What can my cat eat? A look at safe, dangerous human foods for your kitty

You've sat down for an amazing salmon dinner and then you hear it.

A soft, quick "Meow!"

Your cat stares at you wondering where her cut is, making you worry about the ramifications of not delivering a piece of fish to her dish.

But is your salmon safe? Are the spices you used good for your cat?

It's difficult to figure out what is safe for your feline friend. Here's some help, but always call your veterinarian if you have any questions.

What human food can my cat eat?

Your cat's diet should mostly come from nutritionally complete cat food, but there are items you can give as a treat every once in a while. Here are some options for your cat, but always watch your cat after they've eaten the item for any reactions.

• Chicken and turkey: Both should be thoroughly cooked with skin and bones removed. Make sure the meat is thoroughly cooked without herbs and butter and remove all bones. The portions should be in 1-inch cubes and can be offered on a daily basis.
• Fish: Like peanut butter and jelly, fish and cats seem to go perfectly together. Most varieties of meat are good for your kitties, but make sure it's fully cooked and the bones are removed. Cooked chicken, turkey, beef and lean deli meats are all OK in small doses and give your cat a good dose of protein.
• Shrimp: Shrimp is rich in phosphorus, calcium, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It's a nice addition to the menu, but don't make it a staple.
• Beef: After trimming extra fat off, cooking it properly and cutting it into 1-inch squares, beef is a healthy snack for cats.
• Bacon and ham: In small amounts, these items can be given as treats. However, the high salt and fat content makes them bad for everyday use.
• Cheese: Cats' tummies can't handle dairy well, but cheese is a good high-protein snack in small doses.
• Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein for cats, but they need to be cooked and cut up before your cat eats them.
• Vegetables: Your cat can eat the following veggies – broccoli, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, cucumber and spinach.
• Fruits: Your cat can eat these fruits – watermelon, blueberries, bananas, apples, pumpkin, raspberries, cranberries, pears and strawberries.

What human foods are bad for cats

This isn't a full list, but according to petmd.com , these are foods to avoid.

• Chocolate
• Onion
• Garlic
• Nuts (especially macadamia nuts and walnuts)
• Grapes and raisins
• Coffee, tea, or anything with caffeine
• Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt
• Coconut milk
• Anything sweetened with xylitol (such as sugar-free gum, cookies, peanut butters, toothpaste, etc.)
• Alcohol or alcohol-containing products
• Yeast-containing raw dough
• Raw meats or fish

Moderation is key with some human foods cats can have

Just because Mr. Bonkers can eat something doesn't mean it's a good idea or that he should have it all the time.

According to the petmd.com , you need to watch the portion sizes. Even safe foods with high-fat content or high sodium levels can lead to health problems when given too often or when the qualities are too large.

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What to do if your cat eats something it shouldn't

If possible, the first call should be to your vet. If your vet is unavailable, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-252-7894 or the ASPCA’s 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Also, know where the pet hospital emergency rooms are in your area.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What can my cat eat? A look at safe, dangerous human foods for your kitty