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When we adopt a cat, we have to be aware that we are bringing home an animal that we will have to provide for. all basic care that they need to live a good life. These include environmental enrichment, disease prevention, hygiene… but of all of them, feeding This is often the point that generates the most doubt. Although cats are carnivores, they can sometimes give the impression that they aren't, especially when they show interest in human food.
In fact, we might even wonder if cats can eat pasta, especially when they show a unexpected interest because of the spaghetti or macaroni we just prepared. To clear up any doubts, we invite you to continue reading this articleIn this article, you'll learn when it's safe to offer pasta, what risks it involves, and what your cat's optimal diet should be.
Optimal cat nutrition
Before analyzing the pasta, it is important to remember what the pasta should be like. ideal diet for a catFelines are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are adapted to obtain energy and nutrients primarily from food. proteins of animal originThey need amino acids like taurine, specific fatty acids, B vitamins and other nutrients that are found in high concentrations in meat and fish.
Therefore, the basis of their diet should always be a high-quality complete feed Wet cat food, or balanced homemade or BARF diets designed by a professional, are acceptable. Human food, including table scraps and pasta dishes, should only be considered as an alternative. very specific awards and never be part of their usual daily ration.
Pasta is not bad ... as long as it is not abused
The cat is a carnivorous animalThat is, it should feed primarily on meat; hence our emphasis on providing it with high-quality food that nourishes it both inside and out. It makes no sense to give large quantities of grains or flour to an animal that is not designed to properly digest them. carbohydratesIn addition, many commercial cat foods include cereals among their ingredients, so offering them as a base without balancing them with foods rich in animal protein can increase carbohydrate intake above what is recommended for a feline.
If we talk about pasta, It is not a toxic food for our friend. provided I eat a little bit very occasionally and always well cooked and without sauces. However, just like bread or rice, it is mainly composed of carbohydrates and, consequently, contains substances such as starch or gluten, which can cause it food allergiesDiarrhea, vomiting, flatulence and/or weight gain if offered frequently.
Furthermore, some cats with pre-existing conditions, such as liver or kidney problems, or obesity, may be particularly affected by a high-carbohydrate diet. In these cases, pasta and similar foods should be avoided. to be avoided completelylimiting themselves exclusively to the diet prescribed by the veterinarian.
On the other hand, never give raw doughYeast can ferment in a cat's stomach, causing abdominal pain, excessive gas, risk of torsion, and, in severe cases, metabolic disturbances that could lead to a coma. Pasta should always be thoroughly cooked, without added salt or seasoning.
Can cats eat pasta with tomato sauce or other sauces?
Often the doubt is not only about the pasta itself, but about the sauces and condiments that accompany it. The typical pasta dish includes fried tomato, oil, salt, garlic, onion, fatty cheeses, and various spices. Several of these ingredients may result toxic or irritating for cats.
La onion and garlicBoth raw and cooked, they are especially dangerous, as they damage the animal's red blood cells and can cause hemolytic anemiaEven small amounts consumed repeatedly can cause problems. Excessive salt, certain spices, and saturated fats found in many sauces can also cause digestive issues and, in the long run, contribute to illness.
Regarding tomatoes, small quantities of ripe, well-cooked tomatoes, without salt or other ingredients, are usually less problematic, but commercial tomato sauce often contains sugar, salt, onion, or other undesirable additives. Therefore, the most prudent option is Do not offer pasta with tomato sauce nor with any other prepared sauce for your cat.
Mix it with fish or meat
Each time we want to give our furry friend a special dish, we can offer them, at most, a small portion of pastaAnd always with lightly cooked fish or meat without salt or onion, as these ingredients can cause many health problems. A guideline would be one or two small noodles or a small piece of macaroni, and no more than once every few weeks.
If combining it with protein-rich foods, it is preferable to choose lean meat or fish Suitable for cats, well-cooked (boiled, steamed, or grilled without fat) and boneless. A small amount of very well-cooked egg could also be mixed in, provided the cat tolerates it. The aim is for the pasta to be just a minimum accompaniment and not the main part of the prize.
Even so, it will always be better to give it only meat or complete commercial foodWhether in dry or wet form, or natural meat (at least cooked), this will prevent putting their lives at risk and ensure a good nutritional balance. Cats can live perfectly well without ever eating pasta, while a diet low in animal protein can lead to health problems. serious deficiencies in the medium and long term.
How to tell if pasta has upset your cat's stomach
If your cat has ever eaten pasta, whether you offered it to them or they stole it from the table, it's a good idea to observe their behavior in the following hours. The most common symptoms of food upsetting their stomach are: digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools, excessive flatulence, abdominal bloating, or general malaise.
Some cats may also show apathyThey may complain when moving, hide, sleep more than usual, or even try to eat grass or hay to purge themselves. If these signs are mild and disappear after a short time, it may have been a simple case of indigestion; but if the symptoms are severe, neurological signs appear, or they last more than a few hours, it is best to consult a veterinarian. veterinarian without delay.
When is it best not to give money at all?
There are situations in which it is preferable avoid completely Offer pasta, even in small amounts. For example, if your cat suffers from obesity If your cat is overweight or obese, pasta provides extra empty calories that will make weight control more difficult. It should also be eliminated from the diet of cats with [conditions not specified in the original text]. diabetesdiagnosed liver or kidney disease or food allergies.
It is also not recommended, even occasionally, in cats with chronic digestive problemsConditions such as recurrent diarrhea, colitis, or inflammatory bowel disease can be aggravated by refined carbohydrates. In these cases, any dietary changes should always be made under veterinary supervision.
In short, pasta is not part of the natural cat diet And it doesn't offer any real benefits that can't be obtained from other, more suitable foods. As a very occasional treat and in minimal quantities, well-cooked and without sauces, it shouldn't cause problems for a healthy cat, but it will always be much safer and healthier to opt for food specifically formulated for felines or for small portions of meat or fish suitable for them.