Cats are naturally curious, always investigating what's on your plate with their big, pleading eyes that scream, “Feed me!" Whether you're attempting to open a bag of chips or frying up bacon, your feline friend has probably tried to sneak a taste or beg you to share.

But did you know not all foods are safe for their tiny tummies? Cat's diets need to be specific, as they have finicky digestive systems and can develop diabetes if fed foods high in sugar, such as bananas and apples.

That being said, let's explore what you  can  feed your cat, along with the foods to say "paws off" to.

Cat-egorically, yes!

Because cats process food and nutrients differently from humans, food that’s perfectly safe for us can be toxic or lack the nutrients they need.

Take tuna, for instance. It's missing a lot of key nutrients cats need, and if it makes up too much of their diets, it can lead to vitamin E and K deficiencies or mercury toxicity. Onions? Downright dangerous. Cats lack the liver enzymes to metabolize disulfides and thiosulfates found in onions, which can cause anemia.

And essential oils (like tea tree, d-limonene and citrus oil) contain phenols and benzene compounds that your feline friend can't process, leaving them feeling sick.

Knowing what cats can eat is essential because their health depends on it. As obligate carnivores, they require a diet rich in animal protein, since they can’t synthesize many crucial nutrients on their own.

Here’s what makes a cat's nutritional needs unique:

• Vitamin A: Humans can nibble on carrots to get vitamin A, but cats lack the enzymes to break down plant-based carotenoids into the active form of vitamin A.

• Niacin: Niacin, or vitamin B3, is produced when the essential amino acid tryptophan breaks down. Unfortunately, cats can't synthesize niacin from tryptophan and have to obtain it directly from their diet.

• Arginine: This essential amino acid is found in protein and is critical for building and repairing tissues and supporting the immune system. Without arginine, cats can get very sick, and they need meat to get it.

• Taurine: Unlike dogs, cats cannot produce this amino acid due to their unique metabolism. Taurine helps strengthen the heart and supports vision. In fact, taurine deficiency has been linked to diseases of the retina (retinopathy), which may lead to complete blindness.

• Sulfur amino acid (SAA): Cats need SAA to make felinine, a type of pheromone (think of the distinct odor from male cats). Felinine has multiple functions, including communicating and scaring away rivals and predators.

• Arachidonic acid: This is an essential fatty acid cats need in their diets. They can't produce on their own due to the lack of the enzyme to convert linoleic acid.

• Fiber: Cats also need fiber to prevent hairballs and support a healthy digestive system.

There are several human foods cats can eat as an occasional treat. But remember, too many of these safe snacks can lead to long-term health issues like diabetes and weight gain—not a purr-fect outcome. Here's the golden rule: snacks should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s diet. The other 90% needs to be healthy, balanced cat food.

That said, let's look at human foods your feline friend can safely dig into, in moderation:

Many cats aren't fans of fruits, but if yours is interested, there are several safe options.

• Blueberries : Blueberries contain antioxidants, essential in a cat's balanced diet. However, like with all foods, moderation is important—stick to two or three blueberries per serving.

• Cucumbers: Cucumber snacks can be a great source of vitamins and hydration for your cat, as well as a digestive aid. Just be sure to peel the cucumber first because the skin may contain pesticides that can cause stomach upset.

• Plain pumpkin: Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food that can help improve your cat's digestion and aid in weight management. Additionally, pumpkin fiber can help in moving hairballs through the digestive tract. Just don't add spices or sauces to your cat’s pumpkin; they can upset their digestive system.

Also, remember to always remove seeds from fruits to protect your cat from a choking hazard.

If you’re striving for a natural diet for your cat, including veggies can have amazing health benefits. Here are some vegetables that are safe for your feline friend:

• Steamed green beans: These are a good source of fiber that can help with diarrhea and constipation. Steaming them makes them easier to eat and digest — but make sure you serve them without salt, spices or seasoning.

• Steamed broccoli: Broccoli is packed with antioxidants, which can help reduce free radicals in your cat's body. Additionally, like cucumber, broccoli can assist your cat with regular bowel movements.

• Peas: Peas are starchy and contain a lot of fiber, so they can be great if your cat has occasional constipation. If you feed your cat garden or snow peas, remove them from the pod first, as pea pods are not easy to digest.

• Spinach: Spinach is a safe vegetable to feed in moderation, as it contains a ton of vitamins and antioxidants. However, be aware that you should not feed it to cats with a history of urinary tract stones or urinary concerns.

Cats love meat, and protein is their ultimate fuel. But some are healthier for cats than others, so opt for these safe, nutritious choices:

• Cooked lean meats: Stick to lean, cooked meat to avoid potential foodborne illnesses from raw meat, such as salmonella, e. coli or listeria. Beef, in particular, is rich in essential amino acids, which are great for your cat's overall health. However, make sure that any cooked lean meat you give your cat is free of added spices and sauces.

• Cooked fish: Fish is rich in natural amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil—which help their bones and joints as they age. Experts recommend that fish intake be 10% or less of a cat’s overall diet.

• Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs: Eggs are highly digestible and packed with nutrients. Just make sure you're not feeding your cat raw eggs, which can contain foodborne bacteria.

