Can Cats Eat Eggs? Here’s the Full Answer

For a long time, eggs have been associated with high cholesterol and subsequently, increased risk of heart attack. Of course, too much cholesterol is not healthy for anyone. On the flip side, eggs contain moderate amounts of fat, but only on the yoke. In fact, the egg white hardly contains any fat, bringing the total content on an average egg to around 4.6 grams (about one teaspoon).

Out of this, only 1/4 is saturated fat (which has been shown to increase cholesterol levels). Eggs are also rich in high quality protein. This protein takes a long time to digest and contains all the building blocks of essential amino acids in the right proportions. So, should you or should you not feed eggs to your cat? Here is the full answer.

Egg Shells

Eggshells have been shown to be a great source of protein and calcium for cats, leading to strong and healthy teeth and bones. To prepare, crush the eggshells and serve about 1/2 a teaspoon into your cat’s regular kibble. If you are particularly worried about your cat contracting salmonella, be sure to boil the shells first. After boiling, allow them to dry completely before crushing into a coffee grinder, food processor, or using a mortal and pestle.

Crushing the eggshells will also allow you to store the pieces in bulk instead of repeating the method everyday. Speaking of which, when storing the eggshells, use an airtight jar or bowl to keep them dry and avoid mold. Alternatively, you can transfer the shells into a bowl or baggy and then store them in your refrigerator until you’re ready to crush them.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are packed with proteins, which are great for your cat. Cats are actually carnivorous and need high quality protein from animal sources in order to stay strong and healthy. But don’t rely on eggs alone for the cat’s nutrition. Ideally, you should go for a premium cat food that provides a good balance of nutrients. You should also ensure that the cat food is designed for that particular cat’s age group. For instance, if your cat is at least 7 years old, he should be eating food that’s specifically meant for senior cats. Feed the hard-boiled eggs as a treat or snack, as opposed to the main staple food. Also, make sure the eggs are cooked properly, meaning no soft eggs or runny yolk.

Raw Eggs

Raw eggs are not generally recommended for cats. While they have not been linked to any major health issues, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Raw eggs do not provide any significant health benefit, and actually contain the naturally occurring protein avidin. Excessive consumption can interfere with the functioning of biotin (aka vitamin B7 or H) in the body. Biotin is essential for metabolism of fat, growth of cells, and transference of carbon dioxide, among other functions.

In any case, you should practice moderation when feeding eggs to your cat, in any form. Do not exceed one egg a day, and do not feed him everyday. If you factor in the rate of metabolism, one egg for a ten-pound cat translates to about 15 eggs in an average adult human being, which is quite too much.

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