Can cats eat bacon? If they can, should cats eat bacon? What happens if a cat eats bacon? Let’s look at the material in this example about cats and bacon.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their bodies require them to eat meat. Dogs, on the other hand, are categorized as scavenging carnivores, which means that they mostly ingest meat but are able to survive entirely on plants if necessary. What about different meats, such as bacon? Are cats able to eat bacon? And if cats can eat bacon, should people?
Bacon Overview
First, let’s answer the question, “Can cats eat bacon?” Let’s look at what bacon is in reality. Pork belongs to the same family as bacon and is one of the more versatile proteins we employ while preparing meals for our families. However, because pig and its relatives, such bacon and ham, are high of sodium, fat, and calories, our cats should only eat very little amounts of these foods.
Should Cats Eat Bacon?
So, can cats eat bacon? Theoretically, yes. The biggest problem is that giving our cats bacon may have some negative long-term effects. If they eat too much bacon, they could become sick right away (more on that later). Particularly as they age and are exclusively permitted inside, many cats spend far more time sleeping than hunting or playing. They unquestionably require a good dietary profile to make up for their lack of exercise.
With a sleeping habit of 16 to 20 hours per day, the cat’s body doesn’t have much opportunity to burn off the high calorie content of bacon or any other pork products (yeah, you read it right). Bacon isn’t any better for animals than it is for humans because it is particularly heavy in sodium and fat.
Simply put, if your cat eats too much salt, they could get any of the following conditions:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Dehydration
- Clogged blood vessels
Is Turkey Bacon Good For Cats?
Turkey bacon consumed by cats is not a superior substitute for regular bacon. Turkey bacon should only be given to cats in extremely small amounts because it contains a lot of sodium and needs preservatives to be manufactured.
Can Cats Eat Bacon Bits?
You might also be wondering, “Can cats eat bacon chunks, then?” Again, you should stay away from the faux bacon bits that you might sprinkle on salads for the same reasons that highly processed, sodium-rich food is not best for your cat’s health.
Can Cats Eat Raw Bacon?
Although it’s normally advisable to thoroughly prepare any type of pork food to fend off parasites, you can occasionally offer your cat a slice of raw bacon. Because there are no genuine health benefits left, you are highly advised to consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist before offering your cat any kind of raw meat.
Is It OK To Give Cats Bacon As Treats?
So when is it okay to feed bacon to a cat? Chunks of bacon and ham are particularly good in hiding tablets for a short time or as a high-level reward (think after a nail-trimming session or a trip to the vet). Just bear in mind that your cat will likely find it more amusing if it is a rare treat. You can maybe do it if you want to de-stress you cat for the holidays.
We love our pets and want to give them treats, but often we don’t consider treats from a caloric aspect, according to John P. Loftus, PhD, DVM, of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “It builds up over time. It is preferable to show our love in ways other than through food.
What Happens If Your Cat Eats a Lot of Bacon?
If your cat accidentally eats a lot of the bacon that you intended to serve to guests at a brunch, you may find that he gets an upset stomach and eventually throws up (so watch where you step). But I think he’ll be alright, and I hope you have some extra bacon for the guests.
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