All Things Allium

Keep that wish bone away from your cat

Onions, garlic, leeks, and scallions might be the cornerstone of flavor for us, but for cats, they’re a recipe for trouble. These alliums contain compounds that can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells. In a word, these lead to a dangerous condition called Heinz body anemia. No joke here! This isn’t just a small upset; it’s a serious health hazard that can lead to weakness and jaundice.  In essence, it may even lead to life-threatening complications.

Fatty Foods and Bones

A little turkey skin might seem harmless, but fatty foods can be difficult for cats to digest, potentially leading to pancreatitis. This inflammation of the pancreas is not only painful but can also be life-threatening. And those turkey bones? They can splinter and cause obstructions or tears in the gastrointestinal tract.  Further, emergency surgery may be required to save your kitty!.

Desserts and Other Sweet Treats

Sugar-laden treats like pumpkin pie and candied yams are a delight for humans but a definite danger for cats. High sugar content can lead to an upset stomach.  Besides, certain spices commonly used in these desserts, like nutmeg, can be toxic to cats. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which in large amounts can cause seizures or central nervous system issues. And xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, can lead to liver failure and hypoglycemia in cats.

Anything with Lactose

Despite popular beliefs, many cats are lactose intolerant. Their digestive systems aren’t equipped to handle dairy products like milk, cheese, or ice cream.  Results can be gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, or vomiting. So, while a cheesy casserole might be a comfort food for us, it could cause distress for your cat.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

Chocolate is a well-known no-no for cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that cats cannot metabolize effectively. Even small amounts can cause symptoms like hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and, in severe cases, death.

How to Feed Your Cat on Thanksgiving

Watch your cat’s portion size

As the Thanksgiving festivities begin, it’s a joy to imagine our feline companions partaking in the feast. However, when it comes to what’s on the menu for our cats, a thoughtful approach is essential. A modest serving of turkey, a small dollop of pumpkin can be a wonderful treat for your cat.  Even a couple of green beans will thrill.  But only if all of these are delivered in a way that suits their dietary needs.

Portion size should be the first consideration. Cats require much less than we might assume—a few bites of appropriate foods are sufficient. Overfeeding, even on a special occasion, can lead to distress or health issues for your cat. It’s also key to bear in mind that these treats are just that—treats. They should not replace the balanced nutrition your cat gets from their regular food.

When it comes to preparation, the golden rule is ‘less is more’. Cats have very sensitive digestive systems  In view of this, Thanksgiving offerings should be plain: no rich gravies, spices, or seasonings. Consider cooking a small portion of turkey without any added ingredients.  Or steam some vegetables without butter or salt, this will make them safe for your cat to enjoy.

Cats like routine. The manner in which you serve these treats can help maintain a sense of routine and comfort for your cat. Using their regular food dish.  This reminds them of their normal feeding habits and helps prevent any potential stress. In addition, it also helps to reinforce that there’s a clear boundary between pet food and human food.  Albeit an important issue for their behavior and health.

Introduce by mixing it up

Mixing a little bit of their usual food with the Thanksgiving treats is an idea. It can make the introduction of new foods smoother ensuring that your cat is getting a nutritionally complete meal. This approach is akin to blending new and familiar flavors.  As a result, you’ll make the holiday special for Whiskers without straying too far from what they know and love.

Mix thanksgiving food with normal meal

By following these simple guidelines, you can provide a festive and safe dining experience for your cat. This careful consideration ensures that as you enjoy the holiday, your cat does too.  And you are securing it in a way that’s best for their health and happiness. Now, as the meal concludes, let’s settle into the cozy after-dinner ambiance with your furry friend at your feet or in your lap.  It’s a good time to contemplate how we can keep our feline friends content as we enjoy the remainder of our Thanksgiving gathering.

As autumn leaves settle in and Thanksgiving becomes a heartwarming memory, it’s clear our feline companions bring us boundless joy. Together, let’s make every day as fulfilling as Thanksgiving, filled with purrs, play, and plenty of pampering for your beloved pets.

From savoring safe morsels to engaging in playful pursuits, every moment with our cats is an opportunity to enjoy their endearing companionship.

Banixx Cat Blog

At Banixx, we’re committed to extending this celebration of well-being throughout the year. We invite you to return to ourblogfor more feline insights. In short, we offer well-researched guidance on nurturing a happy, healthy life with your cat. As an example, if you are interested in how totreat cat hot spotsor takeof your cat’s ear infectionyes, we cover that.  Or are you interested in more quirky items? such as whydoes my cat get hairballs,or why doescatnip drive my cat crazy?we’ve got all that.

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Sources

https://www.almanac.com/best-and-worst-thanksgiving-foods-cats

https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/what-can-cats-eat/thanksgiving-foods-cats-can-eat-and-what-to-avoid

https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/thanksgiving-foods-safe-for-cats/https://wagwalking.com/daily/the-dos-and-donts-of-thanksgiving-foods-for-cats

cattime.com/holidays/25523-thanksgiving-foods-that-are-safe-to-share-with-your-cat