Can Cats Eat Eggs?

Are cooked eggs safe for cats?

Yes. Fully cooked eggs are safe, nutritious, and a good source of high-quality animal protein, which aligns perfectly with a cat's needs as an obligate carnivore. Scrambled (without butter or oil), hard-boiled, or poached eggs are all fine. Don't add salt, pepper, or any seasoning. One egg has about 70 calories, which is significant for a cat (an average indoor cat needs only about 200 to 250 calories per day), so keep portions small: a tablespoon-sized serving as an occasional treat is plenty.

Why are raw eggs risky?

Raw eggs carry two risks for cats. First, the bacterial risk: raw eggs can harbor Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause serious gastrointestinal illness in cats (and in the humans who handle the food and clean the litter box afterward). Second, raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin that binds to biotin (vitamin B7) and prevents its absorption. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, prolonged consumption of raw egg whites can lead to biotin deficiency, causing skin problems and coat deterioration. Cooking denatures avidin and eliminates the bacterial risk.

Can cats eat eggshells?

Finely ground eggshells are sometimes used as a calcium supplement in homemade cat diets, but this should only be done under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist to ensure proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios. Don't just crush up shells and sprinkle them on food without professional guidance, as too much calcium can be just as problematic as too little. For most cats on a complete commercial diet, supplemental calcium isn't needed.