We all love giving our cats treats from time to time. While not all provide a ton of nutritional benefits, a lot of these cat treats are great sources of nutrition and mood boosters. While they need animal protein for growth and survival, certain human foods can be given as occasional treats. 

To help you get started on what you can give your cat as treats, here are the top 15 human foods safe for cat treats.

1. Eggs

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse filled with high-quality protein and beneficial vitamins such as vitamins A, B12, D, and E. Protein is a critical component of cats' diets, as it helps maintain muscle mass, supports tissue repair, and provides them with the energy they need to stay active. 

Another advantage of eggs is that they are highly digestible, making them a suitable treat even for cats with sensitive stomachs. 

How to Serve Eggs to Cats?

Serving eggs to cats starts with knowing the best cooking method you can use. Great options include those that don’t need any form of additive or seasoning. This means that boiling and poaching are already good options to start with. 

Make sure the eggs you give are cooked well. Also, remember that these are treats only, which means you should only give your cat a small amount of egg. Portion the boiled or poached egg into small, bite-sized pieces so it’ll be easier to ingest.

2. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is another great cat treat for your best friend. This versatile superfood is low in calories and contains essential nutrients your cat needs, such as potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and K. Additionally, this cat treat also has good amounts of fiber, which helps a lot in promoting bowel movement.

This fruit contains natural sweetness and a smooth texture that your cats might love. It’s a great treat to give on a weekly basis.

How to Serve Pumpkin to Cats?

A good way to start serving pumpkins to your cats is by cooking them first. Boiling would be the best option as this method can easily soften the pumpkin with just water. Once the pumpkin is ready, start placing a small amount on a separate plate to allow the food to cool off. 

Once it’s at a good temperature, be sure to slowly give the soft pumpkin in small pieces. This will make it easier for your cat to eat it. Also, the pacing can be controlled by slowly giving the pieces. A 1 to 3 pieces should be good enough for a treat.

Additionally, you can also make the pumpkin into a puree that goes with their wet food to give it a bit more texture. However, try giving a small amount first, such as 1 to 2 teaspoons.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which play a vital role in fighting off the free radicals that can cell in your cat’s body. Vitamins A and C are also found in blueberries, helping support a healthy immune system and good eyesight.

Additionally, these sweet cat treats are rich in fiber while being low in calories. This means that your cat will have a healthier gut while gaining less weight in the process.

How to Serve Blueberries to Cats?

Wash the blueberries thoroughly under running water. Make sure to chop them up into halves so it’ll be easier for your cat to eat. If your cat prefers softer textures, you can mash them lightly.

When it comes to portions, one or two blueberries at a time are enough for a cat. Overfeeding can lead to digestive problems because of the natural sugars in the fruit.

4. Carrots

Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, a compound that converts into vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision and a shiny coat in cats. They also provide dietary fiber, which can support digestion and help regulate bowel movements. 

These orange cat treats also provide small amounts of vitamins E and K, potassium, and manganese to help support your cat’s bodily functions.

How to Serve Carrots to Cats?

Carrots are super hard, which means you’ll have to cook them first. Start by boiling, steaming, or baking these carrots. Chop or mash the carrot into tiny, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. A portion of about 2 to 3 small pieces should be enough as a cat treat.

5. Green Beans

Another cat treats that is beneficial for cats is green beans. Green beans have a good amount of soluble fiber, which is perfect for helping healthy digestion. Additionally, this vegetable also provides calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin K.

How to Serve Green Beans to Cats?

Steam or boil green beans until they become soft. This makes them easier to chew and digest. Make sure to refrain from using any type of seasoning or additive in the process. Take a small piece of green beans and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Once these are ready, be sure to serve them slowly to your cat. You can give about half a cup of green beans as long as you give them slowly in small pieces.

6. Apples

Apples are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants that can support your cat’s health. They are rich in vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin and vision. Apples also have vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. 

