I was taught to limit myself to three eggs a week as a child. If you consumed more than three eggs per week, you’d be at risk of having high cholesterol, which was a certain “must-avoid” within our household. As I matured and gained more knowledge about nutrition and diet, I realized that the “egg facts” were a lie.
It’s not fair to claim the parents of my generation were lying, as there was plenty of nutrition information we could not comprehend in the 1990s. Still, the more report released on eggs, we can see that eggs are a nutritious food source.
Nowadays, eggs are an essential part of my diet. Quite truthfully, I eat eggs daily. Eggs are a great source of nutrients that include protein, vitamins B2, A2, B12, D, K, E, and lecithin. Eggs can also be infused with Omega-3 fats for cats and humans. However, is that enough to make eggs an excellent snack or meal for regular cats?
Can cats eat EGGS?
Yes, cats can consume eggs, but since they are carnivores obligate, they cannot get all the nutrients they require from eggs.
If you choose to feed your pet eggs, make sure that you don’t add any salt or spices; instead, give your cat a plain egg.
Because eggs are usually cooked using butter or oil and butter, it is essential to use only small quantities. I recommend using Extra virgin olive oil or even a tiny amount of butter because they’re healthier options for cats cooking eggs.
Fun Facts: Wild cats have been reported to swoop into nests for eggs.
Are EGGS GOOD FOR CATS?
Eggs benefit cats because of their amino acids, taurine, and proteins in eggs. However, eggs aren’t the same for cats as for humans.
Cats can get most of the vitamins and minerals from eggs from the yolk. However, cats can eat both yolks and egg whites.
Can cats eat raw EGGS?
Cats are not allowed to and should never consume raw eggs. Eggs that have not been cooked should never be consumed by humans or pets as many eggs are contaminated with Salmonella or, in certain cases, E. coli.
Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Some of the methods Salmonella can be prevented by buying only eggs that have been pasteurized by keeping eggs refrigerated to 40degF (4degC) and making eggs cooked to a minimum temperature of the temperature of 160 degF (71degC).
The signs of Salmonella poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fevers, or upset stomach. If you notice any of these symptoms after your cat has eaten eggs, call your veterinarian immediately to determine whether they need any additional medical treatment.
If Salmonella poisoning isn’t severe, symptoms should subside within 30 minutes to an hour. During this period, water must be available to your cat. If symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to take your cat to the regular or emergency vet.
Be vigilant with your pet for at least an hour following poisoning to ensure they don’t become dehydrated, as it can cause death.
E. coli and Salmonella are more serious for older cats or suffer from health issues.
Raw eggs are unsuitable for cats as they contain a protein known as avidin, which can form bonds to biotin (B7) in eggs. The problem with avidin is that it can cause vitamin B7 to be inaccessible for cats.
Can CATS eat EGGSHELLS?
Based on the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), cats can eat crushed eggshells or eggshell powder to get the calcium it offers.
One crushed eggshell can give 800 mg of copper, calcium, iron, boron, manganese, and molybdenum. Silica, sulfur, and zinc.
If pet owners decide to make crushed eggshells for their pets, they must ensure that the eggshells are washed or simmered in hot water to decrease the risk of spreading E. Coli or Salmonella.
After the eggshells have dried, pet owners can bake them in a 300F oven (~150degC) and crush them into a fine powder. If eggshells are not destroyed, they could result in cats choking and may even harm the cat by cutting into its mouth or esophagus.
Always consult your vet to determine whether feeding your cat crushed eggshells is ideal since there might be a better alternative.
Can cats be ALLERGIC to EGGS?
Yes, cats are recognized to have or develop an allergy to eggs. Eggs are known as one of the more frequent allergies pets can have If you decide to feed your cat eggs, ensure that you be on the lookout for the eggs.
Food allergies can manifest as skin rashes, loss of hair/whiskers, itching that can cause over-scratching or pulling hair out, and skin infections or gases.
Although they aren’t typically dangerous, they are prone to cause a lot of discomfort for cats and, as we’ve mentioned, may make the pet scratch or hurt themselves, placing the cat at risk of infection due to open wounds.
Suppose you feed your cat new food. In that case, speaking with an animal veterinarian is highly advised. They can assist you with alternative options that could be more beneficial or lower the risk of causing issues.
It’s generally an excellent idea to ensure that you give your cat small portions of food and observe the cat in case of any change. It could take as long as one month before allergies start showing up, especially regarding fur and skin, but in some instances, cats will show the first symptoms of allergies within an hour.
As with E. Coli or Salmonella poisoning, the first symptoms of allergies are nausea, lethargy, or diarrhea. It is important to remember that allergies don’t affect all cats similarly. Multiple signs may plague certain cats, while others experience only one.
As of the time I am writing this piece, feline food allergies aren’t prevalent, although, at this time, there aren’t yet any published statistics of what the number is.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE HOW MANY EGGS DO CATS NEED TO consume?
There’s no set amount of eggs cats should consume, but the most crucial aspect to remember is that eggs alone do not constitute an appropriate diet for cats.
If you decide to feed your cat eggs, it is best to use them as a snack, supplement, or occasionally indulgence. The rule of thumb for snacks, accessories, or treats is to have 10 percent or less of the daily caloric intake of your cat. Often, an egg is not enough for a cat to consume.
A typical cat requires around 150-200 calories per day, and one egg could offer between 80 and 100 calories, not counting the butter or oil used in cooking it. It’s, therefore, safe to suggest that you limit your cat’s food intake to just a tiny portion of egg unless it is recommended otherwise by your vet.
CONCLUSION
Although eggs are an excellent addition to a cat’s diet, they aren’t considered a balanced diet for cats. In general, eggs are thought suitable for the cat to consume if they are cooked to perfection and unseasoned, but it is recommended to talk to a veterinarian before giving your pet eggs.
As of when this article was written, There are no issues about feeding your cat eggs as an occasional treat or snack time, other than the risk of compromising the quality of the diet your cat is used to. If you feed eggs for pleasure, you should be at most 10% of your regular caloric intake. Giving small portions of eggs can ensure that your cat isn’t missing the essential nutrients they require by being overloaded by eggs.
