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Can Cats Eat Eggs? Everything You Need to Know

Mixed breed cat looking at owner for some eggs

When it comes to feeding your cat, you should generally provide them a good quality cat food based mostly on animal protein. Sometimes though, you might want to give them something a little more interesting, but beyond cartoon depictions of fish and saucers of milk, you might not know where to start.

Eggs are enjoyed by millions of people on a daily basis and filled with protein, vitamins, and minerals, but can cats have eggs for breakfast as well? In short, yes, but it's important to note that eggs should never be all your cat is given. They contain a lot of great nutrients for your cat but not everything they need.

We’ve put together this article to expand on it a little more and ensure that you understand the benefits (and some risks) of sharing a plate of eggs with your cat.

Are Eggs Good for Cats?

Eggs are packed with nutrients that can be enjoyed by cats and humans in equal measure, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Eggs contain protein, good fatty acids, iron, zinc, and copper, along with vitamins B12, D, and B6, making them something of a superfood for cats and their owners alike!

It’s worth noting, though, that some cats can still be allergic to eggs, so it’s best to introduce them into their diet a little bit at a time. If in doubt, always check with your veterinarian prior to feeding your cat any type of eggs (or even any new foods where you feel uncertain). If you notice coughing, itching, swelling, or any of the other telltale signs of an allergic reaction after feeding your cat eggs, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible to have them tested properly.

Do Cats Like Eggs?

Cats love animal protein, which is why, if eggs are prepared properly, they will definitely enjoy them. Eggs have a simple, even somewhat sweet flavor that cats enjoy, but it’s important to cook them in a way that’s suitable for their constitutions, rather than making them the gourmet eggs that you might enjoy with your Sunday brunch.

Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs?

You may be imagining your cat going through a Rocky-style montage, drinking back raw beaten eggs as a quick liquid protein boost, but in reality, your cat should never eat raw eggs. Raw and undercooked eggs can be full of organisms, such as E. Coli and salmonella, which will make a cat very ill if consumed.

You have to make sure that any eggs that they do eat have been cooked properly and fully, and if you suspect or witness them behaving unusually then get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Can Cats Eat Egg Whites?

Yes. There's a lot of protein in egg whites as well as amino acids - all of which are nutritionally beneficial to your cat. Boiled eggs are a great way to keeps the calories in check as no fats (like butter) or seasoning are added to them and make it easy to separate the egg white from the egg yolk. 

Can Cats Eat Egg Yolk / Shell?

When it comes to the parts of the egg that your cat can eat, you might think that the egg white omelets preferred by humans watching their waistline could be the healthiest option, but in reality, cats can eat the entirety of an egg.

The yolk is where the bulk of the nutrients and healthy fats are found in eggs, so they can be a great option for your cat. However, while a runny-yolk poached or fried egg might be part of your dream meal, it’s still important to cook the yolks thoroughly when feeding them to cats.

Can Cats Eat Egg Shell?

Similarly, cats can actually get some good nutrition from egg shells, but due to their proximity to raw egg matter, they should be fully cooked prior to feeding. Cooked egg shells (from boiled eggs) can provide a cat with a great source of calcium, but to make them easy to eat you need to break them apart or, even better, grind them up and sprinkle them into their regular food to make them less risky.

How to Cook Eggs for Cats: Boiled & Scrambled

When it comes to cooking eggs for a cat’s meal, the key is making sure they’re fully cooked through, so as to avoid imparting any harmful organisms. One of the best ways to do this is by thoroughly boiling eggs until the yolk has fully cooked through. Once the egg is fully boiled, you can chop it up into smaller pieces, feeding it to your cat as a snack or as a part of a larger meal.

The other method for cooking eggs for cats is scrambling them, but not in the way that you might want for yourself. When we cook scrambled eggs for our own meals, they’ll often be full of seasoning, milk, butter, and/or oil, but cats shouldn’t eat these additional ingredients. Oil, butter, and milk are all packed with fat that your cat will not respond to well, while seasoning will corrupt the simple, sweet flavor of plain eggs that your cat will be able to enjoy and could give them an upset stomach.

When cooking scrambled eggs for your cat, you should prepare them in the most simple way possible by beating them and cooking them gradually in a non-stick pan without the use of any additional fat or spices. Once they’re cooked through and not runny, allow them to cool properly, and then they’re ready for your cat to enjoy. Some recipes suggest including a small piece of bacon, but this should be done sparingly, as bacon is very high in fat.

Other Cat Superfoods

Along with eggs, there are some other “human” foods that cats can get some great nutrition from, including:

  • Lean cooked meats
  • Cooked fish
  • Yogurt
  • Cranberries
  • Dandelion

Done correctly, these foods can be great additions to your cat's diet and a healthy treat for them too that can make them a very happy kitty

For all pet parents, consulting with your veterinarian when you have questions is always best. This is true of eggs and anything else related to your cat. The quality of your relationship with your veterinarian will determine many of your pet's health outcomes.

Remember, regardless of your cat’s diet, considering a good cat insurance policy in Canada to protect you in cases of emergencies, illnesses, and allergic reactions can save a lot of heartache (and household budgets). For more interesting and useful pieces on pet ownership, visit our blog, there are plenty of great articles to choose from!