Oatmeal, aka porridge, has gained popularity in the breakfast club recently because of its multiple health benefits. It is easy to make, contains fewer calories and keeps you full for a longer time – check, check and check for all the busy people trying to stay healthy.
Now this is what we are assuming happened with you before you had to google this question - It’s morning and just as you sat with your oatmeal bowl you saw those big, curious eyes locked on your spoon. Before you know it, your cat inched closer thinking that whatever you’re eating must really be delicious now that you’re having it every single day.
Here’s your short answer - Yes, cats can eat oatmeal. But before admitting your cat into the oatmeal breakfast club, it is important to know how, when and how much oatmeal to feed your cat. And more importantly -
Is Oatmeal Good for Cats?
Here are all the great benefits of oats and oatmeal – (2)
Finely ground oats help with skincare.
Oats may help in reducing the risk of childhood asthma.
They help relieve constipation
Oatmeal is very filling and hence helps in reducing weight
Oats can lower blood sugar levels, especially in people with obesity or who have type 2 diabetes.
They can lower cholesterol levels
Whole oats are rich in antioxidants
In all, oatmeal is a nutrition-rich dish. The question now is, can cats benefit from all these nutrients?
The answer here is ‘not so much’. Cats are carnivorous creatures. Their stomachs are made for extracting nutrients majorly out of meat. So, oatmeal should not every become a diet replacement for your cat. Having said that, it will not harm your cat. You can feed oatmeal to your cat occasionally as a treat. (1)
How Much Oatmeal Can a Cat Eat?
Oatmeal is only to be given occasionally to your cat as a treat. A tablespoon is a reasonable quantity for that purpose. It is important to note that while occasionally feeding oatmeal may not harm your cat, excessive eating of it will. (3)
If oatmeal is fed as a replacement in your cat’s diet, your cat will end up lacking essential nutrients that they otherwise would have derived from cat food. Moreover, high-fiber foods like oatmeal can also cause digestive problems in cats, especially those that already have gastrointestinal issues.
Do Cats Like the Taste of Oatmeal?
Just like a cat’s next move, it is difficult to predict their liking of oatmeal as well. Cats usually like meaty and fishy tastes as their primary diet depends on them. However, cats are curious creatures. They would like to try new textures and tastes in food. So, you’ll have to figure out this answer on your own by feeding some of it to your cat.
Don’t worry, curiosity won’t kill your cat.
How To Make Oatmeal for Cats?
You can cook oatmeal for a few minutes or soak some oats overnight in water. You can then add them to your cat’s wet food. Don’t forget the recommended quantity. And even if you see your cat licking all those oats in a matter of seconds, don’t be tempted to add more or every day. Small quantity and occasional treat are the two main keywords here. (1)
Also, do not ever feed oatmeal cooked in milk or oats soaked in milk. Cats are lactose intolerant. Milk and other dairy products can cause some serious harm to your cat’s digestive tract. Avoid any kind of toppings as well on your oatmeal. Make sure you always feed it plain. Avoid oatmeal cookies (especially ones with raisins or apple and cinnamon). The preservatives, butter, fats, etc. can harm your cat’s health and cause problems like vomiting and diarrhea. (3)
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Having a cat in the house is a beautiful experience. But there will be times when your feline ends up feasting on things they are not supposed to or you unknowingly feed them foods that can cause a digestive upset and other problems for them. Some cases may get serious, and your cat may even need surgery. For those times and for all others when you have to take your cat to the vet, you can save up to 90% of the costs with pet health insurance.
Cat Insurance helps to provide pet parents with additional financial support and peace of mind when it comes to the health and wellness of their pets. With a Spot plan, pet parents can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. This way pet parents can focus on caring for and supporting their pets. Spot's also offers preventive care add-ons, which can help cover the eligible costs of spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and other routine care services.
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The resident animal enthusiast at Spot. I have a lifetime of pet parent experience. If it has fur, feathers, or scales, I’ve probably shared my home with it. I aim to be a reliable source, blending experience with a dedication to the well-being of pets.
