What Human Foods Can Bengal Cats Eat?

So, your child shared his fruit candy with your precious Bengal cat, and the kitty got an upset stomach?

Bengal cats cannot eat all human food.

What human food can Bengal cats eat? Bengal cats can eat cooked meat and a few canned veggies in moderation. They should avoid fried chicken and should only have a tiny amount of fruit occasionally. It’s essential to consult with a veterinarian for a balanced diet.

This post has so much more about the food your Bengal cat can eat. So go on and learn to keep up with your cat’s nutrition needs.

Dietary Needs of Your Bengal Cat

Before delving into the specifics of what Bengal cats can eat and what should be avoided, it is imperative to first understand their dietary needs. Identifying their unique nutritional requirements is the foundation upon which we can build a safe and healthy diet plan for these magnificent feline companions.

As descendants of Asian leopard cats, meat is a vital necessity for Bengal cats. Being obligate carnivores, their natural diet predominantly consists of meat, making it an essential component of their nutritional requirements.

Asian leopard cats (predecessors of Bengal tabbies) ate lizards, mice, birds, insects, etc.

But, as pet cats cannot go out and hunt for themselves, therefore, it is obligatory for you to provide them with enough meat.

Also, meat cannot be replaced with any other food source. Avoid feeding them veggies and other sources of food that are not meant for this breed. Even if they do eat it, they can’t digest them well.

To stay healthy and fit, your Bengal cat’s diet must contain enough proteins. And there is no better source of protein than meat.

And while even lentils are a great source of protein, it’s surely isn’t the best option for your Bengal cat. In fact, it’s very unnatural for a cat.

So, long story short, Bengal cats need lots of meat to be healthy and active.

But:

Meat isn’t the only thing they need.

Keep reading this article to understand what else Bengal cats need.

Human Food That Bengal Cats Can Eat

I think it is high time we should debunk the myth that cats only eat mice.

There are a lot of things they can eat (in fact, they love to eat).

Here’s a list of food items that Bengal cats love:

1. Fried Chicken

Does it sound crazy? Believe me; it’s not.

Bengal cats love fried chicken, and they easily digest it.

Most people say that it is good to give raw chicken to your Bengal cat, but there’s nothing wrong with experimenting with your cat’s food.

Next time when you make or order fried chicken for yourself, don’t forget your young Bengal kitty.

2. Cooked Meat

As a common practice, people prefer serving their pet Bengal cats raw meat.

But that isn’t mandatory at all. Bengal cats would appreciate some flavor in their food.

Amazing, no?

Bengal cats can eat and digest cooked meat very well. Feel free to feed them beef steak, boiled mutton, or ham; your Bengal feline can eat them all.

When offering meat to your Bengal cat, ensure it is properly cooked. Half-cooked or spicy meat can upset their stomach. Cooked meat should be an occasional treat, not a regular part of their diet. Keep it as a small indulgence for your feline friend.

3. Canned Vegetables

I am sure many people who are not familiar with Bengal cats will find this odd.

But Bengal cats can certainly eat a few canned vegetables.

However:

The proportion of these veggies should be tiny in their overall diet.

The vegetables that Bengal cats are likely to enjoy and digest are:

• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Broccoli

These veggies are high in iron and phosphorus, which makes them a good source of minerals for Bengal cats. Canned pumpkin is proven to be beneficial for diarrhea and upset stomachs in Bengal cats.

4. Bananas and Melons

Out of all the fruits, bananas and melons are completely safe for your Bengal cat’s consumption.

Here’s a fact:

Bengal cats need a very tiny amount of dietary fiber.

You can include a small portion of fruit or vegetable into their diet. But moderation is key here. Excessive fiber intake can lead to digestion problems in Bengal cats.

These two are the recommended fruits your Bengal cat can eat comfortably without getting constipation or diarrhea.

Besides bananas and melons, avoid feeding your kitty any other fruit, So you can give it a few pieces of frozen banana or melon as a treat, but make sure you remove seeds from the melon beforehand.

5, Canned Baby Food

Here’s another surprising human food that you can serve to your Bengal cat – Baby Food!