Cats aren't naturally built to digest grains and dairy, but they can enjoy a few options in moderation. Also, many cats are lactose intolerant, so consuming regular dairy products could cause digestive issues.

• Oatmeal: Raw oatmeal is high in protein, healthy fats and amino acids. It can help sustain your cat’s energy without a ton of simple carbohydrates. You can even feed your cat cooked oatmeal in moderation; just cook it with water rather than milk.

• Plain yogurt: A spoonful of unsweetened, unflavored yogurt can be a safe dairy option for cats who tolerate it. But avoid yogurts with added sugar or artificial flavors or sweeteners, such as xylitol.

We understand that sharing a little food with your cat can be tempting. However, some foods can cause serious health problems for your feline friend. Here are the foods you should avoid feeding your cat.

• Onions and garlic: Onions, garlic and any other plants in the allium family (leeks, chives, etc.) are toxic to cats. These foods can damage a cat’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which are harmful to cats. In large amounts, chocolate can be fatal — causing heart issues, seizures or even death. Even in small amounts, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, lack of appetite, panting, tremors, seizures and more. If your cat gets into chocolate, call your vet immediately.

• Grapes: Even in small amounts, grapes and raisins can cause illness in cats — usually the rapid development of kidney failure. If your cat eats grapes, they will likely start vomiting within 12 hours. If this happens, take your cat to your nearest emergency vet.

• Anything with caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias in cats, which can be dangerous and detrimental to your cat's health.

• Anything with xylitol: Even in small amounts, this toxic sweetener can cause a sudden release of insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia and potential liver failure.

• Alcohol: Cats should never be given alcohol. Even a small amount can result in alcohol poisoning or depression of the central nervous system.

Some foods may not be immediately toxic, but they aren’t suitable for your feline friend. These foods include:

• Most dairy products: Many cats are lactose intolerant.

• Nuts: Nuts are high in fat and dense in calories, which is not ideal for cats. Additionally, their small pieces can be a choking hazard.

• Seeds: Seeds are also very high in fat and can lead to upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea.

• Raw meat and fish: Ingesting raw meat and raw fish risks exposing cats to bacteria that cause food poisoning, which can result in serious illness or even death in some cases.

• Raw dough: Cats should never eat raw, yeasted bread dough. According to the ASPCA, “raw, uncooked yeast ferments the carbohydrates in the dough, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process can continue in the stomach, leading the cat to become disoriented, bloated and ataxic.”

• Cooked bones: Cooked bones can splinter upon chewing, blocking your cat's throat and causing internal damage to the digestive tract.

• Spicy foods, processed snacks or heavily salted items: These foods don’t align with a cat’s nutritional needs and can be toxic.

Any new food, even cat food, can upset your cat’s stomach and digestion if not introduced gradually. So if you want to incorporate more wholesome human foods into your cat’s diet, follow these tips to make the transition smooth:

• Introduce foods gradually: Take it slow, giving them one new food at a time so you can monitor for adverse reactions, and offer less than a pea-sized serving.

• Consult with a veterinarian: Your vet knows your cat's unique nutritional needs, so consult with them before making any significant changes in your cat's diet.

• Feed a balanced diet: Occasional human food treats should be a small addition to your cat’s diet — not a replacement for their regular cat food. Too much of a good thing can cause serious health issues, particularly for older indoor cats who are more at risk of developing diabetes.

• Avoid seasonings: Spices and seasonings can irritate your cat’s stomach, and many of them contain onion and/or garlic powder, which is toxic to cats.

Whether your cat is a picky eater or just tired of kibble, supplementing their diet with delicious, nutritious treats is easy with The Honest Kitchen's recipes. All of The Honest Kitchen’s foods, treats and supplements are 100% human grade, minimally processed and chock-full of the essential nutrients and proteins cats need.

Here are our top choices to make your cat's mealtime something to look forward to:

• Mmmixers - Salmon & Pollock Topper: 100% human grade and no artificial preservatives, this is a perfect treat or topper for any meal. It’s rich in protein and gives your cat some extra hydration, which is essential for kidney health.

• Minced Chicken in Bone Broth Gravy Wet Food: Another preservative-free recipe that is packed with nutrients, including niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin A, which can help strengthen your cat's immune system.

• Smittens White Fish  Cat Treats: This omega 3-packed treat has no processed anything, just dehydrated white fish and sea salt. It is a great source of protein for cats of all ages — kittens, adults and senior adults.

Meeting your cat's unique dietary needs is essential for their long-term health and happiness. As obligate carnivores, cats have specific nutritional requirements that differ from humans. By being mindful of safe and unsafe foods, introducing new treats gradually and getting personalized advice from a vet, you can help keep your feline friend happy and healthy.

With The Honest Kitchen's recipes, you can rest easy knowing you're giving your cat a delicious treat that’s packed with the necessary nutrients. Our expansive line of cat foods has something for even the pickiest eaters. Better yet, they’re 100% human grade and have no artificial additives or preservatives.

Want healthy cat food you can both feel good about? Explore The Honest Kitchen’s recipes to find the ideal option for your feline friend!