Can Cats Eat Ham? The Pros, Cons, and How Much to Feed

Ham is a popular deli meat that many pet owners love to eat themselves. Naturally, when you’re eating a tasty ham sandwich or enjoying some ham at a holiday dinner, it’s common for your cat to take an interest in exactly what you’re eating

As obligate carnivores, cats require a diet high in animal protein to thrive. Meat products like ham can certainly provide protein. However, ham often has high amounts of fat, salt, and other additives that can be unhealthy for cats.

So, can cats eat ham? The answer is yes, in moderation. While ham can offer health benefits, too much can lead to obesity and other feline medical issues Understanding the pros and cons of feeding ham to cats, and how much ham is safe, can help you make the best choice for your cat’s unique nutritional needs

The Pros of Feeding Ham to Cats

There are a few advantages to incorporating small amounts of ham into your cat’s diet. Here are some of the main benefits:

Ham Provides High-Quality Protein

As true carnivores cats need meat in their diet to thrive. Their bodies are designed to digest and metabolize animal proteins and fats.

Ham is rich in complete, highly bioavailable protein to support your cat’s muscles, organs, and everyday biological functions. The protein in ham contains all the essential amino acids cats require.

Wet, canned hams tend to contain more protein than dry, cured hams. Look for ham with at least 18% protein or more to provide the highest protein punch.

Ham Offers Essential Cat Nutrients

In addition to protein, ham contains other key nutrients cats need:

• Fatty acids – Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid in ham fat, provides cats with energy. Cats also need fat for healthy skin and shiny coats.

• Vitamins and minerals – Ham contains B vitamins like niacin, B6, and B12. It also provides vitamins E and K, as well as trace minerals like zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and selenium.

• Taurine – Ham contains good amounts of the amino acid taurine. Taurine supports eye and heart health in cats.

As long as the ham is fresh and high-quality, these nutrients can complement your cat’s regular, balanced cat food diet.

Cats Love the Taste!

Let’s face it, ham has an appetizing smell and taste, even to discerning feline palates. The rich, smoky, salty flavor of ham is naturally enticing to cats.

Adding a few scraps or treats of ham to your cat’s meals can make their diet more interesting and appealing. This is helpful for picky eaters or older cats with decreased appetites.

As an occasional supplement, the delicious taste of ham can provide extra encouragement for your cat to eat. Just don’t let ham replace their nutritionally balanced main meals.

Potential Cons of Feeding Ham to Cats

While ham has some benefits, there are also a few potential health risks to keep in mind:

Too Much Fat and Salt

Ham tends to be high in fat, which can lead to obesity and related issues like diabetes and joint problems if overfed. The fatty acids in ham may also contain pro-inflammatory omega-6s.

Additionally, ham is very high in sodium. Excessive salt can contribute to dehydration, hypertension, and urinary tract problems in cats.

Additives and Preservatives

Deli hams often contain lots of added sugar, flavorings, colorings, and preservatives like nitrites. These additives have no nutritional value and may cause adverse reactions in some cats.

Watch out for honey-glazed hams which are cooked or glazed with sugar. Onion and garlic powders are also common ham ingredients that are toxic for cats.

Increased Cancer Risk

There is some research showing a correlation between processed and cured meats like ham and certain cancers in humans. This also applies to pets.

Cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic amines form when meat is cooked at high temperatures. Nitrites used to cure ham may also be carcinogenic.

While occasional ham is fine, regular intake could raise your cat’s risk for certain cancers over time.

How Much Ham Can Cats Eat?

Since too much ham can cause health issues, it’s important to limit your cat’s ham intake. Here are some healthy feeding guidelines:

• For a treat, give your cat around 1-2 small pieces of ham no more than 2-3 times a week. A piece should be less than 1/2 ounce or 14 grams.

• As a meal topper or mix-in, add only 1-2 teaspoons of diced ham a couple times a week. Never replace more than 10% of their regular food with ham.

• Avoid feeding deli ham more than once a week, since it is saltier and more processed than less cured hams.

• Prevent obesity by calculating ham’s calories into your cat’s daily caloric allowance. Reduce their main meals to account for ham’s high fat and calories.

• Never give honey-baked ham or ham with spices, glazes, or sauces, which all contain ingredients unsafe for cats.

• Don’t leave ham out for cats to nibble on freely. This can lead to overeating and gastrointestinal upset.

• Talk to your vet if you have a senior cat, overweight cat, or cat with a medical condition. They may advise a more restricted ham intake or avoiding it altogether.

If your cat is obsessed with ham to the point of refusing their regular food, it may be best to avoid feeding it entirely. Always supervise your cat when offering ham to ensure they nibble it slowly.

Best and Worst Types of Ham for Cats

Not all hams are created equal when it comes to nutrition and safety. Here is a quick look at the best and worst ham options for cats:

Best:

• Fresh, uncured ham
• Plain boiled ham
• Natural, preservative-free deli ham

Worst:

• Honey-baked ham
• Spiral cut ham with sauces or glazes
• Smoked ham or ham with artificial smoke flavorings
• Processed deli ham with lots of additives

In general, look for less cured, additive-free cuts of ham that have lower sodium. Unseasoned boiled ham is safest, but even small amounts of deli ham are fine for most cats in moderation.

Tips for Safely Feeding Your Cat Ham

Follow these tips for safely incorporating ham into your cat’s diet:

• Always check the ham’s ingredients. Avoid onion, garlic, added sugar, artificial preservatives.
• Choose leaner ham and trim off excess fat before feeding.
• Cut ham into bite-size pieces to prevent choking.
• Refrigerate leftover ham promptly and toss after 3-5 days to prevent bacteria growth.
• Introduce new foods like ham slowly in case it causes an upset stomach.
• Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water available to stay hydrated.
• Monitor your cat’s weight and health when adding ham to their meals.
• Never make ham a diet staple. It should only supplement your cat’s nutritionally complete cat food.

Can Kittens Eat Ham?

Ham may also be fed to kittens in limited amounts. Make sure the ham is cut into tiny, kitten-bite-sized portions. Introduce ham slowly, starting with just a lick or two.

Since kittens need very specific amounts of nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, only give ham occasionally. Never replace more than 5% of a kitten’s complete diet with ham.

For optimal nutrition, feed kittens only high-quality kitten food and formula. Check with your vet before introducing new human foods like ham.

Is Ham Good for Cats? The Bottom Line

Overall, ham is fine for cats to eat in moderation. While ham can provide protein and other beneficial nutrients, too much can lead to obesity, salt toxicity, and other problems.

Use ham as an occasional treat or meal enhancer, not a daily part of their diet. Follow suggested serving guidelines, choose less processed hams, and always supervise your cat when feeding ham.

With smart ham consumption, your cat can enjoy the scrumptious flavor and nutrition of ham safely as part of a healthy, balanced feline diet. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about feeding ham to your own cat.