Cats are identified for his or her choosy consuming habits, however they’ll generally shock us by nibbling on surprising 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 wonderful for felines in small quantities, however will not be appropriate so as to add to the food regimen as they’re missing in all of the vitamins your little carnivore wants.
What Are Graham Crackers?
Graham crackers had been created in america 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 food regimen. A number of firms started mass-producing them and they’re nonetheless a well-liked meals merchandise in the present day, typically 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, complete 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 will not be well-suited for processing massive portions of wheat or grains, and consuming an excessive amount of would possibly result in digestive upset. Graham crackers additionally lack the important vitamins that cats want for a balanced food regimen.
Sugar and Fat
Graham crackers typically include added sugar, fat and oils, which isn’t appropriate for cats. Cats will not be even in a position to expertise candy tastes. An excessive amount of sugar or fats over time will result in weight achieve, 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 achieve over time.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a standard spice utilized in graham crackers. Whereas small quantities of cinnamon are typically secure for cats, massive 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 may hurt cats in very massive 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, reminiscent of wheat. Indicators of an allergic response can embrace steady itching, scratching, overgrooming, and biting.
Advantages of Feeding Graham Crackers to Cats
Sadly, there isn’t any actual profit to feeding graham crackers to your cat, as they don’t include any meat, which is what cats require of their diets. Nonetheless, 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 numerous flavors and textures, so with a little bit of experimentation, you’ll certainly discover one thing that your cat enjoys.
Cooked Meat
Cats love meat, and small quantities of cooked rooster, turkey, or fish may be tasty and secure treats in your furry pal. 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 may 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 that you could maintain indoors or outdoors.
Dental Chews
Dental chews are much 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 checklist of dental merchandise.
Well being Tips for Cats
- Schedule annual check-ups together with your veterinarian. Common vet visits may help catch and stop well being points early.
- Be certain that your cat receives the suitable vaccinations to guard towards widespread feline ailments.
- Present balanced, high-quality cat meals acceptable in your cat’s age and well being, and observe the portion sizes advisable on the package deal.
- All the time present recent, clear water. Some cats choose working water, so a water fountain may help.
- Repeatedly monitor your cat’s weight and physique situation. Weight problems is a standard concern in cats and might result in well being issues. Seek the advice of your vet for weight administration methods should you battle to maintain your cat at an acceptable 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 crucial, as these bugs can transmit a number of dangerous ailments to your pet, together with Lyme illness and heartworm.
- Preserve 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 a minimum of 20 minutes day by day partaking your cat in actions and video games.
- Often brush your cat’s coat to forestall matting and cut back shedding. Lengthy-haired breeds could require extra frequent grooming and trimming.
- Spaying and neutering may help stop undesirable litters and cut back sure well being and conduct points.
- Contemplate microchipping your cat, and have them put on a collar with an ID tag together with your contact data.
- Cats may be delicate to modifications of their routine. Reduce stress by offering a steady and comfy dwelling surroundings.
- Look ahead to modifications in conduct, urge for food, and litter field habits or indicators of discomfort, and phone the vet instantly should you discover any.
- Have a plan in case of emergencies. Know the telephone quantity and handle of the closest 24-hour veterinary clinic.
Conclusion
In case your cat ate a graham cracker with out your approval, they are going to in all probability be wonderful, 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, may be dangerous in massive quantities. Selecting a extra appropriate meals, like a industrial cat deal with or plain cooked meat, is healthier in your cat.
Featured Picture Credit score: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock
