As a pet owner, your worst nightmare is likely to see your pet munching on something harmful. It often happens unexpectedly: you’re just enjoying a meal when suddenly, a piece of food falls off the table. Before you even notice, your furry friend has snatched it up and swallowed it whole.

While some human foods, like bananas and watermelon, are safe for pets, others like grapes can be quite dangerous.

For people, eggs are often hailed as a “superfood” because of their numerous health advantages. But what about your cat? Can they eat eggs?

Are eggs safe for cats?

Absolutely, cats can have eggs. Being “obligate carnivores,” cats require a diet heavily based on protein to remain healthy, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Eggs serve as an excellent protein source, particularly the egg whites. While cats might find eggs tasty, it’s best to offer them in moderation, just like with any other human food.

Are eggs beneficial for cats?

Eggs can make for a nutritious snack for your cat. They are loaded with beneficial nutrients including amino acids, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

One key amino acid found in eggs is taurine, which supports healthy vision, digestion, heart function, and is crucial for the well-being of pregnant cats and fetal development.

The healthy fats present in eggs, like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, promote optimal brain, nervous, and heart health, as noted by Purina.

Eggs also contain a variety of vitamins, such as vitamins A, B12, D, E, biotin, riboflavin, and thiamine, which provide different health benefits for felines. For example, biotin aids in maintaining a healthy coat and skin, according to Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Minerals like iron, selenium, and zinc help with producing hemoglobin, boosting immune health, and facilitating collagen synthesis, as reported by Purina.

How to safely give eggs to cats

If you decide to feed your cat eggs, it’s essential to cook them. Never serve your cat raw eggs.

Just like humans, cats can contract foodborne illnesses such as salmonella or E. Coli from raw eggs, according to Hill’s Pet. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue, and can be serious if not treated properly.

Moreover, raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which can hinder the absorption of biotin, as explained by Chewy.

To safely serve eggs to your cat, make sure to cook them thoroughly. Cooking neutralizes avidin and destroys harmful bacteria.