Can Cats Eat Liver?

Can Cats Have Liver?

Cats are carnivores. They love the hunt, the meat, and the protein that helps keep them strong. Even though they often appear graceful or poised, when it comes to some meat their meat-loving hunting mindset comes out and they will kill a tiny bird to simply paw at the meat.

On the other end, we often see cats as our cuddle buddies who sometimes distort their body to climb into a box or fling themselves off a bookcase. No matter the personality of your cat, there is no denying their biology requires high amounts of protein. Knowing this we may find ourselves looking for ways to help put more protein into their diet. Liver, for example, can be an excellent source of protein and vitamins for humans, but does it have the same effect on cats? As they eat liver, do they lick up every piece like the hunter we know they are or do they turn into a clumsy kitty, turning their head at the sometimes odorous meal?

Can I Give My Cat Liver?

Answer: Yes, in moderation. Liver is filled with tons of great nutrients your cat can benefit from. Although like a lot of human foods we attempt to feed our pets, it needs to be in moderation. Liver contains high amounts of great nutrients, including vitamin A. If cats were to consume too much of this vitamin it could lead to more serious health consequences down the line.

Health Benefits of Feeding Your Cat Liver

Cats are carnivorous animals, but it is more than just protein they receive from meat. Vitamin A is abundant in liver and since cats cannot produce this vitamin on their own, liver can be very beneficial to their diet.

While your cat can eat liver it should be in moderation. In the case of liver, there can be too much of a good thing. High amounts of liver can produce a vitamin A toxicity. Vitamin A toxicity affects your cat’s bones in terrible ways like creating growths on the elbows, spine, deforming bones, potentially causing osteoporosis, and possibly leading to death. It does take a lot to get to this point, but it is best to be cautious and provide the amounts in moderation. It is estimated that liver should not account for more than 5% of your cat’s diet. Since this is a bit difficult to determine based on how much you feed your cat and the size, stick to no more than a tablespoon once or twice a week.

In addition to high amounts of Vitamin A, liver also contains plenty of copper, iron, calcium, vitamin D, E, K, and B. This combination makes it a powerful nutritional boost.

Things to Keep in Mind

Like any sort of meat products you give your cat, you want to make sure the animal was brought up on a pasture that did not practice giving animals hormones or antibiotics. Consuming high amounts of these additives can negatively affect your cat in a number of ways.

Lastly, if you are concerned about feeding your cat liver, begin by looking at your cat’s diet. The cat food they are eating on a day to day basis should provide a sufficient amount of nutrients for them. So there really is no need to supplement their diet with liver or other products with the aim to make them healthier.

If you are finding your cat does need other meats or sources of nutrients, you may be feeding them a low-quality cat food. In this case, you will be much better off changing the type of cat food to a more high-quality brand, rather than trying to supplement cheap cat food with additional food. You will find it is not worth the time, work, or money to balance their nutrition in this way.

If you are unsure about what cat food is best or how your current cat food is affecting your cat. Consider contacting your vet for some food recommendations. They will be able to point you in the direction of some options that can provide your pet with the best care.

Final Thoughts

Cats can often feel like members of the family to us. They are there for us when we are sad or need someone to play with. So there is no doubt we want to give them the best, especially when it comes to nutrition. This can sometimes feel like a challenge if we are not a vet or equipped with enough education on how to provide that nutrition. For that reason, we work to provide you with some quality advice. Liver is just one example of a food we may assume is great for our pets, but can have some hidden consequences. Continue to learn more about your cat and their diet, as you help them achieve optimal health.