PO BOX 53630 LOS ANGELES CA

Can Cats Eat Cereal? Harmful Or Beneficial To Cats?

3/30/2023 - 2 Comments

It is well known that cereals are invigorating. Cereal is undoubtedly one of the most common breakfast foods in many houses worldwide.

However, you might be curious: can cats eat cereal? This article will explain what kinds of cereal your cat can eat or not, and the results of feeding cereal to your cat. Let's find out if cats can eat cereal in detail!

Can Cats Eat Cereal? 

Cat eating food from a bowl

Can cats have cereal? Cats can indeed consume cereal. Cereals are not poisonous to cats but won't acquire any nutritional benefits.

Because cats are obligate carnivores, they must consume meat. Therefore, cats' digestive systems are unable to digest grains properly. Our cats' nutritional needs differ from ours and require a lot more protein.

Also, sugar in the cereal is another drawback when giving cats cereal. Sugar is terrible for your cat, particularly the highly refined and processed form in most morning cereals.

None of our animal pals enjoy sweets. Ingesting too much sugar causes your cat gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and possibly increased blood sugar.

In addition, sugars' high-calorie content can lead to obesity, overweight, and diabetes. Thus, you cannot use cereal in place of cat food.

In cats, excess sugar can result in issues like:

  • Damaged teeth
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Increased blood sugar

Furthermore, some cats have allergies to whole grains. Cereals include excessive carbohydrates, which might boost your cat's energy levels.

Chocolate cereals are also rich in elements that are bad for a cat's health. That cat may vomit, get diarrhea, and pee more frequently after eating chocolate.

It causes hyperactivity, heart tremors, and other symptoms in more extreme cases. For this reason, sweet and chocolate cereals are not at all recommended.

Remember that some cats are allergic to grains and need a diet devoid of them. You can discuss this with your veterinarian if your cat requires a more natural diet to avoid stomach problems.

Health Benefits Of Cereal For Cats

Your dogs require some fiber in their daily meals, even if they are carnivores. In your cat's body, dietary fiber can promote several essential processes.

It improves the cat's gut's beneficial microorganisms. This good bacteria in the stomach helps with digestion and is found in the alimentary canal of cats.

The dietary fiber may aid in the kitty's feces becoming more solid. As a result, your pet can avoid constipation and will have frequent bowel movements.

Even if your cat has only consumed moderate food, dietary fiber might satisfy it. Because of this, feeding your cat this fiber-rich food might be advantageous.

Whole grains also include several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are most effective in reducing the oxidative stress that free radicals cause in the body cells of your cat.

Furthermore, cereals' high carbohydrate content may help your cat feel more energized. The primary energy components in your cat's regular meal, which include protein and lipids, are often complemented by carbohydrates.

Why Is Cereal Bad For Cats? 

The majority of grains contain a lot of sugar. Cats don't require this in their diets, and if given to them for a lengthy period, it may result in digestive issues, excessive blood sugar levels, and tooth damage.

Cereal falls under the category of a plant-based diet. Since cats must eat meat, their digestive systems are designed to process animal protein.

Due to this, their intestines frequently view cereal as an alien substance. Grain allergy affects certain felines. 

In that scenario, you should refrain from giving them any cereal because it might result in digestive problems like constipation or diarrhea. Feeding cereal to your pet may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, which includes:

  • Feeling nauseous   
  • Pain near abdomen  
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Changes in bladder activity
  • Loss of weight
  • Abnormal bowel movements

Also, due to the firm texture of the cereal, choking risks may arise. The following are some warning signs of cat choking:

  • Swollen throat 
  • Runny nose
  • Moist or watery eyes
  • Hypersalivation 

In addition, refined and processed grains are used to make many morning cereal products. The refining process often produces some hazardous substances for your animal friends to eat.

There are too many calories as a result of the excessive sugar content. The risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in cats can rise with high sugar levels.

Cereal's sodium content is also a cause for worry. Excess salt consumption might become poisonous and harm your cat with sodium.

