Ham is a holiday food and a favorite for quick sandwiches, but what about giving it to your cat? Can cats eat ham, or should you stay away from it? Ham is a source of protein, but your cat should never snack on it.
As cat owners, one of the most common questions we have is “can cats eat cooked ham?” After all, ham is a tasty treat that many humans love. It’s perfectly normal to want to share a little piece with your feline friend But is it safe? Does ham offer any nutritional value for cats? Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at everything you need to know about feeding your cat ham.
An Overview of Ham
Ham is meat from the hind leg of a pig that has been cured, smoked, or otherwise processed. There are many varieties of ham available at the grocery store from Black Forest ham to honey-baked ham. For our purposes, we are talking about deli-style cooked ham slices. While dogs tend to gobble up just about anything, cats are more discerning. Let’s explore if ham should be on the feline menu.
Are Cats Carnivores?
Cats are obligate carnivores meaning their bodies are designed to digest and derive nutrition primarily from meat. Unlike omnivores or herbivores, they lack the ability to synthesize certain vitamins and amino acids within their own bodies. This means they must get these essential nutrients directly from animal tissues like meat organs, bones etc.
The domestic house cat shares around 95% of its genetic makeup with wild cats like lions and tigers. Their short digestive tracts and sharp teeth are built for consuming prey. While ham is meat, it lacks many of the nutrients cats need from whole prey items to thrive. This makes ham more of a treat than a dietary staple.
The Pros of Ham for Cats
Now that we know cats prefer animal flesh, here are some of the positives of ham:
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High in Protein – With around 18 grams of protein per 4 ounce serving, ham can help cats meet their high protein requirements. Protein provides essential amino acids and helps maintain lean muscle mass.
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Flavorful Treat – We all know cats have an excellent sense of smell. The salty, smoky, rich flavor of ham is sure to tempt even the pickiest feline palate. It can make a tasty treat, snack, or topper to encourage eating.
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Source of Taurine – Unlike humans, cats cannot synthesize the amino acid taurine in their bodies so they must ingest it. Taurine is critical for vision, heart health, and development in kittens. Ham provides a decent amount of natural taurine.
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Palatable Pill Pocket – Hide medication or supplements inside a small piece of ham to entice your cat into happily eating their pill. The strong scent appeals to cats.
So in small amounts, ham can be a beneficial treat for cats to enjoy. Now let’s explore the potential risks.
The Cons of Feeding Ham to Cats
While ham isn’t necessarily toxic to cats, there are some valid concerns with offering it too frequently:
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High in Sodium – The salt content is extremely high, with over 1000mg per 4 ounce serving. This is far above the recommended 42mg daily sodium limit for cats. Too much sodium can lead to dehydration, kidney problems or even sodium ion poisoning.
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Fat Content – Ham contains a high amount of fat, especially saturated fat. Too much dietary fat long term is linked to obesity, pancreatitis, and other illnesses in cats.
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Preservatives & Additives – Deli ham tends to contain preservatives like nitrates that help prevent bacterial growth. However, there are conflicting views on whether these are carcinogenic. Other additives like sugars may also be present.
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Lack of Balanced Nutrition – Ham alone cannot provide all the vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other nutrients essential for feline health. Relying on it too heavily could lead to deficiencies down the road.
So ham should only be fed occasionally and in moderation. Now let’s look at some serving tips and quantities.
How Much Ham Can I Give My Cat?
When giving ham as a treat, less is often best. Here are some guidelines on safe amounts based on your cat’s weight:
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For a small cat under 10 lbs, limit to 1/2 inch cube of ham or less. This is about 1-2 calories.
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For a medium cat 10-15 lbs, give 1 inch cube of ham, approx 2-4 calories.
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For a large cat over 15 lbs, 2 inch cube is the max, or 4-8 calories of ham.
In general, treats like ham should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Anything above these amounts could lead to gastrointestinal upset. Overindulging or feeding ham daily is not recommended.
Cats have a better sense of smell than taste. A tiny piece will still seem like a treat!
Can Cats Eat Honey Baked Ham?
Around the holidays, honey baked ham is a popular specialty dish. But is it safe for cats? The honey glaze contains added sugar which cats have difficulty digesting. Too much can cause diarrhea. For this reason, refrain from giving cats ham with any honey or sugary crust. Plain, unseasoned ham is best.
Can Kittens Eat Ham?
