As a pet parent, have you ever been in a situation where you whip up some delicious crab cakes, and your cat is already standing right there, eyeing you and begging to get some?
As a caring fur parent, it is natural to wonder whether your cat can enjoy the deliciousness of crab cake. Then this question comes to mind: can cats eat crab cakes? Is it safe for them to eat, or should you keep it away? Let’s explore everything you need to know about crab cakes and if it is a healthy treat for your four-legged companion.
Cat’s Nutrition
Cats have unique dietary needs that are different from other animals. Cats are obligate carnivores (sometimes called hypercarnivores), requiring a diet rich in animal protein to thrive. Additionally, they have specific requirements for essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Cats have different gut bacteria and do not possess the ability to break down plant material in their digestive tract naturally. Therefore, they do not get all the nutrients they need from plant and vegetation matter. It is important to note that most vegetation is not necessarily toxic to them, but they don’t derive the total nutrients from what they eat, except it’s animal matter. Due to this dietary need, cats have an innate sense of smell to animal protein. Therefore, cats need a low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet with moderate fat to thrive. The right balance of these macronutrients is crucial for a cat’s health and well-being.
What are Crab Cakes?
Crab cakes were initially made in the 1930s by Crosby Gaige. Gaige was searching for new ways to use crab meat to create family-friendly meals. After several trials and errors, the crab cake was invented and is now a staple in New England.
Crab cakes are primarily made with crab meat and other ingredients such as mustard, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, eggs, fresh lemon, pepper, onions, and seasonings. It is then sautéed, deep fried, baked, broiled or grilled. Just like Conchas, different chefs have their own unique recipes, which has led to variations of crab cake recipes all over the internet. Small changes or additional ingredients can change the flavor and taste, but the base of the crab cake recipe is unchanged.
Nutritional Benefits
Crab cake has a high amount of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein
Protein is essential for cats as it provides the necessary amino acids for repair, maintenance, and muscle growth. The lean protein in crab cake helps to support a cat’s active lifestyle by keeping their muscles strong and healthy.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in seafood and have numerous benefits for cats. They help reduce inflammation, promote optimal brain function, and support a healthy immune system. These fatty acids are beneficial for cats with joint issues and skin conditions.
Crab Cake Potential Risks
Crab cake isn’t the best option for your cat due to its several ingredients that aren’t nutritionally beneficial. Let’s take a look at those ingredients so you’ll have a better understanding of the situation.
High Sodium Content
Due to the nature of seafood and the high amounts of seasonings used, crab cakes are high in sodium. A single serving can exceed the recommended daily limit and cause dehydration. Excessive intake can lead to more complicated symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure.
Carbohydrates
Crab cakes contain carbohydrates due to the breadcrumbs used. A 3-ounce serving contains around 7 to 15 grams of carbohydrates. High amounts of carbohydrates can cause weight gain in cats and cases of high blood sugar. If your cat’s pancreas works overtime to regulate these high levels, then your pet can be at risk of becoming diabetic.
Eggs
Eggs are safe for cats as they are a good source of protein. However, eggs are high in fats and cholesterol. Too many egg can lead to obesity and related health issues in cats.
Pepper
Although pepper is not toxic to cats, it can upset your cat’s stomach when it’s too spicy.
Onions
Onions are toxic to cats and can cause gut upsets and damage red blood cells. It can also lead to more severe health issues.
Can Cats Eat Crab Cakes?
Cats can only eat a small piece of crab cake free from harmful ingredients as an occasional treat. While crab cake offers nutritional perks, it’s not a complete cat dietary solution. Its high sodium content and its toxic ingredients require moderation.
Feeding your cat too much crab cake could lead to nutritional imbalances, overshadowing the intake of other essential nutrients. Therefore, crab cake should only be considered an occasional treat rather than a staple in your cat’s diet.
What happens if my cat eats crab cake?
Your cat is unlikely to get sick from a small piece of crab cake, but it should certainly not become a regular part of their diet, as it may cause digestive and other health issues. It also predisposes them to obesity.
Can cats eat crab meat?
Cats can eat crab meat as a special-occasion treat if prepared adequately. Keep in mind that it shouldn’t be considered a staple food by any means. Giving your cat too much crab meat too often could contribute to an upset stomach. A little bit here and there won’t hurt them, making a tasty snack for a curious cat. It is also important to note that a piece of crab meat for your kitty should be cooked plain and never contain any seasonings or spices.
Can cats eat raw crab meat?
The answer is a straightforward no. You should refrain from feeding your furry buddies raw crab because various pathogens, such as bacteria and parasites, may be present. This can affect the health of your little kitty. You should always cook the meat to ensure it is free from harmful pathogens and oceanic parasites.
Final Thoughts
Cats can eat small amounts of crab cakes free from toxic ingredients as an occasional treat, but it is not recommended. A vital part of being a responsible cat parent is knowing which foods are safe for them and which ones to stay away from. Generally, human food is mostly inappropriate for cats, as it often contains harmful and toxic ingredients. Human foods are also unlikely to fulfill their nutritional needs even if they safe.