Kind Of Cereal That Cats Can Not Eat 

If you plan on feeding your cat cereal, you should avoid the followings cereal:

See more: Catimages

Dry Cereal

Dry cereal

Dry cereal contains a lot of sugar. So be cautious while giving her sugary treats.

Carbohydrates are present in dry cereal. Cats' bodies lack the enzymes needed to break down carbs.

Your cat could consume carbs, but there would be a few positive and negative effects. Also, it won't be able to get any energy or sustenance from carbs.  

Cereal carbs and fiber can make kittens ill in the long run. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best cat food for weaning kittens.

Chocolate Cereal

Chocolate cereal is harmful to cats and should not be consumed by them. There are a lot of artificial sweeteners in chocolate.

In addition to irritating your cat's stomach, overeating sugar can seriously affect the animal's blood sugar levels. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is particularly hazardous to animals.

The poisoning of chocolate could arise from this. Check them out by keeping an eye out for the following indicators:

  • Restlessness
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased body temperature
  • Increased heart rate
  • Vomiting and muscle rigidity

Corn flakes

Corn flakes

Cats who consume corn flakes may get short-term digestive problems and long-term obesity. In reality, cats can not digest corn flakes.

Their digestive system is short. Their body doesn't have the time, ability, or opportunity to process something like cornflakes healthily.

Cats may experience short-term issues as a result. The most typical symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting.

If they consume them too frequently, obesity may result, which brings with it a host of other health risks, from diabetes to joint difficulties. It may be what ends up killing your pet.

Anyway, it will not harm your cat if she consumes a few cornflakes. Yet, given that these dry cereals provide a choking threat, it is hardly worth the risk.

But what if the cat occasionally munches on a few cornflakes? Unless your cat has a corn allergy, which might cause sneezing or skin irritation, it's unlikely to injure your cat.

Depending on the seriousness of the allergy, you could find yourself visiting the vet to acquire medicine to make your cat feel better.

Rice Cereal

It is nice to know that rice cereals are not poisonous to cats. However, you should only offer them in moderation as they are high in carbs, which are detrimental to cats.

It has been shown that fiber and refined carbs are detrimental to your cat's health. Thus, only give them meals that contain animal protein.

Authorities advise against feeding human foods to cats, regardless of how delicious or sweet they may seem. This will prevent cats from diseases.

Honeycomb Cereal

Cats may consume honeycomb cereals, but only in moderation. A lot of the sugar found in honeycombs is terrible for cats.

When cats' bodies get overly sugar-loaded, their stomachs feel unpleasant. Some felines may have vomiting and diarrhea.

Can Cats Eat Cereal With Milk? 

Cereal with milk

Your cats lack the crucial enzyme needed to digest milk's nutrients. Your adult cats are lactose intolerant.

There is a chance that your cats will have diarrhea and stomach pain after consuming milk. If the milk is mixed with cereals that are high in sugar, the symptoms may develop worse.

Hence, feeding your cats milk and cereal is harmful. Your cat may have excruciating stomach aches.

What To Do If Your Cat Overates Cereal?

Cat eating food on floor

Cereal can be hazardous to your cat if given in excess. Examine your kitten for gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, if you have been giving them sugary cereal.

Make careful to quit giving your cat cereal right away, first. Then, take them to the vet so you may check them for dental and blood sugar problems.

Check out the human foods your cat can eat:

Conclusion 

Can cats eat cereal? Cats can eat cereal, but it's not a good idea. Cats must consume animal proteins to thrive, making them obligate carnivores.

You shouldn't add grain-based dishes like cereal to a cat's diet. They receive little nutritional value from these meals.

In general, stay with cat foods and avoid introducing human items into their diet. Please feel free to leave comments if you have any more questions.

Can Cats Eat Nuts? Everything Pet Owners Should Know

What Foods Can Cats Eat? Here’s What Experts Say!

About Billy Nguyen
I'm Billy Nguyen, currently CEO/Founder Cat Images, with over 3 years of experience in cat care and training. I hope the knowledge I share brings useful value to promote your pet care effectively.

Leave a Comment