It is natural to give a small piece of chicken or any other food from your portion to your feline friend. But the bad thing would be to make a habit of it. Every meal that a human finds healthy and delicious is not necessarily the same for your cats. A simple ingredient like onion powder used in gravy can prove to be dangerous for a cat.
It is not as if the cats cannot even have a sliver of chicken or pork, but it may kill their appetite for their specific food. And the cats must have their proper cat food regularly because it contains all the nutrients they require.
So next time you see your cat licking gravy off the kitchen counter or a plate, make sure to stop them because the ingredients in it may not be safe for it. Here’s some more insight on whether cats can eat gravy or food that contains gravy.
Do cats like gravy?
Cats like warm food over cold food. As for the texture, it depends on the preferences of the cat. Most of them like food in the form of jelly, gravy, or pate style. Overall, they prefer wet food with a bit of water content in it.
Can cats eat gravy?
Yes, cats can have gravy, but you need to keep certain things in mind as their owner. Firstly, no or a very small amount of seasoning/salt in the gravy. Secondly, the gravy should be low in fat and sodium but should be balanced with needed nutrients and safe for your pet cat.
This means that the owner first needs to know about the ingredients that are safe and unsafe for their cat’s health.
Is gravy safe for cats?
Gravies will be safe for the cat if it is prepared specially for their consumption. Gravies for human consumption are not the best meal for the cat. For cats, it is best to go for plain and bland gravies. Avoid adding flour or corn starch to it or any herbs. If the gravy contains only protein, fat, and water, it is easier for the cat to digest. Carbohydrates and salt are toxins for your cat.
What makes the gravy unsafe for the cats?
Giving the gravy that you consume can be dangerous for your cat. It is seasoned for human taste buds which is not the right amount for cats. Apart from salt, the following also makes a gravy unfit for the pet cat:
- Too much salt becomes difficult to digest for your cats as well as strain their kidneys.
- The gravy can contain ingredients or grains that the cat may find difficult to digest.
- Too much fatty or rich gravy is also not good for the pet.
- Most of the time, the gravy does not contain the right amount of balanced nutrients and enzymes that your cat may need.
- Also, if the diet of cats mostly contains gravy, they will not have the appetite to consume their specific cat food containing all the needed supplements and nutrients.
So, overall, gravy is not a bad or unsafe meal made using ingredients that are safe for the pet feline.
What kind of gravy does your cat like?
The best gravy for your cat is the one that is specially made to suit their digestive system. You can choose to go for store-bought wet cat foods or make homemade gravy. Just remember to not use any salt or seasoning.
One of the good gravy foods that can be fed to your cat is bone broth. It has all the right proteins and compounds that will keep their fur and skin healthy. Their joint and bones also get stronger. But use gelatin powder as a thickener instead of corn starch or flour. The use of gelatin will give the broth the right texture as well as it is not harmful to the cat, unlike corn starch or flour.
Avoid preparing broth that has onions and garlic, as it is a complete toxin for the cats. Also, avoid seasoning the broth or gravy as it harms the digestive system of the cat. So, do not use any leftover bones from meals to prepare their broth because it will contain spices, seasoning, and even onion juice.
If it is difficult for you to make them a plain broth, buy plain salt-free broth from stores. It will mostly contain meat scraps and bones. And if you decide to prepare their broth at home, then try using chicken hindquarters. Debone them and prepare the broth without any seasoning.
Homemade broth recipe for cats
To keep the cat’s appetite active, it is important to give them some different food apart from their usual cat food. Some cat gravy in the mix will keep them interested in their regular meals. So, if you decide on making some homemade gravy, here’s a simple broth recipe for your cat:
Ingredients
- Water
- Some chicken, beef, or pork with bones and skin fat
- ½ teaspoon of salt.
Equipment
- Large pot with lid
- Storage container
- Strainers
Instructions
- Put the chicken, beef, or pork bones and skin fat into the large pot.
- Fill the pot full with water. Add the ½ teaspoon of salt to it.
- Bring the water to a boil. Once it boils, turn the heat down to a soft boil or medium. Put the lid on the pot and let the broth cook at low heat for the next 2-3 hours. Remember to stir it occasionally.
- Let the broth cool down. Then strain it so that only liquid remains. Prepare portions of it and store the excess in the fridge. Simply heat it up slightly before pouring it over your cat’s dry food.
This broth is easy to make but is super healthy and nutritious for your cat.
Some things to keep in mind
It is good if you are concerned about your cat’s diet and want to add some nutrients by feeding them broth, but it is good to consult your vet before doing so. They will recommend the right type of gravy or broth for the cat.
Also, before making any changes to the diet, check their weight. If they are gaining weight, then go for a thinner gravy/broth, and in case of losing weight, increase the food portion by adding gravy to it.