Pork is one of the most commonly eaten meats in the world.
From sausages to bacon, gammon to ham; it’s been a staple in the diets of many for decades.
But can cats have pork?
Felines are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal protein in their diet in order to survive.
As pork is extremely rich in protein, as well as numerous vitamins and minerals, it would appear on the surface to be an excellent food choice for our feline friends.
However, caution should be exercised when introducing it into their diet.
How to ensure your cat eats pork safely
Although cats can digest raw pork, we recommend cooking it thoroughly before serving it to them.
This way you will remove any risk of exposure to parasites and bacteria, and the nasty side effects that accompany these foreign invaders.
Be sure that it’s not too hot for them as well; aim for around room temperature.
One of the most important steps to take when feeding your cat pork – or any other meat – is to carefully remove all bones.
Cats’ canine counterparts may enjoy chewing down on the occasional bone, but for cats they present a real and dangerous choking hazard.
Finally, cut the pork into bite-sized chunks, making them as easy as possible to swallow.
Is pork considered a good treat for your cat?
As an occasional treat, there is no issue whatsoever in adding pork to a cat’s complete and well-balanced diet.
It’s tasty, nutritious, and highly digestible.
The key word here though is ‘occasional’.
Pork is definitely a treat best eaten in moderation. The main reason being it’s high in fat. Yes, it’s packed with protein, but when compared to chicken, fish and beef, pork does tend to be a lot fattier.
Indulging too much could lead to considerable weight gain and a myriad of health problems. If you’re thinking about feeding your feline processed pork – even as a treat – we would strongly advise against it. Forgetting the troublesome fat content for a moment, the large amount of salt found in processed meats can contribute to dehydration, obesity, and other health issues.
If you’re looking for alternatives to pork to treat your cat with, then here’s a list of healthy options you could try:
- Meat/fish. Feeding cats small pieces of chicken, turkey, or beef is a great way to incorporate even more protein into their diet, while oily fish scraps will provide an Omega-3 boost.
- Eggs. A fantastic source of protein for felines, cooked eggs are a worthy addition to your cat’s diet.
- Spinach. Boasting vitamins A, E and K, and minerals like magnesium and calcium, spinach is as nutritious as it is easy to prep.
- Pumpkin. Low in calories, high in fibre. Be sure to cook thoroughly though.
- Cheese. Fed to cats in small quantities, protein-rich cheese can add variety and flavour to a cat’s diet.
- Encore treats. Whether it be a Mackerel Fillet, a Whole Tuna Loin, or a Chicken Fillet with Rosemary, all our treats are 100% natural, and completely free from additives, colours and preservatives.
How do I introduce new food to my cat?
Slowly.
Whether it be pork, chicken, eggs or spinach, even the slightest alteration in a cat’s diet should be handled with the utmost care.
If you are changing their diet completely, then spend a week or two gradually decreasing the amount of food they’re currently eating, while slowly increasing the amount of new food.
When feeding them a treat they’ve never eaten before, start off with a small piece to see how they react. And remember, treats should not make up more than 20% of your cat’s daily diet.
For further dietary advice, see also: