Cats are obligate carnivores, which suggests they have to eat meat; their bodies simply require it. (Then again, dogs are considered scavenging carnivores, which suggests they’re primarily meat eaters — but they may survive on plants alone if absolutely mandatory.) But what about meats like bacon? Can cats eat bacon? And if cats can eat bacon, should they?
What exactly is bacon and might cats eat bacon? Photography by Bottaci / Shutterstock.
The Basics About Bacon
Before we answer the query, “Can cats eat bacon?” let’s have a look at what bacon is precisely. Bacon belongs to the pork family, which is one in every of the more versatile meats that we include in family meal planning. But pork and its counterparts — like bacon and ham — are loaded with sodium, fat and calories that our cats should receive in very small doses.
Should Cats Eat Bacon?
So, can cats eat bacon? Technically yes. Having an excessive amount of bacon might make them immediately sick (more on that later), but the larger problem is that bacon can have some negative long-term effects on our felines. Many cats — especially as they age and are kept strictly indoors — do lots more sleeping than hunting or playing. They actually need a careful nutrition profile to counteract their lack of movement.
With a sleeping schedule of 16 to twenty hours per day (yes, you read that accurately), it doesn’t leave much time for the cat’s body to burn off the dense calorie profile of bacon or every other pork products. Bacon especially accommodates a variety of sodium and fat, which is not any higher for pets than it’s for us.
Simply put, eating an excessive amount of salt can result in the next conditions in your cat:
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Dehydration
- Clogged blood vessels
Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon?
Cats eating turkey bacon isn’t a greater alternative to your usual bacon, either. Turkey bacon must also be fed to cats in very small doses because of the high amount of sodium and preservatives required in making the product.
Can Cats Eat Bacon Bits?
You may also be wondering, “Can cats eat bacon bits, then?” Again, you need to avoid the unreal bacon bits that you might sprinkle on salads for the very same explanation why over-processed, sodium-rich products aren’t an amazing idea in your cat’s wellbeing.
Can Cats Eat Bacon Raw?
While it’s generally essential for any style of pork product to be cooked thoroughly to avoid parasites, you possibly can feed your cat an occasional piece of raw bacon. Nevertheless, the shortage of actual health advantages continues to be present so you’re strongly advised to seek the advice of with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist before feeding your cat any style of raw meat.
Cats Can Eat Bacon as Treats?
So, when should you feed a cat bacon? Bacon and bits of ham are particularly good to cover pills on a short-time basis, or as a high-level reward (think after a nail-trimming session or a visit to the vet). Remember: If it’s an occasional treat, it’s going to likely be appreciated that far more by your cat.
“We love our pets and wish to present them treats, but we regularly don’t take into consideration treats from a caloric standpoint,” says John P. Loftus, PhD, DVM, on the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “It adds up over time. Higher to indicate our love in ways aside from food.”
What Happens If Your Cat Eats a Lot of Bacon?
In case your cat unexpectedly ingests a hefty portion of the bacon you were going to serve to guests at a Sunday brunch, you might find that he gets an upset stomach and eventually vomits (so watch where you step). However the chances are high that he’ll be just high-quality, and hopefully you’ve got extra bacon to cook in your guests!
Thumbnail: Photography © anmbph | iStock / Getty Images.
Read more about what cats can — and might’t — eat on Catster.com:
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