Have you noticed how your cats love to curl up around you when you’ve got some food in your hands? Well, it turns out, you can share some of these foods with your cats and kittens. While most of their nutrition should come from more holistic food sources which take into account their nutritional requirements for the growth stage and breed, here are seven human foods that you can safely share with your cats:

Fish
Cats only produce a fraction of the omega-3 fatty acids that their body needs. They can get the right proportion of these nutrients from fatty fish like salmon, tuna, herring, and crab. The protein and other nutrient content from fish help cats maintain their eyesight, joints, and brain. However, it is important to ensure that your cat only eats cooked and unseasoned fish to avoid any other illnesses or health complications.

Spinach
Spinach is full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and calcium. Because of these nutrients, spinach can be a healthy treat for your cats and kittens. However, if your cat has a history of calcium oxalate bladder stones, avoid giving them spinach. Different cat foods also use spinach in their ingredients because of its vast health benefits. For example, Purina Cat Food’s Beyond Grain-Free ocean white fish and spinach canned cat food feature spinach within the top 5 ingredients for natural food for adult cats.

Chicken and other meats
Chicken is a great source of lean protein for your cats, as long as it is cooked (unseasoned) and its skin is removed (since the skin can be fatty). A popular ingredient in many commercial cat food brands, chicken, along with other kinds of meat, is healthy for cats to eat. Sheba Cat Food’s premium range offers chicken in a variety of gravies and combinations to boost your cat’s health.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that meat is an essential part of their daily food. It is safe to give them other cooked meats like turkey, duck, and beef. However, skip meats high in sodium, such as cold cuts or ham, as high salty foods can be dangerous for cats.

Peas
Peas are high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A, which are essential for your cat. They are often found in commercial cat foods, but can also be given to them frozen or raw.

Whole grains
Whole and unrefined grains are great to share with your cats. They are rich in nutrients like vitamins, iron, and fiber, and can be given to cats in the form of oatmeal (made with water), maize, and brown rice. However, just because they are cat-safe, does not mean that your cat will enjoy them. So, introduce these foods slowly, and make sure they garner a taste for them before adding grains to their daily feeding plan.

Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein, iron, vitamin B, and other minerals, making them a great option to share with your cats. Raw eggs, however, carry a risk of salmonella and E.Coli, so ensure that you only feed cooked eggs to your cat.

Fruits
Cats can safely eat fruits like berries and melons. Berries like blueberries and strawberries are a rich source of antioxidants, and are generally low in sugar, making them safe to share with your cats. They can also enjoy small pieces of melon like cantaloupe, honeydew, or seedless watermelon, which are high in vitamin A and C.

Brands like Hill’s Cat Food and Iam’s Cat Food offer meals for your cats based on their nutritional needs. From limited serving sizes to various health concerns, their products and serving options cater to cats and kittens of all sizes and ages. 9 Lives Cat Food also provides a similar range of products in different flavors and forms for your cat to savor every bite of its meal.