Can Cats Eat Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal strawberries, apples and bananas may be a wholesome breakfast food for you, but not for your cat. Oatmeal is safe for your kitty just in the form of treats given on a rare basis.

How is oatmeal good for cats

It is loaded with nutrients, being rich in carbohydrates, vitamins (B and E), antioxidants, fiber, as well as minerals like selenium, zinc, calcium, and iron.  However, considering the small proportion of it, your feline friend should eat, a wholesome oatmeal diet would not benefit it much.

Can oatmeal be bad for cats

A spoonful of oatmeal given once in a while would not hurt your cat. However, having it in excessive amounts or on a routine basis may result in a host of digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea.

If your cat reacts differently or shows allergic symptoms after having even a morsel of oatmeal, do not delay in contacting a veterinarian.

Tips to remember

• Since most felines are lactose intolerant, prepare oatmeal with water rather than milk. You can also sprinkle a spoonful of it to their dry/wet food.
• Avoid adding too much of salt or sugar as both may affect the cat’s health adversely.
• Refrain from giving you cat oatmeal cookies as it is high in calories, also containing raisins and chocolates, both of which is toxic to your kitty.