In the wild, cats are natural-born hunters. Domesticated cats are no different than feral cats when it comes to these natural inclinations. With that being said, wild cats often feed on birds and their nests. Within bird nests, there will often be eggs. Wild cats will eat these eggs to gain the necessary nutrients that they need. Cats will naturally kill small rodents and birds because of their prey drive. Cats in the wild eat eggs. So, can cats eat hard-boiled eggs?

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Can Cats Eat Hard-Boiled Eggs? 

In short: Yes, cats can eat hard-boiled eggs. Hard-boiled eggs are safe for the consumption of cats as long as there are no added flavorings or preservatives. This includes any dye, salt, or pepper. You should also peel the shell off of the egg for your cat.

Hard-boiled eggs without any oil or seasoning will be fine.  In fact, these can be very beneficial for them. Cats are carnivores and they require a considerable amount of protein in their diet to maintain their health.

Eggs are packed with excellent protein, which can be easily digested by the alimentary canal of the cats.

Although domesticated cats and wild cats, or feral cats, are very similar in nature, they still have some major differences.

Wild cats have become accustomed to certain things that their bodies can handle. This includes the digestion of uncooked eggs.

Eggs can contain salmonella and E. coli which can both be very harmful to your cat. Either one can make them very sick, and can even lead to death. If you feed your cat an egg it should be in moderation and should always be cooked. Can Cats Eat Hard Boiled Eggs

Illnesses Caused By Feeding Cats Raw Eggs

There is a multitude of illnesses that can be caused by raw or undercooked eggs. When eggs are raw or undercooked they can be extremely harmful to your cat. Salmonella and E. Coli are two of the main bacteria that can cause illness in your cat.

  • Salmonella– Salmonella is a harmful bacteria that can be found in eggs. Salmonella can lead to Salmonellosis which is food poisoning caused by the salmonella bacteria. Symptoms of this include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and weight loss.
    Salmonella In Cats

    Salmonella Bacteria

Although this can be a life-threatening illness most people, and animals will recover from it. It does not usually result in death the majority of the time.

That does not mean that is should not be taken seriously though.

Pets are much more fragile than people. If your pet has been exposed to salmonella, then you should take them to a pet hospital immediately.

 If they show any symptoms, the sooner you can take care of it then the better. Symptoms usually start to appear within 24 hours.

This can also be transmitted from an infected animal to your cat, so please be aware of your surroundings. If your cat has killed any rodents or came into contact with an infected

 

  • E. Coli– Escherichia Coli or E. Coli for short is a bacteria that is normally found in the intestines of animals. Specifically the lower intestines. E. Coli can actually live inside of warm-blooded mammals without causing problems. With that being said, some strains are more deadly than others.
E. Coli in Cats

E. coli Bacteria

Coli can cause a cat to have food poisoning. Many kittens may have E. Coli present in their systems at the time of their birth. Mother cats will secrete a milk-like substance called colostrum. Colostrum will help strengthen a newborn kitten’s immune system.  Symptoms of E. Coli are watery diarrhea, dehydration, and a rapid heartbeat. Your vet may take a variety of samples to see if this is indeed the cause of your cat’s illness.

Benefits of Hard-Boiled Eggs for Cats

The eggs not only provide protein but also they are rich in vitamins and minerals. Such as vitamins B2, B6, and B12. Eggs also provide minerals such as copper, iron, and zinc. Which, will all promote health in a cat’s digestive system.

It is important to note that when feeding your cat eggs, it should be done in moderation. You can start by mixing some of the hard-boiled egg in with your cat’s food, such as it’s kibble.

Once your cat starts to get used to this, you can feed them whole eggs, chopped up. Do not feed them whole eggs all of the time. Eggs should be a treat rather than a dietary need of your cat. If you believe that your cat

Can Cats Eat Hard Boiled Eggs ?

Things To Remember About Hard Boiled Eggs & Cats

  • Don’t use any salt, butter, or oil when preparing the hard-boiled eggs

 

  • You can also feed your cat scrambled eggs, in moderation

 

  • It is best to mix the eggs with your cat’s food

 

  • When you use a hard-boiled egg, chop it up for your cat

 

  • Eggs should be as a snack rather than a need.

 

  • If your kitty is having heart or kidney problems then it is better to use eggs in very low moderation. You can give them eggs once in a while. It is because eggs contain cholesterol which can lead to heart issues.

 

  • We all know that anything in excess can be harmful. Eggs will provide protein and some other supplements to your cat, but not all of the key components of their normal diet. Therefore, don’t rely on the hard-boiled eggs entirely.

 

You may be wondering can cats eat hard-boiled eggs, because of the associated risks. The risks really are mitigated to uncooked eggs. Cooked eggs are actually beneficial to your cat.

 

In Short

Can cats eat hard-boiled eggs? The answer is yes. Eggs can provide a lot of helpful benefits to your cats diet. Including extra protein. Cats are natural avid hunters. Cats in the wild would naturally raid the nests of birds. Their predecessors are dispositioned to eat eggs, it should only naturally fall in line for their domesticated kin.

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