Baby food that contains meat will become your cat’s favorite. They will relish the smell and taste of baby food. But before you pick up a few favorites from the baby-food aisle, it’s important to remember that Bengal cats are extremely allergic to garlic and ginger.

Always check the ingredients to ensure there’s no ginger and garlic powder.

6. Fish

Let’s bust another common myth: cats should eat fish regularly.

Even though your Bengal cat would love canned fish, consuming it regularly isn’t ideal. Especially fish prepared for humans isn’t the best choice for your Bengal.

Sometimes, you can share your canned tuna or mackerel with the kitty, and it will enjoy.

Bear this in mind:

Fish is not a part of cats’ natural diet.

Based on the information shared earlier, it is essential to recognize the human foods that are safe for your Bengal cat to consume. Cooked meat and a few select vegetables in moderation are suitable choices. However, avoid giving them fried or spicy foods. Remember, human food should only be an occasional treat, and consulting with a veterinarian can help create a well-balanced and healthy diet plan for your beloved Bengal cat.

Now let’s find out all the human food that you should never offer to your Bengal cat.

The Human Food Bengal Cats Cannot Eat

There are numerous food items your Bengal kitty should never taste.

The human stomach is quite flexible, and it can digest a lot of things. From meat to herbs, and from veggies to fruits, there’s a lot we can eat.

But:

Don’t share everything with your cat.

Here’s a complete list of what your cat should avoid eating.

1. Grains

Bengal cats cannot digest grains at all.

Many cat foods have loads of grains (cheap tactics to increase weight), but they can destroy your cat’s health.

Never share bread, cereals, or chips with your kitty.

2. Raw eggs

Even though cooked eggs are good for Bengal cats’, raw ones aren’t.

They have salmonella bacteria in them, which may cause your Bengal cats to fall sick.

3. Potatoes

Does your Bengal cat love to snuffle into your French fries plate?

Never let them do so.

Potatoes are high in carbohydrates, and cats’ digestive systems cannot bear excess carbs. Never feed potatoes to your Bengal, either raw or cooked.

4. Caffeine

Tea and coffee are Bengal cats’ enemies.

No cat can digest caffeine, which is why you should never let it take a sip from your cup.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol can be fatal to your cat. Avoid leaving leftovers in the kitchen or countertops.

6. Milk

As kids, we are made to believe that all cats love milk. Milk is the first thing that comes to our mind when feeling cats or taking care of tiny kittens.

Just like any other cat, Bengal cats are lactose intolerant as well. However, this exotic breed becomes lactose intolerant with age.

They cannot digest milk, and if you keep feeding it to them, the result will be nasty diarrhea or food poisoning.

7. Fats

Do you put the leftover fat from your beef steak in your cat’s dish? Stop doing this right away.

Cats love meat, but not all flesh. They can get pancreatitis if their food has excessive fatty acids. A little bit of animal fat is good for them, but don’t make it a habit.

8. Raw fish

As I said earlier, fish is not their natural food. And they cannot digest them well either.

Try and minimize your Bengal cat’s fish intake to once a week.

9. Xylitol

Don’t worry if you don’t know what this is.

I am here to explain.

Xylitol is a sweetener that is present in candies, gums, bubble gums, lollypops, etc.

In short, most things kids eat have xylitol in them.

These things are the kids’ favorite, and they often love to share their food with the feline. But you should never let this happen.

Once your Bengal cat eats xylitol, its blood sugar level will decrease rapidly. And your Bengal kitty might end up in the hospital.

Teach your kids about this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Bengal cats eat a lot?

Yes, they do. As Bengal cats are part-wild, they are bound to be hyperactive. They keep jumping and running around in the house. And it consumes their energy.

That is why they eat more than regular pet cats. If you want your cat to be healthy, never let it eat excessively. Divide the cat’s food into small portions and maintain a healthy interval between its meals.

Can Bengal cats eat cheese?

They can, but only a small amount. Most Bengal cats are lactose intolerant. This makes cheese a no-no for them. But they can eat a small amount of cheese without any side effects.