Can cats eat human foods?

When no one's looking during dinner, have you been known to let Fluffy lick that dish of ice cream clean. You're not alone – many owners offer their pets table food. And although some human foods are simply not appropriate for cats, certain table scraps are fine in moderation.

Good table scraps for cats

Your feline may be a bit more discriminating in the produce department, but some cats love:

• Fresh melon
• Corn
• Cooked broccoli

Why not see if your kitty is among this group?

Bad human food for cats

Be careful when it comes to fatty meats and spicy foods. These can result in an upset stomach, so it's best to avoid them. Never offer your cat bones, as they can cause digestive problems and damage the teeth and mouth. Absolute no-nos include:

• Onions
• Coffee
• Tea
• Chocolate
• Grapes or raisins

All of these can be toxic to cats. Click here for a full list of foods to avoid. And should your pet have a bout of vomiting or diarrhea after you've given her a snack during supper, try to determine which food had caused the problem and eliminate it.

How much human food to give a cat

As a rule of thumb, table food and other treats should make up no more than 5-10 percent of your animal companion's daily intake. Did you know that an average adult cat's diet should consist of at least 28 percent protein and 9 percent fat, with carbohydrates comprising not more than 40 percent?

The best way to ensure that your pet receives proper nutrition is by offering a balanced, premium-quality canned food. No matter what brand or variety you go with, please follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and take into account any special feeding requirements your pet may have. Young cats, for example, need the nutrients found in kitten food. Special veterinary-prescribed formulas are also available for pets with kidney, urinary and heart problems.