Cats and butter

[mystyk_star]

Today I caught my cat licking the butter from the dish that is sitting on the counter top. I let her do it, in fact I uncovered it for her so it would be easier to get to the tasty treat. Should I give her the rest, or throw it away?

[PurplePixie]

Human food isn't that good for cats...specially things containing salt as their kidneys aren't up to dealing with it. But a small amount of butter is always a good trick for getting a pill down an unwilling feline, just don't give them loads. Also don't forget that cats can get tummy upsets from manky food just like us...so don't let them eat stuff that's been out on a hot day too long.

[thewillow]

I love cats but apart from your cat's health, you have to think of your own. You should never let an animal near a surface where you prepare food. And as for letting an animal eat from a dish that humans eat from ,,, And don't think washing the dishes will help. The temperature that dishes are washed at would not necessarily kill any bacteria or faecal matter that the animal may have left on the dish. Urgh!

[honkytonkman]

Purple Pixie is right. Salt is a real no-no for cats as their kidneys just can't process it. In fact their kidneys seem rather marginal at the best of times. Also dairy products aren't ideal as cat's digestive system can't break it down effectively leading to an upset stomach. But as a very occasional treat it probably won't do much harm.

[norfolk boy]

Thats nice a cat on a worktop licking butter, no doubtedly after it's just killed a rat or licked its arse !!

[melody2002]

Well Mystyk, I had a kitten over a year ago now, and looked into best foods and what to avoid etc. and it actually suggest a 'knob' of flora each month to keep the cats coat in optimum condition. I probably don't give it her EVERY month, but now and again when I have toast and she's around, she'll have a lick or three!

[Lara1983]

cats generally like dairy foods though some are too sensitive for cows milk and get diarrhoea. they like salty things though most human foods arent good for cats at all...