Cats are carnivores that are obligate which means they have to consume meat, as their bodies are simply requiring it. (On the contrary, they are also regarded as carnivores who scavenge food, which means they are mostly meat eaters, though they are able to live on plants by themselves in the event of a need.) What about other meats, like bacon? Can cats take bacon? If cats are able to consume bacon, shouldn’t they?
The Basics About Bacon
Before we tackle the question “Can cats eat bacon?” let’s examine the definition of bacon actually is. Bacon is part of the family of pork and is among the more adaptable meats we use when planning family meals. However, pork and its cousins — such as bacon and ham are packed with fat, sodium, and calories that our pets should be fed in small amounts.
Should Cats Eat Bacon?
Do cats actually consume bacon? Technically, yes. Bacon consumption can cause them to become sick immediately (more on the subject later) However, the more significant problem is that bacon may be harmful long-term to our pets. A lot of cats — particularly when they get older and restricted to indoors are guilty of less sleep rather than hunting as well as playing. They need to have a carefully planned diet to combat their inactivity.
A sleep schedule of between 16 and 20 hours a day (yes you have read it correctly) doesn’t allow enough time for the body of the cat to shed the hefty calorific content of bacon, or other pork-based products. Bacon particularly has lots of fat and sodium, which is just as bad for our pets as it’s for human beings.
Simply said excessive salt consumption can cause the following problems in your pet:
- Blood pressure high
- Obesity
- Dehydration
- Blood vessels that are blocked
Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon?
The cat-eating turkey bacon isn’t more nutritious than your normal bacon, but it isn’t a better alternative either. Turkey bacon is also recommended to feed to pets in extremely tiny amounts because of the large amounts of preservatives and sodium that are required to make the product.
Can Cats Eat Bacon Bits?
It is possible that you are thinking, “Can cats eat bacon bits, then?” You should also stay clear of the bacon bits made of artificial ingredients that are sprinkled on salads, for the same reasons that processed foods that are high in sodium aren’t an ideal choice to ensure the well-being of your cat.
Can Cats Eat Bacon Raw?
Although it is recommended that any pork product to cook thoroughly in order to prevent parasites, you are able to offer your cat a little slice of bacon cooked raw. However, the absence of health benefits actually is not completely gone, and it is highly recommended to seek advice from a veterinarian or a veterinarian nutritionist prior to giving your pet any kind of meat in raw form.
Cats Can Eat Bacon as Treats?
What time do you give a cat bacon? Bacon and bits of ham are ideal to keep in pills for a brief period of time or as a top-of-the-line reward (think following a nail trimming session or the visit to that). Be aware that if this is an occasional reward, it’s likely to be more appreciated by your pet.
“We love our pets and want to give them treats, but we often don’t think about treats from a caloric standpoint,” says John P. Loftus, Ph.D., DVM, at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “It can add up over time. Better to show our affection in other ways like food.”
What Happens If Your Cat Eats a Lot of Bacon?
If your cat accidentally consumes a large portion of bacon that you were planning to serve guests on brunch on Sunday, you might be able to observe that your cat develops an upset stomach and later throws up (so be aware of what you do). However, the chances are that he’ll be fine and you will have some bacon left to cook to serve your guest!