Cats are recognized for his or her choosy consuming habits, however they will generally shock us by nibbling on surprising treats. One unusual merchandise that appears to get many cats’ consideration is graham crackers, however are they protected for cats to eat? Luckily, graham crackers are nice for felines in small quantities, however will not be appropriate so as to add to the weight-reduction plan as they’re missing in all of the vitamins your little carnivore wants.
What Are Graham Crackers?
Graham crackers have 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 weight-reduction plan. A number of corporations started mass-producing them and they’re nonetheless a well-liked meals merchandise in the present day, usually 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, entire 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 techniques will not be well-suited for processing massive portions of wheat or grains, and consuming an excessive amount of may result in digestive upset. Graham crackers additionally lack the important vitamins that cats want for a balanced weight-reduction plan.
Sugar and Fat
Graham crackers usually 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 acquire, 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 acquire over time.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a standard spice utilized in graham crackers. Whereas small quantities of cinnamon are usually protected 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 might include added salt, which might hurt cats in very massive doses. Though once more, ingestion of sufficient to trigger an issue is unlikely.
Potential Allergy symptoms
Some cats might have allergic reactions or sensitivities to sure elements present in graham crackers, similar to wheat. Indicators of an allergic response can embrace steady itching, scratching, overgrooming, and biting.
Advantages of Feeding Graham Crackers to Cats
Sadly, there is no such thing as a actual profit to feeding graham crackers to your cat, as they don’t include any meat, which is what cats require of their diets. Nevertheless, a graham cracker shouldn’t trigger any hurt in case your cat nibbles on a tiny piece you dropped on the ground.
Alternate 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 hen, turkey, or fish will be tasty and protected treats on your furry pal. Boil the meat with out spices, let it cool, and minimize 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 put up or use catnip-infused toys to offer leisure. It’s additionally a aromatic, engaging, and easy-to-grow plant that you may maintain indoors or outdoors.
Dental Chews
Dental chews are just like business cat treats however have particular elements to assist cats preserve their oral well being. Try the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) authorised listing of dental merchandise.
Well being Tips for Cats
- Schedule annual check-ups together with your veterinarian. Common vet visits may also help catch and forestall well being points early.
- Be sure that your cat receives the suitable vaccinations to guard in opposition to frequent feline ailments.
- Present balanced, high-quality cat meals applicable on your cat’s age and well being, and comply with the portion sizes really helpful on the bundle.
- All the time present contemporary, clear water. Some cats want working water, so a water fountain may also help.
- Constantly monitor your cat’s weight and physique situation. Weight problems is a standard difficulty in cats and may result in well being issues. Seek the advice of your vet for weight administration methods for those who wrestle to maintain your cat at an applicable 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 elements.
- Use the flea-and-tick management measures that your vet recommends, and administer deworming remedies as vital, as these bugs can transmit a number of dangerous ailments to your pet, together with Lyme illness and heartworm.
- Hold the litter field clear, and alter the litter a couple of times a day to maintain it hygienic. .
- Present toys, scratching posts, and treat-dispensing puzzles to maintain your cat bodily and mentally lively. Spend not less than 20 minutes day by day participating your cat in actions and video games.
- Regularly brush your cat’s coat to forestall matting and cut back shedding. Lengthy-haired breeds might require extra frequent grooming and trimming.
- Spaying and neutering may also 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 info.
- Cats will be delicate to changes in their routine. Reduce stress by offering a secure and cozy residing setting.
- Look ahead to modifications in conduct, urge for food, and litter field habits or indicators of discomfort, and get in touch with the vet instantly for those who discover any.
- Have a plan in case of emergencies. Know the cellphone quantity and deal with of the closest 24-hour veterinary clinic.
Conclusion
In case your cat ate a graham cracker with out your approval, they are going to most likely be nice, however it’s a good suggestion to observe them intently for a number of hours for signs of digestive upset and name the vet if there are any issues. Graham crackers include no dietary advantages for cats, and lots of the elements, like flour and sugar, will be dangerous in massive quantities. Selecting a extra appropriate meals, like a business cat deal with or plain cooked meat, is best on your cat.
Featured Picture Credit score: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock
