The Human Equivalent of Feeding Your Cat Snacks
You hear a mew from under your feet and there sits your kitty cat waiting for you to toss her a morsel. In your hand is a piece of cheese so you give her a taste. You rationalize that she deserves it because she’s so good to you. No harm done, right, it’s only a small piece of cheese?
In fact, given the size difference of humans and cats, a small portion of something for us can almost constitute a meal for your cat. Our cats need remarkably few calories compared to our needs and a treat translator can be helpful. Read on to see what different snacks mean in human terms when you feed them to your cat.
(WARNING: Consult your vet before providing any "human food" as some may be dangerous for cats.)
1. 1 oz piece of cheddar cheese
One small piece of cheese for a 10-lb. cat is the caloric equivalent of two and a half hamburgers for a person. For a human, that’s around 750 calories!
Tasty Tips
2. 1 Potato Chip
One potato chip for a 10-lb. cat is the caloric equivalent of 1/2 a hamburger for a person. That one potato chip may not look like much but it has around 150 calories! “I think people get gratification out of their cat eating and being happy about it, but they don’t think about the long-term consequences,” says Dr. James Darden, DVM, chief of staff at Banfield Pet Hospital, East Houston, Texas.
Instead, resist those sad meows and big kitty eyes and consider rewarding her with a high quality, low calorie cat treat. Remember, it’s important to feed treats as a snack --- they should not be more than 10% of your cat’s daily nutrition --- and make them a part of a healthy routine.
For the complete slideshow on 8 common snacks that will prompt a portly pet, visit petMD.
Related products
Urinary Health Adult Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Urinary Health Adult Cat Food with Chicken supports the health of the whole urinary system. Suitable for sterilised cats.
Senior Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Senior Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports healthy aging during the golden years. Contains a special ingredient blend to help keep older cats agile, more alert & interactive.
Sterilised Mature Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Cat Mature Adult Cat Food with Chicken is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. It is a precisely balanced nutrition tailored to meet the needs of mature adult sterilised cats, ages 7+, and to promote graceful ageing.
Oral Care Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Oral Care Adult Cat Food with Chicken contains clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build up.
Related articles
How Often Should You Feed A Cat?
Feeding time can be a wonderful bonding opportunity for you and your cat. Find out how to make the most of it and create a healthy habit with HIll's Pet UK.
Cats Need Good Nutrition In Order To Stay Healthy
Good nutrition is about the right balance of nutrients. Learn more about health issues when feeding a cat food that has an improper nutritional balance from your friends at Hills Pet Nutrition.
Hill's Cat Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Cat
Selecting the right food for your kitten is a key to quality nutrition and a long, healthy life. Learn more about how to select the right kitten food.
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.