Apples also contain dietary fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and can regulate bowel movements. The natural texture also helps stimulate your cat’s mind and makes them more interested in the fruit.

How to Serve Apples to Cats?

Make sure that the apples you serve are seedless. Start by peeling the apple, as some cats may find the skin tough or difficult to chew. Slice the flesh into small, bite-sized pieces for easy consumption. A small cube or a couple of tiny slices, about a teaspoon, are enough for a quick treat.

Giving more will be dangerous as the fiber and sugar will lead to gastrointestinal problems for your cat.

7. Bananas

Bananas are a nutrient-rich fruit that can be a healthy treat for cats when served in moderation. They are packed with Potassium, which supports muscle function. Bananas also contain small amounts of vitamins B6 and C, which contribute to your cat’s immune system and overall health.

The fiber content in bananas help promote gut health, making them a good option for cats with mild digestive irregularities. Their soft texture and natural sweetness may also appeal to curious cats looking to try something new.

How to Serve Bananas to Cats

Remove the banana peel entirely and slice the banana into small, bite-sized pieces. Bananas can be frozen and offered as a cool treat, particularly during hot weather. Simply slice and freeze small pieces to serve later.

A small slice or two is enough for an occasional treat. Because of the banana’s high fiber and sugar content, be sure to give in moderation.

8. Watermelon

Watermelon is a super refreshing treat for cats, especially during the warmer months. Made up of about 94% water, watermelon is an excellent way to help your cat stay hydrated. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C, which contribute to improved immune health and overall well-being.

Additionally, watermelon contains antioxidants that can help fight off the free radicals in your cat’s body, supporting healthy skin and cell function. The fruit’s natural sweetness and juicy texture make it appealing to some cats, even though they can’t taste sugar the same way humans do.

How to Serve Watermelon to Cats

Make sure the watermelon you give as a cat treat is entirely seedless before serving. Remove any black or white seeds as these can cause digestive issues. Slice the watermelon into small, bite-sized cubes that are easy for your cat to chew and swallow.

Fresh watermelon is perfect for hydration, but you can also refrigerate it for a cool cat treat during hot days. For portions, offer only a small piece, the size of a teaspoon, and make sure to feed it slowly.

9. Spinach

Spinach is a leafy vegetable filled with essential nutrients that can benefit your cat when offered in moderation. It has good amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, which support vision, immune health, and proper blood clotting. Spinach also contains iron, calcium, and magnesium, minerals that contribute to strong bones, healthy blood circulation, and overall vitality.

Its low-calorie content makes it an ideal cat treat for your best friend, helping gain essential nutrients without having to a significant increase in weight. Spinach’s mild flavor and soft texture, especially when cooked, can appeal to cats who are curious about vegetables.

How to Serve Spinach to Cats?

Steam or blanch spinach to soften it and make it easier for your cat to eat the vegetable. After cooking, chop the spinach finely to prevent choking or difficulty swallowing.

One way you can incorporate this vegetable into your cat’s diet is by mixing chopped spinach with your cat’s wet food. However, make sure that you only use about a teaspoon of cooked spinach. In this case, less is more.

10. Peas

Peas are a nutrient-dense vegetable that can make an excellent occasional treat for cats. These vegetables are rich in vitamins which contribute to healthy skin, improved vision, a strong immune system, and better digestion. 

Peas also contain minerals like zinc and iron, which support muscle function, bone health, and oxygen circulation in the blood. They are particularly high in dietary fiber, making them helpful for regulating your cat’s digestive system. 

How to Serve Peas to Cats?

Steam or boil peas to soften them. Cooked peas can be served whole if they’re soft enough, or you can mash them to mix with your cat’s regular food.

A few peas amounting to about a tablespoon are sufficient for a cat. Peas should only be given occasionally to avoid digestive issues from too much fiber.

11. Cantaloupes

Cantaloupe is a refreshing cat treat. The fruit is similar to watermelon, as it has a high water content. It’s an excellent way to help keep your cat hydrated, particularly during warm weather or if your cat tends to drink less water. 

It’s also rich in vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin, immune function, and cell repair. Its natural sweetness and soft, juicy texture may appeal to curious cats who enjoy exploring new foods.

How to Serve Cantaloupe to Cats?

Carefully peel the cantaloupe and discard all seeds before offering it to your cat. Slice the cantaloupe into small, bite-sized chunks, and make sure to give only a few pieces so as not to disrupt your cat’s stomach.

You can also refrigerate the pieces for a cool cat treat on a hot day. Avoid freezing cantaloupe, as it can become too hard for cats to chew.

12. Strawberries

Strawberries are a sweet, red fruit that can be a fun treat for cats in moderation. They’re rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, which supports your cat’s immune system and helps combat free radicals in the body. 

While cats don’t have taste receptors for sweetness and may not be as intrigued by the flavor, many enjoy the texture of strawberries. Their low-calorie content makes them a healthy, guilt-free option for an occasional treat.

How to Serve Strawberries to Cats?

Rinse strawberries under running water to remove pesticides and dirt. Use organic strawberries if possible to minimize the risk of harmful chemicals. Next up, The green leaves and stem may pose a choking hazard, so always remove them before serving.

Strawberries can be offered fresh or as a chilled treat during warm weather. Chop the strawberry into tiny, bite-sized pieces to help your cat eat. Small pieces amounting to about a teaspoon are enough for a quick cat treat.

13. Raspberries

Raspberries are nutritious berries that can also help hydrate your cat with its high water content. They’re rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps combat inflammation and support immune health. 

Just like its berry brother, raspberries also contain dietary fiber, which can aid digestion. The fruit also has small amounts of manganese. Raspberries are low in calories, making them a good treat for cats that need to manage their weight.

How to Serve Raspberries to Cats?

Rinse raspberries under running water to remove any pesticides or residues. Next, chop it up into more manageable pieces for your cat to enjoy. This cat should be given in strict moderation. One or two raspberries are enough for a quick treat.

14. Pineapples

A pineapple is a sweet and citrusy fruit that can be a safe cat treat for your kittens. It’s rich in vitamins C and B, both of which support immune health and proper brain function. Pineapple also contains potassium and manganese.

This juicy fruit also has a good amount of fiber. Its juicy texture may appeal to some cats, making it an interesting treat. The fruit’s high water content also helps keep your cat hydrated.

How to Serve Pineapple to Cats?

Only serve the soft inner flesh of the pineapple, as the skin and core are too tough for cats to chew and digest. Using these parts, chop the fruit into smaller and more manageable pieces that can eaten by your cat without any difficulty.

This cat treat can be placed in the refrigerator to make a chilly snack for your best friend. When serving, only a small piece should be given to avoid any issues. 

15. Cranberries

Cranberries are best known for their potential to support urinary tract health, making them a valuable occasional treat for cats. They contain antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and dietary fiber, perfect for protecting your cat’s health.

Cranberries also contain proanthocyanidins, compounds that are responsible for the fruit’s iconic red color. Additionally, proanthocyanidins can also prevent bacteria from sticking to your cat’s bladder wall, helping reduce urinary tract infections.

How to Serve Cranberries to Cats?

Opt for plain cranberries without any added sugar or flavorings. Chop fresh cranberries into small pieces or mash them for easier eating. Cranberries can be blended into your cat’s wet food to enhance the flavor and provide health benefits.

A small piece or a couple of dried cranberries is sufficient. However, be careful not to overfeed your kittens with cranberries as these cat treats can cause stomach pain.

Conclusion

While a cat’s diet relies primarily on protein sources, a few human foods are safe for cat treats. These treats create more variety in your cat’s diet, helping your best friend experience more food without hurting its stomach. Knowing what foods are safe for your cat as treats helps you prepare more exciting ways for its snacks.