Welcome to Authentic Bengal Cats, the website where we aim to answer all of your questions about Bengal cat ownership.
One of the most popular categories of article on this site is information about the types of food that your Bengal cat can (and cannot) eat safely.
We have covered a raft of different topics on this site, relating to Bengal cat food (you can view the full collection here).
In today’s article, we look at the following question:
“Can Bengal cats eat pork?”
Pork is one of the most popular meats in the world, and many humans of many different cultures enjoy it in a variety of different dishes.
But what about your beloved Bengal cat?
Can he/she eat pork safely?
It might be that you are tucking in to a nice pork chop or pork roast, and your kitty decides they want a taste of your meal.
In this case, is it safe for you to offer them a bite or two?
Let’s find out!
Is Pork Safe For Bengal Cats?
Long story short, you can feed your Bengal cat a treat of pork from time to time.
Although you wouldn’t want to make it the only food you feed your cat, it’s fine for an occasional treat.
Pork is high in protein (which is essential for cats) and your precious pet will probably love the meaty taste.
Therefore, if you’re tucking in to a nice pork chop, you can feel fine giving your Bengal a small slice.
However, it is important to remember that pork – much like most other human foods – should only be a “sometimes” food for your cat.
Too much could promote weight gain as it is high in calories (relative to the nutritional requirements of your cat). Excessive weight gain is one of the worst health risks for your Bengal, so be careful here.
Avoid Raw Pork
While feeding your Bengal an occasional treat of pork is fine and not going to be harmful, we do recommend you avoid raw pork.
Chances are it will probably be fine, but raw pork can massively increase the risk of your cat catching parasites (raw pork is notorious for carrying parasites).
There is also a greater risk of your cat catching some other bug or illness from raw pork than there is from cooked.
We just don’t think it’s worth the risk – your cat will probably like cooked pork just as much, and it’s far safer for you.
Be Careful With Sauces & Other Ingredients
One other thing to consider is that us humans often like to cover our food – pork included – with various sauces and seasonings.
Not only do these add many calories (often from ‘low nutrient’ sources such as sugar and fat) but they can also be laden with salt, preservatives, and even chemicals that might be potentially harmful for your cat.
Conclusion
Can Bengal cats eat pork?
Yes, your Bengal can safely consume an occasional piece of cooked, boneless pork.
You don’t want to make pork a “cornerstone” of your cat’s diet, but it is fine as a tasty treat from time to time.
Also make sure that any pork you feed your Bengal as a treat is free from sauces or flavourings that might contain potentially harmful ingredients or excessive calories from fat or sugar.
Don’t forget to consult our guide to the best food for Bengal cats as well, for more handy information on what you should be feeding your Bengal cat. There is plenty of great information on that article about the best food options for your cat.
Finally, don’t forget to consult our other guides to what your cat can and cannot safely eat, for more information that will keep them safe and sound.
We hope you found this article helpful – thanks so much for reading.
If you have any questions, queries or concerns, then please leave a comment below as well and we will aim to get back to you as soon as possible.
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook & subscribe to our YouTube channel as well.
