Can Cats Eat Eggs?

If you're reading this, chances are you're wondering if you can offer your kitty eggs, and we're happy to report that YES, you can! However, there are some things you should consider before serving them to your furbaby. 

Moderation and proper preparation are key for eggs to be a healthy addition to your feline's diet. Read on to learn everything you need to know about serving eggs to your cat, from benefits to risks, and how to safely prepare eggs for your furbaby.

We know that in the wild, cats will steal birds' eggs and eat them raw. Cats are obligate carnivores, but they are also opportunistic hunters, and raw eggs can be a quick and easy meal for outdoor cats.

But what about cooked eggs?

Some cats are notoriously picky, while others will eat everything in sight. Many cats love scrambled eggs as an occasional treat, while others tend to turn their nose up at them. Scrambled eggs are soft, making them a favorite of kittens and seniors who might not be the best chewers. Eggs also have a distinct and somewhat strong smell and savory umami flavor, which cats often find appealing. Plus, they're easy on the tummy which can encourage cats to keep coming back for more!

Eggs are a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, essential trace minerals, and amino acids. Scrambled eggs have even been touted as a treatment for GI upset! Let's explore some of the nutrients in eggs more closely.

Healthy fats

Egg yolks are a terrific source of healthy fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which help cats absorb and use fat-soluble vitamins from their diet, like vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Protein

A typical large chicken egg contains between 6 and 7 grams of protein, which is quite nutrient-dense, considering this only constitutes about 3 tablespoons of food when cooked. About half of all a cat's calories should come from protein, and eggs are a great way to help them meet their goal!

Calcium

You may be surprised to find that eggs are a great source of calcium. Although there is very little in the yolk and white, the shell is jam-packed with calcium. However, feeding your cat a whole eggshell could pose a choking risk, so it's best to grind them down and mix them in wet food.

Taurine

Taurine is crucial to the feline diet. It affects nearly every body system in the feline body, and cats cannot survive without it! Taurine deficiency can cause blindness, heart problems, and even death if left untreated. While commercial cat foods are fortified with all the taurine your cat needs, eggs are a great way to give Fluffy an added boost.

Trace minerals

Did you know that eggs contain many of the trace minerals your cat needs to thrive? Eggs are sources of zinc, selenium, and iron, all of which are essential for optimal health in felines. For instance, iron and zinc are highly involved in hemoglobin production, which is necessary for transporting oxygen through your kitty's body. These trace minerals are also important for developing kittens and fighting infections and inflammation.

Vitamins

Eggs are great sources of vitamins A, D, B2, and B12. They are exceptionally high in vitamin B12 (also known as Thiamine), which has numerous roles and is involved in digestion, energy levels, and skin health. Eggs also contain Riboflavin, another B complex vitamin that helps to metabolize macronutrients from your pet's food. Vitamin A, on the other hand, is crucial for night vision and healthy development in fetal kittens. Vitamin D is highly involved in calcium homeostasis, both by helping cats absorb calcium through their food and by modulating the breakdown and build-up of bone matter for blood calcium regulation.

Biotin

Eggs are also rich in biotin, another B-complex vitamin well-known in the hair industry for promoting hair growth. However, its effects far surpass luscious locks for our furbabies. Biotin is important for the endocrine system, blood sugar regulation, and metabolism— to name a few!

It's important to feed only small amounts of scrambled or boiled egg to your purr-fect pal. Cats require 150 to 200 calories per day. An egg contains about 90 calories. Eating whole eggs along with their regular diet can contribute to weight gain and even obesity over time. Feeding less of their cat food on the days you give them eggs can lessen that danger. What's more, feeding too much egg can actually cause GI upsets in susceptible kitties.

Eggs are high in cholesterol which is linked to heart disease and stroke in humans. Eating a lot of eggs could put your furbaby at higher risk of these two serious diseases as well. Be sure to limit their intake to no more than 2.5 teaspoons of egg per day to prevent digestive upset and other negative side effects.

Lastly, keep in mind that hard-boiled eggs can pose a choking risk, so it’s best to serve the soft scrambled eggs so they’re are easier to swallow.

Cats should never be given raw eggs or big chunks of eggshells, but it's okay for them to have small amounts of cooked eggs. Here are some points to consider if you want to treat Fluffy to some egg now and then.

• If you want to fry an egg, use water rather than cooking oil or butter
• If scrambling the egg, don't add milk to the egg mixture. Many dairy products, including milk, can upset a cat's stomach
• Cook the egg until the white is no longer runny
• Refrain from dressing your kitty's eggs with condiments which tend to be high in fat, sugar, and sodium. Speaking of sodium, be sure to skip the spices and salt since these can be very harmful. The cat won't notice they're not there.
• Feed egg plain or mixed with cat's food for an extra-special treat
• Cooked shells can be ground into a powder and sprinkled on the cat's regular food. The high calcium in the shell will protect bones and other organs.

Cats in the wild, feral cats, and some outdoor domesticated cats eat raw bird eggs when available. However, this isn't a safe practice for two main reasons.

The white of an egg contains the protein avidin. While most proteins are good for your furry friend, consuming avidin can cause a Vitamin B7 (Biotin) deficiency in cats. The good news is that when egg white is cooked, the avidin is reduced or eliminated.

Raw eggs may carry infectious Salmonella and E.coli, common causes of food poisoning. Not only can the cat get sick, but they can pass the disease on to their humans. Symptoms of salmonella include vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

Children, seniors, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are especially susceptible to salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food sources or by coming in contact with a cat that has eaten salmonella- or E.coli-infected food.

Rarely, an allergy to eggs can lead to itchy rashes, secondary skin infections, and stomach disturbances. However, a cat allergy to eggs is not common. If your kitty is showing signs of allergies, like scratching themselves more often than usual, your veterinarian can help relieve their discomfort until the symptoms subside. It is also possible for cats to develop an allergy to eggs after eating eggs all their life. If your cat shows signs of an allergic reaction to eggs, do not offer them again, and check treats and food after to ensure you aren't feeding them eggs unknowingly.

Eggs can be a very nutritious treat for our feline friends when prepared correctly and in the right amounts. You must take precautions; cook the egg completely and feed only about ⅛ to ¼ of it. Cooking eggs until they reach an internal temp of 160°F will kill pathogens like salmonella and E.Coli which can make you and your cat sick. Treats (including eggs!) should comprise only 5-10% of a cat's total intake. 

Feeding Fluffy too much egg can also cause an upset tummy and weight gain over time, so stick to just a couple of teaspoons at a time. Eggshells are a great source of calcium for kitties, but you'll need to grind them down and mix them with other foods to prevent choking.