Kittens under 12 weeks old have developing digestive systems and immunity. It’s best to wait until 3-4 months to introduce new proteins like ham. Before that, stick with kitten formula or wet food to provide balanced nutrition. Too much ham could lead to loose stools or diarrhea in young kittens. Consult your vet on proper diet for the age of your kitten.
How to Serve Ham Safely
If you do choose to share a bit of ham with your cat, follow these tips to keep them safe:
- Give only 1-2 times a week at most
- Choose lean, low sodium deli ham
- Cut off any fatty areas
- Remove rind, bone, or skin
- Dice into tiny pieces
- Avoid any seasoned or smoked ham
- Refrigerate unused portions
- Don’t leave ham out for more than 2 hours
And be sure to monitor your cat closely. Signs of GI upset like vomiting or diarrhea mean no more ham for your finicky feline.
The Consensus on Ham for Cats
- Ham is not toxic, but high sodium makes it risky.
- Small amounts (1-2 calories per 10 lbs body weight) are ok for a treat.
- Do not feed ham frequently or as a steady part of the diet.
- Plain, lean ham is safest. Avoid additions like honey glaze.
- Supervise feeding to watch for signs of sensitivity or overindulgence.
While ham can be an irresistible snack for cats, it does not provide complete nutrition. For optimal health, focus on high quality cat food, treats and occasionally offer a savory scrap of ham as a special surprise. Does your cat go crazy for ham? Or turn up their nose at this salty, smoked meat? Let us know in the comments!
How Much Ham Is OK for Cats?
Any ham that is served should only come in 1-inch cubes, and only twice or three times a week. Cut this portion into smaller bites, as your cat could potentially gulp down this tasty treat and choke.
Any ham you give your cat should be thought of as a treat and not something they eat every day. Before you start giving your cat ham as a treat, talk to your vet. Some cats should not be given ham. Cats that need to stay low on sodium, like those with kidney or heart disease, might not be able to eat even small amounts of ham without getting sick.
Many cats like to eat ham plain, or it can be used as a food topper. You could also hide the treat in a food puzzle or small amounts in bowls around the house. This way, your cat will get some exercise while she gets her treat. This will make her more active while “hunting” for her snacks.
Sharing ham with your cat is fun, but don’t give her too much. Her commercial cat food is already pretty big. It’s quite easy to give your cat too many treats, which can result in nutritional imbalances and illness. Remember: Even low-sodium hams still contain salt. Too much salt can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) in cats, just like it can in people.
Is Ham Bad for Cats?
When you say that cats are obligate carnivores, you mean that they can’t get the nutrients they need from anything else. Ham provides a lean source of protein, which is an ideal way to offer these nutrients.
However, not all ham is created equal. Home-cooked ham is great for cats, but deli-processed ham foods aren’t as likely to be healthy for them. They often have a lot of things in them that are bad for your cat, like sodium and seasonings like garlic or onion that are poisonous to cats.
That’s why, if you want to share your ham with your cat, you should buy raw, uncooked ham and cook it yourself without any seasonings or spices. This way, you will know that it’s safe and nutritious for you and your pets.
Additionally, always talk to your vet first to make sure that your cat is healthy enough to eat ham.
Can Cats Eat Ham | Is This Food Healthy for Your Kitten
FAQ
Is cooked ham ok for cats?
Why do cats love ham?
Can I give my cat sandwich ham?
How many pieces of ham can a cat eat?
Can cats eat ham?
Quite simply, ham is not the best food choice for your feline friend. This is mainly due to its high salt content and the way it’s usually processed 1. In other words, while cats can eat ham, it doesn’t mean they should be eating ham often. If you decide to treat your cat to a small piece of ham, remember that the key word here is “small.”
Is ham gluten free?
Ham naturally by itself is gluten-free. Although, many companies made their ham with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. So, you must prefer brands that indicate they are gluten-free on the packaging.
What happens if a cat eats a ham?
If your cat swipes some ham from the table at Thanksgiving or Christmas without your permission or supervision, watch for these signs and check with your veterinarian if your cat doesn’t quickly improve after the meal.
Can cats eat turkey ham?
If you’re looking to treat your kitty to a tasty snack, it’s best to avoid ham made from pork and consider turkey ham or even plain chicken, as these meats contain less fat. And remember, the best food for your feline friend is their nutritionally complete, commercial cat food.