Can cats eat bacon? Yes, they can! Hooray!!
However there are a few important things to consider when giving your cat bacon. How much bacon is too much? Can it be raw? Can it cause my cat any health complications?
These are some of the important questions we will be looking at in more detail, plus discover many more need to know facts all about your fur buddy and bacon.
My everyday experiences as a practicing vet nurse brings many cats to my attention with health complications, some of these are brought on mainly due to diet choices.
As much as we would like to share our human food with our feline king or queen, sometimes it is not such a good idea.
In this article we will be looking at the dos and don’ts, answering the question can cats eat bacon?
- Is bacon bad for cats
- How much bacon can my cat eat
- Can cats eat bacon as a treat
- Can cats eat raw bacon
- Can cats eat turkey bacon
- Long term health effects
CAN CATS EAT BACON OR IS IT BAD FOR THEM
Bacon is not a toxic food to cats and wont have any immediate harm. However, giving cats bacon on a regular basis can have some long term healthy complications, which we will be looking at in further detail.
Firstly lets discus exactly why bacon isn’t a healthy choice for your cat, after all they are obligate carnivores aren’t they?! so what makes some meats bad for them?
One 8g cooked slice of bacon contains approximately 137.4 mg of sodium an 3.3g of fat. This is high for us humans, let alone a cat!
The sodium content is almost 10 times the daily recommended daily intake and the fat content is only 1g short of our feline companions daily allowance.
Too much salt and fat in a cat diet can cause some major health complications to your little fur baby.
HOW MUCH BACON CAN CATS EAT
A small piece of bacon given on rare occasions isn’t likely to harm your kitty. If you are having some for yourself, we would recommend only tearing off a small piece to share with your cat.
If your adventurous kitty accidently gets hold of more than they should, you wont need to panic, however you may find that they will vomit due to an upset tummy.
CAN CATS EAT BACON FOR A TREAT
Bacon can be offered as a treat, however it is recommended to not exceed a maximum of one small piece no more than once a week.
An occasional treat will be appreciated that much more anyway, so its deffo worth holding out on it.
It would be best to stick to some healthier cat treats designed specifically for them.
CAN CATS EAT BACON RAW
Raw bacon is not harmful to cats however it must be fresh and ensure that it is raw not cured.
Raw meat can also pose a risk of choking, it must be to cut into very small pieces and follow all usual hygiene guidance when preparing raw meat.
Before feeding your cat any raw meat product it is best to check with your vet first.
CAN CATS EAT TURKEY BACON
Processed human foods have absolutely no nutritional value for cats. Turkey bacon carries the exact same risks as pork bacon.
In moderation there should be no somber health effects, however it is important to remember that turkey bacon still has a large quantity of sodium and fat, so would still put a strain on their heart and generate a higher risk of obesity if given on a regular basis.
FEEDING YOUR CAT BACON – LONG TERM HEALTH EFFECTS
Feline obesity
Bacon has a very high fat content, something cats should only receive a small amount of. Can cats eat bacon without gaining unnecessary weight? if fed to them frequently, I’m afraid that they will be sure to pile on the pounds.
Our kitty cats are actually asleep more than they are awake, meaning not much time is left for exercise, especially if they are a house cat.
Regardless of diet, its always good to encourage your indoor cat to exercise, this amazing but simple cat toy can keep them entertained for hours, check it out here.
You could also make your own DIY cat tree that your cat will love.
Feline obesity can also lead to further complications such as diabetes.
High Blood Pressure
Just like us humans, kitty cats can get high blood pressure too and its normally brought on by obesity. Just as it is in humans, the term for this is hypertension.
This is the reason why fatty treats such as bacon which also have a high salt and sodium content should only be offered to your cat on very rare occasions.
In very severe cases, high blood pressure could even cause cats to go blind, you’d most probably more than likely notice your cat bumping into things around the home.
If you are worried your cat may be showing symptoms of high blood pressure please contact your vet immediately.
Dehydration
When animals eat very salty foods they can become dehydrated. Eating foods such as bacon can cause cats to become very thirsty, they will drink a lot of water and if you aren’t home to top up their water bowl or you just simply forget, they can become dehydrated.
This is why when answering the question if can cats eat bacon we say yes, but only in very small amounts and definitely not as an always treat.
Remember to keep your cats water bowl topped up and refreshed at all times and avoid salty foods.
Salt Poisoning
Feeding your cat bacon in large amounts can cause salt poisoning. In fact just one slice contains over 10 times the daily amount of recommended salt for our feline friends.
You may spot your pet feeling lethargic, walking as though intoxicated, passing runny stools, feeling very thirsty and/or urinating more than usual. Salt poising can cause serious harm to cats and could even result in comas, seizures and possible death.
If you suspect salt poisoning, witnessing any of the above symptoms, please contact your vet for an assessment.
CAN CATS EAT BACON? LETS ROUND IT UP…
Cats should not be eating human processed meats. If your cat has a small piece of bacon now and then, all should be well with no harm done.
It should not however be substituted as regular food or a regular treat. If you are looking to treat your little bundle of fur then there are lots more healthier options available, for example these nutritious crunchy cat treats.