For the most part, cats will be happy to eat the same food each day. Still, we can’t help but wonder, what do cats like to eat for breakfast?

In general, cats don’t have the same meal schedule as we do. Still, owners have the option to spread their felines’ meals into three servings to coincide with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Regardless of the schedule you follow, it’s important to feed your cat in the morning. Like our breakfast, the first meal of your kitty will jumpstart its day and will save you from nagging meows in bed.

To ensure that your cat will enjoy its first meal of the day, I listed here a few recommendations that you can try. These recipes/ingredients hit the spot for our cat Watson who tends to have picky eating streaks from time to time.

Do cats really need breakfast?

Like us, cats also need a full meal to start their day. After all, there’s a good reason why we all wake up to loud meows in the morning.

Contrary to common beliefs, cats aren’t nocturnal beings. They are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dusk and dawn, but they also tend to sleep at night.

Also, cats tend to adjust to their owners’ schedules. So if you eat breakfast in the morning, your feline will also seek food during these early hours.

While cats in the wild don’t really bother about eating breakfast as the day breaks, domesticated ones have adapted a different routine. This is mostly due to the fact that their owners would leave for work and they have to be fed early to avoid starving during the day.

Overall, it’s up to you to decide about your cat’s feeding schedule. But if you want to keep it simple, full meals in the morning and evening won’t fail.

Many of us are guilty of sharing food with our cats. While this is acceptable, you should still mind what you toss from the breakfast table.

Take note that many human food items can be toxic to felines. So if you’re wondering what breakfast food you can share with your kitty, the following are some of the safe choices:

1. Oats

Oatmeal is a great addition to your cat’s diet since it’s rich in vitamins and minerals. You can try giving your kitty a small amount of cooked oats and see if it will like the taste.

For picky felines, oats make a great combination with mashed blueberries. Just make sure that you don’t add too much sugar or any spices to the mix.

2. Eggs

Cooked eggs are a great source of protein for felines. Just make sure that the egg is fully cooked and free from any spices or salts.

Take note that you should never give half-cooked or raw eggs to your cat. This is because improperly cooked eggs are prone to bacterial contamination.

3. Cooked meat

If you want to give your cat some meat, boiled chicken is a foolproof choice. But just like eggs, make sure that it’s fully cooked and free from any spices.

Some pet owners toss bacon to their cats, but it shouldn’t be a daily habit. Bacon is rich in sodium, which can be harmful to cats, not to mention that it can contribute to feline obesity.

4. Boiled veggies

It’s safe to give a cat some green peas from your breakfast. Cats can also eat spinach, as long as it’s fully cooked and if your pet isn’t suffering from kidney problems.

Aside from that, you can give your cat cooked carrots, cucumber, and broccoli.

Overall, you should only give small amounts of veggies to your cat. After all, cats are obligate carnivores and their diet must have meat as the major component.

5. Cooked fish

Cooked fish is an all-time favorite among cats, whether it’s for breakfast or dinner. It’s a great source of protein, fatty acids, and minerals necessary for your feline’s health.

Take note that cats shouldn’t eat raw tuna or raw trout. This is because raw fish is extremely prone to contamination and can lead to gastrointestinal upset on your cat.

What you should avoid feeding your cat

Take note that any breakfast food for humans should only be given to cats in small amounts. Also, you should remember that not all these food items are safe for felines.

On that note, you should avoid feeding the following to your cat, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner:

1. Any milk or dairy products

Cats are lactose-intolerant, so feeding them any dairy products will cause havoc on their tummies. That’s why it’s not a good idea to share your butter toast with your kitty as well as your child’s hot milk.

2. Caffeinated and chocolate drinks

If your cat loves hopping into the breakfast table, you should secure your cup of coffee. Caffeine isn’t suitable for felines and canines as it can lead to abnormal heart rates.

At the same time, you should never give your cat chocolate food, even if it’s the tasty Nutella spread or chocolate-glazed donut. Chocolate contains compounds that are highly toxic to cats and dogs alike.

3. Raisins and grapes

I personally like wheat raisin bread for breakfast and it’s something I’m careful about when my cat Watson is around. Raisins and any grape food products are toxic to felines and can lead to kidney failure within hours if ingested in large amounts.

4. Anything with garlic or onion

Onion and garlic can be poisonous to cats when eaten in substantial amounts. So if you’re preparing onion soup for breakfast, you shouldn’t share it with your feline.

The same goes for food with garlic powder, scallions, and similar spices. Consumption of these food items can lead to anemia and even death.

Do cats need wet food every day?

Cats can eat wet food every day as long as it meets their nutritional needs. Also, you should provide a serving that matches your feline’s weight.

In general, adult cats should be consuming at least one can of cat food for every 3.5 lbs. of body weight. This is on a sliding scale, depending on the formulation of the food and your cat’s overall health.

When in doubt, it’s always best to consult the vet about your pet’s nutrition. This way, you’ll also receive proper advice on what human food items you can share with your cat.

How many times in a day should I feed my cat?

Once your cat reaches six months old, it can start eating two meals per day. It should be scheduled in the morning and at night.

However, if you have a small kitty, you can divide the day’s serving into three to four meals. This way, you can avoid the possibility of feline hypoglycemia.

Overall, cats can maintain their adult eating habits until they enter seniorhood. Changes can be done based on your pet’s health and appetite.

Is it okay to leave dry cat food out all day?

Since some cats don’t usually finish their meals in one sitting, pet owners would often leave dry food on the bowl all day. As long as the food bowl isn’t exposed to contaminants, this practice is totally fine.

The good thing with dry food is it’s not as prone to spoilage as wet food. Still, you should know that dry food can still go stale after a few hours.

Conclusion

What do cats like to eat for breakfast? Most kitties can eat the same food every day, though mixing things up for breakfast won’t hurt.

You can share some of your breakfast favorites with your cat, including oatmeal, boiled veggies, boiled chicken, and eggs. However, you should never share the likes of raisins, grapes, chocolate, and dairy as these are toxic to felines.

What Do Cats Like To Eat For Breakfast? Here’s The Answer!