Cats are identified for his or her choosy consuming habits, however they’ll generally shock us by nibbling on sudden treats. One unusual merchandise that appears to get many cats’ consideration is graham crackers, however are they secure for cats to eat? Luckily, graham crackers are superb for felines in small quantities, however aren’t appropriate so as to add to the eating regimen as they’re missing in all of the vitamins your little carnivore wants.
What Are Graham Crackers?
Graham crackers had been created in the US within the late 1800s, impressed by preacher Sylvester Graham. He launched the primary graham product that used coarsely floor flour (graham flour) as a part of a vegetarian eating regimen. A number of corporations started mass-producing them and they’re nonetheless a preferred meals merchandise right this moment, usually sweetened with honey or cinnamon. They’re additionally an ingredient in lots of desserts, like pie crusts and s’mores.
Graham crackers include enriched flour, entire grain wheat flour, sugar, canola or soybean oil, preservatives, molasses, honey, baking soda, calcium phosphatase, salt, dextrose, cinnamon, soy lecithin, pure cinnamon taste and sodium sulfite.
Issues With Graham Crackers
Flour
Graham crackers are primarily coarsely floor wheat flour. Whereas cats can technically digest small quantities of carbohydrates, their digestive programs aren’t well-suited for processing giant portions of wheat or grains, and consuming an excessive amount of may result in digestive upset. Graham crackers additionally lack the important vitamins that cats want for a balanced eating regimen.
Sugar and Fat
Graham crackers usually include added sugar, fat and oils, which isn’t appropriate for cats. Cats aren’t even capable of expertise candy tastes. An excessive amount of sugar or fats over time will result in weight acquire, which places your feline in danger for diabetes and joint issues.
Honey
Some graham cracker varieties include honey. Whereas honey is pure, it’s nonetheless excessive in sugar and will trigger weight acquire over time.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a standard spice utilized in graham crackers. Whereas small quantities of cinnamon are typically secure for cats, giant portions can result in digestive upset, mouth sores and even toxicity. Though ingestion of sufficient cinnamon to trigger an issue is unlikely in cats.
Salt
Some graham crackers could include added salt, which might hurt cats in very giant doses. Though once more, ingestion of sufficient to trigger an issue is unlikely.
Potential Allergic reactions
Some cats could have allergic reactions or sensitivities to sure components present in graham crackers, akin to wheat. Indicators of an allergic response can embody steady itching, scratching, overgrooming, and biting.
Advantages of Feeding Graham Crackers to Cats
Sadly, there is no such thing as a actual profit to feeding graham crackers to your cat, as they don’t include any meat, which is what cats require of their diets. Nevertheless, a graham cracker shouldn’t trigger any hurt in case your cat nibbles on a tiny piece you dropped on the ground.
Options to Graham Crackers for Cats
Cat Treats
Business cat treats are nice choices and assist meet feline dietary necessities. They arrive in varied flavors and textures, so with a little bit of experimentation, you’ll absolutely discover one thing that your cat enjoys.
Cooked Meat
Cats love meat, and small quantities of cooked hen, turkey, or fish might be tasty and secure treats in your furry buddy. Boil the meat with out spices, let it cool, and reduce it into small items earlier than serving.
Catnip
Catnip is a pure herb that many cats get pleasure from. You possibly can sprinkle it on a scratching submit or use catnip-infused toys to offer leisure. It’s additionally a aromatic, enticing, and easy-to-grow plant you can preserve indoors or exterior.
Dental Chews
Dental chews are just like industrial cat treats however have particular components to assist cats keep their oral well being. Take a look at the Veterinary Oral Well being Council (VOHC) authorised listing of dental merchandise.
Well being Tips for Cats
- Schedule annual check-ups along with your veterinarian. Common vet visits may help catch and forestall well being points early.
- Make sure that your cat receives the suitable vaccinations to guard in opposition to frequent feline ailments.
- Present balanced, high-quality cat meals applicable in your cat’s age and well being, and observe the portion sizes really helpful on the bundle.
- All the time present contemporary, clear water. Some cats want operating water, so a water fountain may help.
- Repeatedly monitor your cat’s weight and physique situation. Weight problems is a standard challenge in cats and might result in well being issues. Seek the advice of your vet for weight administration methods in the event you wrestle to maintain your cat at an applicable weight.
- Promote dental well being with common tooth brushing, dental treats, and toys designed for oral hygiene. All the time use pet-safe toothpaste, as human toothpaste can include harmful components.
- Use the flea-and-tick management measures that your vet recommends, and administer deworming remedies as vital, as these bugs can transmit a number of dangerous ailments to your pet, together with Lyme illness and heartworm.
- Hold the litter field clear, and alter the litter a few times a day to maintain it hygienic. .
- Present toys, scratching posts, and treat-dispensing puzzles to maintain your cat bodily and mentally energetic. Spend at the very least 20 minutes every day participating your cat in actions and video games.
- Often brush your cat’s coat to forestall matting and scale back shedding. Lengthy-haired breeds could require extra frequent grooming and trimming.
- Spaying and neutering may help stop undesirable litters and scale back sure well being and conduct points.
- Contemplate microchipping your cat, and have them put on a collar with an ID tag along with your contact data.
- Cats might be delicate to modifications of their routine. Reduce stress by offering a steady and comfy residing surroundings.
- Look ahead to modifications in conduct, urge for food, and litter field habits or indicators of discomfort, and make contact with the vet instantly in the event you discover any.
- Have a plan in case of emergencies. Know the telephone quantity and deal with of the closest 24-hour veterinary clinic.
Conclusion
In case your cat ate a graham cracker with out your approval, they are going to most likely be superb, however it’s a good suggestion to look at them intently for a number of hours for indicators of digestive upset and name the vet if there are any issues. Graham crackers include no dietary advantages for cats, and lots of the components, like flour and sugar, might be dangerous in giant quantities. Selecting a extra appropriate meals, like a industrial cat deal with or plain cooked meat, is best in your cat.
Featured Picture Credit score: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock
