There’s nothing like having a consistent morning routine. One of the finest we’ve discovered is getting up, cooking breakfast, and reassuring the cat curled around your feet that they don’t need to share your bacon.
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Is Bacon Safe for Cats?
Bacon isn’t toxic to cats, so there’s no need to worry about them eating a piece and needing to be taken to the emergency room. However, this does not always imply that it is safe for them.
Bacon has a lot of fat, grease, and salt, which is an issue. Those items aren’t good for your cat (or for you, but we won’t lecture you).
As a result, unless your cat consumes enough bacon to induce digestive problems or dehydration, bacon is unlikely to harm your cat in the short term. However, it has the potential to negatively impact their health in the long run.
Obesity, high blood pressure, and clogged blood vessels can all be caused by eating too much fat and salt. These factors can drastically affect your cat’s quality of life and potentially shorten their life by several years.
Giving your cat a few bites of bacon is unlikely to have any effect. You don’t want to give them too much, and you certainly don’t want to make it a habit. If you simply tell them no every now and then, they’ll be in much better shape.
What About Raw Bacon?
Raw bacon does not have as much grease as cooked bacon, but it is generally worse.
While cats have evolved to devour raw meat, it is a rare housecat that can eat a pig. Raw pork may include parasites or germs that cats cannot tolerate, therefore giving it to them is a risk.
Raw bacon may be more difficult for them to chew than cooked bacon, making it a choking hazard.
Ultimately, you shouldn’t feed your cat raw bacon at all, but if they manage to sneak some behind your back, there’s little to be concerned about (assuming that they get it down, of course).
What About Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is sometimes seen as a healthier option to normal bacon, and it is – for both you and your cat. However, you should be aware that healthier does not necessarily imply healthy.
Turkey bacon is still greasy and fatty, and it contains far more salt than your cat requires. Even though it is better than pork bacon, it isn’t beneficial for them.
If you can’t resist their cute expression, feed them turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Just don’t convince yourself into assuming you’re feeding them a healthy snack.
What About All the Other Types of Bacon?
If you’ve spent as much time in your grocery store’s bacon department as we have, you’re aware that there are a multitude of options when it comes to this morning staple.
None of them are beneficial to your cat’s health. There are some that are worse than others, but none of them are harmful or healthy. The worst are Bacon Bits, which are high in sodium and preservatives, but the difference is small.
In general, if it has bacon in it, it isn’t cat food.
Are There Any Health Benefits to Giving Your Cat Bacon?
Yes, the bacon that you feed your cat can provide some nourishment. However, any health gains they receive will be swamped by the disadvantages.
Bacon contains a significant quantity of protein, and cats require as much protein as they can receive. That is the principal advantage of bacon, but it does not compensate for the fat, salt, and other ingredients found inside.
However, there is one situation in which offering your cat bacon is acceptable. If you’re having trouble getting them to take their medication, try wrapping it in bacon.
However, if you’re taking a daily medication, the negative effects of the bacon will most certainly outweigh the benefits of the treatment. It can be quite helpful for something that your cat just needs to take for a short amount of time.
One Other Thing to Worry About
So far, we’ve concentrated on the potential health consequences of your cat eating bacon. Bacon, on the other hand, can be hazardous in different ways.
If you give your cat fresh from the skillet bacon, they may get burned, so make sure it’s cool before you share it. As long as the skillet and stove are both hot, keep them away from them.
You should also get rid of the grease as quickly as possible. Grease has all of the drawbacks of bacon, but to an even greater extent, and it can make your cat sick in the short run. Throw the grease away and get it out of the house as soon as possible, especially if your cat enjoys through your trash.
How Much Bacon Can You Safely Give Your Cat?
It’s not a big deal if you give your cat a small bit every now and again. Limit each serving to the size of a pencil eraser, and only give them one or two pieces at a time.
At most, we recommend doing this once a week. Any more than that, and the fat and salt will begin to build up, negatively impacting your cat’s health.
If you absolutely must offer your cat bacon, there are many bacon-flavored cat treats available. They’re not great for your cat, but they’re a lot better than regular bacon.
