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? Happily, graham crackers are advantageous for felines in small quantities, however should not appropriate so as to add to the food plan as they’re missing in all of the vitamins your little carnivore wants.
What Are Graham Crackers?
Graham crackers had been created in the US 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 food plan. A number of corporations started mass-producing them and they’re nonetheless a well-liked meals merchandise as we speak, 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, complete 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 methods should not well-suited for processing giant portions of wheat or grains, and consuming an excessive amount of would possibly result in digestive upset. Graham crackers additionally lack the important vitamins that cats want for a balanced food plan.
Sugar and Fat
Graham crackers usually include added sugar, fat and oils, which isn’t appropriate for cats. Cats should not 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 typical spice utilized in graham crackers. Whereas small quantities of cinnamon are usually protected for cats, giant 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 may hurt cats in very giant 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 substances present in graham crackers, reminiscent of wheat. Indicators of an allergic response can embody steady itching, scratching, overgrooming, and biting.
Advantages of Feeding Graham Crackers to Cats
Sadly, there isn’t any actual profit to feeding graham crackers to your cat, as they don’t include any meat, which is what cats require of their diets. Nonetheless, a graham cracker shouldn’t trigger any hurt in case your cat nibbles on a tiny piece you dropped on the ground.
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 absolutely discover one thing that your cat enjoys.
Cooked Meat
Cats love meat, and small quantities of cooked rooster, turkey, or fish might be tasty and protected treats to your furry pal. Boil the meat with out spices, let it cool, and lower it into small items earlier than serving.
Catnip
Catnip is a pure herb that many cats get pleasure from. You possibly can sprinkle it on a scratching put up or use catnip-infused toys to offer leisure. It’s additionally a aromatic, enticing, and easy-to-grow plant you could maintain indoors or exterior.
Dental Chews
Dental chews are just like industrial cat treats however have particular substances to assist cats keep their oral well being. Take a look at the Veterinary Oral Well being Council (VOHC) accredited listing of dental merchandise.
Well being Pointers for Cats
- Schedule annual check-ups along with your veterinarian. Common vet visits may also help catch and forestall well being points early.
- Be certain that your cat receives the suitable vaccinations to guard in opposition to frequent feline illnesses.
- Present balanced, high-quality cat meals applicable to your cat’s age and well being, and comply with the portion sizes really helpful on the package deal.
- All the time present contemporary, clear water. Some cats want working water, so a water fountain may also help.
- Repeatedly monitor your cat’s weight and physique situation. Weight problems is a typical subject in cats and may result in well being issues. Seek the advice of your vet for weight administration methods when you wrestle to maintain your cat at an applicable weight.
- Promote dental well being with common enamel brushing, dental treats, and toys designed for oral hygiene. All the time use pet-safe toothpaste, as human toothpaste can include harmful substances.
- Use the flea-and-tick management measures that your vet recommends, and administer deworming therapies as essential, as these bugs can transmit a number of dangerous illnesses 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 a minimum of 20 minutes day by day participating your cat in actions and video games.
- Frequently brush your cat’s coat to stop matting and scale back shedding. Lengthy-haired breeds might require extra frequent grooming and trimming.
- Spaying and neutering may also help forestall undesirable litters and scale back sure well being and habits points.
- Contemplate microchipping your cat, and have them put on a collar with an ID tag along with your contact data.
- Cats might be delicate to adjustments of their routine. Decrease stress by offering a secure and comfy dwelling surroundings.
- Look ahead to adjustments in habits, urge for food, and litter field habits or indicators of discomfort, and phone the vet instantly when you discover any.
- Have a plan in case of emergencies. Know the cellphone quantity and handle of the closest 24-hour veterinary clinic.
Conclusion
In case your cat ate a graham cracker with out your approval, they may most likely be advantageous, however it’s a good suggestion to observe them intently for a number of hours for indicators of digestive upset and name the vet if there are any issues. Graham crackers include no dietary advantages for cats, and lots of the substances, like flour and sugar, might be dangerous in giant quantities. Selecting a extra appropriate meals, like a industrial cat deal with or plain cooked meat, is healthier to your cat.
Featured Picture Credit score: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock
