Can Cats Eat Liver? Is Liver Beneficial for Feline Health?
- Abi
- March 5, 2023
- 12:17 pm
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Can cats eat liver? Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that can be a valuable part of your cat’s diet. However, it should only be fed in moderation as it’s very rich in vitamin A, and too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity.
In the wild, cats will consume the liver of any prey they catch. The liver of a mouse is very tiny compared to that of a sheep or pig. Therefore, cats should only eat liver in moderation, and the meat should be supplemented with other nutrients to ensure a balanced diet. Speak with your vet if you have any questions or concerns about adding liver to your cat’s diet.
This article will answer the question, ‘can cats eat liver?’ We’ll look at the benefits of occasionally adding liver to your pet’s diet as well as the risks involved.
Can cats eat liver?
As mentioned above, liver can be a great addition to a cat’s diet. Your cat will enjoy a small piece of pork, lamb, chicken, or beef liver from time to time. The organ is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it an important part of a balanced diet for cats.
Liver is often used as a supplement in commercial cat foods and can be fed to cats cooked or raw. The organ contains many beneficial nutrients, including copper, iron, vitamins B, D, E, and K, and calcium.
While liver is a nutritious food for cats, it is also very high in vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for cats, but too much can lead to toxicity. Vitamin A is good for cell growth and helps maintain healthy bones, teeth, and skin. However, overfeeding your cat liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity which includes the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Skin issues, including allergies
- Dull coat
If you think your cat has eaten too much liver, or if they are showing any signs of toxicity, contact your vet immediately. Vitamin A toxicity needs to be treated as soon as possible as it can lead to long-term problems for cats. Your vet will be able to do a blood test to determine whether your not your cat has vitamin A toxicity. You will then be advised to change your pet’s diet to reduce and eventually get rid of symptoms.
Liver also has a very high-fat content which can cause an upset stomach in some cats. Your cat will also put on weight if fed too many high-fat foods.
Feeding liver to cats
If you choose to feed your cat liver, do so in moderation. Chicken liver is a good option for cats as it contains less vitamin A than the liver of larger mammals such as cows. However, eating too much chicken liver can cause cats to suffer from vitamin A toxicity over time. That’s because the liver stores vitamin A, which, unlike other vitamins that are passed through urine, can’t be eliminated from the body if too much is consumed.
You should give your cat a small piece of liver that’s no more than a tablespoon in size once a week. It’s best not to give young kittens liver as the vitamin A may start to build up in their liver, and if they are given liver regularly will affect them in adulthood.
In addition to liver, make sure your cat is getting a balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients. You can do this by feeding them a commercial cat food that is complete and balanced or by working with a vet or animal nutritionist to create a homemade diet.
When feeding liver to cats, you can cook it or feed it raw. If you choose to cook it, avoid using any added salt or fat. Raw liver is a good source of nutrients, but there is a risk of foodborne illness, so make sure to handle it safely and only feed your cat fresh, high-quality liver.
Can cats eat raw liver?
Yes, cats can eat raw liver in moderation. Liver is a good source of protein and essential nutrients for cats, but it should not make up more than 5% of their diet. Cats who eat a diet that is too high in liver may develop vitamin A toxicity.
It may be best to cook liver before giving it to your cat as this will help to reduce bacteria that may be present in the meat. Liver should be plainly cooked for cats without any oil or seasoning. You can boil the liver until it is cooked but still soft.
Can cats eat liver: Final thoughts
Liver is a nutritious food for cats and can be a part of a balanced diet. However, liver is also very high in vitamin A, so it should only be fed to cats in moderation.
If you have any questions or concerns about adding liver to your cat’s diet, speak with your vet. When feeding liver to your cat, be sure to start with small amounts to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
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